Joel Appleman, Director of Marketing | February 2025
The northern lights light up the sky over a farm near Milton, Pennsylvania. – © Joel Appleman
At 7:20 p.m. on October 10th, 2024, I looked up at the sky and could hardly believe what I was seeing—right from my own backyard in Central Pennsylvania. I immediately ran inside to grab my camera and began capturing the phenomenon that I was witnessing. The sky glowed with a vivid magenta hue—it was the northern lights! Photographing this awe-inspiring light display had been on my bucket list for as long as I can remember. That night, I spent seven hours photographing the Aurora Borealis. It was a night I will not soon forget.
Family plays a significant role in shaping who we are, the paths our lives take, and the interests we develop. For me, my passion for photography was deeply influenced by my dad. It was one of his hobbies, and he instilled that enthusiasm in me. I’ve always been fascinated by the idea of freezing a moment in time.
Since I was five, I’ve often had a camera in my hands or at least within reach. What started with photographing trains, gradually expanded to include subjects like sunsets, waterfalls, planes, severe weather, and wildlife. I’ve even shot a few weddings, though it didn’t take long for me to realize that this type of photography was not for me.
Over the years, I’ve learned that some picture-perfect moments like a breathtaking sunset or an unexpected rainbow appear out of nowhere, while others require careful planning and patience. This is especially true when photographing wildlife.
Similarly, a financial journey requires both preparation and adaptability. Having a solid plan is essential, but much like wildlife photography, you also have to be ready for the unexpected. There will be moments of unpredictability and opportunities you never saw coming. At Aspire Wealth Group, we take the time to understand your complete financial picture, guiding you to make informed decisions that align with your goals—so you can focus on what matters most in your life.
Although my role doesn’t often involve direct client interaction, I truly enjoy getting to know the people we serve. You’ll likely see me at client events, camera in hand, capturing the moments that make each experience unique.
“Joel embodies grace, patience, and steadfast devotion in every aspect of his life. His commitment to his work is equaled only by his dedication to his family and his faith. As a loving father and a devoted Christ-follower, Joel’s kindness and integrity serve as an inspiration to us all.”
– Jason Dugan
President, AWG
