At WMU, Paul received his B.B.A., majoring in Finance/Insurance and became a principal owner of the Rifenberg Agency in 1976. He received the professional designation of Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) in 1982 and the Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC) designation in 1984, both from the American College in Bryn Mawr, PA.

He has been active in industry affairs, serving as the President of the Four Flags Association of Life Underwriters, and served on the Michigan State Board of Life Underwriters as Regional Vice-President from 1982-1984. He has received many industry awards, including the National Sales Achievement Award, the National Quality Award, and the National Health Sales Achievement Award.

Locally, he has served as Chairman of both the Muscular Dystrophy and the United Way Campaigns. He is a Past President of the Niles-Buchanan Rotary Club, and has served as the Chairman of the Four Flags Area Chamber of Commerce.

He has been active for years in area youth sports, coaching FOP baseball, Babe Ruth baseball, YMCA softball and basketball, and the women's fast-pitch league at Fireman's Park. He is a father of four daughters and is a member of the Granger Community Church. He contributes frequently to the local newspaper, primarily on the issue of POW/MIA affairs, and he has served as an investigator for the State of Michigan's Ad Hoc Committee on POW/MIA issues.

The Rifenberg Life & Health Agency is an independent office representing over two dozen different carriers, specializing in life insurance, individual and group health insurance, tax-deferred annuities, Medicare Advantage plans, long-term care and disability insurance.