ROB WILSON
ENTREPRENEUR. CYCLIST.
GLOBAL SHAPER.
Founder at Thrive Detroit and Global Shaper
Born in the Motor City, I consumed books about faraway places and dreamed about leaving Detroit. But after attending college in Boston, I returned back to join my friends and help rebuild our hometown.
Through years of building up Thrive Detroit, we've organized the largest ever startup workshops in the city - working with schools, startup accelerators, and other grassroots organizations.
I'm passionate about working in Detroit and bringing to the community resources that will accelerate city youth's growth and our economic recovery.Selected Adventures
"Travel while you're young and able. Don't worry about the money, just make it work. Experience is far more valuable than money will ever be."
Founded Thrive Detroit
2013
Our vision is to grow a youth led entrepreneurial movement in Detroit. Network members share a commitment to youth-leadership development that fosters future creators, problem-solvers and social change-makers.
Saigon to Shanghai
2015
In 2015, I spent my summer traveling across Vietnam and China. My solo journey began in Saigon, cycling north through 5 different countries.
Istanbul to Albania
2009
1,000km hitching, hiking & biking across the Balkan Peninsula following the Via Egnatia, an old Roman route from Istanbul to the Albanian coast.
Partnerships
I have over a decade's experience in the entrepreneurial space and have worked with numerous community leaders, press, ngos, grassroots organizations including the following:
TEDxDetroit
"Harnessing the Power of Youth and Curiosity"
Detroit Free Press
"A Shift In Thinking Will Change Detroit"
TechTown Detroit
"Solving Detroit's Problems with the Lean Startup Method"
Stories & Updates
Sign up for occasional stories and updates!