Hank Guzel, Jr.'s (bass) father was among Cleveland's most popular accordion virtuosos when Hank was growing up, and at 13, Hank's parents purchased his first instrument for him, a piano accordion. By 25, however, Hank had decided to pursue playing the electric bass, which ultimately created the opportunities for him to achieve his lifelong dream to play music professionally. Soon, Hank was playing bass with a small button accordion band, eventually leading to performances with some of the most notable musicians including Joey Miskulin, Walter Ostanek, and America's Polka King, the late Frankie Yankovic. Hank joined JTO in 1998.