Joel Sheltrown is a life-long resident of northern Michigan's Ogemaw County. Following two tours with the United States Navy in Viet Nam. Joel Sheltrown returned to West Branch where he opened a series of successful small businesses. He served as an Ogemaw Township Trustee for 10 years and then served as the Ogemaw Township Supervisor for four years prior to being elected to the Michigan House of Representatives as a Democrat in 2004. Joel Sheltrown has been happily married for 33 years to wife, Teresa. He has three children. He is an active member of numerous sportsmen’s organizations and is well known for his musical talents.