Max's father was a famous engineer who worked tirelessly for the republic. A hero of the rebellion who risked his life to smuggle plans and technology to gradually sway the battle in the favour of Minmatar. He moved around many times as a young boy and was often a spectator to his father's loyalty and dedication to the cause.
Of course there was a cost...Max never really knew his father and was moved from place to place...often hiding for weeks at a time...the upside however was that he would be cooped up with books and machines for company. Max demontrated an aptitude and had a gift with mechanics and engineering from a very early age. Although highly regarded in the republic and virtually a hero of the people Max's father shunned the trappings and rewards that went with that and their family was only marginally above poor. Luckily Max won a scholarship to the Republic University where he continued to excel in engineering, electronics and mechanical engineering.