Joe Roberts gives people the tools for resilience. Known as The Skidrow CEO, Joe knows both success and failure and helps people redefine what is possible.
Joe was living on the streets of Vancouver as a homeless skid row addict in 1989. Through perseverance, determination and his resilient human spirit, Joe pulled himself out of darkness and despair, to become a highly respected business and community leader.
Joe’s message is relatable, humorous, honest, raw and unforgettable. He tackles the stigma associated with mental health and addiction in a straightforward, authentic way and shares the tools needed to build resiliency in any situation.
Joe has acquired two college diplomas, became the CEO of one of Vancouver’s leading multimedia companies, walked across Canada and achieved more success than he could ever have imagined.
Joe has been recognized by MacLean’s Magazine as one of “10 Canadians who make a difference,” won the BC Courage to Come Back Award, received The Ontario Premier’s Award for Business, was given an Honorary Doctorate from Laurentian University and was recognized by the Senate of Canada with their Canada 150 Medal.
Recently Joe was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal (MSM) from The Governor General of Canada.