Joe graduated in 1994 from Mercer University after a two year service in the United States Marine Corp where he achieved the rank of Lance Corporal. He also received a Masters in Education from Georgia College & State University. Joe taught school for a total of seven years in Macon County and Houston County, respectively. Joe also coached football and baseball in both counties and led the Macon County Varsity Baseball team to their first region championship in 25 years. For this accomplishment, Joe won the Coach of the Year award for that region as well as the All Middle Georgia Coach of the Year Award.

Joe attended Mercer University's Walter F. George School of Law in 2001 and graduated in May of 2004 with a Juris Doctorate Degree. Joe was admitted to practice in October of 2004, after passing the bar exam. During his spare time he enjoys playing softball, golf, and coaching his sons.