Clifford Jacobson

Clifford Jacobson’s story began in Valley City, North Dakota, on April 8, 1948. Born into a farming family, he spent the first five years of his life on a farm before his parents relocated to Oakland, California. There, Clifford learned to navigate life on the move, as his family frequently changed residences. Traditional schooling never became a major part of his upbringing—most of what he learned came through experience, by trial and error.

At just 16 years old, Clifford made the bold decision to leave school and set out on his own. Though uncertain of where he was headed or what lay ahead, he was sure that something better awaited him. In 1965, he joined the U.S. Navy, serving nearly a decade during the Vietnam era. Following his discharge in 1975, Clifford launched a mobile pressure washer company called Scrub A Matic. After three successful years, he sold the business to fund a new venture: Spray Chem Chemical Company.

Today, Clifford continues to run Spray Chem alongside his son, Timothy. What started in his garage has grown into a thriving enterprise that supplies food plant cleaners, sanitizers, and industrial water treatment products to major corporations. Spray Chem now employs 14 people and specializes in building, installing, and maintaining cutting-edge chemical feed systems. Known for its innovative approach, the company takes pride in solving unique challenges for its customers—a process Clifford finds both exciting and fulfilling. His passion for problem-solving continues to drive him, and he dreams of one day creating a think-tank workshop where he can spend his days developing new products.

In 2005, Clifford helped his wife bring her dream to life by building an event and lodging venue on their property. Over the years, the venue—Chapelle de L’Artiste (French for Chapel of the Artist)—became a well-known destination in Paradise, California, hosting a diverse array of guests including Rabbis, Medicine Men, and musicians such as Steve Miller, Ray Manzarek, Roy Rogers, and Norton Buffalo. The couple formed countless cherished friendships through the experience. Though the Camp Fire brought an end to that chapter, Clifford and his wife remain hopeful about recreating the special environment they once cultivated.

From an unstable childhood shaped by uncertainty and independence to the creation of a successful, family-run business, Clifford Jacobson’s journey has been both challenging and rewarding. Now, having built a life and career defined by resilience and innovation, he hopes to share what he has learned—offering inspiration and guidance to others striving to achieve their own dreams.