When people ask me what I do for a living I often say “I am a story teller!”. At the end of the day that is really what most of us are. We have incidents and events that tend to shape our lives and the story it tells. This is how I love to engage people by taking stories from my adventurous life and applying them to my current message. I am the President and CEO for the San Diego Harbor Police Foundation. I Co-Founded this non-profit in 2018 along with then Chief of Police for the Port of San Diego Harbor Police, Mark Stainbrook. Our initial vision was to raise a little money in support of his officers, which we did but our vision quickly grew into something much greater. We now serve three specific areas including Officer Wellness, Perkins K-8 School in the Barrio Logan, and our Help Stop Human Trafficking awareness program. In spite of the pandemic, all three of our missions has grown significantly over the past four years. We have become nationally recognized for our work in human trafficking and our contributions toward improving the lives of the children at Perkins K-8 school is something I am very proud of. Our relationship with the Port of San Diego Harbor Police officers and staff has brought me to a greater understanding of how committed they are to their work. Everyday “Hero’s”! Our success has been brought about because of the commitment of many people but mostly because we have wonderful Story’s To Tell!
About Jeff Wohler
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I live with my wife Sheryl, the love of my life, her Chihuahua Lucy Lu. We have four children and three grandchildren and three horses. We enjoy living in North County.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
Following my stent in the US Army during the Viet Nam war, I returned to California and obtained my Juris Doctorate. Subsequent to that I was a Special Agent for the US Treasury Department working criminal investigations centered on Organized Crime and drugs. After several years I moved into the private sector as an entrepreneur where I owned a number of businesses. One of those businesses had offices in fourteen countries which gave me a much broader perspective on the human experience. All of that was fascinating but once the Harbor Police Foundation was formed I became more passionate than ever before about the work we were doing. It was as if I had worked my entire life in several industries and roles, at the President and CEO level, all in preparation for this phase in my life where my lazer focus is on giving back.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Be a good listener, kind and generous but always “Practice for what happens before what happens, happens!” (be prepared)
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Adding value to our community by constantly striving for the Greater Good through our work with the San Diego Harbor Police Foundation
Jeff Wohler & Our Community
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Mamma Kats, best breakfast San Marcos. Coasterra on Harbor Island. Sbicca’s in Del Mar
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
Moved here in 1969 to finish school. Lived briefly in Seattle, WA but came back as soon as possible to San Diego County
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Dr. Sean Daneshmand
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
San Diego Harbor Police Foundation, Inc.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
The diversity of people and our surroundings. Ocean to the west and mountains to the east. You can’t beat it!
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Malin Burnham! At age 94, Malin personifies a life of giving along with having a great sense of humor. We would eat at Point Loma Seafood, sit outside, and talk about our adventures.
For Fun
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
The Princess Bride
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
San Dan (3rd degree) black belt in Shotokan karate.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
On my horse Django with my dog Samantha, riding in the mountains near Sweet Grass, Montana.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My wife Sheryl
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
family, cooking, laughter
