About Lake Effect Insulation in Grand Rapids, MI

Joe Jensen, Owner of Lake Effect Insulation, brings hustle, heart, and hometown pride to everything he does. Born and raised on the east side of Michigan, Joe made his way west to earn his degree from Western Michigan University—proving early on that he’s not afraid to chase opportunity and build something meaningful.

Joe is a true entrepreneur at heart. From owning a successful wine company to managing investment properties and leading Lake Effect Insulation, he’s constantly expanding his portfolio and finding smart, strategic ways to grow. What sets Joe apart isn’t just his business drive—it’s his ability to build relationships, earn trust, and lead with integrity. He’s the kind of owner who believes in doing things the right way, every time.

At home, Joe is first and foremost a family man. He loves spending time with his wife and their two daughters, whether it’s family outings, game nights, or just soaking up the everyday moments that matter most. For Joe, success means building a business that supports a strong family life and a lasting legacy.

Joe once spent a year as an intern for the Detroit Lions—meeting Hall of Fame players and celebrating victories right there on the sidelines. Not many people can say they’ve experienced the roar of the crowd from that close. Go Lions! 

We’re proud to have Joe leading the way at Lake Effect Insulation—driven, dedicated, and always building toward something bigger.

Kurtis Villa serves as Vice President of Lake Effect Insulation and is the engine behind the day-to-day operations of the business. From coordinating schedules with every trade and vendor to making sure each project runs on time and on budget, Kurtis keeps the moving parts moving.

If he’s not in the office dialing in logistics, you’ll find him out on the job site—boots on the ground—inspecting installations, meeting with subcontractors, and walking through plans with clients. Quality isn’t a talking point for Kurtis; it’s a non-negotiable standard.

A proud graduate of Purdue University, Kurtis pairs formal education with real-world leadership experience. Before joining Lake Effect Insulation, he spent 12 years serving in the U.S. Army Infantry, completing multiple tours. The discipline, accountability, and attention to detail forged in the military still shape how he leads today. Clear expectations. High standards. No shortcuts. That mindset trickles down through the entire team, setting the tone for professionalism and performance on every job.

Kurtis has also spent more than 14 years coaching football at multiple levels of the game. He currently holds six championship rings at the minor league level—including a title from the Dick’s Sporting Goods Bowl. Competition, preparation, and team culture aren’t just things he talks about—they’re things he’s built winning programs around.

At Lake Effect Insulation, Kurtis brings the same championship mentality and military precision to every project—because excellence isn’t optional, it’s expected.

Nick Whal brings energy, intelligence, and serious leadership to his role as Sales Manager at Lake Effect Insulation. Passionate about building both people and performance, Nick oversees all sales operations—from authorizing agreements and negotiating with clients to mentoring the team and pushing everyone to hit (and exceed) their goals.

With over seven years of experience in the insulation industry, Nick has earned the nickname “The Einstein of Insulation.” If there’s a question about R-values, energy efficiency, or the best solution for a home or commercial project, Nick already has the answer—and probably three backup options. He believes insulation isn’t a luxury; it’s essential to everyday comfort, efficiency, and long-term savings. His mission is simple: make high-quality insulation affordable and accessible for everyone.

Nick leads with humility, perseverance, and passion. He’s big on strong values and radical transparency—both with clients and within the team. To him, trust is everything. Deals don’t just get signed; relationships get built.

Nick is a self-proclaimed energy-efficiency nerd who once turned his own garage into a live insulation “lab” to test materials and performance differences—just to better educate his clients. When he commits to mastering something, he goes all in.

At Lake Effect Insulation, Nick doesn’t just drive sales—he drives standards, culture, and a vision of doing business the right way every single time.

Tyler is the guy you want leading your project when it’s time to get the job done right. As Insulation Foreman at Lake Effect Insulation, Tyler sets the tone on every job site with professionalism, precision, and a no-excuses work ethic. He runs his crews with confidence, keeps projects moving efficiently, and makes sure every install meets the high standards our clients expect.

Tyler has a sharp eye for detail and takes real pride in clean, quality workmanship. He’s the kind of leader who shows up early, stays organized, and doesn’t leave until the job is done the right way—not the easy way. His crew respects him because he leads from the front, not from the sidelines.

Back in his heyday, Tyler was a hard-hitting linebacker coached by Kurtis Villa. Let’s just say he brought intensity to the field—and he still brings that same energy to the job site today. Once a linebacker, always a linebacker.