Bio
Jeff has an MBA from Gies College of Business at the University of Illinois.
Jeff’s career in the private sector included four years of experience as a business broker and a decade in the banking industry, and he brings a nuanced understanding of debt capital with a sharp acumen for business valuation and exit strategy development.
With over 24 years of experience as a member of the Gies College of Business Faculty in teaching consulting, and guiding businesses through complex issues, Jeff stands out as a dedicated faculty member. Throughout this time, he has influenced the careers of more than 6,000 students, overseen over 1,500 client-facing projects, and engaged with more than 1,200 individual clients, including Fortune 100 companies, mid-size businesses, and family-owned enterprises.
Having been a small business owner himself, Jeff brings firsthand knowledge of the hurdles and opportunities inherent in managing and exiting a business. This personal experience, coupled with a rich history of working with hundreds of small business owners, fuels a deep understanding of the significant role that a business often plays in a person’s financial portfolio—representing between 40% and 80% of their total wealth.
Now, as part of the SVN North Star team, he is crafting client-focused solutions, particularly in the realm of wealth transfer and financial stability for business owners.
In his spare time Jeff enjoys spending time with his grandchildren, traveling with his wife, and playing golf and tennis.
