Born near Boston, Joe moved to China as an exchange student in 1982. Armed with a degree in American Culture from Northwestern University and a certificate in beginning Chinese from Fudan University, Joe started his company, JMI, in 1983. JMI grew into a leading manufacturer in winter apparel and accessories. Joe sold the business to Li and Fung in 2009.

Joe helped to establish Hairy Crab Charities, which has helped under-served children in China, was a Board member of the Jane Goodall Institute in China and helped to start several of their programs and has been a very active supporter of Half The Sky, an operator of orphanages in China.

In addition, Joe is an active member of YPO/WPO and is an active supporter of Phillips Academy, Andover and an unrepentant Red Sox guy.