Joe and Judy Jayson’s story is one of humble beginnings, shared purpose, and an entrepreneurial vision. Joe grew up in a working-class family near Bethlehem Steel, while Judy was born in St. Louis, raised around her family’s corner store, and educated in Catholic schools before attending Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College. Both pursued careers in education—Joe attending Indiana University and later earning a master’s degree from the University at Buffalo — and after meeting during Judy’s college years, they married and taught together at St. Mary’s School for the Deaf in Buffalo.

Grounded in empathy, leadership, and a deep commitment to lifelong learning, they eventually transitioned from teaching to entrepreneurship, founding J.M. Jayson & Co., a family real estate business that became the first chapter of something much larger. With courage and conviction, they transformed that foundation into U.S. Energy Development Corporation, building U.S. Energy the same way they built their life together—with integrity, vision, and perseverance—growing it from its Appalachian roots into a respected energy investment and operations platform spanning onshore North America.