This year OED is recognizing and celebrating Frederick County’s young professionals who are leaders in their industry, give back to the community and add significant value to their company and its culture. Join us as we get to know our Top 50 Under 40.
Founder, Co-Owner
LumberJAKKSS Millworks
7221 Mountaindale Rd, Frederick
lumberjakkss.com
Jay Jeffrey is a true entrepreneur, through his 20's he ran a successful high school sports fundraising company as well as an event production company which has been known to organize events such as the Mud Dog Run and Beer Bacon Music Festival. During the covid shutdown he, his wife and 4 children decided to pivot and create a new millwork shop called Lumber JAKKSS Millworks. The JAKKSS name comes from his family's first initials, Jay, Ashton, Kiernan, Killian, Sloane & Shaye. Although this millwork company may seem like a complete change of direction, Jay has been around woodworking his entire life. His father, Mike, has been a craftsman going on almost 50 years. Now following in his fathers passion for woodworking, he has found his true calling with creating/designing custom furniture for residential and commercial clients throughout the country.
What is your greatest professional accomplishment?
That has to be the ability to pivot and create a completely new company during Covid, since my other companies went to $0 in revenue due to the shutdown.
Name one award you are most proud to have received.
Eagle Scout Award - Boy Scouts of America - My grandfather was a Scout Executive for over 50 years and his one wish for me was to receive my Eagle Scout honor before passed. I was able to attain and create a lasting bond with my grandfather for many years before he passed on.
What is your experience with volunteering and civic engagement?
I am very involved in The Rotary Club of Frederick. Much of my service time is helping with the community projects our club involves itself with. Including Memorial Park cleanup & raising money via the Leprechaun Luau event.
What was your first job?
Pizza maker at Tri-City Pizza in Bangor, Maine where I grew up.
What do you like to do for fun in Frederick County?
Spend time with my wife and 4 children on Saturday afternoons at Springfield Manor.
Who has influenced you most when it comes to how you approach your work?
I have two, My Grandfather, Bud Jeffrey, because he gave his life to the Boy Scouts of America for over 50 years. The other is Scott Alexander, I would call him my business coach/consultant, but he is so much more because without him I would not have had the necessary tools or mindset to deal with as I call it, My Covid-Pivot, if I had not been working with him for many years prior.
What behavior or personality trait do you most attribute to your success and why?
Ability to adapt and be a chameleon. I have had to sell and resell myself so many time with the different businesses I have owned over the years, so it has been beneficial that I can adapt to the situations presented to me.