Some History
Joel's father Dr. J. L. Clark was a veterinarian, business man, farmer, rancher and philosopher. He operated veterinary practices in western Oklahoma and later in Coffeyville Kansas. He now resides in SW Missouri.
Joel's mother Dr. Mary Jo Clark an outgoing educator and traveler to which no one was a stranger. She spent much of her career as a school administrator then in later years held a teaching position at the University of Foreign Trade in Shanghai.
As with many farm children Joel operated farm equipment from his early grade school years. Working with his father & older brothers Joel was involved with many facets of the agriculture business in addition to operating fruit and vegetable sales outlets and performing door to door sales. Working at the Animal Hospital he experienced everything from basic animal care, assisting in surgery to lab & pharmacology.
Nearing the end of 6th grade Joel envisioned producing organic* cucumbers for sale. He negotiated for the land, seed & equipment then plowed, planted and nurtured. It was then he realized he had a small problem. Labor and Transportation.
Harvesting was difficult work without the special equipment. Without a drivers license he had to negotiate transport. Atkins Pickle Company would buy all he could deliver but "delivery" proved to be most difficult.
He tried a percentage deal with "dad", hiring dad's assistant, her boyfriend, and even a transient from the Chicago area. He set up a commission structure with his older brother and his friend (who had a license and a car) but it was still inadequate.
Joel gained some valuable lessons that summer but little profit.
Coming from a long line of teachers. His mother, grandmother, great grandmother as well as some aunts and uncles were educators. It's funny that school didn't agree with him, or he with it whichever the case.
After trouble in Jr. High and High School, at age 14 Joel spoke with Dr. Graham the local College President about taking classes at the college. By 17 he was graduating.
Joel spent the next several years working in the automotive industry, achieving some of the highest levels of training and certification in his field.
He had been involved with small business ventures throughout the years and had pursued adult education and similar activities. His personal library includes thousands of books, computer based training, audios and seminars.
In 1998, tired and unfulfilled, Joel made a decision to start his own business.
After watching an infomercial (one of many) he was drawn to a seminar (one of many). The subject, "discount buying". After the initial seminar piqued his curiosity he laid down his money got a plane ticket and went to learn more.
Although the instructors were well versed, these groups make their living as "broker mills" making handsome livings saturating the market with "cash flow brokers" or as they are called now "cash flow consultants".
Realizing that the information given was grossly inadequate and somewhat misleading, he made arrangements to seek further training. Still unfulfilled He started making calls to see who had the information he needed. Before he was finished he had made connections and collected a database of factors, note buyers, investors and related financiers that rivaled anyone or any single business directory anywhere.
Joel's database included funders from Noteworthy, The Paper Source, Discount Buyers Association, American Cash Flow Association, Commercial Finance Association, International Factoring Association, Factors Chain International and beyond.
He attended conferences, collected books and tapes until he was satisfied that he had more "resources" than any competitor.. and he did. At this point in addition to brokering transactions he began to finance a few transactions himself.
As their two daughters were starting their own lives, Joel and his wife became more involved with a local mission. It seemed to have lost support due to derision within the local church alliance and within the board. The homeless shelter was to be reopened they were purchasing a new distribution center building but did not have the income to cover the repairs or expenses.
After several months of hard work & allowing the homeless to fill the voids left by churches and volunteers they had created a substantial positive cash flow, moving from a church dependent to a self sustaining corporation. This allowed for upgrade, repair and provided sufficient resources to help start and market a local support group, support for a new dental clinic and what would soon be a larger & safer facility.
Recycling was implemented, more energy efficient lighting, equipment & procedures were introduced to the current facility along with plans to create a garden and move toward total sustainability.A library/resource center was added to the shelter and systems were put into place to create a more stable transition to the workforce. Clients were offered volunteer and work opportunities that proved to be much more effective than originally anticipated.
For the most part a wonderful and rewarding experience**
Joel's two wonderful daughters were married and have blessed him with three beautiful grand children, Aliyah, Zachary & Ava-lee.
Experience/Proficiencies
Business Development, Alternative Finance, Organization, Trouble shooting, Web Design, Office Applications, Interviewing, Mechanical & Electrical Diagnostics, Non-profits
Professional Affiliations
Better Business Bureau
SCORE
Missouri Chamber of Commerce
Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce
*Organic: Joel himself to this day has never used a commercial fertilizer or pesticide in the growing of produce. There is however a condition of years prior for the land to be listed or marketed as "organic"
**Sadly the preceding president & board did not share Joel's vision. It was reported that within a short period of time that the hard earned, bank accounts were depleted, positive cash flow shattered and successful programs dissolved.
Background
Always looking for a variety of experiences Joel loves to read, learn and travel.