Joel is a lifelong Alaskan who began his career at R&M Engineering-Ketchikan in 2010 as a summer intern and became a licensed Professional Engineer in 2018. With a background in surveying, materials testing, and engineering inspections, he later managed both departments in the Ketchikan office. Joel has led projects across structural, transportation, civil, environmental, and geotechnical fields—including buildings, roads, bridges, utilities, and dams—and has supervised drafters and engineers-in-training. In December 2024, he partnered with Nycole Gizinski to form Alaska Architects & Engineers, LLC. He remains committed to Alaska, having held leadership roles in the American Society of Civil Engineers Ketchikan Branch.