Joel Nichols

Chief Innovation Officer

The view from 10,000 feet is a well-worn phrase denoting a high-level perspective. Many people claim to have a birds-eye view of the competitive landscape;

 Joel proves it, literally and figuratively as a private pilot and entrepreneur.

Joel and his wife Keersten started Apollo MFG in the basement of their home in 1992. It was a modest beginning that has grown into a triad of thriving start-ups. In addition to Apollo MFG Joel owns Apollo Design®, Blue Pony, and AVID Labs®, LLC. All three companies boast first-rate talents.

Exercising his knack for change and looking at things differently, Joel’s endeavors have won multiple awards for product innovation and customer service, as well as 5 patents.

Joel attended Purdue University and is an active member of his church community. He is a devoted husband and proud father of three sons and three grandchildren.

Joel shares, "Truly exceptional products balance on a knife’s edge of design and functionality." A believer in the Golden Ratio and an admirer of Dieter Rams, he believes design and innovation are what drives success.