Barry is an Elyria native who attended Midview and Keystone schools before graduating from Ohio University in The Journalism school, emphasizing study in photography. He worked at both The Chronicle-Telegram and Morning Journal newspapers as a reporter, including photo feature coverage. He has contributed to national magazines including Route 66, Home Improvement, Car & Driver, Hot Rod, Rod & Custom, Corvette, Autoweek and Automobile Quarterly. His automotive photography has been featured at the Glenmoor Gathering in Canton, Ohio and a special automotive exhibit at The Elyria Arts Council.

Currently he designs, markets and coordinates the building of concept custom cars which also includes photography for magazine features and promotional material.

He is also the owner of Penfound Insurance in Elyria, and coordinates marketing for the agency.