The Craft with May Globus

There’s a lot to admire about Paul Grunberg. The long-time restauranteur has been at the helm of some the city’s best award-winning establishments for years, and people return to them over and over again.He began his career as a dishwasher, working his way up from restaurant consultant for Bao Bei, general manager for Market `at the Shangrila Hotel, before finally getting into restaurant ownership with L’Abattoir. Today, he runs the much beloved Savio Volpe, Pepino’s Spaghetti House, and Caffe La Tana.In this conversation, we talk about his close relationship with his late father, what it was like for him and his industry this last year, the traits he looks for when hiring for his team, the greatest joy his young sons have given him, and more.

The natural ability to build a strong community is deep within Courtney Chew’s bones - her compassion and empathy are unparalleled. She was born into an entrepreneurial and creative family, all of which led her into the first leg of her career: marketing and branding at places like Aritzia, wings + horns, and kit & ace. In 2018, she took a leap of faith and launched her own swimwear / lifestyle brand, Ocin.In this conversation, we examine entrepreneurship in the pandemic, getting comfortable with vulnerability, and why building a better, more connected world is important to her.

Ben Smith has been a sought-after creative mind for over two decades. His brilliant marketing instinct and eloquence is balanced with a philosopher’s soul - Ben has a moral compass that few possess, but many respect. He grew up in Hamilton, Ontario, skateboarding and trying to find his lane in the world. Then he found himself the corporate world in his 20s - all while becoming a father at the age of 23. After a long stint as an executive in the real estate world, Ben struck out on his own in 2016, starting his own firm, Kinsman Marketing Partners. In this intimate conversation, we explore his winding career journey, what it’s like being a father to two girls and two boys, the places where he’s still a work in progress, and more. Ben Smith is a rare human, and worth everyone getting to know.

It’s always a good day when you’re in the presence of Tyler Quarles, a man of many many talents. The longtime art director and co-founder of Baro Drywear grew up in an equally athletic and creative household, spending much of his youth in snowboard shops while honing his passion for design. In this conversation, we dive into his upbringing, the story of how he created the Herschel Supply logo, getting the latest Baro collection to market during the pandemic, the key ingredients to a good partnership, and more. Please enjoy this episode with the incredible human that is Tyler Quarles.

Christina Culver is dynamite - there’s nothing this woman can’t do. A clothing designer, nail artist, self-taught vegan chef, stick & poke tattooist, and athlete, she’s always followed her natural talents and turned them into business ventures. After launching her fashion brand Christina Darling in 2005, she also found herself doing nail art for runway and magazines, too. Then in 2012, she launched Culver City Salads, a vegan food truck that quickly gained a loyal following, before trying her hand at stick & poke tattooing.In this conversation, we talk about her growing up in a family of athletes, grief around the death of her beloved uncle Dan to a mountaineering accident on K2, what she learned about herself and others during this trying year, and more.

A conversation with Blueprint Entertainment’s Nate Sabine always leaves you with a deep perspective that hadn’t crossed your mind before.Growing up in Terrace, BC, as a skate kid, he left his small hometown in the mid-90s for the bigger city - but not without bringing his interest for skate culture, music, style and hospitality along with him. For the last 25 years, Nate’s been a leader in the entertainment and music industry, heading up brand and marketing for the Donnelly Group before becoming the director of business development for Blueprint Entertainment.In this conversation, we explore his younger years growing up biracial and a trip to the UK that changed him, navigating changes in his industry caused by the pandemic, mental health, being a father, and much more.

My very first podcast guest, Garret Louie (aka. GMAN), has a sharp mind and instinct for culture, and what’s relevant within it. It’s a rare talent, making him one that many have followed and emulated throughout the years. He paved the way for street culture growth in Vancouver since the 90s, from bringing Freshjive to the city, running his sales agency and distribution company NL&A and Timebomb Trading, founding sneaker retailer Livestock with industry vet Garry Bone, to opening Fortune Sound Club with long-time business partner Rob Rizk. In this conversation, we explore what he’s learned about himself over this last year, how his various businesses had to quickly shift in that time, mental health, a recent major Livestock announcement, what he’s learned from his sons Raiden and Nevin during the pandemic, and more.