As an accomplished retail and consumer executive, Joel brings decades of experience in helping build out companies and scale organizations from start-ups to larger companies. Joel had a previous career in books, joining Indigo Books & Music after their merger to Chapters, helping the company achieve record profitability. He also spearheaded their e-commerce, lifestyle, and kids’ growth, helping transform the company over eight years, ending his tenure as President.
Joel has also built and partnered to run his own venture fund called TrilogyGrowth investing in retail and e-commerce companies, had his own start up as well been part of the turnaround for David’s Tea as CEO driving the launch of their e-commerce and wholesale businesses.
For the last five years and prior to joining Canopy, Joel built and ran his own consulting business helping early-stage companies scale globally.
Why forests are important to me
I was lucky enough to attend summer camp as a kid and always did Algonquin and Killarney Park canoe trips in Canada. The forest energized me then and keeps me connected now via hikes in my now native Bay Area. I am also lucky enough to continue an annual canoe and portage trip each summer with old friends.
Why Canopy
I have always respected Canopy’s entrepreneurial approach to solving the climate crisis. They are able to open so many doors by connecting with people inside companies that share their values and want change. I also worked with Nicole and Fawzia to help establish a recycled paper standard for the book industry back at Indigo.
Ask me about
Kids, annual camping trip, basketball or football.
What ruffles my feathers
Technology in the environmental sector that is moving too slow. Waste and short term thinking.
Curious and good survival instinct, I like to hang with my friends and co-workers and I am way more productive as part of a pack. I can lead or follow but when I am into something good to eat, I won’t let up to get the job done.
