At Electric Outdoors, we’re redefining what it means to explore beyond the grid. Our team is on a mission to build off-grid glamping systems that make sustainable outdoor experiences more accessible and more exciting. In this edition of Five Questions, we catch up with Josef Hjelmaker, founder and CEO of Electric Outdoors—a leader helping shape the future of electric adventure. Prior to starting Electric Outdoors, Josef spent more than two decades launching and innovating automotive, software, consumer electronics, and recreational vehicle products and systems. As the former Chief Innovation Officer at THOR Industries, Josef has a documented history of disrupting the outdoor recreational market.
From the evolution of off-grid tech to his favorite way to unwind outdoors, Josef shares what inspires him to push boundaries and drive impact at Electric Outdoors.
What inspires your work right now?
I am constantly inspired by the incredible team I get to work with at Electric Outdoors and the mission we’re all rallying behind—bringing sustainable outdoor experiences to life and making it easier for more people to explore. There’s something really motivating about building something from the ground up with people who are just as passionate about electric adventure and off-grid exploration as I am. Whether we’re collaborating on solving a product challenge or navigating a new growth phase, this team shows up, rolls up their sleeves, and stays focused on creating something that truly makes a difference.
What excites you most about the future of sustainable outdoor travel?
What excites me the most is that sustainable outdoor travel isn’t just a dream. It’s possible and it’s happening right now. There are challenges when it comes to building any manufacturing company, especially one that focuses on sustainability. However, we’re at a point now where technology can meaningfully enhance the outdoor experience while also protecting the environments we love to explore.
If you could place an Electric Outdoors setup anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Creating genuine connections to the outdoors is a big part of why we built this company in the first place. I’m lucky because I get to spend time in the Michigan wilderness, which is a great place to go off-grid and explore. It’s also the reason we launched our first pilot unit in Negaunee in the Upper Peninsula last year. We have exciting plans this year to deploy EO Canopies in several states. I personally can’t wait to see a remote Canopy nestled along a quiet river or lake in the Colorado mountains, surrounded by “fourteeners.” It would be the ideal place to spend the summer hiking and mountain biking, then ending the day with a cold beer on the Canopy patio.
What part of Electric Outdoors’ tech and product offerings do you think surprises people the most?
I think people are most surprised when they realize just how truly off-grid our Canopy really is, especially when it comes to water and waste management. One of the first things people always ask about is how we approach potable water availability and bathrooms. We are able to generate fresh water directly from the atmosphere and we have built-in waste management through an incinerator toilet system. By integrating these technological advancements, visitors can truly experience comfortable outdoor living without the reliance on outside utilities.
How do you stay connected to nature while working in a tech-forward company?
Being a startup founder is definitely a 24/7 job so it’s really important for me to carve out time every day to reconnect with nature and recharge. I make it a point to spend at least an hour outside, no matter how busy things get. I’m currently recovering from knee surgery, but when I’m not, you can usually find me on my mountain bike or skiing in the mountains. An hour on the paddleboard can work wonders too. Those moments outdoors help me stay grounded, boost my energy, and spark the creativity I need to keep pushing Electric Outdoors forward.
This passion for innovation and sustainability perfectly reflects the spirit of Electric Outdoors: creating connected off-grid glamping solutions that empower more people to experience the joy of electric adventure. As we continue building the future of sustainable outdoor experiences, its leaders like Josef who keep us moving forward—one idea at a time.
If you’d like to learn more about Electric Outdoors, our team, and where our Canopies will end up next, we welcome you to follow us on social media or subscribe to our newsletter.
Stay tuned for more behind-the-scenes stories from the team powering Electric Outdoors.
