Today we’d like to introduce you to Joshua Palmer.
Hi Joshua, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers?
I’ve always had a thing for building… From an early age, I was taking apart any mechanical device I could put my hands on.
As a young man, I experimented with doing my own engine swaps and off-grid living. Throughout my twenties, I worked with various construction companies doing everything from concrete work to home remodels. I am so grateful for those early learning opportunities because they gave me the training and experience needed for my passion for building adventure lifestyle vehicles for others.
Through a recommendation of a friend, I met an adventurer who wanted to turn a newly bought Sprinter Van into his home on wheels. He heard that I had recently converted my school bus into a little weekend warrior and wondered if I was interested. I jumped at the chance to use all of my skills and passion for this lifestyle on this project. I fell in love with the process and really enjoyed getting to use my design skills as well. One van led to another and Joshua Tree Adventure Builders was born.
Now I get to design and build adventure vehicles for people from all over. I have a knack for building upon a client’s vision to give them something even better than they imagined.
I’m so grateful I get to work with such great people from all over turning dreams and pencil markings into homes on wheels.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Are you kidding! Lol, no it has not been a smooth road. Starting a business is more than just doing what you love. There are forms and files, hoops to jump through and some seem to be set on fire! Ha ha. No, really it has been difficult because being an entrepreneur means you wear many hats and some just don’t fit right. I struggled with pricing, marketing, and even telling others about what I did in the beginning as I am generally uncomfortable talking about myself.
I have grown considerably in the process, not only in my ability to handle the day-to-day struggles with running and operating my own business but also in the internal growth of believing in myself and my services.
I am currently moving into a new shop downtown fully realizing a vision I had 5yrs ago of being closer to the community I serve so I can collaborate and share my passion with other (and future) makers. Not only will I be close to other builders but I will also be able to teach young students hands-on skills through my partnership with local schools.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I really love that this work allows me to use my creativity. I enjoy getting to sit down with a client and get into the why behind what they are wanting from their build-out. I can often pull out desires they hadn’t considered and these are the features they often get most excited about. I am also really great at problem-solving which leads to creative and unique solutions which are really fun to execute. I specialize in giving the client a unique experience throughout the process. They find that they don’t just leave with a new van but memorable moments. I love including the client in the building process so they feel a part of the build itself…it becomes more personal and in turn more meaningful. I have built lifelong friendships through this work and for that, I will always and continue to be grateful for this serendipitous journey.
I also really enjoy not using trim whenever possible which makes for clean lines and a more thoughtful look in the finished product. I often hear from clients that I have an attention to detail that is unique.
And really at the end of the day, my heart is for building community with each build. I love that my work connects me to people with adventurous spirits from all over the world!
What do you think about happiness?
At the end of the day, it’s my family. We have built this business as a family and really it comes down to a lifestyle for us. Having our own businesses allows for travel, flexible schedules, and the ability to be together even as I work. This is truly a family business and I wouldn’t change that for anything.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://joshuatreeadventurebuilders.com/#home
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joshuatreeadventurebuilders/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JoshuaTreeLLC
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JoshuaTreeAdventureBuilders
Image Credits
Joshua Palmer
Rianna Alvarado
Cullen Welch
