Joel has been active in the bowling business as a proprietor since 1958. He server 30 years as a Director of the Minnesota Bowling Proprietors Association including two years as Vice President.

He served 12 years as the Secretary of the Southwest District Proprietors. In 1982 he received the MBPA Service Award and in 1997, the Prestigious Pioneer Award.

In 1969, he was elected to the Minnesota State Bowling Association Board of Directors. He chaired the Study Committee leading to the creation of the Minnesota State Bowling Hall of Fame and he served five years as President of the Hall of Fame Board.

Joel served as the Chairman of the Publicity Committee and helped to start the state newsletter (Striking News).

In 1994, he was elected as the President of the Minnesota State Bowling Association and is currently a Life Member.

He helped to organize the New Ulm Bowling Council and was inducted into their Hall of Fame in 1987.

Joel became a certified Bowling Instructor in 1960 and has been active in youth bowling since. He helped to create the New Ulm In-School Bowling Program and promoted high school bowling as a letter sport.

He served on the ABC Proprietor involvement committee in the 1993 – 1994 season.