Walt Hoel was born in southeastern Iowa. He was educated in parochial schools and studied Computer Science and Business Administration at the University of Iowa. He has over the years worked in data center administration and management, owned a jewelry store, worked as a manager for the federal government, worked at a library, detasseled corn, repaired airguns, and sold shoes, clothing, and camping equipment. He lives in Indiana with his wife Michelle and a dog that’s almost as thickheaded as he is.
Michelle Hoel was born in the Pacific Northwest. She studied at the University of Iowa, and earned a Bachelor’s Degree and a Graduate Certificate from IUPUI. She has worked most of her life with people with disabilities, but she has also decorated cakes, sold fabric and manufactured specialty equipment for historical reenactors. She lives in Indiana with her husband Walt and their dog.