 In 1977, Cook received a Bachelor of Science degree in wildlife management and conservation law from the University of Maine.A certified landscape contractor in Massachusetts, Cook is an active member of the Massachusetts Arborist Association and has served as president of the board of directors of New England Grows and the Association of Landscape Contractors of Massachusetts.Cook owns and operates K & R Tree and Landscape Company, which he and his late wife Kathleen founded in 1982.