Jeff graduated from Wenatchee High School in 1972 and from Pacific Lutheran University in 1986 cum laude with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree. From there, he led a group of Wenatchee area CPA’s taking classes from Golden Gate University Graduate School of Taxation in Wenatchee. Jeff became a Certified Public Accountant in January 1978.
He started in Public Accounting in Tacoma at Brink & Sadler, CPA’s in January 1977 and returned to Wenatchee in January 1989 to work for Homchick, Koch & Associates. He left Homchick at the end of December 1982 with John Ringler to form Ringler & Neher, CPA’s. Jeff started the Firm in the basement of his home until a formal office could be established. Phil Blakney joined the Firm later that year and the name was changed to Ringler, Neher & Blakney, CPA’s.
In May of 1988, Jeff attended a Management of Accounting Practice seminar in Reno Nevada with Irv and Judy Conner, who were then competitors. That encounter initiated discussions that led to a merger of the two firms and a common goal of being able to specialize in areas of practice while providing better and more services to clients.
The other part of the goal was for Jeff to be able to spend less time on Firm management. The last goal never happened. Jeff served on the Management Committee for the Firm until he became the Managing Partner and continued to serve for 20 years.
In 2002 Jeff led the Firm to form CNC Financial Group, LLC providing Financial Services and Planning for clients. Jeff served as the Champion Partner of CNCFG from its inception until August 31, 2020. Under Jeff’s leadership, the firm has grown and is currently the 17th largest Firm associated with Avantax Wealth Management.
In addition to serving clients, Jeff has dedicated time to serving a variety of community organizations and efforts. He has received numerous awards and recognition, including:
- Member AICPA and Washington State Society of CPA’s
- Served on the AICPA Professional Liability Insurance Committee
- Past Continuing Education Instructor for the WSCPA
- Local Wenatchee Chapter of WSCPA Past President and Board Member
- Past Director of National Association of Accountants
- Past member of the Estate Planning Council of NCW
- Received Success to Significance Award from 1st Global Research & Consulting
- Friends of Wenatchee Public Library Capital Campaign Committee Chairman
- Served the Chamber as Ambassador and received Ambassador of the Month honors
- Public speaker and recognized instructor for various organizations
- Started KPQ Tax Tip program in 1984
- Started tabulation of the results of the Washington State Apple Blossom Festival Queen’s Selection Pageant in 1984 changing the process to an electronic process
- Washington State Apple Blossom Festival Art Print Chair
- Received Lehman Johnson Award
- Wenatchee Central Lions Club Board member, Past President, and Melvin Jones Fellow
- Certificate of Appreciation from the American Heart Association
- Vocational Advisory Committee member for Eastmont School District
- Served on Business Advisory Committee for Wenatchee Valley College
- Past President of Grace Lutheran Church Council
- Central Washington (now Confluence) Hospital Foundation Past Board Member and Past Finance Committee Chairman
- Boy Scouts of America, Grand Columbia Council, past Board and Executive Board Member
Past Assistant Scout Master Troops 2 and 8