As a follow up to the thread, I sold the bike locally because it wasn't my size. It is actually 56cm, not 58 as advertised when I bought it. The head tube is deceiving. Anyhow, the new owner reached out to tell me that he got in contact with Joe Starck and confirmed that Joe made this bike for himself on the date stamped on the BB. I don't know the buyer well and didn't actually communicate myself with Joe, so take it with a grain of salt. This is the information I have!
thanks all for the helpful info and articles embedded in the thread
Steven