Book this speaker: Joe Roberts

About This Speaker: Joe Roberts

Joe Roberts, known as The Skid Row CEO, is an award-winning keynote speaker and business leader who turned his life around from homelessness to success. In 1989, he was living on the streets of Vancouver, battling addiction and hopelessness. With determination and grit, Joe rebuilt his life and became a respected CEO and community advocate.

He founded Mindware Design Communications and led the company to 800% growth in under four years. His innovative business strategies have generated millions in revenue for clients across multiple sectors. Today, Joe shares his insights with Fortune 500 companies, associations, and international organizations.

What sets Joe apart is his lived experience. After overcoming homelessness, he made a promise to give back. He kept that promise by pushing a shopping cart 9,064 kilometers across Canada. This journey raised awareness and funds for youth homelessness and sparked a national movement called The Push for Change.

Joe Roberts has spent more than 20 years speaking professionally. His mission is clear: to create lasting change by helping people see their own potential. He combines business acumen with a powerful personal story to move audiences to action.

He holds two college diplomas and has received wide recognition. Maclean’s Magazine named him one of “10 Canadians Who Make a Difference.” His honors include the BC Courage to Come Back Award, Ontario Premier’s Award for Business, and an Honorary Doctorate from Laurentian University. He also received the Senate of Canada’s Canada 150 Medal, the Medal of Good Citizenship, and the Governor General’s Meritorious Service Medal.

Joe Roberts inspires people to believe: “There is more to each of us than what we see.”

Contact an agent to get Joe's’s availability and rates