Joel is the first member of his family to earn a college degree (and paid his own way), and has assisted two of his younger brothers to gain admission and success at the University of Washington, and the youngest brother is on his way to do even better.

Joel Gross climbed Mount Adams and has been to Camp Muir and is planning on making a try at summiting Mt. Rainier this summer. He has other diverse areas of interest including web design, reading, skiing, dance and flag football.