Joe Creaghan was born in Frederiction, New Brunswick. He worked from a young age in his family's chain of department stores, Creaghan's of New Brunswick.
Joe graduated from The University of New Brunswick in 1987 with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree. In 1990 Joe moved to Calgary and began an articling position with Leo R. Kelly Professional Corporation. He enrolled in the Alberta School of Chartered Accountants in 1992 and qualified as a Chartered Accountant in February 1995. On January 1, 1999 he joined with Leo in forming the partnership Kelly & Creaghan LLP, Chartered Professional Accountants
Joe was awarded an Early Achievement Award in 2001 by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Alberta for volunteer work in the community. Joe's volunteer work includes acting as a Board Member and President of local non-profit organization, The Alberta Mentor Foundation for Youth. Additionally he has volunteered in various capacities for the Mckenzie Lake Residence Association, Canadian Heart & Stroke Foundation, Canadian Cancer Society, Calgary Crime Stoppers Association, Bowview Ringette and The McKenzie Lake Minor Soccer League.