McNeal is a Navy veteran and businessman who most recently founded Dakota BioChar, which aims to convert forest waste into material that can be spread on agricultural fields to improve soil health. After leaving the military, McNeal earned an MBA and worked in finance in Hawaii before returning to South Dakota. He now owns Dakota Biochar, a company that works on wood accumulation in the Black Hills National Forest and soil health for South Dakota farmers. McNeal is a Republican candidate for U.S. Senate who has submitted enough signatures to appear on the June 2 primary election ballot.
McNeal was born in Illinois and was raised in Texas. He attended public school where he swam, played soccer and lacrosse. He was a Boy Scout and attained the rank of Eagle Scout at age 12. McNeal comes from a family of veterans with strong South Dakota roots. His Great Grandfather Herman Kulpaca served in the US Army during WW 1 and was elected for 2 terms as Mayor of Lead, SD. His Grandfather Charles Kulpaca, OD served in the US Army during WW2 and had an optometry practice in Rapid City for over 40 years.