Mr Rubber 2009 - Robert Johnson
Standing 6’3, with a shaved head and crafted handlebar moustache, Toronto’s premiere Mr. Rubber – Robert Johnson - is not too difficult to find in a crowd. Behind the striking if somewhat imposing good looks of this Aries, lays a friendly and creative character, honed through his entrepreneurial and life experiences.
Born in 1961, Rob was raised in the bountiful Niagara region of Ontario in the town of Grimsby. At an early age, his curious and adventurous streak propelled Rob to venture throughout Europe. The experience planted seeds of inquiry which has always allowed Rob to visualize his cup as half full: there must be more to that which we see.
With the attitude of a tourist firmly planted, Rob began a creative career in merchandising and production with a major Canadian department store. This exposure unleashed his entrepreneurial passion which naturally led to his own successful business of fifteen years in interior and exterior design and event planning in the Toronto-Niagara area. During this time, his work was recognized by many including, the Royal Canadian Winter Fair. Rob has also received entrepreneurial accolades from the Hon. Jean Chrétien, B’nai Brith, and the Royal Botanical Gardens.
In 2002, Rob developed hereditary polycystic kidney disease. The weekly routine of a dialysis patient forced him to stay close to home. His hope for a kidney donor was realized through the generous life gift from a Dear friend in 2007, for which Rob is forever grateful.
In the spirit of gratitude and the desire to expand the community’s awareness to the importance of organ donation, Rob entered the first Mr. Toronto Rubber competition. During this year as titleholder, Rob will be promoting and supporting various organizations in the dialysis community: The Kidney Foundation, St. Michael’s Hospital Renal Transplant Unit, St. Joseph’s Hospital Kidney Dialysis Unit (Stoney Creek), Trillium Gift of Life and the Shad Ireland Foundation.
Since the inception of the internet, Rob’s vision of fetish wear has expanded from Leather to include Rubber. A familiar face in the crowd, Rob is usually not one for the spotlight. However, he looks forward to using this unique title for this important cause (donor awareness) as well as a way to unite the various “fabrics” of the community.