Joel Cawthorn brings more than 30 years of experience with Startec to his role on the company’s Advisory Board. Throughout his career, he held a variety of leadership positions across the organization, including 15 years as President of Startec Refrigeration Services. During that time, Joel helped guide significant growth and diversification of the business while building high-performing teams and strengthening long-standing relationships with clients and industry partners.
A graduate of the University of Calgary with a degree in Chemical Engineering, Joel brings broad experience across leadership, operations, project management, manufacturing, procurement and organizational development. A strong advocate for servant leadership, he believes that accountability, trust and a strong culture are fundamental to building successful teams and organizations.
In 2023, Joel transitioned from day-to-day operational leadership to the Board, where he continues to provide strategic insight and guidance informed by decades of experience with Startec, its people, and the industries it serves. As a shareholder and long-time leader within the company, Joel remains a passionate ambassador for Startec and its Everyday Mavericks culture.
Beyond Startec, Joel is actively involved in Alberta’s business and industry community, serving as a mentor with the Venture Mentoring Service of Alberta out of Platform Calgary and as Chair of the Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Heating Association of Alberta (RAHA).
An Everyday Maverick Is…
Energetic, tenacious, adaptable and focused. I believe these are the characteristics of people who get things done; that’s who I want to surround myself with.
My Everyday Maverick Moment…
Listening to my gut. I’ve learned to recognize what your body tells you, not just what your analytical brain tells you.
