Trammell received his bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering from Louisiana Tech University in 1987.

[6] Trammell served on the board of directors for The Louisiana Tech University Research Foundation for the 2013–2014 year.

[8] In 1999, Trammell and his wife, Cathy Fulton, co-founded NetQoS, a developer of network and application performance management software.

At the Austin Chapter of Rice Alliance, Trammell teaches a yearly 9-week long CEO training program.

[10] Joel and Cathy are investors at BridgingApps, an Easter Seals Houston program which provides disabled children with communication and educational technology and training.

[2] In 1999, he won the "Player of the Year" award, for his sportsmanship and playing level from the Capital Area Tennis Association.