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Joel Theisen, RN
CEO & Founder at Lifespark | Thought Leader in Sparking Lives | Passionate Culture Builder | Creative Business Partner
Joel Theisen, RN, is the CEO and Founder of Lifespark, a complete senior health company with a mission to spark lives and help seniors age magnificently.24 With over 30 years of experience in the healthcare industry, Theisen has specific expertise in home- and community-based eldercare.35
Theisen founded Lifespark (formerly known as Lifesprk) in September 2004 after witnessing firsthand the shortcomings of the healthcare system for seniors.16 His vision was to change the "roller coaster of healthcare crisis" that many seniors experience, which often depletes their financial resources, decreases their wellbeing, and increases overall healthcare costs.5
Under Theisen's leadership, Lifespark has seen significant growth:
- The company has experienced year-over-year double-digit growth.25
- In 2022, Lifespark closed with a revenue of over $55 million.2
- By 2023, the company was expected to top $200 million in revenue.3
- Lifespark has grown to more than 2,800 employees.2
Theisen's innovative approach to senior care has earned him several accolades:
- Finalist for "Leaders in Health Care" by Minnesota Business Magazine.25
- Ernst & Young "Entrepreneur of the Year Award" finalist for the Upper Midwest in 2021, 2018, 2017, and 2011.25
- Named one of the Twin Cities' 40 under 40.5
Theisen's background includes:
- Training as a critical-care nurse at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.25
- Graduating from Viterbo College in La Crosse, Wisconsin, with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.25
- Serving as CEO for AdvoLife, a venture-backed company in San Jose, California, prior to founding Lifespark.25
Theisen's approach with Lifespark focuses on complete senior health, addressing not just physical health but all aspects of well-being, including social drivers of health such as isolation, family dynamics, and transportation.4 His goal is to create a more human experience in senior care and change the way the healthcare industry serves the aging population.6




