The Skid Row CEO
Joe Roberts aka The Skidrow CEO is an expert on resiliency and change. Having experienced both catastrophic failure and extraordinary success Joe teaches how to overcome the roadblocks that get in the way of high performance. He helps companies and individuals redefine what’s truly possible by confronting limiting mindsets. Participants at Joe’s events leave inspired and moved to action.
What is most amazing about Joe is that in 1989 he was living on the streets of Vancouver as a homeless skid row addict. Through perseverance, determination and his resilient human spirit, Joe pulled himself out of the 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 straight forward authentic way and shares the tools needed to build resiliency in any situation.
Since 1989, 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.
Joe’s business solutions have made millions of dollars for his clients, across a variety of business sectors. It is from this experience that Joe draws when addressing Fortune 500 companies, professional associations and organizations internationally.
Joe is also the Executive Director and Co-Founder of The Push for Change Foundation, a charity advocating for youth homelessness prevention. Joe walked 9064KM across Canada from May 1, 2016, until September 29, 2017, pushing a shopping cart to raise money and awareness about youth homelessness.
Joe’s deep resonating “WHY” is to facilitate the experience that empowers people to redefine what’s truly possible for their lives, their business, their family, and their community.
What People are Saying…
“When we were selecting our speaker to tour the country with us we needed someone who could speak with authenticity to our group. We needed someone that understood the nuances of sales and could deliver not just a talk but tangible value and tools our reps could take to the streets and generate new business.
“From Victoria to Halifax you blew audience after audience away. As an entrepreneur I LOVE your story and so did each participant at DLC University. It’s not often I can sit through the presentation several times in a row, but I found city after city your story was a pleasure to listen to.”
–President and CEO, Dominion Lending Centres
“A truly inspiring story – great speaker.”
–Trillium Health Partners, Mississauga Hospital
“Joe did an excellent job in closing out our conference; our CUMAM members were very impressed with his story and would definitely recommend him as a conference speaker. Our theme this year was ‘Collaborating and Connecting’ and his presentation ‘Hit it out of the park’ for us! He also brings great insight on leadership and has a whole learning program that he does around that as well.”
–Conference Chair, Credit Union Managers Association of Manitoba
“Joe’s presentation to the WBN was utterly captivating – his tenacity, wisdom and humour was truly inspiring. Joe is an outstanding motivator and a highly entertaining and engaging speaker.”
–President, Women’s Business Network of Peterborough