Wylie Wilson was born and raised along the Upper Mississippi River, where he developed extensive knowledge of the working river through both personal and professional experiences. Wilson owns and operates Wylie Wilson Trucking, specializing in trucking transportation and logistics. His love for the river drives his active involvement in organizations dedicated to its stewardship and advancement. 

Wilson has been a member of the Red Wing Yacht Club for 11 years and currently serves as the Commadore. He has served on the Red Wing Marine Museum board for 10 years, is in his second term as Harbor Commissioner for the City of Red Wing and has been a member of the Red Wing Port Authority board for the past three years. Further demonstrating his dedication to the river, Wilson serves as treasurer of the Upper Mississippi Waterway Association.  

He and his wife, Jennifer, have been married for 20 years.