Canada’s Entrepreneur

Responsible for leading Edgewater Wireless, Andrew Skafel's broad strategic perspective comes from his work with both multinational equipment vendors and a number of start-up network operators. Andrew has significant multinational experience. He was based in Asia for seven years where he worked for Newbridge Networks/Alcatel; Silicon Valley-based, InterWAVE Communications and the Commercial Division of the Canadian High Commission (Malaysia). His roles included strategic marketing, international business development, and business planning. A proven telecom innovator and leader, Andrew founded an innovative GSM operator in Brasil, taking the project from concept to fundraising, license acquisition and launch phases. Mr. Skafel holds an MBA from INSEEC (Paris), a graduate diploma from the McRae Institute of International Management (Vancouver) and a BA in Economics & Politics from the University of Western Ontario. Andrew is a Senior level international business development and strategic marketing executive with multi-faceted telecommunications experience. Demonstrated innovative and results-oriented approach to start-up and listed companies on both vendor and service provider aspects of the telecom industry. Specialties: International business development; strategic marketing; telecommunications; data communications; contract negotiations; channel management; strategic planning; GSM; CDMA; IP; VoIP; hosted key systems

Brett Wilson is a well-known Canadian entrepreneur and former dragon on Dragons' Den on CBC TV. He is an investor, owner of several businesses and a part owner of the Nashville team in the National Hockey League. He talks about the impact COVID-19 has had and will have on the economy.

A community leader, Dr. Mohamad Fakih regularly participates in fundraisers and community events, supporting multiple causes and organizations including the Canadian Cancer Society, Islamic Relief worldwide, Sick Kids Hospital, the Make a Wish Foundation in Toronto and UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency in Canada. Both Paramount and Mohamad have donated generously to these charities and other non-profit organizations. Across his restaurants Mohamad offers discounts to all Emergency Service Workers in uniform to show appreciation for their service in our communities. Mohamad opened the doors of Paramount restaurants to the skills and drive many refugees bring to Canada by providing up to 150 jobs for the newcomers in his restaurants in year 2017. UNHCR recognized Dr. Fakih’s vision and commitment to building, a Canada that is strengthened by diversity and a global leader on refugee issues, based on his contribution in promoting the economic and social integration of refugees into our communities, he is the voice and the face of UNHCR Canada. Dr. Fakih has received numerous awards for his business excellence and for his charitable works including a few mentioned below: Toronto’s Life Most Influential – He is on Toronto Life’s list of the 50 Most Influential Torontonians. Business Person of the Year Award, 2019 – He was nominated and won the prestigious Business Award of Excellence 2019, by the Mississauga Board of Trade. Key to the City of Mississauga, 2019 – He was awarded the key to the city of Mississauga by Mayor Bonnie Crombie. It is bestowed upon esteemed community members, former residents and visitors whom the Mayor wishes to honour. Canada’s Most Admired CEO 2019, Mid market category – He was recognized as a national winner for fostering high performance corporate cultures that help sustain a competitive advantage.

Jamie Salé, former Olympic gold medalist and world champion in figure skating, is a motivational coach and speaker in Edmonton. She talks about being an entrepreneur, the connection between sports and business, and dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic.

In 2015, Gary Parmar and his brother, with a long family history of expertise in cleaning services, decided to put their skills, knowledge and determination into a company that could truly impress. From helping their parents with their own cleaning business even at a young age, EcoGiants has grown into a large crew of professionals – offering up to 50 workers per project available to their clients 24/7.

Sweta Regmi teaches the do's and don'ts to job seekers through her company Teachndo. She helps people searching for new employment to avoid ATS tools & reach hiring managers directly, learn effective networking via course & templates, build resume & cover letters, optimize their LinkedIn, develop job search strategies, develop a personal brand and be comfortable during an interview.

Steve Monk prides himself on being a failed engineer and a failed lawyer who finally found something he can do when he began working in business. Once in business, he worked for some huge companies before becoming a reluctant entrepreneur. His business, CEO Law, is built on the promise of unbeatable lawyers delivering unbeatable value with attention to customer service. Traditional law is broken. Steve is trying to fix it!

Olivia Wong is a former emergency disaster responder living in Vancouver, BC. She was one of the first international aid workers deployed to the frontlines of the Fukushima nuclear radiation disaster in 2011. She has shared essential lessons learned from managing a crisis through hands-on examples from her past work with the UN, UNHCR, International Rescue Committee, and the US State Department. Since leaving nonprofit work, she has merged her past experience in the field of crisis management with Prototype Thinking Labs, a breakthrough innovation method born at Google X, and has trained large corporations such as Google, General Mills, Capital One, Mastercard, L'Oreal, Lululemon and more. In Vancouver where she resides, she has been a mentor to startups in the Vancouver startup community and during COVID-19 has been helping other entrepreneurs and small business owners launch new income streams in 36 hours. Prototype is offering a free 75-minute training to help small business owners & entrepreneurs launch new income streams in 36 hours. To date, they have helped 400 people in less than 3 weeks! Free 75-minute Interactive Webinar: www.prototypethinking.io/webinar.

After 4 years competing as a varsity athlete, and simultaneously earning her Bachelor of Commerce degree at Queen’s University, Erica Pearson spent several years on the RBC Capital Markets trading floor in Toronto. She held Analyst positions within Debt Capital Markets, Foreign Exchange Institutional Sales, Institutional Equities Trading, Money Market Sales, and Interest Rate Derivative Solutions. Erica then worked as an Analyst for the CEO Office of Investor and Treasury Services. At the end of December 2016, she informed RBC of her intention to resign to start her own company. The idea for Vacation Fund, a Toronto-based startup, was born from Erica’s upbringing. Her family was very frugal, but prioritized spending time and money on travel and experiences. By the time she turned 22, Erica had visited over 40 countries.

Brent Willis is CEO of Voyageur Pharmaceuticals Ltd., building a new pharmaceutical industry in Western Canada. Voyageur owns three barium projects in B.C., including one with a resource estimate, Iodine properties in Utah, has a Joint Venture with privately held Chief Medical Supplies Ltd. (a Canadian pharmaceutical manufacturing and distribution company) to manufacture and market contrast agents (made with barium and/or iodine compounds) used for radiology digital imaging in the healthcare industry. In this podcast, Brent discusses the challenges of operating his business during the COVID-19 pandemic and how remote working actually increased efficiency and will become the new norm for his business.

Michael Zahra is a seasoned CEO who has worked with many of the larger corporations in Canada. Drone Delivery Canada is a publicly traded, disruptive, pioneering, technology company focused on designing, developing and implementing commercially viable, drone-based logistics systems for government, commercial, industrial & retail customers globally. This podcast episode focuses on what to do as entrepreneur when you are past start, well-funded and ready to take on a major market change. Bringing the right leader/operator onto the mix is often the sign of a wise entrepreneur -- and we address this during this interview.

Dr. Kristina Zakhary, a facial surgeon in Calgary, is an entrepreneur, mom to twins and a cancer survivor. She is one of only a few in Canada who are able to perform closed Rhinoplasty.

Scott Stirrett is the Founder and CEO of Venture for Canada, a national charity that develops entrepreneurial leadership skills in young Canadians. In 2019 over 350 young Canadians from coast to coast accelerated their careers through Venture for Canada's programs. Previously, Scott worked on a cross-product client experience team at Goldman Sachs & Co. in New York City. He was recognized by The Inspire Awards as the 2018 Telus LGBTQ Innovator of The Year and last year was named by Future of Good as one of its 21 Young Impact Leaders. Scott is a graduate of Georgetown University’s Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service.

Mario Toneguzzi, our Calgary host, talks about some of the lessons he's learned working in quarantine with COVID-19. Great perceptions which we can all learn from.

Lilly Wang of Lilly Wang Coaching in Edmonton is driven to help people take an entrepreneurial, creative, and still a systematized approach to achieving their goals. She works as a consultant and coach include partnerships with the World Health Organization (the United Nations), the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and multiple startups and grassroots projects around the world. In addition to this corporate, or "serious" background, she has also trained with top thought leaders in the realm of personal & business development and quantum physics (universal laws).

Patricia Conlin is founder and CEO of Global Consulting Group which working in technology recruitment, training and lifestyle coaching across North America. In this podcast we find out how she is responding to the COVID-19 pandemic and get some thoughts on how we might stay positive and work together to make things better.

"Canada's Prince of Piano" – that's how the Beijing Times, China's leading English-language newspaper, described Canadian pianist and composer Martin Mayer. His music has been defined as instrumental fusion – a combination of smooth jazz, classical, pop, and rock. Mayer's European roots add a good share of thoughtful and longing soul, his North American education contributes a healthy dose of high-octane energy. An explosive mix. After Mayer realized musicianship was who he was, he would study at Royal Conservatory of Music, major in piano performance at Grant MacEwan University and win the Rachel McKeown Memorial Award for composition. A Chinese Arts Agency took Martin Mayer on a 16-city six-week long concert tour in mainland China in 2001. It would become the biggest tour of any artist in China's modern history, and all of his tour dates since then would be sold out. He entertained thousands in concert, and millions on Chinese TV. The "Outstanding Alumnus" winner at the Alberta Provincial Awards Celebrating Excellence was also featured by the Czech National Radio Orchestra in a live concert of his music, recorded and broadcast live from one of Prague’s most historic music venues. Mayer’s latest album, Unbreakable, was listed as one of the Top 25 New Music Critiques of 2018 (Music Connection Magazine, December 2018), attracting radio airplay from across the globe. It is one of the few independent Canadian records available on Chinese music-streaming platforms QQ, NetEase, QianQian and Kuwo. Canada's National Post predicts that Martin Mayer is "poised to take over the world stage," while VOGUE of Taiwan opines that the pianist's "passion for music ... can only be described as breath-taking," and an A&R Factory Music Blog concludes: "Thankfully there are artists such as Martin Mayer to inject a bit of excitement and panache into the format of the pop-piano.

Jeffrey Doucet is CEO of Thrive Career Wellness Platform, a software company that helps job seekers manage their job search. Jeffrey just announced that his company is opening up their Career Wellness Platform to all Canadians who have lost their jobs due to COVID-19.

Lesley Dumlao is the Director of Engagement at Perceptible Group Inc., a marketing and technology agency based in Burlington, Ontario. Lesley leads Perceptible’s business development, client engagement, social media marketing, and is also a host on Canada’s Podcast in Toronto! She and her husband are business partners and part-owners of Perceptible Group Inc. Having grown up within an entrepreneurial family, Lesley always knew that she would end up starting her own business. She also is confident in the fact that entrepreneurs have a certain make-up that sets them apart– a higher tolerance for risk and innate creativity. Lesley holds a Bachelor of Applied Health Sciences from the University of Waterloo and a Project Management Certificate from Humber College. With education in Recreation and Project Management, she spent most of her career working in government sector roles, and took the leap into entrepreneurship only two years ago.

Pierre Cleroux, Chief Economist with BDC (Business Development Bank of Canada), talks to Canada's Podcast about the devastating impact COVID-19 (coronavirus) is having on small businesses across the country, how the bank is helping out and advice for entrepreneurs to survive this crisis.

With a partial BCIT degree, investing 7 months working in the corporate world with Rogers, several years working hospitality with the Vancouver Canucks, Evan Gilbert set his mind on living life as a Digital Nomad traveling around the world while engaging technology to establish a niche helping real estate professionals invest wisely in their online content, presence and sales process. He is on a mission to revolutionize the advertising industry by delivering the best online resources for you to succeed in paid traffic! Within his digital marketing agency in Vancouver, he is also developing an education and training program to help other business decision makers & entrepreneurs get started with their own successful advertising campaigns on social media. Learn more about his business on the Block E Media website.

Sean Shaeffer is CEO of Zoomaway Travel. He has spent the last 30 years in the Gaming and Hospitality industries. He has worked in various areas of the hospitality sector including hotels and large casino operations. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to create his own companies that specialized in technology that assisted hotels and the resort community in better engaging their clientele. In his previous work he has helped pioneer technologies that have changed how booking rooms and activities benefit customers and the hospitality industry as a whole.

Andrew Gordon is a shareholder of Kiaro, which is a cannabis retail brand, and derives from the Italian "Chiaroscuro", meaning to emerge from darkness into the light. He currently serves as Senior Vice President of Retail Operations and Community. He specializes in organizational development, public affairs, community partnerships and industry performance. Andrew has a degree in Political Science from UVIC, and is a graduate of BCIT’s Non-Profit Management Program. Andrew has successfully led the community integration efforts for a number of private retailers across Canada, and has worked with a diverse array of patients, consumers and regulators to build accountable, community-responsive and financially sustainable cannabis retail models. Galvanized by the prospects of cannabis legalization in Canada, Andrew is passionate about working with community stakeholders across the country to help reduce social stigma, and abate pharmaceutical drug dependence within communities.

Shrad Rao is CEO at Wagepoint – Simple Payroll Software backed by the World’s Friendliest Team. He is focused on “building the kind of company I’ve always wanted to work at.” In fact Shrad has always known he would be an entrepreneur. And he has been really successful — building a startup in Canada into an international operation, He has some great insights — especially regarding positive approaches to building businesses in tough times like the current COVID-19 pandemic.

Jordan Lewis is the co-founder and CEO of Stable.work, an online marketplace for Sales Professionals. Prior to Stable.work, Jordan was the co-founder and CEO at Biddwell, an end-to-end property rental platform. Prior to Biddwell Jordan was the interim CEO at Spacelist, Canada’s leading Commercial Real Estate platform, where he oversaw the redevelopment of the company’s short and long-term strategy. Jordan holds a Bachelor of Technology Degree in Network and Security Application Development and Administration, as well as a Computer Systems Technology Diploma in Data Communication and Internet working from The British Columbia Institute of Technology.

Saif Ajani is the co-founder and CEO of the Toronto-based startup Keyhole, the world’s leading hashtag analytics tool, where he is responsible for the company’s vision and execution. Before launching Keyhole, Saif worked extensively in the technology space, most recently at a VC-incubated digital media startup. For more than ten years, he has been helping marketing executives at brands and agencies make key decisions by analyzing and measuring social media data. As a founder in this space, he really tries to learn from customers. Not always easy, but always learning! Saif has an honors degree in Computer Science from the University of Waterloo, and an MBA from Cornell University.

Brian Kingston, Vice President of Business Council Canada speaks to Canada's Podcast about the issues business are dealing with as a result of COVID-19, government's response to the crisis and BCC's position & recommendations.

COVID-19 is challenging and impacting entrepreneurs across Canada. Many of us are wondering how our businesses will make it through the weeks and months ahead. Canada's Podcast will be introducing new items and opinions from some of Canada's leading entrepreneurs, past guests and our own team. We can learn from each other by sharing our experiences and learning from each other. As a community, we are in this together. Today, Calgary host Bonnie Elgie chats with Leandro Dumlao and Philip Bliss, the two gentlemen behind Canada's Podcast and its parent company, Perceptible Group.

Grant Lawrence has participated in an IPO, experienced a buyout and the integration challenges that go with this; he is an active Angel investor is a Founder of Valhalla Private Capital and as President of Valhalla Angels Kelowna and Co-President of Valhalla Angels Vancouver Grant contributes to building the tech community. He also mentors and guides startups through business operations and sales. Grant has over 22+ successful years in the software industry both in startups and establish companies; holding a number of different senior positions in sales and marketing and proven track record in building and managing teams in the areas of strategic alliances, indirect and direct sales channels in complex B2B environments domestically and internationally throughout North America, Europe and Asia.

Dan Kelly, President of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) talks about the impact the coronavirus (COVID-19) is having on Canadian entrepreneurs, the government response and what still needs to be done.

Doug Van Spronsen is a Partner at Versett a product design and technology company.

Kelsey Reidl is a Business Coach, Podcast Host & Sales + Marketing Consultant. After being let-go from 2 of her dream jobs in her twenties, she decided to take her power back and ditch the 9-5 in pursuit of building her own brand and business. Now, she teaches other women to follow that inner voice that keeps nudging them. You know, the one that says "you’re capable of more!" Her signature online coaching program called The VISIONARY METHOD ™ has helped 100’s of aspiring and startup entrepreneurs gain the confidence they need to have a thriving coaching or service-based business, by showing them how to explore their gifts, develop an offer, create innovative sales & marketing strategies to get their service into the hands of those who need it, and to cultivate community each step of the way. Kelsey also hosts a Top Podcast on the Canadian Entrepreneurship Chats, called Visionary Life. In each weekly episode, she chats with visionary humans about the journey that got them to where they are today. Kelsey lives in Toronto with her husband and rescue pup, Abby. She loves to explore the world in search of the best coffee shops, the most stunning nature, and the wildest experiences (sleeping in the Sahara desert & jumping through canyons are some of her favourite adventures to date).

Chau Lui is co-owner of Paris Jewellers, which began as a small location in St. Albert, Alberta and today has stores across Canada. Lui talks about the company's humble roots and how it has become a national retail success story.

Born and raised in Squamish BC, Mike Schwarz went on to graduate from UBC Sauder School of Business with his Bachelor of Commerce degree (Marketing) in 1999. Since then, Mike has been self-employed, working on internet start-ups for over 18 years. Mike now has a rich history of successful dot-com exits including Clubvibes.com, Techvibes.com, The Massive Tech conference, DiscoverVancouver and clubZone.com. Mike's current focus is building out myZone Media, who's mission is to help event promoters operate more efficiently. Subsidiary businesses of myZone including myZone Printing, myZone Marketing, myZone Web Development, myZone Ticketing (aka ticketZone.com) and myZone Merch. Mike loves to travel and spends several months per year on the road working remotely. His latest start-up is his growing family including a wife & son. Recognized in 2005 as a BIV top 30 under 30, Schwarz has also spoken at numerous conferences and is passionate about building creative work environments that enable both work-life balance. In this episode, Mike discusses "why it's essential to find out what part of your business is virus proof", and stresses the importance of pivoting your business offerings online during this tumultuous time. Mark also talks about how his businesses thrives within a remote work-from-home culture, and offers insights and tools he uses to connect with his domestic and international team members. Mark sheds light on the impact COVID-19 is having on the event industry specifically. With the current outlook, which is changing daily, Mark anticipates events should be postponed until at least the Fall, if not the Spring.

James Connolly is the co-founder and CEO of VoxNeuro based in Toronto. VoxNeuro provides the world’s first objective concussion and acquired brain injury assessment that steps beyond diagnosis.

Darren MacLean is one of Canada's top-rated Chefs. He's Executive Chef and Owner of Shokunin in Calgary.

Dan Pontefract is the Chief Envisioner of the TELUS Transformation Office, where he helps organizations and leaders improve all facets of the ‘future of work’ including employee engagement, leadership development, collaborative behaviours and organizational purpose. He is an international keynote speaker, an Adjunct Professor at the University of Victoria's Gustavson School of Business and the author of three books, including his latest, Open to Think: Slow Down, Think Creatively, and Make Better Decisions.

Cissy Chen is founder of Rumble Boxing Studios which offers "a one of a kind, badass, fitness experience" as it brings together a high-intensity boxing workout with the powerful platform of group fitness.

Tracey Bissett's on a mission to redefine the economic future of the world by addressing financial literacy of young adults and entrepreneurs. She does this through her weekly podcast, Young Money - the advice show for millionaires in the making, teaching and delivery of financial courses, coaching and consulting. A native of Nova Scotia, she holds a BCOMM, MBA and is a CFA Charterholder. She LOVES her golden retriever (Rosie), roller coasters and music, especially live concerts! Download your money meeting agenda from www.bizmoneycoach.ca.

Andrea Sesum is a founder of Ontario College of Business & Law, co-founder of Technology Factory, founder of Women’s Paralegal Association of Ontario, passionate & innovative entrepreneur, educator, board member, author, keynote speaker and winner of 2015 City of Toronto Access, Equity & Human Rights Constance E. Focusing on the advancement of women in the legal profession & career advancement of immigrants in Toronto, Andrea was noted as the CSPN’s Leader in Diversity & Inclusion.

Chris Simair is managing director of Harvest Builders in Calgary. The venture builder's objective is to elevate innovation across the Canadian Prairies. Simair is the former co-founder of SkipTheDishes.

Annee Ngo is the co-founder and CEO of Startup League, an educational gaming platform for students to learn creative problem-solving through competition and play. She is a serial entrepreneur whom scaled global ed-tech company into more than 30 cities across 12 countries in under 3 years with clients like Adobe and Stanford. She exited her first startup in 2016, returning 3x to her investors. Annee is also the proud recipient of Women Tech Founders’ Award for Gaming/AR/VR and BC Business’ 30 Under 30.

Michael McNaught is the Founder of RVEzy, Canada's Largest and Most Affordable RV Rental Marketplace that connects vacationers with RV owners across the country. In 2016, Michael was injured while on duty at the Ottawa Police Service. After suffering this injury, he saw an opportunity to build upon his idea to create a market place, similar to airbnb for RV owners and vacationers. Exactly one year later, he was pitching this business on Dragon's Den. Fast forward to present day; Michael is now operating a highly successful, national company where keeping up with annual growth is his biggest business challenge. Michael's advice to entrepreneurs is to take calculated risks and pursue measurable results. Listen & watch this chat to get inspired to act on your big idea.

Cam Armitage is a professional firefighter and side-hustle CEO of CamArmitage.com. Author, speaker, entertainer, motivator. Cam's "work" is sharing the message that you can be a "bad-ass" while doing good work, with primary audience of 13-18 year olds who are at a critical pivot point of life choices.

Sky McLean is owner of Basecamp Resorts in Canmore, Alberta. She talks about being a woman in the male-dominated accommodation industry.

Daniela Kelloway is a veteran PR and communications professional (http://clutchpr.com/), writer, and tech startup founder. She has spoken at conferences around the world, walked A-list celebrities down red carpets, and broken world records. Kelloway is a yogi, has three children and splits her time between Toronto and Prince Edward County. Her latest venture BooknBrunch, a tech platform for book clubs, is on a mission to reconnect the world in real life through books and food.

Shelley Kuipers is co-founder of The51, an investment platform for female entrepreneurs.

Carmen Darley is an artist, mother, motivator, and an advocate for mental health and positive thinking. After years of having a sought-after corporate role at American Express, Carmen realized that her life needed to shift in a different direction. She had been painting and exploring art since she was a child, but never pursued it. Through life experiences and learning, in 2016, Carmen decided to take the leap and pursue a career as an artist, and founded Carli’s Paintings. She found solace in her art, and found her calling as an entrepreneur. Carmen creates "shatter-proof", original, and unique, resin décor that has become very popular in Toronto and is sold in over a dozen stores across the province, as well as online on Etsy. Carmen has an entrepreneurial mindset and is constantly on the lookout for new opportunities and where to grow her business next. She is a popular motivator and influencer in Toronto, with a passion for empowering other female entrepreneurs. Carmen was recently a keynote speaker at the Toronto Business Babes Conference 2019, telling her story about her struggles, at times difficult, and how they shaped the person and entrepreneur she is today. Her mission is to continue to create beautiful pieces that transform into functional and versatile home décor, as well as to empower other dreamers to pursue their life-long aspirations.

Christopher Wells, co- fondateur de Piecemeal, est un opérateur, gestionnaire et formateur du domaine de la restauration avec plus de 25 ans d'expérience. Après avoir travaillé plus de 20 ans pour des entreprises telles que Boston Pizza, McDonald’s et divers commerces indépendants du secteur, il a co-fondé Piecemeal en 2018. Avant de fonder Piecemeal, il a travaillé comme consultant et formateur pour l'industrie de la restauration au cours des 10 dernières années. Il a développé une boîte de consultation et a travaillé avec plus de 125 restaurants au cours de cette période. Il a aidé à coacher et à former plus de 200 propriétaires et exploitants et plus de 1000 employés de restaurant. Précédemment il a travaillé comme directeur général de restaurant, partenaire de développement commercial pour une entreprise technologique dans le domaine de la restauration, ainsi que formateur dans le secteur des ventes et de l'expérience client. Après des années dans l'industrie entouré de collègues passionnés, il s'est formé une passion en tant qu'œnophile et épicurien toujours curieux et avide de découverte. Piecemeal est une plateforme gratuite pour la gestion de restaurant qui utilise l'intelligence artificielle pour automatiser plusieurs des tâches normalement effectuées manuellement telle que la gestion des inventaires, des horaires, des achats, de la préparation de nourriture et de la gestion des coûts de menus.

Neil Gruninger is Founder and President of Kidoodle TV - a safe streaming platform with content hand picked by parents.