became both an outlet and a companion. He took guitar lessons as a kid, dabbled in baseball and football, but always came back to music as his true passion. Even today, he considers himself a “professional listener.” As soon as he was old enough, Jeff began attending concerts, immersing himself in the energy of live music. His favorite band has always been The Grateful Dead, followed closely by Phish, though his tastes are eclectic — ranging from Led Zeppelin to Duran Duran, from jazz and classical to reggae and R&B. For Jeff, good music is simply good music, regardless of its genre. To this day, he and two close friends travel together to see Phish when they tour, keeping alive a tradition of shared experiences and the joy of live performance.
Lessons in Family and Growth
One of the most important lessons Jeff learned over the years is that people are going to be who they are — and no amount of effort can change them. “There’s only one thing I can change,” he says, “and that’s my attitude and behaviors in life.” This understanding didn’t come overnight. It took years of experiences, challenges, and reflection for it to truly take root, but once it did, it simplified everything. It became a compass for navigating both personal and professional relationships. Some of his greatest nuggets of wisdom have come from his children. His daughter once reminded him, “Dad, that’s an issue, not an ish-me.” What began as a simple phrase has become one of Jeff ’s favorite ways to frame challenges. In life, we often inherit other people’s frustrations or judgments, but remembering that not everything is ours to carry can be profoundly freeing. Jeff and his wife raised four children together, and his pride in them is evident. Though his kids are now grown, they remain a
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