Joel  was born and raised in West Altadena. He attended local schools, played sports in the neighborhoods, and built strong relationships with many people in the Community. In his late 20’s, he and his wife, Michelle (also from Altadena), moved down the road to Pasadena, where they reside today.

Joel began his career in urban planning, community development, and real estate development in the late 1990’s. In 2002 Joel completed his first project on Lincoln Avenue in Pasadena, and this began a journey that has led to the production of over 200 housing units over the past 23 years.

On January 8 th , 2025, Joel’s entire focus pivoted to Altadena as he witnessed the devastation of the Eaton Fire and its unimaginable impact on the Community. After a phone call from a family member that lost their home in the fire, Joel was compelled to do something about it. With a deep understanding of local architecture, permitting, and community needs, Joel takes a strategic, resilient-first approach—prioritizing fire-resistant materials, sustainable design, and thoughtful site planning. His goal is to help Altadena recover with homes that are not only beautiful, but safer and better prepared for the future. His shift from larger developments to focused, community-driven rebuilding reflects both foresight and a strong commitment to the Town’s recovery.