He grew up on his family farm in Plover, Iowa and graduated from Havelock-Plover High School in 1986.

Following high school, he attended Iowa State University where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Public Service and Administration in Agriculture in 1991.

In 1994 Jeff moved to Spirit Lake where he worked for First Bank and Trust as a farm and commercial lender and branch manager.

Jeff is a member of the Spirit Lake United Methodist Church, where he has served as the Finance Committee Chairman.

He is a member and past President of the Spirit Lake Noon Kiwanis, a former Co-Chair of the University of Okoboji Winter Games, and a previous local director of the Midwest Youth Football League.