Jeff Gunkelman was born and raised in Fargo, North Dakota. Jeff is a fourth generation business owner in his family. His great-grandfather owned and operated R.F. Gunkelman & Sons Seed and Grain Company. Jeff’s grandfather started his career as president of R.F. Gunkelman & Sons before co-founding a local real estate company, Schlossman & Gunkelman, Inc. Jeff’s father formed Dakota Construction in 1986 and continues to operate the company today. Business runs in Jeff’s blood.
Jeff focused his undergraduate education in economics and finance, earning a degree in Banking and Financial Economics from the University of North Dakota. Jeff’s desire to assist business owners led him to earn a Juris Doctor from the University of North Dakota. Jeff focused his course work on business and tax while attending the University of North Dakota School of Law. After his first year of law school, Jeff had the privilege to extern for Judge Kermit Bye of the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit. Jeff also worked as a summer law clerk for the state’s largest law firm during his schooling. Jeff was accepted into the Order of the Coif (awarded to the top 10% of his graduating class) and graduated cum laude with distinction.
Jeff’s practice is focused on helping individuals start and grow their businesses. Jeff also spends a significant amount of time assisting individuals with their estate plans and real estate matters. Before co-founding Kennelly Business Law, Jeff spent a year clerking for the judges of the East Central Judicial District and subsequently worked for a local law firm. When he is away from work, Jeff enjoys spending time with his wife, Ashley and daughter, Aubrey, hanging out at his family lake cabin, golfing, and volunteering.
