Jeff Ecker earned an A.A.S. degree in Hotel Administration from the State University of New York at Delhi, graduating with honors from the top-ranked junior college for Hospitality. He then attended Cornell University while holding several key management positions, applying those credits towards a B.S. degree in Business Management from the State University of New York at Oneonta. His final role at Cornell was as General Manager of the prestigious, Four Star/Four Diamond Statler Hotel's Terrace Restaurant.

In 1992, Jeff was recruited by Mirage Resorts Inc., where he spent several years in Food and Beverage management at their Golden Nugget and Treasure Island properties, both of which held Four Star/Four Diamond ratings. While opening Treasure Island, he contributed to creating, organizing and operating the Beverage, Banquet Beverage and Banquet departments. He also filled in for various restaurants as needed, working under the tutelage of Gustav Mauler, one of the country's few Certified Master Chefs.

Jeff served as Corporate General Manager and Director of Operations for Paymon's Mediterranean Café and Hookah Lounge from 2000 to 2016, when the business was renamed Paymon's Fresh Kitchen and Lounge. During his tenure, Jeff introduced innovative, healthy food preparation methods, including the use of zero trans-fat oils, natural preservatives, and the elimination of chemical tenderizers. He also expanded the menu to include vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options, recognizing the growing demand for clean, healthy dining.

Under Jeff's leadership, Paymon's Lounge became the first hookah lounge in the country, earning Certificates of Recognition from the Nevada Lieutenant Governor and the City of Las Vegas in 2023. During this time, Paymon's Fresh Kitchen & Hookah Lounge also accumulated an impressive 30 "Best of Las Vegas" awards from the Review-Journal, as well as numerous other accolades. In 2024, Paymon's was recognized as a Top 100 restaurant by the Las Vegas Review-Journal.

 After serving in multiple committee chair positions for the Nevada Restaurant Association (NvRA), Jeff was awarded the inaugural Restaurant Employee of the Year Award for Nevada in recognition of his significant contributions and volunteer work within the restaurant industry. He then went on to serve on the NvRA Board of Directors for several years. Additionally, Jeff served as a National Restaurant Association Key Advocate, working as a liaison to Senator Dean Heller's office. He also completed the National Restaurant Association's Manage First Program, earning the Manage First Professional certification.

Jeff's involvement and achievements extend beyond the restaurant industry. He sits on the Advisory Council for the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) and was the inaugural recipient of the Real Chamber of Commerce "Excalibur Award" for his passion and contributions to small business. Jeff's impressive accomplishments have earned him recognition, as he was named one of the top 100 Men in Nevada by My Vegas Magazine, and was featured as one of the Most Magnificent Men of Las Vegas by Real Vegas Magazine. He is also listed in the Distinguished Men of Nevada special edition.