Josh Kaurich for Oregon School Board

Meet Josh

I am someone who genuinely enjoys people, family, friends, neighbors, and community. I’m wired to care, to lead, and to build others up. I take responsibility seriously, but I also love to laugh and keep life light as often as possible. I enjoy working through hard problems, collaborating with others, and finding practical solutions that make things better. I am a visionary person, always looking for improvements to problems or life in general.

I love being active and outdoors, whether that’s hiking, playing sports with friends and family, snowmobiling, or just being outside whenever possible. Life is meant to be lived fully, and I try to do that with gratitude, energy, and joy.

Serving others has always been a big part of who I am. Locally, that looks like drumming and greeting at church, shoveling snow for neighbors when I can, mentoring at school, and leading the youth archery league at the Sportsman’s Club, to mention a few of my efforts. I have a heart for people who are poor, hurting, or overlooked, and I’ve been deeply shaped by opportunities to serve overseas as well. A few fun facts about me: I’m a recreational pilot, I have climbed Mt. Sinai, and I love to ski. I’m always up for an adventure.

Family

My wife, Jenny, and I have been married for 17 years. We are raising our three children, Isla, Alaina, and Ian—on a small farmette near Brooklyn, Wisconsin. Family and faith is the center of our life. We love hiking, playing board games, laughing together, and simply being present with each other. Our home is full of love, conversation, and joy, and I’m grateful every day for the life we are building together.

Work

I am the owner of Blue Edge Energy, a Wisconsin-based energy purchasing and efficiency company. We help organizations procure natural gas wisely and reduce costs through smart energy-efficiency projects. I’ve worked in the energy industry since 2007, with experience that includes renewable energy development, large-scale energy projects for schools, and energy services across many sectors. That background has shaped me into someone who thinks long-term, asks hard questions, and cares deeply about stewardship.

Before entering the energy world, I taught physics and chemistry. Teaching was an early expression of my love for learning, problem-solving, and helping others grow. That foundation still shapes how I work today: explaining clearly, listening carefully, and leading with patience and respect.

Everything I do, at home, at work, and in the community, is driven by the same desire: to serve well, lead with integrity, and leave people and places better than I found them.