Thad M. Gegner is a native of Santa Barbara, California.  He was inspired to become a lawyer in high school when he was on his school's mock trial team.  He loves to be outdoors, and enjoys such hobbies such as collecting and restoring classic American cars (1950's Buicks), and history, acquiring a large collection of antiques and historical artifacts.  He attended the University of California at Santa Barbara (UCSB), and earned his law degree at the Hamline University School of Law in St. Paul, Minnesota, where he was awarded Deans  Honors every term.  He lives in Eau Claire, and greatly enjoys most outdoor activities, especially camping, fishing, boating, SCUBA diving and anything to do with water or boats.