Born in the Netherlands, Mau grew up in a family of doctors, accountants, artists and musicians; pillars of society and freebooters. He earned his degree in electrical engineering in Utrecht, but found people more interesting than electrons. During his many years in international consulting as an information specialist, he endeavored to serve the human element in projects as diverse as technical education, institution building, and land reform. Back in the U.S. he engaged in community service, was president of the board of a community theater, and still participates in a number of local, state, and national policy issues and political campaigns. Mau and his wife Jackie found friends and nature on the Atlantic Shore of Accomack, Virginia.