MEET JACOB WOOD
I’ve lived in Vineyard for almost two years, but my connection to this community started long before I moved here. I used to visit just to walk along the trails, take in the fresh air, and watch the sunsets over Utah Lake—something I still find to be a truly spiritual experience. I love capturing these moments, taking pictures of the lake and the breathtaking sunsets, and sharing them with the community as a reminder that hope is always on the horizon. Even in the winter, when the lake freezes over, I find myself walking across it—maybe a little risky, but it’s a testament to how incredible this place truly is. Nowhere else in Utah offers such a stunning and peaceful view, and I want to make sure we protect and enhance what makes Vineyard so special.
Many in the community may also know me from my time as a football coach at Mountain View High School, where I had the opportunity to mentor young athletes and connect with families throughout the area. As someone who has spent countless hours walking Vineyard’s trails, engaging with residents, and attending city council meetings, I understand firsthand both the strengths of our city and the challenges we need to address. My background in business, nonprofit leadership, and community advocacy has prepared me to take on those challenges. I’m running for city council because Vineyard has so much potential, and with the right leadership, we can make it an even better place to live, work, and raise a family.
As an entrepreneur, I founded a web and app development tech company, building multiple applications while helping businesses establish their online presence. Running a business has taught me how to work with people from all walks of life, solve complex problems, and adapt to constant challenges.
I believe in practical, results-driven solutions not politics, just progress. I take an out-of-the-box approach, looking at problems from every angle to find the best path forward. My leadership style is tough but fair, straightforward but reasonable. No matter the challenge, there’s always a solution. It takes clear thinking, strong leadership, and a willingness to do the work.
That’s exactly what I did when I saw the parking crisis in my neighborhood of Lakefront and across Vineyard. I went out, organized hundreds of residents, knocked on doors, and got our community to the table.
I’m not afraid to ruffle a few feathers to get things done. I believe in compassionate but tough leadership. Listening first, but not backing down when it’s time to stand up for the community. That’s the mindset I bring to everything I do. On the City Council, I’ll keep bringing that same proactive approach, focused on solving problems and making sure Vineyard residents are heard and respected.
Entrepreneurship
& Problem-Solving
Years ago, I founded the EndTheVape Health Initiative, a nonprofit dedicated to fighting the youth vaping crisis. We held companies accountable for targeting teens, challenged businesses opening near schools, and exposed harmful industry practices. It wasn’t about politics—it was about protecting young people and giving them a real chance at a healthier future.
That same drive led me to work in youth mental health, where I’ve seen firsthand the struggles young people face—especially young men. Too many feel isolated, without purpose, and without spaces where they can just exist without pressure. Mental health isn’t just about treatment—it’s about having a sense of belonging, a reason to wake up every morning, and an outlet to process life’s challenges.
That’s why I believe in creating open spaces that bring people together. Parks, recreational areas, and gathering places aren’t just luxuries—they’re necessities. They give young people, families, and the entire community a place to connect, find clarity, and build something bigger than themselves. This isn’t just about development—it’s about people, about creating a city that fosters well-being, purpose, and real community. That’s what I will fight for on the Vineyard City Council.
Youth Advocacy & Mental Health
On the Road: Exploring & Preserving Utah’s Natural Beauty
When I’m not working, I’m always on the move, exploring everything Utah has to offer. I love hitting the road with no set plan, just seeing where the world takes me—whether it’s driving my Chrysler Crossfire (DAWN5) through the mountains, venturing out to the Bonneville Salt Flats, cruising through Park City, or making my way to the sand dunes. Traveling, discovering new places, and experiencing the beauty of this state is something I’ll never get tired of.
Right here in Vineyard, we have something truly special—Utah Lake, the wetlands, and the surrounding wildlife that makes this area unique. But as our county grows, we’re losing much of the natural beauty and wildlife that once thrived here. We have to do everything we can to protect the Utah Lake ecosystem while also ensuring responsible access for people to enjoy it. Finding that balance is critical. If we plan wisely, we can preserve and restore the lake’s natural habitat, protect the wildlife that still calls this place home, and ensure future generations get to experience the same Utah we love today.
Vineyard is an incredible place to live, and I’m ready to fight for its future. Let’s build something great together.