Wess is originally from Memphis, Tennessee.  He moved to Southwest Florida with his family as a child. He graduated from Bishop Verot High School in Fort Myers.  He attended the University of Florida where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. He then obtained his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Mississippi.   Wess is a member of the Florida Bar and is also admitted to practice in the United States Tax Court in Washington, DC.  He began in general private law practice and has remained in Southwest Florida where he and his wife have raised three children together.  Wess has also owned and managed several family businesses in the area.  He enjoys walking with his wife and travelling with his family.  Throughout his life, Wess has enjoyed coaching football and basketball for middle and high school teams in the area.