From Rock Bottom to Rock Star: Joseph Purnell Named Mentor of the Year for Empowering the Disadvantaged
BELOIT, WI – Joseph Purnell, a 65-year-old Milton resident with a life story as compelling as it is inspiring, has been recognized as Mentor of the Year by Jumpstart South Central Wisconsin Inc. Purnell’s "Can Do Crew Wisconsin," founded during the tumultuous COVID-19 pandemic, is a unique remodeling business that offers a vital lifeline to Rock County’s homeless and troubled youth, providing them with employment, dignity, and a second chance.
Purnell’s journey to this esteemed recognition is far from conventional. A U.S. Army veteran from Chicago, he once worked for the U.S. Post Office before a period of incarceration for drug-related offenses. His life took further drastic turns with two massive strokes, leaving him paralyzed for extended periods. Yet, Purnell’s resilience triumphed over adversity, leading him to establish a business rooted in compassion and empowerment.
"I’m helping the people that really need the help," Purnell explained from a Janesville job site, where his crew was delivering materials for a basement remodel. "I look for guys who made bad choices, maybe they were hustlers or just got in the wrong crowd, but are willing to work hard." This philosophy underpins the Can Do Crew, offering employment opportunities to individuals who often face significant barriers in the traditional job market.
Jumpstart South Central Wisconsin, a non-profit economic development organization led by Genia Stevens, champions entrepreneurs in Rock, Green, Jefferson, and Walworth counties, helping them start, scale, and sustain small businesses. Purnell’s dedication to his community and his unconventional approach to employment made him a clear choice for the Mentor of the Year award, which will be presented at the Black Business Month Awards this Thursday evening.
The Can Do Crew typically undertakes three to four remodeling projects monthly, with Purnell largely recruiting his workforce from Beloit. On a recent job, the crew included Dan Baptist, a Beloit resident without a fixed address, who was experiencing his first day with the Can Do Crew. "I was having breakfast at McDonalds and a guy who works for (Purnell) came and goes, ‘hey, do you want to work today,’" Baptist recounted. "I said ‘yes, I do’ and I just went with him."
Dennis Willis, also from Beloit, is another testament to Purnell’s impact. Three years ago, Purnell approached Willis at the Beloit Public Library, offering him an opportunity. After an initial hesitation, Willis decided to get involved and has since participated in over ten projects. His current goal is financial stability to secure his own housing, a prospect made tangible through the consistent work provided by the Can Do Crew. "The fact that (Purnell) focuses on people who need a job, not just want a job, makes him a special person," Willis affirmed.
Despite hiring individuals whose resumes may not be "pristine," Purnell, a father of six, emphasizes the unwavering quality of his company’s work. "If it’s something really specialized, I subcontract that out," he stated. "When you look at our projects, I’m proud of the finished product. If you don’t do good work it doesn’t matter how much people like you." This commitment to excellence not only secures more projects for the Can Do Crew but also instills a strong work ethic and pride in his team members.
The 2026 Black Business Month Awards ceremony, where Purnell will be honored, is scheduled for Thursday, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Rotary River Center, located at 1160 S. Riverside Dr. The event will feature Carmella Glenn, Vice President of the Madison Common Council and founder of Just Baker, an educational and vocational training nonprofit, as the keynote speaker. Attendance is free, and those interested in celebrating Purnell’s remarkable achievements and the success of other Black entrepreneurs are encouraged to register at eventbrite.com.
Joseph Purnell’s story is a powerful reminder that second chances, combined with dedication and a belief in the potential of others, can transform lives and build stronger communities. His receipt of the Mentor of the Year award is a fitting tribute to his inspiring journey and the invaluable work of the Can Do Crew Wisconsin.
