While Santa Barbara has been Joseph's primary place of residence for most of his life, he has been working internationally for over 30 years. His background is eclectic. However, his experience mentoring young and old people has always been a part of his work. With a Master of Science in Education, and also Business Administration, (both from the University of San Francisco) for over 30 years he has owned and operated a Management Consulting Firm. With his wife, Glenna they founded a global non-profit Called Heart Ventures assisting people who have been victims of or survived human rights violations. He has worked with large commercial businesses and provided organizational development for non-profit organizations. Throughout the years, he worked with university students in career development, and families, youth and adults who faced mental health or other life challenges. His role has been to develop and implement support services including nurturing, goal planning, mentoring, and specific education and vocational plans, focusing on the individual as the center of their personal life plan.