Before moving to Minnesota, Vinai attended the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire and worked various jobs. Vinai worked for the Eau Claire Area School District as a bilingual assistant tutoring students from K-5th grade, and interpreting for non-English speaking Hmong parents and teachers to better understand one another. Upon being hired at CEE, he worked for the Salvation Army Thrift Store as the night manager. Vinai enjoys help others and meeting new people.