Joel was born in Monterey, California, and raised in Moscow, Idaho. His parents are both school teachers. He is the youngest of four children and has two older brothers (Caleb and Josh) and an older sister (Chantelle). At age 14, Joel went to visit his brother, Caleb, during summer vacation. His brother was pursuing an acting career in Los Angeles. Joel decided to spend a month auditioning for television commercials while he was in LA, with hope of leaving with $100 in his pocket. His brother's acting coach suggested that Joel attend a casting call for a top-secret J.J. Abrams venture. This was Joel's very first audition ever. After 11 callbacks, Joel landed his first acting job with the starring role in Steven Spielberg's Super 8 (2011). This was his breakthrough role.