Canada’s Entrepreneur

Carl Fransen is CEO, Entrepreneur, System Architect, Public Speaker, Author and World Traveler with over 22 years of progressive business and IT experience. His passion is to make his mark on the world in a positive and lasting way. Carl wants to set an example for his son, that he can compete with integrity in today's world, be very successful, and leave the world a better place. Combining his technical/business based education with a long career steadily progressing up the corporate ladder, he decided to build a company that held true to his values. So, he founded and designed the next generation of IT support firm: CTECH Consulting Group Inc. CTECH is a completely automated, cloud based IT company designed to compete against any other IT firm without the overhead. They promote a life style to all our staff where they can work any where, at any time, access any information, on any device that is relevant to their job and collaborate with anyone they want to. Entrepreneurs are the backbone of Canada’s economy. To support Canada’s businesses, subscribe to our YouTube channel and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter. Want to stay up-to-date on the latest #entrepreneurial podcasts and news? Subscribe to our bi-weekly newsletter.

Toronto-based entrepreneur and the world's youngest Garfield licensee and founder of GarfieldEATS, Nathen Mazri along with corporate partner, Pascal Haider are scheduled to launch Egeez, the first tech-driven, entergaging (Entertaining + Engaging) e-commerce site dedicated to connecting fans with global entertainment brands and their collectable merchandise and food globally before Christmas 2020. Ranging from comics, celebrities, cartoons, entertainment merchandise or food are all provided for fans and geolocated targeted based on the city they live in. Egeez in onboarding licensees of major studios and licensors such as Nickelodeon, 20th Century Fox, Walt Disney, Warner Brothers, WWE, Endamol Shine, Smurfs and even Penguin Random House licensed books and many more to come. Ai technology, the Egeez website and database predicts fans IP statistics per their region to showcase the best products surrounding them to help support licensors’ overstock departments, along with meeting targeted sales and connecting consumers with their favourite products. With industries such as Mobile eCommerce, box office revenues, retail sales and a digital shopping increase of 40 percent, brands and retainers from around the world can look to corner a nice market with Egeez’s as their online provider and connector to fans globally. When Egeez launches before Christmas 2020, fans can log into the marketplace by going to egeez.com or download the app in Google Play or the Apple Store to browse Egeez’s online shops from all their favourite entertainment brands globally. Egeez is a proud member of Licensing International, supporting us to onboard licensees and licensors given their 35 years of network with WWE, Warner Bros, Walt Disney, and many more. Egeez’s has initially created an online platform for entertainment brands to ‘onboard’ their overstock, whether they’re a manufacturer, distributor, retailer, restaurant or entrepreneur, as Egeez’s is providing companies the opportunity to join the marketplace before the official launch. Egeez’s have Happiness Account Managers in every continent today onboarding official licensed products around the clock from North America to India, Europe, Asia and Middle East. As for licensees, Egeez will support their digital sales strategy during this pandemic especially and help them impress their licensor with shining quarterly royalty reports. Entrepreneurs are the backbone of Canada’s economy. To support Canada’s businesses, subscribe to our YouTube channel and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter. Want to stay up-to-date on the latest #entrepreneurial podcasts and news? Subscribe to our bi-weekly newsletter.

A serial entrepreneur and business leader, Joel Sherlock is a born connector who has been building great teams and delivering the expertise to execute. Joel has been at the helm of 9 successful start-ups and corporate exits, including one of BC’s top private real estate brokerages, a national first action sports e-commerce company, a successful corporate consulting firm and a few private equity funds. Joel’s time is now focused on Kelowna, BC-based Vitalis Extraction Technology, an industry leader in manufacturing industrial supercritical CO2 extraction equipment, where he is Chairman and Co-Founder, as well as on Spectrum Asset Leasing and Doventi Capital. Doventi Capital in Vancouver is the private equity fund he co-founded to support professionals in the growing legal cannabis market. Spectrum Leasing in Toronto is an asset backed lender designed to support entrepreneurs and manufacturers in the world’s fastest growing market. Born in Winnipeg Manitoba, Joel’s early years were on the farm, that all seems a far cry from studying finance at UBC and Harvard Business School and offices in Vancouver, Kelowna and Toronto. Joel still loves to balance all this travel with a few days on the farm, with no phone or internet. Entrepreneurs are the backbone of Canada’s economy. To support Canada’s businesses, subscribe to our YouTube channel and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter. Want to stay up-to-date on the latest #entrepreneurial podcasts and news? Subscribe to our bi-weekly newsletter.

Rob Townsend is Founder and CEO of Camber, an independent fintech and wealth management company in Calgary. Camber is focused on helping people make smarter decisions with their money through data-driven analysis. It has recently launched the Camber Dashboard, an online tool that helps high net worth clients visualize and optimize their finances so they can increase returns, minimize taxes and avoid costly mistakes. Entrepreneurs are the backbone of Canada’s economy. To support Canada’s businesses, subscribe to our YouTube channel and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter. Want to stay up-to-date on the latest #entrepreneurial podcasts and news? Subscribe to our bi-weekly newsletter.

Michael DeVenney, President of Halifax-based WorkInsights, began researching entrepreneurial mental health after his own depression and anxiety forced him to sell two businesses. His research led to him founding ‘The Mindset Project’ which empowers entrepreneurs to talk about and manage their mental health as well as provides tools to support founders in the growth of their business. Though he knows the warning signs, he says he’s been affected by the stress of the pandemic and has had to make it a priority to use coping strategies and manage his mental health. DeVenney says entrepreneurs feel the weight of their personal and business stresses combined and it’s hard to separate the two. He hopes to challenge stigma and promote open conversation about the mental health struggles many entrepreneurs face. Click here to download a free copy of the BDC report on entrepreneur mental health and well-being. Entrepreneurs are the backbone of Canada’s economy. To support Canada’s businesses, subscribe to our YouTube channel and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter. Want to stay up-to-date on the latest #entrepreneurial podcasts and news? Subscribe to our bi-weekly newsletter.

Marie Chevrier, is the Founder and CEO of Sampler, the leading platform helping brands like L'Oréal and Nestlé deliver samples online and gather the insight they need to build one-to-one relationships with their customers. Sampler has reached over 50 million consumers globally in 24 different countries and its most notable clients include CPG industry giants Unilever, Pepsi, and Henkel. Marie is also a dedicated advisor to Technology and CPG startups including ScoutCanning, member of the RetailTomorrow advisory board, and Co-Founder of RetailTO – a community dedicated to growing and strengthening Toronto’s Retail ecosystem. Click here to download a free copy of the BDC report on entrepreneur mental health and well-being. Entrepreneurs are the backbone of Canada’s economy. To support Canada’s businesses, subscribe to our YouTube channel and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter. Want to stay up-to-date on the latest #entrepreneurial podcasts and news? Subscribe to our bi-weekly newsletter.

A recent study by BDC Canada shows there are many concerns keeping entrepreneurs awake at night, but according to the report their biggest worries are generating enough revenue to make a profit (43%) and covering expenses (40%). To help cope with these stresses, entrepreneurs most often take time out or go for a walk (47%), exercise (41%) or talk to someone (29%). Annie Marsolais, Chief Marketing Officer and Mental Health Advocate at BDC commented, "by examining this topic and collaborating with experts and partners we can help break the stigma associated with mental health issues, ensure business owners feel more at ease discussing it, and know where to turn for help." Our interview special with Annie covers many of the reports key findings. Click here to download a free copy of the report. Entrepreneurs are the backbone of Canada’s economy. To support Canada’s businesses, subscribe to our YouTube channel and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter. Want to stay up-to-date on the latest #entrepreneurial podcasts and news? Subscribe to our bi-weekly newsletter.

Augustine Wong (www.augustine-wong.com) grew up in Vancouver, BC and worked as a computer engineer for almost 10 years. 6 years ago, he started investing in real estate after attending a Keyspire real estate investing seminar. Over time, he built up a portfolio of 3 income properties and used different real estate investing strategies to generate 5-figure passive income annually. At the same time, he slowly realized that all of the hard work and dedication to his full time job translated very often into being passed over for promotions and long nights spent staring at a laptop. He realized that being smart and hard working meant little in the corporate world. But being smart and hard working when investing your own money translated into success. Because of his bitter experience working as an employee for someone else and his success being a real estate investor, Augustine is on a mission to show people that they too can be real estate investors so that they do not need to feel so dependent on their full time jobs to survive. When working with his clients, his goal is not to help them earn more money but to help them make investments which will empower them to pursue the lives that they truly desire. Entrepreneurs are the backbone of Canada’s economy. To support Canada’s businesses, subscribe to our YouTube channel and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter. Want to stay up-to-date on the latest #entrepreneurial podcasts and news? Subscribe to our bi-weekly newsletter.

Teresa Powanda is owner of Unleash Sports Business and Athlete Consulting in Edmonton, Alberta. She works with athletes, sport organizations, teams, corporate businesses and non-profit by building relationships, representation, managing sponsors, developing key messages, writing scripts/ads, media/public relations, creating promotional items/materials, marketing, budget planning, consulting and much more. Her goal is to represent amateur and Olympic athletes; finding them sponsors, speaking engagements and endorsements to provide financial assistance in order for them to focus on all aspects of their training. Entrepreneurs are the backbone of Canada’s economy. To support Canada’s businesses, subscribe to our YouTube channel and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter. Want to stay up-to-date on the latest #entrepreneurial podcasts and news? Subscribe to our bi-weekly newsletter.

Amanda Munday is the founder and CEO of The Workaround and author of the best selling memoir Day Nine: a postpartum depression memoir. She advocates for childcare at all orders of government, and sits on the Board of Directors for Creative Preschool of East Toronto and the Danforth Mosaic Business Improvement Area. She also is a speaker in the upcoming TedX Toronto 2020 series: Uncharted. Entrepreneurs are the backbone of Canada’s economy. To support Canada’s businesses, subscribe to our YouTube channel and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter. Want to stay up-to-date on the latest #entrepreneurial podcasts and news? Subscribe to our bi-weekly newsletter.

Jessica Schacht is an artist and entrepreneur based on Vancouver Island in the Cowichan Valley. As a co-founder of Ampersand Distilling Company she manages sales and communications and has helped develop the award winning recipes that make Ampersand one of the top craft distilleries in British Columbia. Jessica has found many ways to combine her passion for art & entrepreneurship. In 2017 she started a cocktail column for the Cowichan Valley Voice called "History Glass" exploring the origins of classic cocktails. Jessica is also a public speaker on transferrable skills and entrepreneurship and has spoken at the University of Victoria, Pacific Opera Victoria's Artist Development Program, and the Vancouver Island Economic Alliance Summit. Ampersand Distilling Co. is owned and operated by the Schacht family, whose five-acre organic farm and craft distillery is situated in the Cowichan Valley, British Columbia. The company was born out of Jeremy and Jessica Schacht’s love for craft cocktails and sparked to life when Jeremy and his father Stephen – both trained engineers – combined their knowledge of science and traditional distilling techniques to produce hand-crafted spirits with exceptional flavours. Together with Jeremy’s mother Ramona Froehle-Schacht – an avid organic farmer – the family fuse their individual passions into a thriving business whose high-quality organic spirits have become staples in the industry and home bars across North America. Ampersand’s name pays homage to the grammatical logogram that forges connections across vast concepts. The subtle symbol signifies a powerful collaboration between the Schacht family, each of whom lends their personal passion and skills to the business. Ampersand brings together science and art, representing the craft of distilling spirits; technology and tradition, uniting innovative methods and old-world distilling styles; ingredients and techniques, allowing pure wild-harvested botanicals and B.C.-grown wheat to shine; and family and friends, who can share the simple joy of sipping a well-made spirit. Entrepreneurs are the backbone of Canada’s economy. To support Canada’s businesses, subscribe to our YouTube channel and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter. Want to stay up-to-date on the latest #entrepreneurial podcasts and news? Subscribe to our bi-weekly newsletter.

Tugreofia (Tugs) Smith is the Vice President of Operations at A&T Ascension Consulting (ATAC), a virtual staffing company she co-founded with her husband Adrian, where she manages hundreds of remote workers across North America. Having successfully led virtual teams for over 10 years, she is passionate about the opportunities that remote work provides to individuals, rural communities, and evolving businesses. As the mother of five children, Tugs fully appreciates the challenge of balancing work and family. Part of her mission is to offer better work-life balance to thousands of working moms throughout the country. Tugs is based in the Toronto area. Entrepreneurs are the backbone of Canada’s economy. To support Canada’s businesses, subscribe to our YouTube channel and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter. Want to stay up-to-date on the latest #entrepreneurial podcasts and news? Subscribe to our bi-weekly newsletter.

Jane Stoller is a Swiss-Canadian life-biz organizer, speaker, author and university instructor whose passion is in decluttering spaces and organizing business processes. Jane wrote her first book in 2016 to help friends get more organized. It ultimately gained international attention, and this allowed Jane to turn her passion into a profitable business, Organized Jane. Stoller’s global reach has helped thousands gain clarity and get organized with her critically acclaimed books, Organizing For Your Lifestyle and Decluttering for Dummies (Wiley Publishing). Additionally, Stoller has created a sought-after Business Booster course that helps business owners cut through the clutter and gain back their time, and has been featured on numerous talk shows, podcasts and magazines. With a proven track record in both the corporate and entrepreneurial realms, Jane has spent the last decade helping unprofitable businesses become profitable. Not only do Jane’s strategies impact her clients’ work environments, but their personal lives as well, as all organizing processes start with the closet. Her mantra? "The closet sets the mood for the entire day. It’s also an ideal place to practice and hone organizing skills that can transfer over to the rest of your organizing goals. Choosing clothes from a laser-focused closet, you’re well on your way to a structured, system-driven office space." When Stoller sets down her pen and paper, she puts on her teaching hat. Stoller lectures at Vancouver Island University in Canada for part of the year, helping students learn management skills. Jane also aims to give back to businesses and organizations in her local communities through her passion for education. She is doing pro-bono work for ONE TO ONE, A Children’s Literacy Program, and assisting indigenous children with their schooling on Vancouver Island and the Sea to Sky corridor. Stoller currently resides in Whistler, British Columbia, Canada. Entrepreneurs are the backbone of Canada’s economy. To support Canada’s businesses, subscribe to our YouTube channel and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter. Want to stay up-to-date on the latest #entrepreneurial podcasts and news? Subscribe to our bi-weekly newsletter.

G. Scott Paterson is a Toronto-based technology and media venture capitalist who has been active for 28 years in the investment banking industry. Paterson received his start in the investment industry in 1985 at Dominion Securities Pitfield working at the firm as a retail broker. Paterson quickly ranked #1 in commissions of all the brokers with three years or less of service at the Firm. Paterson was recruited by Richardson Greenshields in 1987 and in 1990 was invited to the then recently formed Midland Walwyn where he cut his teeth as a senior investment banker for four years. Paterson focused on banking technology and media companies while at Midland Walwyn becoming the firm's most productive banker (as measured by fees generated). In April 1995, Paterson was recruited to Yorkton Securities where he led the firm's transformation from a mining-focused brokerage firm to Canada's leading technology investment bank focused on technology, internet, biotechnology and film & television. Paterson served as CEO of Yorkton Securities from 1998 to 2001. Paterson now focuses his business attention on his Board and leadership roles at FutureVault (https://www.futurevault.com), Symbility Solutions, Lionsgate Entertainment and The QYOU. Paterson also takes time to contribute to philanthropic endeavors. In 1997, he co-founded the Merry Go Round Children’s Foundation which launched its Kids, Cops & Computers program which provides brand new laptop computers to financially disadvantaged children in Toronto. Paterson serves as Chairman for the Merry Go Round Children’s Foundation. Paterson has also established several bursaries at each of Ridley College and Western University. In addition, in 2000, Paterson donated $1 million to Western to build the G Scott Paterson Biotechnology Wing at the medical school. Entrepreneurs are the backbone of Canada’s economy. To support Canada’s businesses, subscribe to our YouTube channel and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter. Want to stay up-to-date on the latest #entrepreneurial podcasts and news? Subscribe to our bi-weekly newsletter.

Mike Desjardins (pronounced day-jhar-dain) is an entrepreneur, husband, dad, Crossfitter, skier, yoggie, and long-time meditator. His business, ViRTUS (pronounced ver-tuss), has been on an 18 year journey focused on making a difference in the lives of others through leadership development and strategic planning. His clients are $100M+ medium to large enterprise organizations spread across Canada. ViRTUS was proud to become certified as a BCorp this past week. Entrepreneurs are the backbone of Canada’s economy. To support Canada’s businesses, subscribe to our YouTube channel and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter. Want to stay up-to-date on the latest #entrepreneurial podcasts and news? Subscribe to our bi-weekly newsletter.

Omar Khan and Matthew Todman, Co-Founders of Theta Trading Co., have been determined to spread knowledge when it comes to option trading. They strongly believe that people are not educated enough early on in their lives when it comes to financial literacy. They have been in the industry for over 20 years and have a vast amount of knowledge through making mistakes and learning the hard way. This is why they have made it their mission to educate people not only about stocks, but about the basic knowledge of finance. For over the past year they have been holding seminars in Mississauga and the surrounding areas, but are determined to travel the world and help people on their financial journey! Entrepreneurs are the backbone of Canada’s economy. To support Canada’s businesses, subscribe to our YouTube channel and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter. Want to stay up-to-date on the latest #entrepreneurial podcasts and news? Subscribe to our bi-weekly newsletter.

Rebecca Cramer is Founder and CEO of LOUD Marketing, a successful marketing/social media agency based out of Calgary. Entrepreneurs are the backbone of Canada’s economy. Entrepreneurs are the backbone of Canada’s economy. To support Canada’s businesses, subscribe to our YouTube channel and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter. Want to stay up-to-date on the latest #entrepreneurial podcasts and news? Click here to subscribe to our bi-weekly newsletter!

Morgan Browne is a fierce and passionate partner at Oakwyn Realty. Co-founding the company in 2014, Morgan has nurtured Oakwyn Realty into Vancouver's fastest-growing realty brokerage. Morgan’s can-do attitude and passion for building make it possible for Oakwyn’s forward-thinking and expansion plans. Driven to make a difference in the Canadian business community and embracing change in the real estate industry. Oakwyn is one of the fastest-growing brokerage firms in the Vancouver Real Estate marketplace. Oakwyn Realty has grown exponentially since its inception in 2014, with 4 offices, 300+ realtors, and $2.7 billion dollars in sales in 2018 and is one of the top real estate agencies in Vancouver. Committed to a new, collaborative model that innovates every step – Oakwyn Realty wants to set new standards in service and satisfaction by re-inventing the real estate industry! Entrepreneurs are the backbone of Canada’s economy. Entrepreneurs are the backbone of Canada’s economy. To support Canada’s businesses, subscribe to our YouTube channel and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter. Want to stay up-to-date on the latest #entrepreneurial podcasts and news? Subscribe to our bi-weekly newsletter.

In today’s challenging economic climate, it’s more important than ever to celebrate a business success story. Calgary-based Fuelled, the exclusive online reseller of new and used idle energy equipment, has placed No. 5 out of 400 on the 2020 Report on Business ranking of Canada’s Top Growing Companies. The top Alberta company on this year’s ranking, Fuelled earned its spot with a three-year growth of 6,661%. The company’s platform allows vetted partners and equipment owners to monetize surplus equipment with no risk – a tremendous opportunity for oil and gas producers and services companies to stay competitive during these trying times. It’s a disruptive business model, shaking up the industry during a time when resiliency and innovation are top of mind. We speak with Raj Singh, Founder and CEO. Entrepreneurs are the backbone of Canada’s economy. To support Canada’s businesses, subscribe to our YouTube channel and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter.

Shawn Johal co-founded DALS Lighting, an LED lighting business, in 2009. He implemented the Scaling Up Growth System and led the company to 3X its revenues well into the 8-figures. Shawn went on to found Elevation, a business growth coaching & consulting firm, working with entrepreneurs & their teams to help accelerate their growth – while helping them find personal balance and happiness. Former President of EO (Entrepreneurs’ Organization) Montreal, Shawn remains an active member & mentor to numerous young entrepreneurs, helping them improve as business leaders and as individuals. A Finalist for the EY Entrepreneur of the Year, Shawn also sits on the Board of Directors for "Champions for Life," a non-profit foundation helping children develop their physical literacy. A passion for endurance sports & rigorous goal-setting, Shawn is obsessed with high-performance, the pursuit of happiness & the power of mindset to fuel a successful life – an he’s committed to bringing his message to the world. Entrepreneurs are the backbone of Canada’s economy. To support Canada’s businesses, subscribe to our YouTube channel and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter. https://www.facebook.com/canadaspodcast/ http://instagram.com/canadaspodcast https://www.linkedin.com/company/canadas-podcast/ https://twitter.com/canadaspodcast

This live discussion was the first off many to come. Subscribe to Canada's Podcast to join us on future sessions. This month you can meet The Grumpy Accountant, Neal Winokur and sound off about the CRA and its approach to small business entrepreneurs in Canada. Neal Winokur, CPA, started his practice in 2013 and his grumpiness has grown ever since. An active blogger, several of his articles have been published in the National Post. Neal feels a moral obligation to speak out against the inherent flaws, unfairness and needless complexities that define Canadian tax. His dream is for the Canadian tax system to be massively simplified to the point where his job as a tax accountant would no longer exist. His wife won’t be too happy about this, but it’s for the good of the nation. Click here to buy the book! Entrepreneurs are the backbone of Canada’s economy. To support Canada’s businesses, subscribe to our YouTube channel and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter. https://www.facebook.com/canadaspodcast/ http://instagram.com/canadaspodcast https://www.linkedin.com/company/canadas-podcast/ https://twitter.com/canadaspodcast

Dave Brown is an engineer/entrepreneur who emphasizes the centrality of HUMAN-centered DESIGN in the success of any product enterprise. He is currently the Founder/CEO of QiiQ Healthcare, focused on the operational dysfunction in hospitals. QiiQ ("Quick") is building a sophisticated virtual assistant for hospital staff. The healthcare industry has systemically installed barriers to innovation that keep it in the "dark ages." While most other startups rush in with obvious and perfectly reasonable solutions to impact quality of care, almost all of them overlook the most important barriers to entry, and thus fail on their choices in go-to-market. Entrepreneurs are the backbone of Canada’s economy. To support Canada’s businesses, subscribe to our YouTube channel and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter. https://www.facebook.com/canadaspodcast/ http://instagram.com/canadaspodcast https://www.linkedin.com/company/canadas-podcast/ https://twitter.com/canadaspodcast

Principal of Toronto-based Candido Consulting Group, Janet Candido is an authority on workplace systems and culture. With more than 20 years of business and HR expertise, she provides innovative solutions for clients with the goal of helping organizations, executive teams and their employees reach optimal performance. Entrepreneurs are the backbone of Canada’s economy. To support Canada’s businesses, subscribe to our YouTube channel and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter. https://www.facebook.com/canadaspodcast/ http://instagram.com/canadaspodcast https://www.linkedin.com/company/canadas-podcast/ https://twitter.com/canadaspodcast

Tziporah Kingsbury (https://www.tziporahintimacy.com) is an Intimacy and Mindful Relating Educator, Transformational Leader and Breath work specialist. She has shared her services globally with high achieving, consciously minded professionals, men and couples to cultivate their most potent self-expression and build skills to navigate everyday intimacy and thriving connections. Her vision is to embody and support others in feeling safe in their own bodies and cultivating an unprecedented level of presence and radical aliveness, be it in their private or professional life. Entrepreneurs are the backbone of Canada’s economy. To support Canada’s businesses, subscribe to our YouTube channel and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter. https://www.facebook.com/canadaspodcast/ http://instagram.com/canadaspodcast https://www.linkedin.com/company/canadas-podcast/ https://twitter.com/canadaspodcast

Lisa Marks, BComm, CSEP, is an award-winning global event industry leader. Her background includes more than a decade of experience in the special events business, with a past role as head of events for Shaw Communications, where Marks built and led the event and experiential strategy and execution for the brand. Marks has held strategic leadership roles with the International Live Events Association and is part of the Global Event Forum. Lisa was honoured with the J. Robert Graves Pioneer Award in 2018 for her leadership in the industry and is one of the 2020 Top 250 Event Planners in Canada, an esteemed list presented by BizBash. Brand Alive grew out of Lisa’s many years of witnessing the powerful opportunities that events and experiences can unlock for corporations. Entrepreneurs are the backbone of Canada’s economy. To support Canada’s businesses, subscribe to our YouTube channel and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter. https://www.facebook.com/canadaspodcast/ http://instagram.com/canadaspodcast https://www.linkedin.com/company/canadas-podcast/ https://twitter.com/canadaspodcast

Marc Daniel is a business psychologist, talent expert, and founder of Nextwork - a digital talent marketplace and work platform that connects organizations with experienced talent on demand. Marc has an ambitious vision – to retire retirement – and is realizing this vision through championing a more flexible approach to ongoing work that better serves everyone’s needs. Visit www.ebay.ca/upandrunning to open your online shop. Entrepreneurs are the backbone of Canada's economy. To support Canada's businesses, subscribe to our YouTube channel and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter.

Mark Morissette created Foxquilt to empower consumers with greater purchasing power when acquiring and managing their insurance. Foxquilt is a Canadian financial technology company focused on using big data and machine learning to empower social groups to save on Small Business and Home insurance. Foxquilt creates new value opportunities for customers by bringing people and communities together online with a smart and modern approach to insurance. Leveraging innovative technology and creating unique products, they make it easy for customers to buy insurance online from leading carriers and access group purchasing power. Mark’s career includes more than 15 years in various leadership roles spanning Underwriting, Operations and Sales & Distribution for some Canada’s premier Carriers and fintech organizations including, Aviva and Real Matters. Visit www.ebay.ca/upandrunning to open your online shop. Entrepreneurs are the backbone of Canada’s economy. To support Canada’s businesses, subscribe to our YouTube channel and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter.

Brandy Gallagher (BSW, MA) is one of the original founders and developers of O.U.R. ECOVILLAGE, Shawnigan Lake (Vancouver Island) BC. She is one of the designing 'creatixes' dedicated to outreach projects (local and International), and the development of O.U.R. ECOVILLAGE as a demonstration/model sustainable village. Her sustainable land management planning and ecological design work has made her the main proponent behind the Canadian precedent setting rezoning which has allowed for the legal/political/community framework containing multi-use allowances for ecovillages and shared land projects across Canada. Born and raised in community her life work has been focused around the development of ‘Sustained Community’. She is also the developer of TOPIA: The Sustainable Learning Community Institute which operates onsite at OUR ECOVILLAGE. With a deep compassion for people and place Brandy works with other communities/projects to find their way through regulatory and legal processes which challenge the development of legitimate models of land use, alternative building, ownership and governance. The intention to have individuals & communities step aside from their rank & roles to enter into a more connected sense of community building is at the heart of her work. She provides these services through her business "Sustainable Community Solutions Consulting – SC2". Her published work is a documentary titled "Creating TOPIA: The Journey of Developing a School of Sustainable Community Building." She is also featured in the movie "Escape From Suburbia" and the documentary "Peak Moments: Creating the Impossible". Look for the wide variety of articles written, and web based interviews documented in relation to her work. Visit www.ebay.ca/upandrunning to open your online shop. Entrepreneurs are the backbone of Canada's economy. To support Canada's businesses, subscribe to our YouTube channel and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter.

Nancy Wood was a senior business communications specialist in Toronto for several years. In her "rewirement" years in B.C. she has toiled to transform her business-style writing into more creative writing - non-fiction essays, prose and books for little kids. She has written five books for kids, but it was not until an interesting opportunity came her way last year, that the first one of her books, The Magical Power of Color was published. Nancy prefers writing to marketing and so getting the book in the hands of kids has been a bigger challenge. If anyone thinks it is a piece of cake to write a short book for kids, Nancy has learned that the old adage, "If I had time, I would have written a shorter letter," really applies when it comes to books for kids. Visit www.ebay.ca/upandrunning to open your online shop. Entrepreneurs are the backbone of Canada's economy. To support Canada's businesses, subscribe to our YouTube channel and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter.

Legend has it, Sean Hoff started out his career as a Banker but cast off to start Moniker, after being an attendee on a number of "President Club' trips and believing he could do it better. Fast forward several years, some amazing adventures around the globe, and a talent for creating magic from a blank canvas. Sean plays the role of creative devil's advocate, always asking "why not" and figuring out ways to squeeze in that little extra personality to create truly bucket-list worthy programs for their clients. Visit www.ebay.ca/upandrunning to open your online shop. Entrepreneurs are the backbone of Canada’s economy. To support Canada’s businesses, subscribe to our YouTube channel and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter.

Diplômé d’un baccalauréat en ingénierie de l’École de technologie supérieure et diplômé d’un baccalauréat en droit de l’Université du Québec à Montréal, Sean Tassé est aussi membre de l’Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec (OIQ). Grâce à sa formation en génie de la construction, il a eu l’opportunité d’acquérir une solide expérience en gestion de projets en réalisant des projets d’envergure pour de grands développeurs immobiliers de Montréal. Il a aussi travaillé comme conseiller en réclamation pour l’un des cabinets d’experts les plus renommés au Canada. Depuis le début de la pandémie, Sean s’est lancé dans le monde de l’entrepreneuriat en créant une première entreprise nommée Bien Aller spécialisée dans la confection de masques réutilisables. Suite au succès de cette première entreprise, Sean et ses partenaires ont décidé de continuer à travailler ensemble pour créer SquareFeet.ai, un logiciel dédié à définir et à optimiser les prix de vente des nouveaux projets de développements résidentiels. Sean a utilisé ses expériences professionnelles et son expertise académique pour l’aider à créer ces entreprises et le guider dans le monde de l’entrepreneuriat. Merci à Ebay, notre partenaire financier Allez au cafr.ebay.ca/toujoursenmarche Les entrepreneurs sont la colonne vertébrale de l’économie canadienne. Pour supporter les entreprises canadiennes, souscrivez à notre chaine Youtube et suivez nous sur Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn et Twitter.

Armed with the dream of a family farm, finance experience and theological training, Brett Annable and his wife Janet purchased a 10-acre apple orchard in Summerland, British Columbia, discovered a rich history on their land, then launched ‘Millionnaires’ Row Cider Company. Brett & Janet combined their skills and together tapped into their entrepreneurial spirit to become a couple and ‘product’ of note in the Okanagan Valley. Brett and Janet, through their ‘cider’ making, tasting, distribution and storytelling – are helping to keep the essence of the ‘Millionnaire’s Row’ story alive as part of Canada’s rich entrepreneurial history. Three of the ‘Millionnaires’ were national bank presidents - ultimately knighted for their contributions to Canada – responsible for providing much of the initial capital to finance western Canada’s timber, mining, transportation and utility industries; and whose benevolence later extended to helping establish the ‘Okanagan’s notoriety as a ‘fruit’ growing/manufacturing mecca, and a destination of choice to experience local farms, markets, stores, restaurants, wineries, breweries and more. Visit www.ebay.ca/upandrunning to open your online shop. Entrepreneurs are the backbone of Canada's economy. To support Canada's businesses, subscribe to our YouTube channel and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter.

Katelyn Bullock is co-founder of Enta Solutions, a management consulting firm in Calgary. Visit https://www.ebay.ca/upandrunning to open your online shop. Entrepreneurs are the backbone of Canada’s economy. To support Canada’s businesses, subscribe to our YouTube channel and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter.

Jeune passionné des technologies et des Affaires depuis son très jeune âge, Jonathan Léveillé, 34 ans, est à la tête de Openmind Technologies depuis maintenant plus de 15 ans, entreprise s’étant classée pour une troisième année d’affilée dans le prestigieux classement du CROISSANCE500, soit parmi les 500 entreprises ayant la plus forte croissance au Canada. Openmind est actuellement la 13e entreprise technologique ayant la plus forte croissance au Canada et s’est classé la dernière année 28e entreprise étant le meilleur endroit au Canada où travailler selon Great Place to Work (#1 au Québec). Openmind compte maintenant dans ses rangs plus de 60 joueurs passionnés de technologies. Jonathan a programmé ses premières plates-formes Web dès l’âge de 9 ans, a obtenu ses premiers contrats commerciaux à 13 ans seulement et a fondé officiellement Openmind Technologies à peine un an après sa majorité, soit à l’âge de 19 ans. Jonathan et son équipe ont eu l’opportunité de recevoir plusieurs reconnaissances de l’industrie dans les dernières années, dont Jeune Entrepreneur de l’année en 2014, Entreprise de l’année en 2015, Investissement de l’année en 2017, le prix « Créateur d’Emploi du Québec 2017 », et a également été certifié Bonboss.ca ainsi que Great Place to Work pour l’année 2018, 2019, et 2020. Il s’implique également, avec l’aide de son équipe, auprès de la communauté, ramassant plusieurs milliers de dollars annuellement pour Centraide, le défi Pierre Lavoie, la fondation du Centre Jeunesse des Laurentides, la fondation de l’Hôpital de Saint-Jérôme ainsi que pour l’organisme Pallia-vie. Merci à Ebay, notre partenaire financier Allez au cafr.ebay.ca/toujoursenmarche Les entrepreneurs sont la colonne vertébrale de l’économie canadienne. Pour supporter les entreprises canadiennes, souscrivez à notre chaine Youtube et suivez nous sur Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn et Twitter.

Lisa Shelley is CEO of Neal's Yard Remedies, which sells cosmetics, skin care products, and essential oils. Visit https://www.ebay.ca/upandrunning to open your online shop. Entrepreneurs are the backbone of Canada’s economy. To support Canada’s businesses, subscribe to our YouTube channel and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter.

Suzie Yorke is on a mission to bring healthy fats back. A mom, eleven-time Ironman competitor and yoga enthusiast, Suzie spent years adhering to a low-fat diet only to hit a wall in her mid-40s. After reading Nina Teicholz’s best seller, Big Fat Surprise, she immediately shifted to a high-fat, low-carb diet, and felt better right away. While she loved the benefits of her new lifestyle, Suzie found it challenging to find convenient, good-fat snacks. Seeing a gap in the marketplace and a huge opportunity to help others through food, Suzie developed Love Good Fats, a company that produces high-fat, low-carb, and low-sugar products. Today, Suzie leads Love Good Fats’ expansion as it quickly becomes one of the fastest-growing bar brands in North America. As a 30-year veteran of the CPG industry, Suzie has worked at high-profile companies such as Proctor & Gamble, PepsiCo, Kraft Heinz, Weight Watchers, and Zag. Utilizing her accomplished marketing background, personal journey, and deep devotion and passion for health, Suzie is on a mission to spread the word that fat is back, and sugar is out! Suzie was recognized by her peers and the community with the 2019 Mompreneur :registered: Start Up Award. Visit www.ebay.ca/upandrunning to open your online shop. Entrepreneurs are the backbone of Canada's economy. To support Canada's businesses, subscribe to our YouTube channel and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter.

Mitch Jacobsen started his career as a Petroleum engineer, managing the design and construction of the first two produced water ponds in Alberta, which has ultimately helped recycle thousands of cubic meters of water and saved thousands of cubic meters of fresh water usage. Working long hard hours in the oil & gas sector, Mitch and colleagues often used coffee and energy drinks for ‘energy kicks’ and to stay alert. But when Mitch witnessing his best friend have a heart attack from conventional energy drinks, he leveraged his passion for health and fitness and went to work on creating a new product in the market to provide more natural energy boosts. Formulating the perfect naturally caffeinated, refreshing beverage was the goal, and with the help of a food-scientist Mitch started the process of developing Rviita Energy Tea – a clean pick-me-up drink made with caffeine from tea, organic honey, and vitamins, packed in one of the most carbon efficient packages on the planet. Rviita is now a company centered around inspiring others and helping people become healthier and more productive; works on principles of environmentally sustainable manufacturing & packaging throughout the lifecycle of the product. Since launching to shelves in October 2019, they have scaled to more than 150 stores with brands like Calgary Co-op, Sobeys, and Safeway. Rviita has made more than 200 deliveries of free product to nurses and doctors on the front lines of the COVID-relief effort. Their goal is to expand all across Canada and help as many people as we can. For practical resources, advice, and offers, visit RBC's Small Business Navigator hub at www.rbc.com/smallbusinessnavigator Entrepreneurs are the backbone of Canada's economy. To support Canada's businesses, subscribe to our YouTube channel and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter.

Connor Curran is Co-Founder and "Chief Laundry Folder" for Local Laundry in Calgary, a Canadian clothing manufacturer. Visit https://www.ebay.ca/upandrunning to open your online shop. Entrepreneurs are the backbone of Canada’s economy. To support Canada’s businesses, subscribe to our YouTube channel and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter.

Cette entrevue a été réalisé avant le départ de François Gilbert à titre de président-directeur général d’Anges Québec. C’est avec passion et conviction que monsieur François Gilbert assure depuis 2008, le rôle de président-directeur général d’Anges Québec ainsi que d’Anges Québec Capital depuis 2012. Il est également depuis 2005, président-directeur général chez FIER Succès, un fonds de capital de risque basé à Québec. Ayant personnellement ou de concert avec ses associés participé à réaliser plus d’une centaine de placements privés au cours des dernières années, son engagement envers les entreprises en démarrage est reconnu au sein du milieu. Merci à Ebay, notre partenaire financier Allez au cafr.ebay.ca/toujoursenmarche Les entrepreneurs sont la colonne vertébrale de l’économie canadienne. Pour supporter les entreprises canadiennes, souscrivez à notre chaine Youtube et suivez nous sur Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn et Twitter.

Christina Barbato is CEO and Co-Founder of SP Nutraceuticals Inc. SP was founded in 2016 to commercialize natural health products. SP Nutraceuticals is a research and development company taking naturally derived molecules discovered to help treat or prevent specific diseases from discovery to conception, development, patent protection, regulatory approval and clinical trials. We then look for companies best suited to partner or license our products for sale and distribution. The startup believes that there is a wealth of powerful agents in naturally derived sources, such as plants that can be used to prevent or treat diseases affecting the lives of Canadians. Before SP, Christina practiced law for eleven years, has an Honours Bachelor of Commerce and her LLB.

Ehsan Rasul, President and Founder of Knowledge & Achievement Inc., in Calgary talks about his business of training people in the insurance industry and the state of the industry today.

Dès la sortie de son baccalauréat en informatique de l’Université Laval, il fonde à 21 ans, Nexapp en 2014. Ses associés et lui avaient une vision en tête: être la référence en matière de développement logiciel durable. L'entreprise a su attirer multiples talents en mettant la collaboration au centre de ses valeurs et une culture d'apprentissage. Nexapp connaît d'ailleurs une croissance de 100% chaque année depuis 4 ans. Le sens des affaires de Jonathan Lessard lui a permis d’être récipiendaire du parcours jeune entreprise de l’année de l’AQT en 2017. Il est également Vice-Président de StatsRadio, une startup qui bouleverse l’industrie de la radio. Jonathan est un visionnaire capable de rassembler son équipe derrière des objectifs ambitieux. Ses collègues le reconnaissent pour ses compétences humaines. Il est également derrière la stratégie numérique de multiples projets clients. L’humilité et la vision de Jonathan ont permis à Nexapp de gagner la confiance de ses clients et partenaires. Merci à Ebay, notre partenaire financier Allez au cafr.ebay.ca/toujoursenmarche Les entrepreneurs sont la colonne vertébrale de l’économie canadienne. Pour supporter les entreprises canadiennes, souscrivez à notre chaine Youtube et suivez nous sur Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn et Twitter.

Mario Toneguzzi sits down with Jeff Adamson is Co-founder of NEO Financial in Calgary and one of the original Founders of Skip The Dishes. Visit www.ebay.ca/upandrunning to open your online shop. Entrepreneurs are the backbone of Canada's economy. To support Canada's businesses, subscribe to our YouTube channel and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter.

Andrew Ostro is Co-Founder and CEO of the online insurance platform PolicyMe. Andrew is an emerging young business leader in Canada. He’s taking on the established life insurance industry with honest and transparent advice. It's been nine months since Phil Bliss sat down with Laura McKay, President of PolicyMe so Canada's Podcast invited Andrew to get an update on the company's progress and new insights. Visit www.ebay.ca/upandrunning to open your online shop. Entrepreneurs are the backbone of Canada's economy. To support Canada's businesses, subscribe to our YouTube channel and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter.

Sylvie Bougie a eu la chance de s'entretenir avec Mériane Labrie de Madame Labriski! On y découvre une femme passionnée qui carbure au défi! #entrepreneur #quebec #alimentation Madame Labriski, c’est Mériane Labrie, la femme qui carbure à la purée de dattes. Entrepreneure visionnaire, elle est auteure de best-sellers culinaires et de romans jeunesse, conférencière en série, marathonienne, maman de 2 jeunes enfants et de la marque Madame Labriski inc., qui comprend aussi Mini Labriski. Ses livres de recettes (plus de 200 000 exemplaires vendus au Québec) sont traduits en anglais et seront lancés en Europe en 2021. Elle présente des gammes de produits alimentaires sans sucre raffiné ajouté disponible dans plus de 300 points de vente et a la ferme ambition de faire évoluer l'industrie de l'alimentation. Lauréate de nombreux prix et distinctions, sa mission est de diminuer la consommation de sucre raffiné pour améliorer la santé... Inspirée par les plus grandes histoires de réussite entrepreneuriale mondiales, elle a décidé ne pas rêver sa vie, mais de faire de sa vie un grand rêve. C'est les deux pieds sur Terre et la tête dans les nuages qu'elle avance telle une marathonienne infatigable dans sa grande quête de changer le monde, une bouchée de purée de dattes à la fois. Amoureuse des marques inspirantes (elle a été conceptrice-rédactrice et stratège publicitaire avant de devenir la Madame), son but ultime est de faire de Madame Labriski inc. une marque assez forte et puissante pour pouvoir, un jour, propulser fièrement des athlètes québécois et canadiens aux Jeux Olympiques. Carburez-vous aux Labriski? Mériane est aussi co-fondatrice de 21 grammes – Agence d'idéation. Merci à Ebay, notre partenaire financier Allez au cafr.ebay.ca/toujoursenmarche Les entrepreneurs sont la colonne vertébrale de l’économie canadienne. Pour supporter les entreprises canadiennes, souscrivez à notre chaine Youtube et suivez nous sur Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn et Twitter.

Jose Azares returns to Canada's Podcast to discuss NIDUM, based out of Calgary, Canada. NIDUM's mission is to democratize employment opportunities by creating Virtual Reality (VR) training modules so businesses can save time, money, and stress, but more importantly so they can be inclusive! Visit www.ebay.ca/upandrunning to open your online shop

Mark Tewksbury runs Great Traits, a professional development company in Calgary, with Debbie Muir. Tewksbury is a well-known national motivational speaker and a former Olympic gold medalist in swimming. Visit www.ebay.ca/upandrunning to open your online shop

Mark C. Smith is the President and CEO of Query Technologies Corp., Query CX, a boutique customer experience consultancy and Query Capital Corp. He serves as a customer advocate, partnering with leaders across organizations to re-imagine the customer experience and ensure their people, process and technologies align to achieve those objectives. The technology company delivers solutions that support business efficiencies and that have a proven return on investment. Query Capital, with a focus on building Canadian companies, partners with exceptional founders and management teams to create and fund companies to get them from start-up to scale. Mark is an active leader in the Customer Experience Professional’s Association (CXPA) and is connected with seasoned CX professionals around the globe. He also serves on several Boards including the Vancouver Island Economic Alliance (VIEA), where he is currently the Board Chair.

Sylvie Bougie a eu la chance de s'entretenir avec l'homme d'affaires Serge Beauchemin! #entrepreneur #quebec À 22 ans, Serge Beauchemin décide de démarrer sa propre entreprise avec un capital de démarrage de 40$ dans la grande région de Montréal. Il fonde 3-SOFT, dont la croissance sera spectaculaire. Après l’avoir cédée à sa principale concurrente pour des motifs stratégiques, Serge Beauchemin acquiert et investit dans plusieurs entreprises dans lesquelles il s’implique activement au niveau stratégique. Il a également été l’un des dragons de la populaire émission « Dans l’œil du dragon ». En mai 2018, avec toujours l’objectif de promouvoir l’entrepreneuriat, il lance la plateforme d’alias entrepreneur via laquelle il offre son expertise et ses conseils sous forme de courtes capsules vidéos. Merci à Ebay, notre partenaire financier Allez au cafr.ebay.ca/toujoursenmarche

Kyle Campbell is the founder and CEO of CTO.ai, a platform for rapidly scaling DevOps teams. Kyle founded CTO.ai in 2017, after working with DevOps teams as an investor and advisor to a wide range of technology startups. The company provides an open registry of shortcuts to help technical leads at startups quickly scale developer teams and streamline developer productivity 10x. Previous to CTO.ai, Kyle founded Retsly, a company that helped developers access real-estate data, which was sold to Zillow after 8 months Based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Kyle has been programming since the age of 8 and is on a mission to enable $100B of developer productivity by 2030. Visit www.ebay.ca/upandrunning to open your online shop