Joe DeMers graduated from Key West College in 1980 with a Certificate in marine diesel engines, after making the Dean's list twice. He then returned to Connecticut aboard his diesel powered O'day 27 sloop, & was employed as a boatyard mechanic, where he worked on a wide variety of vessels, both power & sail. Joe furthered his education by obtaining factory certification for Detroit Diesel 53 series engines. He later worked in an engine rebuilding shop, and as a heavy truck mechanic, gaining further experience with Cummins, Caterpillar, and series 71 & 92 Detroit Diesel engines. Joe later taught diesel mechanics & truck repair, after obtaining State of Connecticut certification. He also worked aboard a 90 foot tugboat as deckhand, and at a Caterpillar dealership as mechanic.

He was then employed by Sea Education Association of Woods Hole MA, on their 125 foot schooner "Westward". As chief engineer, Joe was responsible for the operation, maintenance and repair of all mechanical systems aboard ship. Aboard this vessel for about two years, Joe logged many ocean miles in the Western North Atlantic and Caribbean Sea. He also worked during "Westward's" major refit, to install a new Cummins 500 horsepower main engine & Lugger 30 kilowatt generator.

Joe also worked as chief engineer aboard the 157 foot schooner "Te Vega" during her transatlantic passage from Italy to Cape Cod via the Cape Verde Islands and Bermuda.

Wishing to return to his preferred career path, Joe founded Sound Marine Diesel LLC. He became a Beta Marine diesel engine dealer in 2001. Joe also has marine diesel engine experience with Yanmar, Vetus, Farymann, Universal, Westerbeke, Volvo Penta, Cummins, Caterpillar, Detroit Diesel, Perkins, Isuzu, Nanni - Mercedes, Onan, Kubota, Lister - Petter, Merlees, and Phasor. Gasoline (inboard) engine experience includes Crusader, Mercruiser, and Volvo Penta.

Whenever possible, (usually during the cold Connecticut winters) Joe enjoys offshore sailing and racing. He has crewed in five Newport - Bermuda race, the Around Long Island Race, the Caribbean 1500 rally, and has delivered sailing vessels to Bermuda and the Caribbean.