Collier was born and raised in Lansing, Michigan. He attended and graduated from Morton College in Cicero, Illinois. After earning his degree, he was hired by the publishing company that created Life Magazine and worked in the editorial department. In 1941, he began what would be a ten-year career as a marketing executive for Match Corporation of America. In 1951, he was elected to the Berwyn, Illinois city council and also began a new career as public relations director for McAlear Manufacturing.