Joseph W. Juhnke
1630 Chicago Ave, Unit 1301
Evanston, IL 60201
312.576.1091 | jjuhnke@gmail.com
Professional Summary
With over two decades of digital product innovation, design, and development experience, I am a seasoned leader and visionary in the fields of artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and Internet of Things (IoT). I specialize in architecting and deploying AI-first platforms leveraging Large Language Models (LLM), Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG), and advanced data optimization strategies. My expertise spans taking early-stage startups from concept to scale through LEAN Agile methodologies, building high-performance engineering teams, and delivering enterprise-grade solutions across healthcare, education, supply chain, and retail verticals.
Professional Experience
Technology Leader & AI Architect
Vedalife.ai
January 2025 - Present
Lead technologist driving innovation at the intersection of health, nutrition, and advanced artificial intelligence, designing and enhancing Vedalife's AI-first wellness ecosystem to empower families with science-backed, personalized health solutions.
Key Achievements:
- AI Agent Architecture: Designed and deployed sophisticated AI agents delivering tailored nutrition plans, supplement recommendations, and wellness education at scale using Large Language Models (LLM) and Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG)
- Data Integration & Optimization: Architected the Ginger agent integrating ancient wisdom, evidence-based nutrition research, and user-specific biomarker data for precision health guidance
- Platform Engineering: Built scalable, HIPAA-conscious infrastructure from day one, enabling dynamic meal-planning and supplement recommendation services for diverse audiences
- Machine Learning Integration: Implemented research-trained AI for personalized meal planning, smart health tracking, and root cause health analysis
- Cross-Functional Leadership: Collaborated with clinical, herbal, and nutrition experts to embed holistic care principles into product releases using LEAN Agile development methodology
- Strategic Partnerships: Led vendor integration strategy to expand platform reach and impact
- Product Launch: Successfully launched pilot program with 100+ early adopters, establishing Vedalife as a trusted leader in AI-driven natural health
Technologies: LLM (Large Language Models), RAG (Retrieval Augmented Generation), AI Agents, Health Data Integration, HIPAA Compliance, Cloud Infrastructure, Machine Learning
Founder, CEO, CTO
Humancore
March 2019 - Present (6+ years)
Founded and led early-stage AI startup leveraging Large Language Models (LLM) and Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG) to provide personalized middle manager coaching at scale, transforming team collaboration through AI-powered behavioral science.
Key Achievements:
- AI Product Innovation: Pioneered the application of psychometrics and LLM/RAG to scale professional leadership coaching, creating Multiplayer AI Advisor platform
- Platform Architecture: Led pivot from traditional psychometric platform to enterprise-grade LLM/RAG-powered advisory system
- Team Building: Built 6-person nearshore engineering team from ground up, implementing LEAN Agile development methodology
- Product Development: Designed and deployed MVP platform, then evolved to enterprise platform serving thousands of managers
- Executive Leadership: Served as CEO for 4+ years, raising capital, building strategic partnerships, and establishing market positioning
- Data Optimization: Implemented behavioral data integration strategy combining real-time employee data with AI-powered coaching recommendations
- Enterprise Sales: Successfully positioned platform for enterprise customers requiring scalable leadership development solutions
Technologies: LLM, RAG, AI Coaching Platforms, Psychometric Data Integration, Enterprise SaaS, Cloud Architecture, Machine Learning
Chief Innovation Officer
EnrollML
May 2024 - August 2024
Led innovation strategy for AI-first higher education startup using machine learning to optimize college applicant recruitment and enrollment processes.
Key Achievements:
- Strategic Innovation: Directed product innovation roadmap focusing on machine learning applications for enrollment optimization
- Cross-Functional Leadership: Collaborated with CTO on integration of new ML models and data optimization strategies
- Market Expansion: Developed strategic partnerships to expand platform capabilities and market reach
Chief Technology Officer
EnrollML
May 2023 - May 2024
Early-stage startup (from Humancore investor portfolio) using machine learning to monitor and prioritize college applicants through the recruitment lifecycle.
Key Achievements:
- Platform Re-Engineering: Re-architected platform to increase stability 100% and reduce infrastructure costs 40% while doubling customer capacity using LEAN principles
- Machine Learning Optimization: Implemented data pipeline optimization enabling real-time applicant scoring and prioritization
- Team Building: Built 6-member nearshore engineering team using Agile Scrum methodology
- Security & Compliance: Established SOC2 roadmap including interim NIST SP 800-53 compliance framework using third-party solutions
- Data Integration Strategy: Designed and implemented integration strategy for multiple data sources (CRM, SIS, marketing automation)
- Performance Optimization: Reduced query response times 60% through database optimization and caching strategies
Technologies: Machine Learning, Python, Cloud Infrastructure (AWS), Data Pipeline Optimization, SOC2 Compliance, Agile Development
Head of Innovation Labs, North America
Project44
October 2021 - May 2023
Led innovation engineering organization for global supply chain visibility platform, rapidly prototyping and launching industry-disruptive products using LEAN Agile methodology.
Key Achievements:
- Innovation Team Building: Built 19-person innovation engineering team from ground up focused on rapid prototyping and LEAN Agile development
- Product Launches: Successfully launched 3 products to production: Collaborative full truckload rate quoting/execution app, Product-led growth ocean container tracking product, IoT/Computer Vision system processing trucks via highway cameras and yard entry
- Computer Vision & IoT: Architected machine learning pipeline for real-time truck identification and tracking using CV models
- Data Integration: Designed integration strategy connecting disparate freight data sources for unified visibility platform
- Agile Methodology: Implemented LEAN startup and Agile Scrum practices enabling 3-month MVP cycles to production-grade systems
Technologies: Computer Vision, IoT, Machine Learning, Cloud Architecture (AWS/GCP), Agile/LEAN Methodologies, Microservices
VP of Technology Strategy
CarrierDirect (Metafora)
September 2019 - October 2021
Led technology strategy and architecture for transportation consulting firm, delivering enterprise technology solutions for Fortune 500 clients.
Key Achievements:
- Technology Strategy: Led buy-vs-build assessments, cloud migration strategies, and legacy system modernization using "strangle pattern"
- Data Architecture: Designed star-schema data centralization initiatives for enterprise clients
- Integration Strategy: Architected API integration frameworks for complex multi-system environments
- LEAN Agile Implementation: Deployed LEAN Agile best practices enabling rapid delivery in highly variable customer conditions
VP of Engineering
CarrierDirect (Metafora)
October 2016 - September 2019
Led engineering organization for transportation technology consulting firm, scaling teams and building disruptive products for FedEx, GE, and J.B. Hunt.
Key Achievements:
- Team Scaling: Scaled engineering organization from 1 to 20+ engineers (planned to 100) using Agile hiring and onboarding practices
- Product Engineering: Designed and built disruptive technology beginning as 3-month MVPs evolving to enterprise-grade, high-SLA production systems
- SDLC Best Practices: Designed and deployed Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) best practices emphasizing company growth and development efficiency
- Product Innovation: Introduced software-as-an-asset products including microservice API, UI frameworks, and rules engine that became licensed SaaS products
- Client Delivery: Delivered enterprise solutions for FedEx, GE, and J.B. Hunt using LEAN Agile methodology
Technologies: Microservices, API Design, Cloud Architecture, Agile/LEAN, Product Engineering, SaaS
Education
- Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design - Western Michigan University | 1996
- Bachelor of Science in Art - Western Michigan University | 1994
- Bachelor of Science in Communications - Western Michigan University | 1993
Relevant Skills & Expertise
AI & Machine Learning
- Large Language Models (LLM) Architecture & Deployment
- Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG) Systems
- Machine Learning Pipeline Development
- Computer Vision & IoT
- AI Agent Design & Orchestration
- Natural Language Processing (NLP)
Data & Integration
- Data Pipeline Optimization
- Star-Schema Data Architecture
- Multi-Source Data Integration Strategy
- Real-Time Data Processing
- API Design & Microservices
- Cloud Data Lakes
Leadership & Methodology
- LEAN Agile Software Development
- Agile Scrum & Kanban
- Design Thinking
- Team Building & Scaling (1 to 100+ engineers)
- Product Strategy & Roadmapping
- Innovation Labs Management
Technology Stack
Cloud Platforms:
AWS, GCP, Azure
Languages:
JavaScript (ES2024), Python, Ruby, Java
AI/ML:
TensorFlow, PyTorch, OpenAI APIs, Anthropic Claude
Data:
PostgreSQL, MongoDB, Redis, Snowflake
Infrastructure:
Docker, Kubernetes, Terraform, CI/CD
Security & Compliance
- SOC2 Compliance Planning & Implementation
- NIST SP 800-53 Framework
- HIPAA-Conscious Architecture
- Risk Management & Assessment
- OWASP Top 10 Security Practices
Additional
- Public Speaking & Presentations
- Technical Writing & Documentation
- Mentoring Engineers & Career Development
- Licensed Private Pilot
- CNC Certified Maker at PumpingStationOne
Professional Highlights
- AI Innovation: Pioneer in applying LLM/RAG to healthcare and professional coaching domains
- Team Scaling: Built and led engineering teams from 1 to 100+ across multiple organizations
- Product Success: Launched multiple products from MVP to enterprise-grade production systems
- Industry Disruption: Successfully disrupted supply chain, healthcare, education, security, and retail industries
- Startup Expertise: Founded and scaled multiple startups
- LEAN Practitioner: 20+ years applying LEAN principles and Agile methodologies to product development
References and portfolio available upon request