Testimonials
- Rob McCarthy
Founder
Lightspeed Systems
Partnering with Joel was the best business decision.
Joel has one of the most amazing and powerful skill sets I have ever encountered. Joel’s skills are that he is wicked smart, he can do any job well, and while doing the job he can analyze the job and how it fits into the business strategy, hire a new person to fill the job, train them, and finally move onto the next problem to fix, leaving behind a vastly improved situation.
For example: Joel ran our sales team, reorganized it into the form we still use today, hired and trained a great new sales manager, and then moved onto the next problems. Joel successfully fixed our sales team, then our marketing team, our support team, our accounting, our development team, and when he was done he left each job with a new manager who was trained and competent. Joel also revamped our business strategy multiple times as the market situation changed and ultimately led us to a hugely successful conclusion for every stakeholder.
It’s not just that Joel can do any job well. It’s that Joel can do the job well, fix the organization structure, and then hire his own replacement. It is a remarkable set of skills and I have never seen anything like it.
Maybe the most important skill that Joel has is also understated. He has a huge capacity for empathy and care and love. Joel can make these sweeping changes and when he is done everyone in the organization will recognize how much has changed for the better, and everyone will appreciate what a kind and thoughtful person Joel is. This is not Attila the Hun trampling though your company – is it the complete opposite. People who have worked for and with Joel love Joel.
Maybe your company is extremely well run, with a brilliant strategy, top notch managers, and a willing and dedicated staff with no flaws. Congratulations! You don’t need Joel. But for as me, partnering with Joel was the best business decision that I ever did.
As for Joel’s personal motivation now – he doesn’t need money. He just likes to help people. Maybe you need some help? If you are lucky, and Joel likes you enough to work for you, he can change things for the better. And you will end up with a new friend.
Have fun along the way.
Before Joel was brought on as president where I had worked ten years, I was ready to hang up my marketing career. A couple months under his leadership and management changed my mind. As a manager, he set clear expectations, entrusted me with ever greater responsibility, convinced me I could meet the challenge, and then got out of my way. In addition to success and growth, he brought a great deal of smiles and laughter to the workplace. So I followed him--from Lightspeed Net to eGovEdge to Lightspeed Systems.
Joel is naturally curious, a great listener, and a quick learner. Under his mentorship, I learned how to tackle changes and challenges: Hear from all perspectives to accurately define the problem. Ascertain and succinctly describe the range of options to consider. Gather consensus and buy in. Trust and verify that folks execute the plan. Adjust as needed. Get stuff done. Have fun along the way.
If you want an assist from an experienced leader who can help you systematically work through changes and challenges, I wholeheartedly recommend you talk with Joel.
- Merleen Johnson, strategic marketing maven
Coach, mentor & friend.
Few people have the opportunity to work for someone who is also a coach, mentor and friend – but I did when I worked for Joel.
When Joel was CEO of Lightspeed Systems he hired me to build and run the Customer Service Organization. We worked closely on this and many other projects as the company changed and grew.
Joel has a unique ability to navigate difficult discussions and get people on board with ideas, even those who were initially on completely different pages. His open personality and style make all feel comfortable approaching him.
Joel is extremely knowledgeable and a quick study. He is very effective at analyzing strategies and challenges and bringing good solutions to light. If you are looking for an experienced leader to help you strategize growth, changes and plans, I highly recommend you talk with Joel.
- John Genter, VP, Global Operations at Lightspeed Systems
