Joe in action and always smiling.
Who are you?
I’ve been asking myself that since I was 16 years old and still don’t have an answer. As far as simple stats go my name is Joe Peterson, from Vancouver, BC, still here, 5’9”, skinny, like long walks and puppies.
What do you do for fun?
Make coffee then ride my bike then make more coffee.
What is your favourite community and why?
Growing up in Vancouver I’ve lived in just about every community in the city. Some I fit in much better than others, but I think the Commercial Drive area is my fave. It’s not like other parts of the city where you ignore your neighbor or look the other way if someone is getting mugged. Here people look out for one another, say hi to complete strangers, don’t give false directions to tourists for kicks and give more than take. This has been my experience with the Drive and why it’s a great community.
What is your superpower?
Turning black, dry, bean like things into liquid gold.
How do you use it to build community?
This superpower allows me to provide a space (The Bump N Grind café) for people in the community. Whether it be to meet old friends, new friends, hold study groups, poetry slams, art showings, or just a place to go when your roommate sucks.
My three favourite things about Joe are…
1. His sunny disposition. Joe’s always smiling. He’s smiling when you walk int he door. He’s smiling when he’s brewing you up some of the best coffee in the city. He’s smiling when you realize you didn’t bring enough change for your drink and will need to “get him back” next time.
2. His community space. The Bump n’Grind is more than just a cafe. For me it’s a place I can go to relax, spend some alone time, and take in some great art while I read. It’s also a mecca for all sorts of interesting people who all share a love for Joe’s coffee. It’s for terrific people watching. Finally, it’s got one of the most kick ass bathrooms I’ve ever seen – why? You’ll have to head over to the Bump to find out.
3. He does what he loves. Music, coffee, dogs and art. What do all of these have in common? I like all of these things. And so does Joe. A lot. He’s also managed to build his career around them. To love one’s work and be surrounded by things one loves isn’t always easy. But it’s something Joe’s managed to pull off.
As told by Kurt Heinrich…