About Joel

Background

Born and raised in the heart of Colorado, I’ve always had a deep connection to nature and technology. Growing up camping and fishing in the Rocky Mountains, I developed a passion for exploration and hands-on problem-solving. My journey into electronics began during college, where I started working at SparkFun Electronics. Over the course of 11+ years, I grew from a Production Assembly Technician to an Embedded Electronics Engineer, teaching others along the way about the excitement of soldering, electronics, and programming.

In 2018, I embraced a new challenge by joining Meow Wolf in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Bringing my years of embedded electronics knowledge to the immersive art world, I helped create interactive art installations through custom electronics and printed circuit boards. Working on the Denver and Las Vegas exhibits allowed me to combine creativity with technical precision, and it was a rewarding experience to bridge the gap between art and technology.

Alongside my work in electronics, I’ve always had a passion for farming. From building DIY aquaponics systems to earning a degree in Controlled Environment Agriculture, I’ve followed my childhood dream of sustainable farming. Now back in Colorado, I’m excited to merge my love for agriculture and technology at Tortuga AgTech, where I work with robotics and automation in farming systems.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, tending to my garden, and exploring the great outdoors. Whether it’s snowboarding, hiking, or working on innovative farming techniques, I’m always striving to make a positive impact on the world through technology and sustainable practices.