Born in Superior, raised in Solon Springs, Jeff is life long resident of the state of Wisconsin. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire in 1993 with a B.A. in Geography and co-authored "Wisconsin's Past and Present: A Historical Atlas" in 1998. He is currently researching and generating maps for a forthcoming historical account about Douglas County, Wisconsin where he is from originally.

Jeff's philosophy on music holds that "music is a vital conduit for emotion and a source of tremendous spiritual energy, both as a solitary pursuit and within the context of a band or performance". "The joy brought by everything from rigorous individual practice, duo or group rehearsal, solo or collaborative composing, and performance is something as essential to my life as water, food, rest or exercise."

His future plans include working toward qualifying for the Boston Marathon,creating his own original musical and visual compositions, eventually pursuing a Master's degree in Urban and Regional Planning, leading a simple and contemplative life and, of course serving as vocalist, bass guitarist and stickmeister in the Tree Without Leaves project.