Jacob grew up in St. Helena, California. He earned a A.S. degree in Viticulture from Santa Rosa Junior College and B.S. degree in Viticulture from California State University, Fresno.

He was exposed to Napa-Sonoma vineyards at an early age working several summers at Crop Care Associates. Part-time positions included Regusci, Rombauer, Aubert Wines and the USDA-ARS vineyards at Kearney Ag Station in Parlier, CA. Prior to joining Crop Care full time, Jacob worked for 2 years as an Assistant Viticulturist at Atlas Vineyard Management. He is a licensed Pest Control Advisor (PCA) and currently resides in Napa, CA.