If you've ever been on one of our construction sites in the last eight years, you've undoubtedly met Joel Palmquist. Joel has served our affiliate formally as the construction site supervisor since 2008, but his background with Habitat started almost thirty years prior. While at church one day, Joel heard a testimony from a couple who uprooted their lives to go to Utah for Habitat for Humanity. He was so moved and inspired by the couple's presentation that he started volunteering with Habitat. 

As a carpenter and former University of Wisconsin - River Falls grounds and maintenance employee, Habitat was right up Joel's alley. He quickly became involved with our affiliate by volunteering to sit on the board and chairing the construction committee before being added on officially as staff. As staff, Joel's responsibilities included leading home construction and partnering with volunteers, donors, and material suppliers to ensure that construction ran as smoothly as possible.

Building those relationships and seeing the teamwork that goes into coordinating the affiliate and the builds, Joel said, are his favorite part of Habitat along with how a new home can have such a profound impact on the homeowners' lives, especially the children's.

 

However, after almost thirty years of service to Habitat and eight years to our affiliate, Joel has decided to move on from St. Croix Valley and explore other opportunities. Please join us in wishing Joel good luck in all of his future endeavors.