Amplify Your Business: Recent Episodes
Amplomedia
Ampilify Your Business is a daily glimpse into the business tactics, challenges, and successes of entrepreneurs—hosted by CEO & Founder of Amplomedia, Lance Johnson.
Real humans, real advice, delivered straight to your feed every day of the week.
In this episode of Amplify Your Business, we sit down with Ryan Brown, former Sales Manager and Partner at Integrity Waste Solutions, to explore how one company is raising the bar in an industry often overlooked. With a commitment to upfront pricing and ethical service, Integrity Waste Solutions proves that doing the right thing isn’t just good for customers—it’s good for business. Ryan also reflects on stepping away from the company and shares what values will guide his next venture.
In this episode of Amplify Your Business, we talk with Ryan Malloy, Managing Director at Liquid Software Corporation, about how entrepreneurs can modernize their operations without abandoning the systems they rely on. Ryan explains how Liquid’s EDGE-QL platform brings flexibility and functionality to legacy software, helping businesses reduce errors, boost productivity, and uncover hidden revenue. It’s a must-listen for anyone juggling multiple ventures or looking to scale without a total tech overhaul.
In this episode of Amplify Your Business, Julieta Miranda, CEO of Kid-Drop, shares her extraordinary journey from refugee to fearless founder. Faced with personal and professional setbacks, Julieta built Kid-Drop to solve a problem most busy parents know all too well—safely getting kids where they need to go. With in-vehicle cameras, uniformed drivers, and a focus on transparency, Kid-Drop is more than a ride—it's a lifeline for families juggling modern life. Tune in for a story of resilience, reinvention, and redefining what it means to serve your community.
In this episode of Amplify Your Business, we sit down with Jason Byrne, founder and CEO of Icon-IQ, to explore how Alberta companies are solving one of their toughest challenges: finding senior tech talent. Jason shares how Icon-IQ connects local businesses with vetted developers, engineers, and product managers from Latin America—bringing global expertise to Canada's doorstep. From pandemic pivots to a purpose-driven rebrand, this conversation is packed with insights for any business leader rethinking their hiring strategy.
In this episode of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Jonathan Fishbeck, the founder and CEO of EstateSpace. At a high level, EstateSpace is solving the problem of difficult estate management by simplifying it. In particular, EstateSpace deals with the non-financial asset management side of estate management, both from an operational perspective, as well as a portfolio perspective, by helping their clients to improve their economic outcomes.
To learn more, visit https://estatespace.com/.
In this episode of Amplify Your Business, two women are working to make every day brighter for all people. We’re joined by Danielle Bragge and Leanne Brownoff, co-founders of VR Pathways. The idea behind VR Pathways is leveraging Virtual Reality to change the brain and give people the relief they need to take them out of stressful situations and get them back to a place of fully functioning cognitive behaviour and cognitive thinking.
VR Pathways offers personal, on-demand mental health support for cognitive behavioural therapy and phobia therapy through two distinct apps within the world of virtual reality. Their mission is to help reduce negative thoughts and feelings through creating new, positive pathways within the brain that deliver long-term results.
To learn more, visit https://www.vrpathways.com/.
In this episode of Amplify Your Business, Lance sits down with Seth Temko—tech entrepreneur, seasoned strategist, and founder of Full On Strategy. With decades of experience navigating the highs and lows of the startup world, Seth brings a perspective forged in the fires of the dot-com era and sharpened by today’s digital demands.
Seth doesn’t sugarcoat it: launching a business is both exhilarating and exhausting. But in his words, it’s also one of the most liberating decisions you can make. He shares the hard-won wisdom that comes from building under pressure—offering three transformative tips every entrepreneur should hear. His advice? Be patient, stay in your lane of passion, and don’t be afraid to delegate the energy-draining stuff.
We also dive into the unique go-to-market playbook that powers Full On Strategy, where community and collaboration take center stage. Seth explains how he's building not just a client base, but a movement—connecting tech leaders, restaurateurs, and startup founders in a shared mission to scale smarter.
🎧 Tune in to hear why building a business might just be the best kind of hard—and how you can do it with intention, resilience, and strategy.
👉 Learn more about Full On Strategy at fullonstrategy.com
In this episode of Amplify Your Business, host Lance Johnson speaks with Joshua Monge, a fractional COO and expert in business strategy and operations. They discuss the challenges faced by service-based businesses, the importance of delegation, common operational mistakes, and the value of process mapping. Joshua shares actionable insights on how entrepreneurs can build resilient businesses and avoid the pitfalls of growth, emphasizing the need for clear processes and effective delegation to enhance operational efficiency. In this conversation, Joshua Monge discusses the complexities of business processes and the importance of documentation in optimizing operations. He emphasizes the need for businesses to map out their processes, understand the costs involved, and create a culture that embraces adherence to these processes. Monge also highlights the challenges that arise as businesses grow, particularly the unmanaged complexities that can lead to operational inefficiencies. He advocates for the use of AI to automate repetitive tasks, allowing CEOs to focus on strategic growth rather than getting bogged down in day-to-day operations.
In this episode of Amplify Your Business, we're joined by Erika Anderson from the picturesque landscapes of Spain. Erika shares her profound insights on entrepreneurship, the critical importance of vision, and the intricate journey of transitioning from full-time leadership to a semi-retired role. This conversation unveils the essence of entrepreneurial resilience, strategic decision-making, and personal growth.
Erika Anderson is a seasoned entrepreneur and the founding partner of Proteus International, a company specializing in leadership development, executive coaching, and organizational transformation. With a career spanning over three decades, Erika has established herself as an authority on helping individuals and organizations clarify and move toward their aspired futures. She has authored a number of books focused on leadership and change management and currently splits her time between New York and Spain.
In this episode of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Amy Zuk Olsen, the owner of Safety Buzz Campus, who’s tackling the problem of safety awareness and culture in both individual and corporate settings. Safety Buzz educates businesses about areas requiring safety measures, mentors employees to create a safety-oriented culture, and emphasizes the importance of safety in building a positive workplace atmosphere. Additionally, it provides specific services, such as truck driver training and air chiller division services, to address safety challenges in those domains. With 20 years in business, Amy stresses the challenges of entrepreneurship, the value of a strong team, and cautious growth planning in today’s episode. In a letter to her younger self, Amy would advise her younger self to: "Get ready for the ride. It's going to be really tough.” There will be days when you just want to stay in bed - you can't. Amy’s got plenty of wisdom for other entrepreneurs and amazing offerings for businesses looking to elevate their safety.
In this episode of Amplify Your Business, Christa Jones, the founder of Rose City Professional Organizing. They tackle the overwhelming stress that clutter and disorganization can bring for those facing extreme clutter challenges, where cleaning up feels impossible. This extends to busy individuals juggling work, family, and emotional attachments to possessions, making decluttering a struggle. Additionally, they support those downsizing, packing, and moving, especially seniors and their families dealing with physical limitations and time pressures. Effective time management, adaptability in the face of change, a resilient spirit, a client-centric approach, and a strong foundation in financial literacy are a few vital components of long-term entrepreneurial success according to Christa. She also touched on the importance of learning to let go of control and be okay with delegating. In a letter to her younger self, she would advise little Christa to: “Be patient and realistic with yourself. Embrace growth and ambition, but also celebrate your progress and learning. Success isn't a fixed destination, so be kind to yourself and avoid being overly critical.”
In this episode of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Kerri Davis, the co-founder and CEO of Fortress, a software solution that helps property management companies manage their assets and create efficiency in their operations. With a background in accounting and law, Kerri has leveraged her entrepreneurial spirit to build a successful business in the real estate and technology industries. Join us today as Kerri shares her insights on entrepreneurship and the importance of embracing failure, creating psychological safety, and surrounding yourself with the right people. She emphasizes the need to redefine success and view failures as stepping stones to success. Kerri also discusses the value of psychological safety in a risky entrepreneurial environment and the importance of commitment in team members. She highlights the benefits of diversity in the workplace and the power of different perspectives in driving innovation and success.
In this episode of Amplify Your Business, Rick Meekins shares his insights on entrepreneurship and the key factors for success. He emphasizes the importance of having systems and processes in place to scale a business while maintaining quality. Rick also highlights the significance of having the right people on board and creating a strong company culture. He advises entrepreneurs to be flexible, resilient, and willing to pivot when necessary. Rick's goal for his business, Aepiphanni, is to focus on teaching and training, allowing him to work on the aspects of the business that he enjoys the most.
In this episode of Amplify Your Business, we welcome Sophia Fairweather, a trailblazing entrepreneur who started her journey at just five years old. Now at 15, she’s the founder of Key Angels, a company dedicated to helping young entrepreneurs achieve financial stability through real estate. Her innovative model allows young business owners to live in one unit of a fourplex while rental income from the other units covers expenses—offering them the freedom to focus on their ventures without financial stress.
Sophia shares her insights on overcoming age-related business challenges, the power of networking, and why teaching others about your product or service is one of the most important entrepreneurial skills. If you’re looking for inspiration, innovation, and real-world strategies from the next generation of business leaders, this is an episode you won’t want to miss!
In this episode of Amplify Your Business, host Lance Johnson sits down with Dennis Humphrey, owner of Eden Business Concepts, LLC. They explore the challenges family-owned and closely held businesses face when dealing with workforce-related crises and employee conflicts that hinder productivity and growth. Dennis shares his expertise in helping leaders gain clarity, improve decision-making, and create a positive workplace culture.
Throughout the conversation, Dennis discusses the impact of self-awareness in leadership, the role of core motivations in shaping decisions, and strategies to reduce disruptive behaviors in management. He also reflects on his definition of success—seeing leaders thrive while ensuring the well-being of their teams.
In this episode of Amplify Your Business, host Lance Johnson interviews Theresa Caragol, founder and CEO of Achieve Unite, Inc. They discuss the importance of strategic partnerships in business growth, the role of trust in building successful collaborations, and the emerging trends in the partnership landscape. Theresa shares her journey from corporate success to entrepreneurship, emphasizing the need for a deliberate partnering strategy and the integration of AI in enhancing partnership effectiveness. The conversation also touches on the significance of diversity and inclusion in the workplace and the empowerment of women in business.
In this episode of Amplify Your Business, host Lance Johnson interviews Lillia Sanders, a fractional CFO and founder of Skillia Business Solutions LLC. Lillia shares her inspiring journey from overcoming homelessness to becoming a sought-after financial strategist. She discusses the importance of financial clarity for entrepreneurs, the differences between bookkeepers, accountants, and CFOs, and the key metrics that drive business growth. Lillia emphasizes the need for meticulous financial categorization and offers insights on common financial mistakes to avoid, ultimately guiding entrepreneurs towards achieving their business goals with confidence.
In this episode of Amplify Your Business, host Lance Johnson speaks with business coach Scott King about the innovative barter exchange model being introduced in Edmonton through Exmerce. Scott explains the concept of modern barter, its advantages for businesses, and how it can help entrepreneurs leverage unused capacity. The conversation also covers the importance of networking, upcoming events, and the significance of founding members in building a successful community.
In this episode of Amplify Your Business, we interview Tammy Barlette, a former Air Force Pilot for 20 years and now a successful entrepreneur. She is the co-founder of Athena's Voice, a speaker referral business that aims to empower and inspire women in the military aviation community. Tammy is also the founder of Cross Check, a mental performance coaching business for aviators.
Join us as Tammy shares her journey as an entrepreneur and the lessons she has learned along the way. She emphasizes the importance of not going on the entrepreneurial journey alone as well as the need to anticipate and then overcome challenges. Tammy also highlights the significance of defining success on one's own terms and not conforming to societal expectations. Tammy encourages entrepreneurs to embrace challenges, prepare for obstacles, and seek help when needed.
To learn more visit http://www.athenasvoiceusa.com
In this episode of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Emma Givera, the owner of Bushnel Construction S. R. L. Bushnel Construction was founded by Emma’s partner, and when she moved to the Dominican Republic from Toronto, the two realized that her outgoing personality, expertise, and connections to other expats could really ramp up their business. From a small development company, Emma and her partner have grown Bushnel into a business that’s poised to take over!
In this week's episode of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Sophia Fairweather, the founder of Key Angels, and the youngest entrepreneur we’ve had the pleasure of chatting to for our Amplify Your Business podcast. Key Angels aims to support both entrepreneurship and home-ownership in the youth. Key Angels' core model involves living in one unit of a fourplex and having the income from the other three units cover expenses, effectively offering financial stability while allowing pursuit of entrepreneurial goals. This approach enables young entrepreneurs to dedicate themselves fully to their ventures without the added pressure of part-time jobs or immediate financial needs. The concept of "angels" is derived from traditional investment angels, however, it describes individuals who provide qualifying credit scores, ensuring access and stability rather than financial investment. There are many things that Sophia has learned along the way in her seven years of entrepreneurship, however, the one significant aspect that stands out to her is the importance of attending events: both for networking and for improving your communication skills. Particularly improving your ability to educate people about your product or service.
To learn more, visit https://key-angels.com/.
In episode 266, Lance sits down with James Jackson, the founder and president of Spotz, a company that aims to be the "Airbnb for non-overnight community spaces." With a background in business and a passion for entrepreneurship, James has built a career around solving problems and finding innovative solutions. He brings a wealth of experience and a strong work ethic to his role at Spotz.
In this interview, James Jackson, founder and president of Spotz, shares his entrepreneurial journey and the challenges he faced along the way. He emphasizes the importance of knowing yourself and your weaknesses, being prepared for the difficulties of entrepreneurship, and leaning on your network for support. Spotz is a platform that connects people with unique and rentable community spaces, solving the problems of awareness, accessibility, and tools for hosts. James discusses the strategic approach to building both the supply and demand sides of the market, as well as the importance of efficient funding and strategic outsourcing. He encourages entrepreneurs to have perspective, trust in themselves, and be open-minded to opportunities.
To learn more about Spotz, visit the website at https://www.findspotz.com/.
In this episode of Amplify Your Business, host Lance Johnson interviews John Schell, Chair of Social Capital Partners, about the newly introduced Employee Ownership Trusts in Canada. The conversation explores the purpose of Social Capital Partners, the mechanics of employee ownership trusts, the challenges business owners face when considering this option, and the governance structure involved. John emphasizes the importance of communication and planning for business owners looking to transition their companies to employee ownership, highlighting the potential benefits for both owners and employees.
On this episode of Amplify Your Business, we feature Dan Rogers, an innovative entrepreneur with a transformative approach to business. The conversation unpacks the essential principles that entrepreneurs must prioritize to achieve meaningful and sustainable success.
Central to the discussion, Dan, CEO and owner of WorkP2P, highlights the necessity of a well-defined, compelling vision as a cornerstone for business growth. Moving beyond traditional frameworks, he introduces the concept of designing businesses as societal systems rather than conventional corporate entities. This paradigm shift has propelled his own company to thrive on inbound interest, eliminating the need for outbound marketing. The secret? Cultivating trust and delivering value without the pressure of a hard sell.
Discover more about WorkP2P and their game-changing approach by visiting WorkP2P.
In this episode of Amplify Your Business, host Lance Johnson speaks with Jennifer Garrett, founder and CEO of Elevate Your Hustle and the Move the Ball brand. They discuss essential advice for entrepreneurs, the importance of understanding your audience, and the need for authenticity and vulnerability in business. Jennifer shares her journey into entrepreneurship, the challenges she faced, and how she built her brand while emphasizing the significance of networking and relationship-building. The conversation also touches on common branding mistakes and strategies for achieving business goals.
In this episode of Amplify Your Business, host Lance Johnson interviews David Wolf, founder of AuraVida Studios, discussing the evolution of podcasting and its impact on business success. David shares his journey from music production to podcasting, emphasizing the importance of authentic storytelling and audience engagement. He provides insights into the changing landscape of content creation, the keys to successful podcasting, and why business owners should consider starting their own podcasts. The conversation also touches on the debate between batch production and consistent releases for podcasts.
In this episode of Amplify Your Business, host Lance Johnson welcomes Mark McFatridge, the visionary founder and CEO of Quade, an exclusive executive peer group community dedicated to CEOs and business owners. Mark’s journey from a successful career in banking to creating Quade reveals how transformative peer support can be for leaders facing the unique challenges of entrepreneurship.
In this episode of Amplify Your Business, Eunicia Peret, founder of Excelstra, explains the importance of cohesive wealth strategies for entrepreneurs. With nearly 20 years of experience, she delves into why entrepreneurs should adopt a holistic approach that spans tax strategies, investment portfolios, and legacy planning. Eunicia highlights the importance of asking the right questions, embracing outside expertise, and making financial decisions early to optimize long-term wealth growth.
In this episode of Amplify Your Business, Rick Meekins shares his insights on entrepreneurship and the key factors for success. He emphasizes the importance of having systems and processes in place to scale a business while maintaining quality. Rick also highlights the significance of having the right people on board and creating a strong company culture. He advises entrepreneurs to be flexible, resilient, and willing to pivot when necessary. Rick's goal for his business, Aepiphanni, is to focus on teaching and training, allowing him to work on the aspects of the business that he enjoys the most.
In this episode of Amplify Your Business, Jeff Sekinger shares his inspiring journey as a serial entrepreneur with multiple successful businesses. Jeff discusses the crucial lessons he learned along the way, including the importance of personal development and transitioning from working in the business to working on it. He also emphasizes the significance of product-market fit, leveraging data for business growth, and adapting to new technologies like AI. Packed with insights on leadership, mindset, and scaling up, this episode offers actionable advice for entrepreneurs at any stage of their journey.
In this episode of Amplify Your Business, host Lance Johnson sits down with Lonnie Sciambi, also known as the "Entrepreneur’s Yoda." Lonnie brings over 30 years of entrepreneurial experience to the table, having successfully started, sold, and advised countless businesses. He shares invaluable insights into cash flow management, the importance of culture in business, and how identifying the right target market can make or break a venture. Whether you're navigating a startup or a seasoned entrepreneur, Lonnie's practical advice will help you on your journey.
In this episode of Amplify Your Business, host Lance Johnson interviews Brent Britton, a legal expert and entrepreneur, about his journey and insights into entrepreneurship. Brent reflects on his experience working with startups, emphasizing the importance of market validation and learning from failure. He also discusses the role of AI in the future of business, warning of the ethical implications and the need for a balanced approach to its adoption. This episode is packed with valuable lessons on how to navigate both legal challenges and technological shifts in today’s fast-evolving business landscape.
In this episode of Amplify Your Business, host Lance Johnson interviews Doug McCullough, partner at Crady Jewett, McCullough & Huron LLP. Doug shares valuable insights on entrepreneurship, from overcoming the hesitation to take the plunge, to navigating legal pitfalls and startup team dynamics. He also discusses the complexities of cross-border expansion, especially for Canadian businesses eyeing Texas, and emphasizes the importance of legal counsel when entering new markets. Tune in to learn how to prepare for an exit strategy and embrace sales with personality.
In this episode of Amplify Your Business, host Lance Johnson welcomes Imran Syed, the founder of Hatchproof, to discuss his insights on tackling one of the most pressing issues businesses face today—employee retention. Imran shares how his personal experiences, from growing up in the Middle East to becoming a tech entrepreneur in Silicon Valley, shaped his approach to leadership. The episode focuses on how Hatchproof integrates AI and behavioural science to revolutionise talent management and retention.
Imran Syed’s fascinating entrepreneurial journey—from the Persian Gulf War to the bustling tech world of Silicon Valley—frames his innovative approach to solving talent retention challenges. In this episode, he explains how Hatchproof is using AI and behavioural science to align employees and managers for better retention and workplace happiness. The conversation also covers the broader future of work, how businesses should embrace AI as a tool to optimize human potential, and the power of courage, discipline, and adaptability in entrepreneurship.
In this episode of Amplify Your Business, Lance Johnson welcomes Coach Dan Gordon, an expert in transforming entrepreneurs' approaches to sales. Dan brings over two decades of experience in helping entrepreneurs break free from self-imposed limitations and achieve their full potential.
Lance and Coach Dan discuss the concept of "no douchebag selling," the importance of personal development, and how to build trust with potential clients. Dan also shares his unique sales strategies and tools that help entrepreneurs stay at the top of their game.
Topics Covered:
- The philosophy behind "no douchebag selling"
- The importance of focusing on the client rather than the product
- The role of storytelling in sales
- The significance of personal development for entrepreneurs
- Techniques to manage stress and improve performance
You can connect with Coach Dan Gordon on his website at Dan Gordon Enterprise, on LinkedIn as Coach Dan Gordon, and check out his podcast, For Badass Entrepreneurs Only.
In the latest episode of Amplify Your Business, Lance welcomes Yoni Kominsky, a luminary in the field of entrepreneurship with a vast array of experiences as the co-founder and CEO of Ekeala and Multiply Mii. Yoni's journey embodies the very essence of entrepreneurship, from taking the plunge into the business world to fostering growth through strategic focus and understanding the necessity of effective team management.
Upon listening to this illuminating podcast, listeners will gather Yoni’s profound insights into starting an entrepreneurial voyage, the critical nature of measuring impact for business success, and the importance of honing focus to achieve set objectives. Amidst addressing the intricate balance of personal and professional life, Yoni also discusses how to navigate the complex nature of leading multiple business ventures simultaneously and the underlying strategies that bolster his success.
To learn more about Multiply Mii, visit https://www.multiplymii.com/
Welcome to yet another engaging episode of Amplify Your Business. Today, we're privileged to have Corinne Mason, Partner at Summit Leadership Partners, who is committed to shaping leaders in mid-market businesses. Despite our usual focus on smaller ventures, this episode delivers invaluable leadership development insights that can benefit entrepreneurs of all scales.
With a wealth of entrepreneurial experience spanning over a decade, Corinne emphasises the growth of leadership style, comprehending marketing and communications, fostering creativity, and maintaining focus on organisational expansion. In this enlightening conversation, she provides insights on the hurdles mid-market enterprises face, particularly those backed by private equity, and the immense pressures they cope with to achieve exceptional year-over-year growth.
Our discussion focuses on building resilient leadership structures, where Corinne underscores their firm's focus on personal development, team efficacy, and considerations surrounding strategic human capital. The primary goal: to help leaders scale up and align with the quick-paced growth of their organisations.
Besides demystifying what leadership entails in fast-growing, high-stakes business environments, Corinne offers timeless advice pertinent to all leaders, irrespective of the size or industry of their ventures. Dive into this absorbing conversation and discover the secrets of exceptional leadership that can catapult your enterprise towards exponential growth!
Leadership Styles of Prominent Business Figures & Insights on Organisational Growth
Delve into this exhilarating episode where we explore successful leadership secrets in diverse sectors. From emphasising emotional intelligence and discipline as leadership pillars, to highlighting common leadership pitfalls like failing to delegate or maintaining a singular vision. Furthermore, we elucidate on change in leadership styles as organisations grow, necessitating leaders to put faith and support in their executives.
This episode also enlightens listeners on the pivotal role of systems and infrastructures in scaling a business, offering a unique perspective into the leadership styles of famous business personalities such as Elon Musk.
From HR Specialist to Entrepreneur: Corinne Mason's Journey to Promote Equity in Leadership
In this enlightening podcast episode, we are joined by Corinne Mason, PhD. Despite facing personal obstacles, Corinne decided to co-found her own venture? She aims to influence positive change and champion more equity, particularly for women in leadership roles. Reflecting on her journey, Corinne emphasizes the role of entrepreneurship as an agent for change and offers candid advice on effective team management and communication.
If you wish to connect with Corinne, you can find her on the Summit Leadership Partners' website or LinkedIn. Get ready for a treasure trove of knowledge and inspiration from Corinne’s experiences and wisdom in leadership and entrepreneurship as you tune into this exceptional episode.
In this episode of Amplify Your Business, we sit down with Dan Rogers, an entrepreneur who brings an entirely fresh perspective to the table. The conversation dives deep into the foundational principles every entrepreneur must consider to succeed truly.
In the heart of the discussion, Rogers, the CEO and owner of WorkP2P, emphasizes the importance of a clear and articulate vision, which he believes is crucial for a business's growth. Transitioning to the practicalities, the episode sheds light on the distinction between designing a company as a societal system rather than the traditional corporate model. Dan elaborates on the success of his own company, which stopped outbound marketing and now thrives on inbound interest thanks to a focus on building trust and adding value without a hard sell.
To learn more about WorkP2P, visit https://workp2p.com/
00:00 Intro
00:00 Three things every entrepreneur should know.
06:27 Why the traditional corporate model is flawed
09:42 WorkP2P and their mission to redeem work
12:23 How COVID-19 impacted business
14:00 Getting paid to practice beats working to get paid.
16:52 Sharing programs with smaller companies and individuals.
17:32 Stopping outbound sales as everything started coming inbound.
19:56 Trust and reciprocity are key in building relationships with customers.
23:48 Starting a consultancy business to help with sales & marketing
24:14 Dan Rogers explains the value of creating before taking
25:18 The importance of understanding how money moves
31:35 Pushing a business to its limits
32:17 The purpose of a societal system in developing community
36:19 Letting go of customers to align with the company's vision
38:05 Designing systems to incorporate essential elements
39:12 Importance of facing reality and accepting the truth
40:02 Pulling reality in rather than pushing it out
43:49 Outro
In this episode of Amplify Your Business, we're joined by Erika Anderson from the picturesque landscapes of Spain. Erika shares her profound insights on entrepreneurship, the critical importance of vision, and the intricate journey of transitioning from full-time leadership to a semi-retired role. This conversation unveils the essence of entrepreneurial resilience, strategic decision-making, and personal growth.
Erika Anderson is a seasoned entrepreneur and the founding partner of Proteus International, a company specializing in leadership development, executive coaching, and organizational transformation. With a career spanning over three decades, Erika has established herself as an authority on helping individuals and organizations clarify and move toward their aspired futures. She has authored a number of books focused on leadership and change management and currently splits her time between New York and Spain.
To learn more about Proteus International, visit https://proteus-international.com/
00:00 Intro
00:57 The importance of having a clear vision for your business
02:23 Being a fair witness and maintaining objectivity as an entrepreneur
03:57 The significance of having enough capital for your business
05:10 Challenges of scaling a business and managing capital
08:57 Gathering data and testing market demand before developing a product
12:26 Summary of the book "Be Bad First.”
13:37 The three practice areas of Proteus
19:27 Erika's transition to semi-retirement and operating Proteus from Spain
22:10 Advice for transitioning and trusting partners
24:44 Importance of clear roles and regular check-ins
29:48 Identifying what you love about your work.
31:53 Erika’s biggest challenge
39:36 How to connect with Erika Anderson
40:01 Find Erika's books on Amazon
40:35 Outro
In this episode of Amplify Your Business, Lance engages with the CEO of Capital Raise, Carl Grant III, diving into Carl's rich entrepreneurial journey and discussing the intricacies of raising capital for businesses. Carl's vast experience presents a treasure trove of insights that are critical for entrepreneurs navigating the complex world of investments and growth.
In this interview, Carl opens up about the evolution of his career from his initial foray as an entrepreneur with his father to his eventual return to entrepreneurship after years in the corporate sphere. The discussion sheds light on the essence of capital investment and the strategies that can make or break the success of a startup. By delineating between the perils of being overly reliant on investment capital and the strength of revenue-focused businesses, Carl provides a nuanced look into the world of venture capital and private equity.
To learn more about Capital Raise, visit https://capitalraise.net.
00:00 Introduction
01:08 Three important things every entrepreneur needs to know
03:00 Background and experience in raising capital
07:43 Overview of Capital Raise and its services
11:57 Early experiences in the video streaming industry
12:32 The market crash in 2000 led to the downfall of a startup
13:18 The impact of 9/11 on a financial services company
14:17 Transitioning from corporate to entrepreneurship
19:26 Working with family in business and the importance of trust
21:41 The significance of revenue and profitability in business success
25:31 Uber's dominance in the market and strategy for success
26:13 TikTok's shift towards driving commerce and monetization
26:51 The importance of generating revenue and being profitable as a startup
27:26 The entrepreneurial strategy of selling to the government
28:28 Overview of the book "How to Live the Abundant Life"
29:27 Focusing on giving and helping others for personal and financial benefit
31:30 Achieving seemingly impossible goals through bite-sized tasks
34:06 Where to find Carl’s book "How to Live the Abundant Life"
35:50 Outro
In episode 268, Lance meets with Seth Temko, the founder of Full On Strategy, a go-to-market consultancy that helps companies achieve hypergrowth. With a background in entrepreneurship and startups, Seth has a wealth of experience in the technology sector. He has lived through the boom and bust of the dot-com era and has a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities that come with starting and scaling a business.
In this interview, Seth shares his top three tips for entrepreneurs, including that he believes that starting your own business is both the hardest and easiest thing you can do. While it comes with financial strain and stress, it also gives you control over your own destiny. Seth emphasizes the importance of patience, as everything takes longer than expected. He advises entrepreneurs to focus on the things they enjoy and are passionate about, and to outsource or delegate tasks that drain their energy. Seth also discusses his go-to-market strategy for Full On Strategy, which includes building partnerships and creating a community of restaurant tech executives and founders.
To learn more about Full On Strategy, visit: https://fullonstrategy.com/
00:00 - Introduction
01:15 - Three things every entrepreneur should know
07:08 - Go-to-market strategy
09:24 - Helping companies achieve hypergrowth
10:33 - Applying the principles of his consultancy to his own business
12:47 - Defining the consultancy and choosing a niche market
13:19 - Focusing on hospitality technology and generating value quickly
13:54 - Massive potential market size in the restaurant industry.
16:22 - Partnerships with Branded Strategic and other consultants.
17:27 - Focus on selling, defining partnerships, and driving pipeline for growth.
20:58 - Creating a restaurant technology-focused event to connect industry players.
22:04 - Building community and peer support is key for long-term success.
24:07 - Communities can be monetized and lead to strong relationships.
28:32 - Naive thinking can propel young entrepreneurs forward.
29:45 - Lesson from the dot-com bubble: value delivery is key.
33:07 - Importance of good product and customers willing to pay.
36:26 - Outro
In episode 267, Lance sits down with Alex Mic Podar, the co-founder and CEO of Backyard Bookkeeper, a bookkeeping company that focuses solely on bookkeeping services. With over 15 years of experience in the industry, Alex has built a successful business that is dedicated to providing high-quality bookkeeping solutions to clients. Alex is passionate about helping other entrepreneurs succeed and is constantly looking for ways to scale her businesses and create job opportunities.
In this interview, Alex Mick Podar shares her insights on entrepreneurship and the importance of financial literacy. She emphasizes the need for entrepreneurs to have a good relationship with their finances and to understand the concept of good debt. Alex also advises entrepreneurs to be cautious when doing business with friends or family and to learn how to surround themselves with the right people. She discusses her plans to scale her bookkeeping company and the challenges she anticipates in acquiring other businesses. Alex also addresses the impact of AI on the bookkeeping industry and the importance of staying ahead of the technology. She emphasizes the value of systems and replicable processes in scaling a business and shares her personal journey as an entrepreneur.
To learn more, visit Backyard Bookkeeper at https://backyardbookkeeper.com/
0:00:00 - Intro
0:00:22 - Three things every entrepreneur needs to know
0:02:26 - The importance of good debt in business growth
0:04:41 - Scaling a business through acquiring other businesses
0:06:03 - Backyard Bookkeeper's unique focus on bookkeeping services
0:08:32 - Plans to grow the team by acquiring other bookkeeping businesses
0:09:21 - Educating oneself and thinking outside the box for mergers and acquisitions
0:11:42 - Targeting retiring baby boomers to acquire their businesses
0:12:47 - The impact of AI on the bookkeeping industry and managing the risk
0:13:40 - The role of a good bookkeeper beyond data entry in the AI era
0:14:15 - Automation of data entry and the role of AI in accounting
0:15:21 - Working closely with AI developers to improve accounting AI
0:16:26 - AI empowering individuals to take on multiple jobs
0:17:37 - Alex's entrepreneurial journey and origins in Romania
0:20:58 - Importance of systems and hiring the right people
0:23:38 - The necessity of replicable systems for scaling a business
0:25:43 - Information about Amplify Your Business and upcoming symposium
In episode 266, Lance sits down with James Jackson, the founder and president of Spotz, a company that aims to be the "Airbnb for non-overnight community spaces." With a background in business and a passion for entrepreneurship, James has built a career around solving problems and finding innovative solutions. He brings a wealth of experience and a strong work ethic to his role at Spotz.
In this interview, James Jackson, founder and president of Spotz, shares his entrepreneurial journey and the challenges he faced along the way. He emphasizes the importance of knowing yourself and your weaknesses, being prepared for the difficulties of entrepreneurship, and leaning on your network for support. Spotz is a platform that connects people with unique and rentable community spaces, solving the problems of awareness, accessibility, and tools for hosts. James discusses the strategic approach to building both the supply and demand sides of the market, as well as the importance of efficient funding and strategic outsourcing. He encourages entrepreneurs to have perspective, trust in themselves, and be open-minded to opportunities.
To learn more about Spotz, visit the website at https://www.findspotz.com/.
0:00:00 - Intro
0:01:11- Three things every entrepreneur needs to understand
0:02:58 - Building a strong network as an entrepreneur
0:06:34 - Overview of Spotz and the problem it solves
0:08:40 - The need for a centralized platform for renting non-overnight spaces
0:09:55 - Challenges in finding and renting different kinds of venues
0:10:23 - Potential benefits for organizations with empty spaces
0:11:50 - Building both sides of the market simultaneously
0:11:58 - Challenges of building a platform without an audience yet
0:13:18 - Strategic approach to building a community of hosts
0:14:21 - Metrics for monetizing spaces and marketing to end users
0:16:02 - Encouraging gatherings and creating community post-pandemic
0:17:22 - Funding challenges and efficient spending
0:21:38 - Learning from difficult situations and outsourcing certain roles
0:26:36 - James Jackson's entrepreneurial journey started at 15 with 47 different jobs.
0:30:48 - Advice on sustaining determination and overcoming challenges.
0:35:41 - Reflecting on personal growth and self-improvement
0:37:47 - Invitation to Entrepreneur symposium for business growth
0:37:47 - Outro
In episode 265, Lance sits down with Ashley McCarney, the founder and president of Involvi, an HR consulting firm. With a background in people operations, Ashley is passionate about improving employment relationships and helping leaders become better people leaders.
In this interview, Ashley shares her insights on what every entrepreneur needs to know, including the importance of valuing your time, being flexible and innovative, and understanding “your why” as an entrepreneur. She also discusses the services offered by Involvi, which include HR support, customized learning and development, and recruitment. Ashley emphasizes the importance of trust in her industry and how Involvi differentiates itself by providing customized solutions and working with clients to navigate the gray areas of compliance and legislation. She also shares her experience of scaling the business and the key factors that contributed to its success, including a strong team, intentional networking, and a focus on building trust with clients.
To learn more about Involvi, visit https://involvi.ca/.
0:00:00 - Intro
0:00:47 - Three things every entrepreneur needs to know
0:02:36 - Overview of Involvi and the problems it solves
0:03:56 - How Involvi stands out from other HR companies
0:06:35 - Ashley's motivation to start her own business
0:07:47 - Challenges and support during the early stages of the business
0:09:54 - Factors contributing to the success of Involvi
0:11:09 - Importance of networking and building relationships
0:12:49 - Focus on providing value and solutions to clients
0:14:44 - Advice for building a great team
0:16:01 - Importance of transparency and flat hierarchy within the team
0:17:45 - Challenges of maintaining open communication as the business grows
0:20:11 - Imparting vision and values through personal interactions
0:21:19 - Involving the team in creating the company's vision and values
0:22:26 - Intentionally separating the business from personal brand for scalability
0:24:02 - Considering options for future growth as an entrepreneur
0:25:09 - Transitioning from being the practitioner to scaling the business
0:29:37 - Building a business without going into debt
0:30:02 - Self-funding and wise spending to avoid unnecessary costs
0:32:28 - Advice for her younger entrepreneurial self
0:34:41 - Outro
In episode 264 of AYB’s Entrepreneur Podcast, Lance chats with Tino Mantella, the CEO of Turknett Leadership Group. With extensive experience in leadership and having previously served as the CEO of the Technology Association of Georgia, Tino is passionate about helping entrepreneurs and businesses develop effective leadership strategies.
In this interview, Tino shares his insights on effective leadership and offers advice for entrepreneurs. He emphasizes the importance of having a clear purpose and conducting thorough research before starting a business. Tino also highlights the need for entrepreneurs to understand their own skill sets and surround themselves with the right team. He stresses the importance of setting big goals and implementing measurable steps to achieve them. Tino also discusses the challenges of managing different generations in the workplace and the impact of remote work on company culture. He emphasizes the need for leaders to be adaptable and understand the motivations of their team members.
To learn more about Turknett, visit http://www.turknett.com
00:00 - Intro
05:01 - Discussion on "quiet quitters" and job market trends
08:05 - Leadership skills for different generations and remote work challenges
10:20 - Coaching for personal change and common challenges faced by leaders
13:39 - Understanding oneself and others is key to personal growth.
16:47 - Leading the transition back to the office requires clear communication.
19:58 - The future of work may involve a four-day workweek.
23:59 - Transitioning leadership can be smoother with open communication and mentoring.
26:34 - Understanding what is important to founders when working with them
29:21 - Advice for founders transitioning to the next growth stage
31:14 - Balancing the roles of the founder and CEO
31:58 - Questions founders should ask when hiring a CEO
32:40 - Letting go of control and empowering the CEO
36:02 - Different dynamics between boards and founders
36:28 - Importance of the CEO having an ownership stake in the company
39:44 - Importance of founders planning for the future of their company
40:15 - Owning a company until old age can be beneficial
40:55 - Advice to younger self: be patient and listen
42:48 - Outro
In Episode 263 of the Amplify Your Business Entrepreneur Podcast, Russ Law, CEO and co-founder of Verensics, shares his entrepreneurial journey and the importance of perseverance in starting a business. He discusses the roller-coaster nature of entrepreneurship and managing self-doubt. Russ also explains how Verensics addresses ethical evaluations of potential employees using their online smart questionnaire platform. He highlights the limitations of traditional background checks and the value of informed interviews and touches on challenges in partnerships and addressing team behavior.
To learn more visit https://www.verensics.com/
00:20 Introduction to Russ Law, CEO and co-founder of Verensics
01:12 What are the three things every entrepreneur needs to know when starting out?
04:13 Dealing with self-doubt as an entrepreneur
10:15 What problem does Verensics address?
11:11 The impact of hiring on organizational culture
12:39 How Verensics’ software helps improve the interview process
27:42 What advice would Russ give to his younger self?
28:46 Taking the leap into entrepreneurship is tough
30:05 What helps Russ persevere?
30:31 Pursuing passion makes a big difference in motivation
In this episode of Amplify Your Business, we interview Tammy Barlette, a former Air Force Pilot for 20 years and now a successful entrepreneur. She is the co-founder of Athena's Voice, a speaker referral business that aims to empower and inspire women in the military aviation community. Tammy is also the founder of Cross Check, a mental performance coaching business for aviators.
Join us as Tammy shares her journey as an entrepreneur and the lessons she has learned along the way. She emphasizes the importance of not going on the entrepreneurial journey alone as well as the need to anticipate and then overcome challenges. Tammy also highlights the significance of defining success on one's own terms and not conforming to societal expectations. Tammy encourages entrepreneurs to embrace challenges, prepare for obstacles, and seek help when needed.
To learn more visit http://www.athenasvoiceusa.com
00:00 - Intro.
01:02 - Three important things for entrepreneurs: don't do it alone, don't give up, define success.
02:02 - Define success as making a positive impact and matching personal lifestyle.
03:50 - Introduction to Athena's Voice and its purpose.
06:11 - Introduction to Cross Check and its purpose.
09:46 - Overcoming challenges and applying mental performance principles.
11:28 - Advice for entrepreneurs: expect and tackle challenges, and solve problems.
12:43 - Framework for problem-solving and handling challenges.
16:24 - The importance of developing confidence and pushing out of comfort zones.
18:41 - The loneliness of entrepreneurship and the need for support.
20:16 - The challenge of analysis paralysis and decision-making.
21:13 - The importance of establishing personal core values.
24:15 - Redefining success and transitioning the first business model.
25:39 - The importance of mental performance training.
28:13 - Plans to expand beyond aviation in the future.
29:06 - The challenge of deviating from the niche too quickly.
30:53 - Potential applications of Tammy's course outside of aviation.
36:12 - Sacrifices of successful entrepreneurs like Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos.
37:06 - Realization of being in control of one's business and life.
38:07 - How to connect with Tammy Barlette for coaching and courses.
38:56 - Release date and motivation for completing a course.
39:39 - The importance of deadlines and motivation in achieving goals.
40:18 - Outro.
For Episode 260 of the Entrepreneur Podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Richard Pro, the president and Chief Strategy Advisor at VRINetics LLC. With a background in physics, engineering, and business administration, Dr. Pro brings a unique blend of quantitative analysis and strategic thinking to his work, making this episode uniquely interesting as Dr. Pro shares his insights on entrepreneurship and strategy development. Emphasizing the importance of building a community of entrepreneurs who can offer advice and support, and highlighting the role of data analytics in creating and sustaining a competitive advantage are just a few topics Dr. Pro covers in the episode.
To learn more, reach out to Dr. Richard Pro at https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardpro/
00:00 - Intro
01:14 - Three things every entrepreneur needs to know
03:39 - An overview of VRINetics and its services
10:31 - Unique focus on data analytics in strategic consulting
14:04 - Importance of measuring and improving strategic execution
15:39 - Misuse of the term "competitive advantage" in strategy discussions
16:18 - The role of analytics in strategy
17:05 - Importance of assessing value, rarity, inimitability, and substitutability
17:51 - Why most strategies fail
18:41 - Applying strategy criteria to personal career development
19:35 - Lack of knowledge of strategy criteria among leaders
20:09 - Importance of tapping into the collective knowledge of other entrepreneurs
22:35 - Being vulnerable and authentic when seeking advice
24:12 - Generosity of entrepreneurs in sharing experiences and insights
26:09 - Importance of regular touch base meetings with fellow entrepreneurs
29:11 - Understanding effective digital marketing strategies
33:35 - The first five years are crucial for a startup's success.
34:37 - Giving first and making connections is effective marketing.
For Episode 259 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Kerri Davis, the co-founder and CEO of Fortress, a software solution that helps property management companies manage their assets and create efficiency in their operations. With a background in accounting and law, Kerri has leveraged her entrepreneurial spirit to build a successful business in the real estate and technology industries. Join us today as Kerri shares her insights on entrepreneurship and the importance of embracing failure, creating psychological safety, and surrounding yourself with the right people. She emphasizes the need to redefine success and view failures as stepping stones to success. Kerri also discusses the value of psychological safety in a risky entrepreneurial environment and the importance of commitment in team members. She highlights the benefits of diversity in the workplace and the power of different perspectives in driving innovation and success.
To learn more, visit https://fortresstech.io.
00:00 Intro
01:05 The importance of reframing success as an entrepreneur
02:45 Creating psychological safety for teams in a risky environment
04:37 Surrounding yourself with committed individuals
06:26 Hiring fast and firing fast to foster commitment
08:22 Not burdening overachievers with underachievers
09:47 Challenges in letting go of underperforming team members
11:00 The importance of acknowledging the 50-50 nature of hiring
11:34 Introduction to Fortress software solution for property management companies
12:15 Building Fortress to solve problems in property management
13:24 Importance of incubation and finding a champion for software development
14:29 Advice for finding a champion and creating a partnership
16:13 Importance of finding a company with the same problem
18:19 Whittling down features and agile development
21:15 Kerri Davis' background and unique experiences
23:02 Working in Iraq and transitioning to accounting and sales
25:20 Joining Elmington and overcoming fears of lack of knowledge
25:20 Kerri Davis talks about working in a small office space.
For Episode 258 of Amplify Your Business, Christa Jones, the founder of Rose City Professional Organizing. They tackle the overwhelming stress that clutter and disorganization can bring for those facing extreme clutter challenges, where cleaning up feels impossible. This extends to busy individuals juggling work, family, and emotional attachments to possessions, making decluttering a struggle. Additionally, they support those downsizing, packing, and moving, especially seniors and their families dealing with physical limitations and time pressures. Effective time management, adaptability in the face of change, a resilient spirit, a client-centric approach, and a strong foundation in financial literacy are a few vital components of long-term entrepreneurial success according to Christa. She also touched on the importance of learning to let go of control and be okay with delegating. In a letter to her younger self, she would advise little Christa to: “Be patient and realistic with yourself. Embrace growth and ambition, but also celebrate your progress and learning. Success isn't a fixed destination, so be kind to yourself and avoid being overly critical.”
To learn more, visit https://rosecityprofessionalorganizing.com/.
00:00 - Intro
00:37 - What are three things every entrepreneur should know?
03:41 - What problem is your business solving and who are you serving?
08:46 - What led to you starting Rose City Professional Organizing?
13:18 - What challenges have you faced in your business and how did you overcome them?
16:48 - What were the benefits of being raised by an entrepreneurial father?
19:22 - What growth-related obstacles are you expecting to face?
22:10 - What will be the last hat you wear as you delegate aspects of your business to others?
25:24 - What advice would you give your younger self in a letter?
For Episode 257 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Dennis Humphrey, the owner of Eden Business Concepts, LLC. They’re a company that collaborates with family-owned and closely held businesses to address workforce-related crises and employee conflicts that impede both productivity and growth. Their strategies are designed to enhance workforce productivity and foster a positive workplace culture. Dennis describes his heartbeat as being to “see leaders gain clarity and vision for their task.” Dennis coaches entrepreneurs to understand their core motivations and gain self-awareness. By recognizing both the positive and negative aspects of their motivations, he helps leaders make more effective, clear decisions in their roles, reducing disruptive behaviors in their leadership. Dennis defines success as a twofold achievement: seeing leaders thrive and witnessing the well-being of their people. In a letter to his younger self, Dennis would advise him to be confident and trust his gut because he has the power to influence and inspire others.
To learn more, visit https://edenbusinessconcepts.com/.
00:00 - Intro
00:42 - What are three things every entrepreneur should know?
02:32 - What problem is your business solving and who are you serving?
05:55 - Why do you believe that execution is usually lacking in businesses?
07:34 - How do you coach entrepreneurs to detach from their businesses?
10:37 - What is the biggest stumbling point where leadership teams fall apart?
12:16 - How quickly can leadership teams move on from that?
14:28 - What motivated you and your business partner to come together?
17:35 - How has your experience informed the way you set up and grow your business?
19:08 - How do you define success for your business?
25:02 - What advice would you give your younger self in a letter?
For Episode 256 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Amy Zuk Olsen, the owner of Safety Buzz Campus, who’s tackling the problem of safety awareness and culture in both individual and corporate settings. Safety Buzz educates businesses about areas requiring safety measures, mentors employees to create a safety-oriented culture, and emphasizes the importance of safety in building a positive workplace atmosphere. Additionally, it provides specific services, such as truck driver training and air chiller division services, to address safety challenges in those domains. With 20 years in business, Amy stresses the challenges of entrepreneurship, the value of a strong team, and cautious growth planning in today’s episode. In a letter to her younger self, Amy would advise her younger self to: "Get ready for the ride. It's going to be really tough.” There will be days when you just want to stay in bed - you can't. Amy’s got plenty of wisdom for other entrepreneurs and amazing offerings for businesses looking to elevate their safety.
To learn more, visit http://www.safetybuzzcampus.ca.
00:00 - Intro
00:57 - What are three things every entrepreneur should know?
03:49 - What problem is Safety Buzz Campus solving?
07:43 - What inspired you to enter this industry?
12:40 - Tell us more about the growth of your business from when you began until now.
16:22 - Knowing what you know now, what would you have done differently in terms of your growth?
18:16 - What advice would you give someone looking into mergers or acquisitions for success?
23:08 - At what point were you able to transition from being a part of the business to running it?
27:35 - What has become easier now for you compared to when you started your business?
30:21 - If you could write a letter of advice to your younger self, what would you say?
For Episode 255 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Mike Lee who is the President of Fundica, a company addressing the formidable challenge of helping entrepreneurs secure essential funding. They aim to simplify the funding process through research and surveys while supporting "entrepreneur support organizations" to enhance client acquisition as well as overall financial success. Although a successful entrepreneur, Mike's journey with Fundica was not without its challenges. Transitioning from a traditional consulting business to a more capital-intensive venture ushered in upfront expenses and unique business demands. In a letter to his younger self, Mike would advise little him to build more confidence and invest in the people around him. Mike also shares some advice for other entrepreneurs: the need for a structured funding approach, the pivotal role of crafting the right team, and the delicate balance of persistent drive and patience in navigating the entrepreneurial path.
To learn more, visit https://www.fundica.com/.
00:00 - Intro
01:05 - What are three things every entrepreneur should know?
04:28 - What problem is Fundica solving?
10:25 - How did you come about this business model and where can people interact with Fundica resources?
13:00 - What do businesses gain by licensing with Fundica?
17:48 - What’s the biggest challenge you experienced in starting Fundica?
22:08 - What was easier about starting Fundica compared to your first consultancy?
23:54 - What do you think is going to be your biggest challenge to take Fundica to the next level?
26:29 - How do you navigate ambitious growth goals and falling economic conditions?
31:00 - If you could write a letter of advice to your younger self, what would you say?
For Episode 253 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Sophia Fairweather, the founder of Key Angels, and the youngest entrepreneur we’ve had the pleasure of chatting to for our Amplify Your Business podcast. Key Angels aims to support both entrepreneurship and home-ownership in the youth. Key Angels' core model involves living in one unit of a fourplex and having the income from the other three units cover expenses, effectively offering financial stability while allowing pursuit of entrepreneurial goals. This approach enables young entrepreneurs to dedicate themselves fully to their ventures without the added pressure of part-time jobs or immediate financial needs. The concept of "angels" is derived from traditional investment angels, however, it describes individuals who provide qualifying credit scores, ensuring access and stability rather than financial investment. There are many things that Sophia has learned along the way in her seven years of entrepreneurship, however, the one significant aspect that stands out to her is the importance of attending events: both for networking and for improving your communication skills. Particularly improving your ability to educate people about your product or service.
To learn more, visit https://key-angels.com/.
00:00 - Intro
01:38 - What are three things every entrepreneur should know?
09:01 - How old are you and when did you begin your entrepreneurial journey?
16:37 - How do you cope with the frustration of being an entrepreneur at such a young age (going against your peers, dealing with age-related roadblocks)?
18:53 - Tell us more about your business, Key Angels.
24:38 - Can you tell us more about the market itself?
26:50 - What excites you about entrepreneurship? Why did you begin this journey?
30:55 - How can we establish a stronger ecosystem and movement centered around youth and entrepreneurship?
For Episode 253 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Pierce Krol, the founder and CEO of Insurely Inc, who generously shared his 18 years of entrepreneurial experience. He emphasized three key lessons: embracing failure, continuous learning, and resilience. Insurely, his digital insurance brokerage, evolved from his frustration with the insurance industry. He recognized that traditional insurance processes were slow - often lacking user-friendliness. Pierce's vision was to digitize the insurance experience and provide his customers with a seamless, efficient, and user-friendly platform. Pierce pivoted from his previous bricks-and-mortar insurance business to start Insurely, driven by this need for technological advancement. He values surrounding himself with business mentors and has a long-standing business coach who helps him navigate personal and professional challenges. Pierce believes in betting on oneself and emphasizes self-care and spirituality as he continues his entrepreneurial journey.
To learn more, visit http://www.insurely.ca.
00:00 - Intro
01:03 - What are three things every entrepreneur should know?
07:47 - What problem is your company solving?
10:06 - What was your inspiration for starting this company?
13:14 - How did find the courage to embrace entrepreneurship?
16:12 - What role does an advisory board play in your development as an entrepreneur?
21:32 - What are your biggest challenges as an entrepreneur?
24:33 - What is easier for you now that you’re further along in your entrepreneurial journey?
28:35 - What obstacles are you anticipating and how do you plan to overcome them?
33:23 - What is the most expensive lesson you’ve had to learn as an entrepreneur?
36:19 - If you could write a letter to your younger self, what advice would you give?
40:06 - What was happening internally to inspire that advice?
For Episode 252 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Kim Lowert who is the Founder and CEO of a company reshaping the online shopping experience: Appstract. Kim founded his eCommerce consultancy after observing that online shopping hasn’t evolved much in the past 15 to 20 years - remaining static like a catalog. Appstract’s focus has primarily been on optimizing the checkout process, however, they recognized a challenge in that shopping is naturally social. Their objective is to merge the social aspects of shopping with the online store experience, making it more engaging, like shopping with friends in a physical store. Kim has undeniably picked up some invaluable knowledge throughout his experience as an entrepreneur: the value of hard work and learning new skills, being able to pivot your mindset, and hiring the right people. Uncover this knowledge with us in today’s episode of the Amplify Your Business Podcast, as well as how Appstract's adaptable business model is currently being tested with a monthly subscription and consumption fee for their social shopping service.
To learn more, visit https://appstract.co/appstract.
00:00 - Intro
01:23 - What are three things every entrepreneur should know?
02:35 - What problem is your company solving?
08:29 - How are you working on the business model side of things?
10:45 - What are the advantages of a product-based model over a consultancy model?
15:42 - How have you leveraged your transferable skills to make starting this business with a SaaS model easier?
20:45 - What big challenges are you expecting in the next year or two?
26:08 - How are you approaching marketing with Appstract?
For Episode 251 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by John MacInnes, the founder of Earthware. In this episode, John shares invaluable insights from his lifelong entrepreneurial journey, emphasizing perseverance, financial acumen, and adaptability. Earthware is transforming single-use containers through a circular strategy, catalyzing a positive change in responsible consumption and the eco-friendly food sector. By tackling waste and diverting millions from landfills and streets, they’re reshaping the narrative for a greener future. Discover Earthware’s seamless system that incentivizes consumers and restaurants to return and reuse containers, driving an eco-conscious shift. Tune in to explore how Earthware is reshaping sustainable practices in the food industry and envisioning a greener tomorrow for everyone.
To learn more, visit https://earthware.me/.
00:00 - Intro
00:59 - What are three things every entrepreneur should know?
08:18 - What problem is your company solving?
11:28 - How did Earthware’s business model evolve?
16:43 - How did you overcome obstacles with Earthware?
20:55 - How has your previous entrepreneurial experience made managing Earthware easier?
23:42 - What motivates your cycle of starting and transitioning between businesses?
25:41 - What surprised you in this venture?
30:03 - What distinguishes founders from CEOs?
33:40 - What would you write in a letter to your younger self?
For Episode 250 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Jay Schiff, the co-founder and CEO of Addinex Technologies. Addinex Technologies is cost-effectively and brilliantly solving a massive problem: the growing opioid crisis, which saw overdose deaths surpassing 100,000 for the first time, with over 80% of these deaths attributed to opioids. Jay’s company’s primary focus lies in preventing opioid misuse, addiction, and overdose while also assisting those with Opioid Use Disorder. Join us as we discuss everything, from Addinex’s dispensing system to the importance of being flexible and persistent as an entrepreneur to the challenges that Jay has faced in starting his own business as well as how they’ve overcome those challenges.
To learn more, visit https://www.addinextech.com/.
00:00 - Intro
00:39 - What are three things every entrepreneur should know?
04:39 - What problem is your company solving?
08:40 - What’s been the biggest challenge you’ve had to overcome?
12:08 - What made you pivot from your career to entrepreneurship?
15:19 - At this stage in your business, what aspects are easier now compared to when you started?
17:05 - What are the ingredients of a successful entrepreneur?
19:01 - If you could send a letter to your younger self, what advice would you give?
21:38 - What did you find difficult when you ventured into entrepreneurship?
For Episode 249 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Alex Dow, the co-founder and chief innovation officer over at Mirai Security out in Vancouver, B.C. Mirai Security is a cybersecurity company that focuses on developing solutions for small, medium, and large enterprises, particularly those that are digitally enabled and may face compliance or customer-driven requirements for enhanced security. This episode delves into cybersecurity challenges faced by businesses, discussing common attacks like business email compromise and ransomware. It explores the need for effective training and awareness among employees to combat sophisticated threats as well as the motivation behind starting a cybersecurity company that aims to offer a comprehensive people-process-technology solution, filling the gap between expensive consultancies and software vendors.
To learn more, visit https://miraisecurity.com/.
00:00 - Intro
01:01 - What are three things every entrepreneur should know?
04:21 - What problem does your company solve in 60 seconds?
06:57 - What are the most common cyber attacks that are occurring?
09:38 - Are businesses facing potential bankruptcy due to the massive financial losses and damages caused by these attacks?
14:42 - What danger does AI pose in terms of cyber security?
20:13 - What motivated you to start a business?
33:57 - How do you maintain the core structure of your business?
For Episode 248 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Josh Furstoss, the CEO and co-founder of Incued. Induced aims to provide real-time financial data on private market assets to venture capital firms, private equity firms, investment banks, lenders, etc. This allows them to understand the performance, revenue, spending, and more of the portfolio companies they're involved with. Currently, traditional methods like Excel documents and PDFs lead to static, potentially fraudulent, and low-quality data, increasing investment and loan risk. The long-term goal is to create a Bloomberg terminal for the private markets, enhancing liquidity and driving market efficiency and innovation.
To learn more, visit incued.com.
00:00 - Intro
00:49 - What are three things every entrepreneur should know?
05:57 - What problem does your company solve in 60 seconds?
11:06 - What was your inspiration for starting this company?
15:13 - Describe your mentorship and how it gives back to your community.
19:56 - At what stage should you heavily invest in assembling the right people for your advisory board?
24:12 - What advice would you write to your younger self in a letter?
36:17 - How to balance feedback from a small subset of potentially self-serving target audience members while finding a product-market fit in the early days of your business?
For Episode 247 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Thomas Deneve, the founder and CEO of RentFund. RentFund turns rent payments into an investment and incentivizes people to take better care of the places where they live. The mission at RentFund is pretty simple: they believe that everyone should benefit financially from the place they live because, oftentimes, that's our biggest monthly expense. Essentially, a portion of each rent payment a renter makes gets put into an investment fund that will be returned to the renter upon the end of their lease, as long as the property is in good, undamaged condition.
To learn more, visit https://www.rentfund.ca/
00:00 - Intro
01:16 - What are the three things that you think every entrepreneur needs to know?
05:00 - Tell us a little bit about RentFund.
12:52 - Can you speak to the marketing aspect of RentFund? How do landlords market their property on your site?
17:13 - From the time you came up with this idea to the time you launched, what are some of the challenges that you’ve had to overcome?
24:23 - Can you explain how you’re playing both sides of the market with RentFund? What is your business model?
27:43 - What is going to be the biggest hurdle you’ll have to overcome to get to the next stage of growth?
33:11 - What is the best way for our listeners to connect with you?
For Episode 246 of Amplify Your Business, we’re in conversation with Christian Solomine, founder and CEO of Fractional CRO. What is a fractional CRO? A fractional CRO is an executive team member responsible for marketing, sales, business development, and customer success, essentially overseeing all revenue-generating aspects of a business. The key distinction is that they perform the same responsibilities as a full-time Chief Revenue Officer, but with a designated number of hours or days per week. In an effort to help companies that either don’t need a full time CRO, or are unsure which duties to assign to a person in this role, Christian began Fractional CRO to organizations to shape this role to be effective from day one.
To learn more, connect with Christian on LinkedIn or visit their website at fractional-cro.com.
00:00 - Intro
00:51 - What is a CRO?
07:08 - What patterns have you noticed from your diverse interactions with different businesses?
13:42 - Does your role have system-based implementation strategies?
16:22 - Can some tools be more of a distraction than a help for certain businesses?
19:02 - Do you have stories from some of your more memorable engagements?
20:36 - If any of our audience members wanted to connect with you, how could they do that?
For Episode 245 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Charlie Aldis, the co-founder and CRO of Maven IT. Charlie started in the telecom industry at just 18 years old, and by 30, had worked his way up to the executive level. However, frustration, anger, and stress caused his blood pressure to skyrocket, and he ended up having a stroke at work one day. It was then, after more than 30 years in the telecom industry, that Charlie realized he needed a change. So he hooked up with an old colleague, Aaron, and together, they founded Maven IT. Maven IT got its start with the aim of providing enterprise-level managed IT services to small and medium businesses. After a chance phone call to the franchisee of a Smoothie King opening up new stores in Michigan, Charlie and his co-founder Aaron realized that franchises were a very underserved market in terms of managed IT services. And so, eventually, Maven IT evolved from serving primarily small to medium businesses to operating in the franchisee space. To date, they’re in 32 states servicing about 1100 franchise locations nationwide and growing.
To learn more, visit their website at https://www.mavenitinc.com/.
00:00 - Intro
01:03 - What are three things that you think every entrepreneur should know?
02:58 - Can you tell us a little bit about Maven IT? What is it you do, and how has the business evolved since you first started?
08:55 - Why did you leave your job, in an industry you were in for more than 30 years, to get into entrepreneurship with Maven IT?
15:31 - Where does your entrepreneurial drive come from?
22:19 - What have you found most challenging or frustrating about pivoting from the telecom world into entrepreneurship?
29:55 - What does success look like to you now?
35:44 - If you could write a letter to your younger self, what advice would you give?
38:48 - If our audience members wanted to connect with you, how could they do that?
For Episode 244 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Moh Noori, the CEO and founder of ScriptChain Health. heart disease is the number one cause of death in the United States, which equates to over 700,000 deaths annually in the U.S. alone and globally, over 18 million deaths annually. Readmission equates to over $72M a day in penalties and losses. The heart-shattering and life-changing moment of witnessing his beloved grandmother suffer and ultimately pass away from Congestive Heart Failure is what led Moh down the road to founding ScriptChain Health. In an effort to find a solution to both heart disease and readmission, two growing issues in the health care industry, Moh and ScriptChain Health created an AI prediction platform for heart disease readmission in order to better patient outcomes and help physicians identify patients who are at a high risk of readmission.
To learn more, connect with Moh on LinkedIn or Twitter, or visit their website at https://scriptchain.co.
00:00 - Intro
01:10 - What are three things that you think every entrepreneur needs to know?
04:18 - Can you give us a snapshot of what ScriptChain Health is all about?
10:51 - How did you go from being a grad student in business to the founder and CEO of a medical tech and digital health startup?
12:09 - How have you bootstrapped this startup, and where are you now in terms of funding?
13:12 - How are you handling the work-life balance as the founder and CEO of a startup?
17:08 - How do you manage to stay so driven after two-and-a-half years at such an insane pace?
18:29 - Tell me a bit about your business journey. What are some of the hurdles you’ve had to overcome?
25:48 - If you could write a letter to your pre-entrepreneurial self, what would it say?
30:04 - If any of our audience members wanted to connect with you, how could they do that?
For Episode 243 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Neil Belenkie, the CEO of Ascent Drywall and Coating. Neil is a serial entrepreneur with over 50 successful businesses under his belt. In his current venture, as the CEO of Ascent Drywall and Coating, Neil completely redone their finance modelling, created a new ideal customer profile, rebuilt supplier partnerships, and put in new controls for theft and accountability. In two-and-a-half years, he turned a company that was drowning into a successful and thriving business.
To learn more, connect with Neil on LinkedIn, or shoot him an email at neil@2000coffee.com.
00:00 - Intro
04:12 - Can you talk to us a little bit about Ascent, what you’re doing there, and what you mean by the term “turnaround specialist”?
10:01 - Please tell us about the $2,000 coffee.
17:56 - How did you get to this place in life where you have all this expertise that allows you to help these companies with their turnarounds?
21:21 - If you could distill this expertise down to three things that you think every entrepreneur should know, what would they be?
25:26 - How do you find the balance between all of the multiple businesses you work for or with simultaneously?
36:34 - If you could write a letter to your younger entrepreneurial self, what advice would you give?
40:49 - What’s the best way for our listeners to connect with you?
For Episode 242 of Amplify Your Business, we’re at the Edmonton Unlimited Open House, and we’re speaking to a lot of incredible entrepreneurs, hearing their stories, their challenges, and their successes.
First up, we speak with Lilah Penddah, the founder and CEO of Afro Facts. Afro Facts creates educational tools, games, workshops, and webinars to help people increase their awareness with respect to black history, as well as give them the tools needed to have more productive and healing conversations with respect to diversity, equity and inclusion. To learn more about Afro Facts, visit their website at www.afrofacts.ca.
Next up is Ali Salman, the founder of Lawtiq. Lawtiq is an online platform that allows you to connect with a lawyer in the time it takes you to order a pizza online. With just a few clicks, you can book an appointment with a lawyer of your choice, or if you’re looking for long-term legal services, they have a fixed-price option. Learn more at www.lawtiq.com.
After Ali, Lance meets with Sahr Saffa, the founder of C-Tribe Society. C-Tribe Society’s mission is to find ways to celebrate diversity and to help more underserved and underrepresented innovators and creatives in achieving their goals. They operate across various verticals, ranging from the technology sector, fashion, music, gaming, and culturally inspired sectors as well. To learn more, find them on Facebook.
Our fourth interviewee is 14-year-old Sophia Fairweather, the founder of Key-Angels. Sophia founded Key-Angels when she was only 10, with a unique purpose in mind, which is to provide single-parent and zero-parent families with the ability to grow and succeed in their lives. They do this through a unique financing platform that connects single-parent and zero-parent families with “Angels” that help them with access to buying their first home. To learn more, visit www.key-angels.com.
Finally, Lance interviews Kevin Peterson, the founder of Zipstall. Zipstall is a parking app, downloadable from all major app stores, that doesn’t just allow you to pay for parking directly from the app but also helps you find available parking in downtown Edmonton – an often difficult task! By solving local parking crises, Zipstall brings communities together and helps Edmontonians support local businesses. To learn more, visit www.zipstall.com.
00:00 - Intro
01:48 - Introducing Lilah Penddah, Founder & CEO of Afro Facts/
2:07 - Can you tell us about your business?
02:27 - Is this Canadian Black history, or do you encompass Black history in other countries as well?
02:52 - What is the business model of Afro Facts?
04:21 - Where do you want to take your business in the next three years?
05:27 - What advice would you give to an entrepreneur who’s on a similar journey to yours?
06:57 - Introducing Ali Salman, Founder of Lawtiq.com.
07:40 - What is Lawtiq, and what is the problem are you trying to solve?
09:43 - After running a marketing business, how did you find yourself starting Lawtiq?
11:33 - Introducing Sahr Saffa, Founder of C-Tribe Society.
11:44 - Tell me a bit about your business and what problem you’re trying to solve.
12:28 - What are you doing differently now than you were before COVID hit?
15:04 - Introducing Sophia Fairweather, Founder of Keys-Angels.
17:47 - Where did the idea for Key-Angels come from?
18:35 - The youths that come do you, do they provide their own capital, or is the angel investor providing it?
20:20 - Introducing Kevin Peterson, Founder of Zipstall.
20:34 - What has changed with Zipstall since the last time we interviewed you?
For Episode 241 of Amplify Your Business, we’re excited to be let out of the studio! Coming to you from Edmonton Unlimited’s Open House we had the opportunity to chat with some of the great entrepreneurial minds coming out of Edmonton. This episode is part one of a two-part series, in which Lance enjoyed catching up with past AYB alum and meeting some of the Edmontons' brightest entrepreneurs.
00:00 - Intro
02:41 - Derek Nolt, CEO of Bladeflex
05:32 - What’s the biggest challenge Derek has to overcome to get to where he wants to be in a year’s time?
07:05 - Emily Craven, Founder & CEO of Story City
10:20 - How does Emily stay focused on her most important goals?
12:56 - Harpal Mandaher, CEO of Sarcomere Dynamics
14:37 - How did Sarcomere Dynamics shift from prosthetics to automation?
17:57 - Jean Bruce Koua, Co-founder & COO of Elev
20:30 - How is Elev overcoming the challenges they face?
For Episode 240 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Jenny Beres, the co-founder and president of Pink Shark PR. Pink Shark PR works with funders and founders in the tech industry to help them expand their companies past the early or growth stages of their businesses. Their area of specialization is startup first, PR second, which means that they understand the unique challenges faced by startups in that there are no one-size-fits-all strategies for early and growth-stage businesses. This is all done through a program called the Startup Accelerator, which offers customized “fast and deep” PR strategies to help startups get funded, find the right investors and strategic partners, and connect with the right customers.
To learn more, visit their website at https://www.pinksharkpr.com/ or connect with Jenny on LinkedIn.
00:00 - Intro
00:59 - What are three things every entrepreneur should know?
05:36 - What problems are you solving at Pink Shark PR?
08:45 - Can you tell us a little bit about the “startup press machine” that you’ve created for your clients?
11:42 - What have you found are some of the biggest mistakes that entrepreneurs are making in terms of PR?
20:29 - Is there a hierarchy of value in terms of the different avenues of PR?
26:09 - How do you leverage PR and build upon it?
32:14 - What is your opinion on this onslaught of AIs and AI-enabled chatbots in terms of PR and PR content?
37:29 - What is the best way that our audience members can connect with you?
For Episode 239 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Lior Klisman, the co-founder of Sentant. Sentant is a service company in the IT security and compliance space that works with startups and investors to help them grow. They do this by ensuring their security is in place for regulation and compliance, which allows for more secure investments. In essence, Sentant is a startup’s backbone when it comes to technology and security.
Lior caught the entrepreneurial bug at just 12 years old, selling bagels outside of a stadium, and it’s been full steam ahead from there. He prides himself on giving back to the community by inspiring and empowering young entrepreneurs through mentorship programs.
To learn more, visit https://www.sentant.net/ or connect with Lior on LinkedIn.
00:00 - Intro
00:52 - What are three things that you think every entrepreneur needs to know?
11:47 - What does Sentant do? What problems are you trying to solve?
15:50 - What has changed or gotten easier at this stage in the business versus what it was when you were bootstrapping this company seven years ago?
24:30 - What is different about entrepreneurs or entrepreneurship in the U.S. or North America compared to some of the other places you've lived?
29:02 - Where do you find your inspiration?
32:12 - If you could write a letter to your younger self, what advice would you give?
34:04 - If our audience wanted to reach out to you, how could they do that?
For Episode 238 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Ryan Smith, the co-founder and CEO of 360 Liability Management. 360 Energy Liability Management is an engineering and environmental science consulting business. They work towards making oil and gas site closures as simple as possible. Essentially, they focus on making these site closures simple so that their clients can continue to create thriving businesses and communities across Western Canada, and they do so by helping their clients understand cost, manage obligations, and mitigate risks.
To learn more, visit https://360elm.com/.
00:00 - Intro
01:06 - What are three things that you think every entrepreneur should know?
03:46 - Can you tell us a bit about 360 Energy Liability Management? What is it that you do and what problem are you trying to solve?
06:51 - What made you transition from full-time employee to full-time entrepreneur and start your first business?
09:02 - What key lessons did you learn from your first business did you bring to 360 Energy Liability Management?
12:14 - Can you elaborate a bit on this idea of a 100-year strategy?
15:19 - What are the differences in your business plan from the startup stage to the scale up stage?
21:26 - How are you balancing the organic growth you’re trying to achieve with the culture and brand you’ve cultivated at 360?
24:54 - In the three businesses you’ve acquired, were there any surprises or challenges you had to overcome?
27:44 - If you could write a letter back to your pre-entrepreneurial self, what advice would you give?
29:45 - If our audience wanted to connect with you, how could they do that?
For Episode 237 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Jamie Smith, the Chief Experience Officer at Amplify Advisors. Amplify Advisors helps small and medium-sized growth-focused businesses with their financial strategy. Their mission is to enhance communities, cultivate connections, and amplify opportunities by aiding these small to medium-sized businesses to become financially healthy. Becoming financially healthy allows these business leaders to not only be better employers, but achieve their strategies and their purpose, and become better community members. Through amplified tech, recruiting, and their innovative financial leader service line – where they offer fractional CFOs and controllers – they’re helping these businesses achieve the growth they aspire to.
To learn more, visit https://amplifyadvisors.ca/
00:00 - Intro
01:03 - What are three things every entrepreneur needs to know?
12:17 - Can you share a bit about how you structure your retainer model?
15:25 - What does Amplify Advisors do, and what problem are you trying to solve?
20:13 - Let’s talk a little bit about your entrepreneurial journey.
26:13 - How are you approaching leadership development within Amplify Advisors?
32:59 - What are your goals over the next couple of years, and what challenges do you think you’ll face in trying to achieve them?
37:14 - If you could write a letter to your pre-entrepreneurial self, what would it say?
41:49 - If any of our listeners wanted to connect with you, how could they do that?
For Episode 236 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Aireka Harvell, the founder of Nodat. Nodat is a geo-targeting mobile marketing platform that uses AI, machine learning, and natural language processing to personalize the local search experiences for content creators and local businesses to help them target the right audiences in the right places. They are the first opt-in geo-targeting platform that empowers both the business and consumer to exchange data in a more ethical and transparent way for better targeting and relevant results for local information.
To learn more, visit https://nodatplace.com/.
00:00 - Intro
01:01 - What are three things that you think every entrepreneur needs to know?
05:06 - What is Nodat and when did the idea for it come about?
09:36 - Can you explain the difference between first-party data and third-party data?
17:27 - What have been the biggest challenges you’ve had to overcome in terms of your business?
22:33 - In five years, where do you want Nodat to be?
23:45 - What are the biggest hurdles you’ll face to getting to that five-year goal, and how will you overcome them?
28:29 - Does the potential for acquisition down the road change your thinking about the way in which you grow Nodat in the present?
29:19 - If you could write a letter to your younger self, what advice would you offer pre-entrepreneurial Aireka?
32:31 - What is the best way for people interested in Nodat to connect with you?
For Episode 235 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Fred Dyste, the founder of BizWatt LLC. BizWatt is a software development company that has developed a PPM tool, called QFactor that helps Land Surveyors and Civil Engineers effectively and profitably track project scope, budget, and timeline.
Qfactor is a software tool designed to help land surveyors with the proposal and project creation process. It allows for easy tracking of project status and profitability by integrating with time entry and accounting software, eliminating the need to enter data multiple times. Proposals are crucial for land surveyors as they lead to business opportunities, cash flow, and profitability. However, it can be difficult to quantify this information if it is not easily accessible. With Qfactor, tracking work progress in real-time becomes possible, giving the ability to see the percentage of completion and profitability before invoicing.
To learn more, you can email Fred at fdyste@bizwatt.com or visit the website at https://bizwatt.com/.
01:39 - What are three things that you think every entrepreneur needs to know?
07:50 - Can you tell us a little bit about BizWatt? What sets you apart and what’s special about what you’ve developed?
13:53 - What are some of the profound moments within your entrepreneurial journey that have led you to this point?
20:16 - What makes the entrepreneurial journey so difficult?
22:49 - What’s easier with this business than what you’ve found with the rest of the startups you’ve founded?
27:10 - What’s your secret to maintaining your resilience despite the failures you’ve had in the past?
29:25 - If you could write a letter to your younger self, what advice would you give?
31:38 - If our audience wanted to connect with you, how could they do that?
For Episode 234 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Ryan Niddel, the CEO of MIT45. MIT45 is a kratom company. Kratom is what we call the leaves of a tropical tree in the coffee family, Mitragyna speciosa, that is indigenous to Southeast Asia. These leaves contain a chemical called mitragynine that produces stimulant-like effects (like caffeine) in low doses that help with focus, clarity, and energy. In higher doses, these leaves offer sedative-like effects, providing users with a relaxing sensation, and allowing for better sleep and less muscle pain.
MIT45 is working hard to educate the masses on this new, mostly unheard-of substance, espousing its benefits, and battling against the fearmongering currently making its way through mainstream media.
To learn more, visit https://mit45.com/.
00:00 - Intro
01:21 - What are three things that you think every entrepreneur needs to know?
06:05 - Let’s talk about MIT45. What are you guys doing? What problems are you trying to solve?
11:54 - What are the potential biggest roadblocks to MIT45 getting to your goal of taking on the global market?
17:01 - At what point in a company’s trajectory should they start looking at acquisitions being an integral part of their growth strategy?
23:57 - What lessons did you learn through the process of your early mistakes in entrepreneurship?
29:13 - How did you bounce back from your business being a huge success to having to shut your doors completely, and then launching your next business venture that turned into a multimillion-dollar exit as well?
34:32 - Where does your passion, your drive for entrepreneurship come from?
38:23 - If you could write a letter to your pre-entrepreneurial self, what advice would you give?
40:44 - If our audience wanted to connect with you, how could they go about doing that?
For Episode 233 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Aaron Bylund and Mike Shattuck, co-founders of Soon. Soon is a consumer fintech company focused on cryptocurrencies. 80% of Americans have never invested in crypto, and many of them cite one of two reasons for this: it’s a risky, volatile investment, and it’s very technical and difficult to understand. Soon is looking to solve both of those problems at once with simple automation.
Whether you’ve never invested in crypto before or have in the past but have had bad experiences with it, Soon’s automation ensures that investors don’t have to have any prior knowledge about the crypto world. There’s no research involved, no market speculation, and no emotional rollercoaster. Soon is a product specifically designed to take the stress out of cryptocurrency investment. In just a couple of minutes, would-be investors, no matter how seasoned they are, can invest it and forget it. At the intersection of day trading, crypto, and savings, you’ll find Soon. There’s even a “Tax Stash” that takes part of your earnings and puts it into another account for when you’re ready to file your taxes, so you don’t have to worry about saving the taxes from your earnings on your own.
There is so much more to learn about Soon. Check them out on their website at https://www.soon.app/.
00:00 - Intro
01:18 - What are three things you think every entrepreneur needs to know?
06:31 - What is Soon? What problem are you guys solving?
10:09 - Can you walk us through how the app functions?
13:37 - How did you decide that this was something the market needed?
17:41 - How do you infuse that adaptability into this business that you’ve created?
23:28 - Why entrepreneurship? What is it about entrepreneurship that calls to you?
27:13 - If you could send a letter back in time to your pre-entrepreneurial self, what advice would you give?
33:20 - What’s the best way to connect with you?
35:00 Where does the name Soon come from?
For Episode 232 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by a very special guest, Jay Downton, a serial entrepreneur in Edmonton. Jay is a passionate Edmontonian. He’s committed to playing a role in helping make Edmotnon a global 10. In 2007, he co-founded OilersNation.com and the Nation Network. In 2010, he was appointed president of Oodle Noodle, where he was able to apply the skills he learned from specializing in franchise financing at ATB, for which he was awarded the President’s Award in 2010 for highest corporate sales in his position.
Since taking the helm, his guidance has led Oodle Noodle to become a 17-store local chain. Jay’s passion for Edmonton and its River Valley led him, also, to be one of the co-owners of Little Brick Cafe, which became the catalyst that pushed Jay and his team to build more River Valley amenities. This led to the creation of River Valley Company, whose aim is to play a part in building more community amenities and support and development of outdoor tourism in the city’s River Valley. Other businesses in Jay’s portfolio include Dogpatch YEG, Bread + Butter Bakery, and, most recently, the Duchess Bakeshop.
Oilers Nation and the Nation Network are digital sports media content and lifestyle brand companies. The two sites started as a single site based in Edmonton, as a fan-focused hockey content brand. Wanting to give fans a voice on things related to their favourite hockey team in a world where mainstream media was the sports media juggernaut, they saw a gap in the market for a fan-led community of hockey enthusiasts. Fast forward to today, and the Nation Network is now a 10-site network of website properties, including a variety of shows, both podcast and video. And though he is still intimately involved with both sites, Jay sold the business in late 2022 for a whopping $15M.
To learn more, connect with Jay on his LinkedIn.
00:00 - Intro
02:49 - With now 17 Oodle Noodles open up in Alberta, are they all franchise, or do you have some corporate stores?
04:27 - With all of your experience as an entrepreneur, what are three things that you think every entrepreneur needs to know?
07:46 - Can you tell us a little bit about your first entrepreneurial venture, what you were trying to achieve, and why it didn’t work?
12:31 - What made you decide to not hang up your entrepreneurial hat after that failure? Why did you want to continue being an entrepreneur?
15:50 - Can you give us a bit of an overview of Oiler Nation and the Nation Network?
29:05 - With all of the success you’ve had in your entrepreneurial ventures over the years, what does success now look like to you?
32:01 - Does the success you’ve seen make it more difficult for you to face the potential fear of failure?
37:32 - If you could write your younger, pre-entrepreneurial self a letter, what advice would you give?
41:02 - If our audience wanted to connect with you, how could they go about doing that?
For Episode 231 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Alexei Beltyukov, the founder of Universal Fuel Technologies. Universal Fuel Technology is a chemical technology platform that develops technologies to make renewable fuels and petrochemicals, such as Sustainable Aviation Fuel, gasoline, Liquefied Petroleum Gas, and BTX.
Born in the former Soviet Union, Alexei started his first entrepreneurial venture in Russia in 2007. He then took a chance on a venture that moved him out to California, and though that business didn’t work out, he decided to stay. Eventually, with partnerships still in place in Russia, Universal Fuel Technologies was established, and though they’ve had some hardships, including buying out a partner due to the Ukraine-Russia War and making the decision to abandon their lab in Russia in the hopes of rebuilding it in the US, the company has come out the other side prosperous and ready to make the next bold moves in renewable energy.
To learn more, visit the Universal Fuel Technologies website at https://unifuel.tech/ or connect with Alexei on LinkedIn.
00:00 - Intro
01:36 - What are three things that you think every entrepreneur needs to know?
04:51 - What problems are you trying to solve with Universal Fuel Technologies?
10:37 - Can you tell us a bit about the difference in entrepreneurial ecosystems between Russia and the US? What are the similarities and differences?
18:37 - Is the entrepreneurial spirit the same in Russia as it is in North America?
21:35 - How did factors such as geography, culture, and the Ukraine-Russia war impact your company's story?
24:02 - Given everything that you’ve got going on with Universal Fuel Technologies right now and your plans for the future, is there anything you would have done differently in order to see success quicker?
26:03 - If someone were to give Universal Fuel Technologies a large sum investment - say $1M or $10M - what would you do with that money?
27:34 - If you could send a letter back in time to your pre-entrepreneurial self, what advice would you give?
30:13 - If our audience wanted to reach out and connect with you, what’s the best way to do that?
For Episode 230 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Rohit Tyagi, the Managing Partner at Sagax Team. Sagax Team was born out of the idea of wanting to present IT consulting in a different way than we usually see it. They take a true partnership approach in order to put their customers first. As a whole, they provide managed solutions designed exclusively for emerging pharma and biotech. With strategic consulting backed by a global team of experts, they can streamline the most complex IT projects so that they can focus on their missions of producing life-saving therapies.
Sagax Team offers specialized services to pharmaceutical and biotech companies in the areas of lab informatics and quality and compliance. Their lab informatics services involve collecting data from various instruments and using it to generate intelligent reports and make informed decisions. Their quality and compliance services help life sciences companies follow strict guidelines for drug manufacturing.
To learn more, visit https://sagaxteam.com/ or connect with Rohit on LinkedIn.
00:00 - Intro
01:07 - What are three things that you think every entrepreneur needs to know?
05:04 - Have you always had such a positive outlook, or is this something you’ve had to learn along the way?
08:53 - What does Sagax Team do? What problems are you solving?
13:05 - Can you share with us what made you decide to pivot from a service-based company to developing a product that you will eventually be bringing to market?
19:05 - What are the biggest challenges you’ve faced in pivoting your offerings and building this product while still managing your service-based business?
23:21 - Where do you get your inspiration from? What or who inspires you?
27:02 - What are the most difficult aspects of being an entrepreneur?
33:15 - If you could write a letter to your pre-entrepreneurial self, what advice would you give yourself?
36:19 - If our audience wanted to reach out to you, how could they do that?
For Episode 229 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Rita Kim, the CEO of Partners for Growth Advisory Services Inc. Partners for Growth is a financial services company that specializes in providing structured financial solutions for growing companies. They work with entrepreneurs who are looking to establish a healthy and sustainable financial foundation, especially during the critical growth phase of their business. With over 20 years of lending experience, Partners for Growth has helped numerous companies from start-ups to succession, by addressing their key concerns centered around finance. Their expertise in strategic partnering for finance has been instrumental in helping entrepreneurs achieve success by providing customized financial solutions tailored to their specific needs.
To learn more, visit https://www.partnersforgrowth.ca/ or check out Rita’s podcast Serenity Now for Entrepreneurs.
00:00 - Intro
01:04 - What are three things that you think every entrepreneur needs to know?
03:55 - What does Partners for Growth do? How do you serve other businesses and what is your role within that?
08:05 - Of the people that are coming to you for help, what do you find they’re struggling with the most?
18:05 - What is an example of a risk that you took on and it backfired, and you ended up learning from it?
24:20 - If people in our audience wanted to connect with you, how could they do that?
For this special episode of Amplify Your Business, we’re filming at the Telus CSW Pitch Party, where we were fortunate enough to interview three amazing up-and-coming businesses in the Telus Community Safety and Wellness Accelerator who are doing amazing things in Edmonton and globally to bring safety and wellness to the workplace.
Lance’s first interview was with Christy Canida, the Senior Director of Product at AlchemistX, and one of the coaches of the Telus Community Safety and Wellness Accelerator. From San Francisco, this is Christy’s third year as a coach for the Telus CSW Accelerator.
Next up was an interview with Antonio Visconti, the CEO and Founder of Sobereye, an organization looking to increase workplace safety through real-time impairment detection, which uses a pupillometer to detect potential impairment due to fatigue, illness, alcohol, and legal, illegal, and prescription drugs. Sobereye is a subscription-based proactive safety solution that includes testing devices, cloud-based enterprise software, and training and support. To learn more, visit www.sobereye.com
Lance’s third interview of the evening was with Akanksha Shelat, the co-founder and CTO of Mind-Easy. Mind-Easy is a digital mental health benefits platform that provides culturally sensitive mental health resources to organizations and their workforces. 90% of Canada’s therapists are caucasian, leaving a gap for many people of other races, cultures, and ethnicities who may not fit into the eurocentric, one-size-fits-all solution that a caucasian therapist may provide. To learn more, visit https://www.mind-easy.com/
Next in the hot seat was Ghalia Aamer, the founder, and CEO of TalkMaze. TalkMaze is working to instill confidence in children between the ages of five and 17 through public speaking and debate training. They do this through their platform that connects students with real-time instruction and coaches, along with asynchronous and gamified activities that help them build confidence. To learn more, visit https://talkmaze.com/
Lastly, Lance got to catch up with Ling Huang, the president, and CEO of Technology North, Digital Services. Ling was a member of cohort number two of the Telus Community Safety and Wellness Accelerator.
00:00 - Intro
01:12 - Christy Canida - Senior Director of Product, AlchemistX - Christy, can you tell me a bit about the Telus CSW Pitch Party and what you’re trying to accomplish with this accelerator?
01:39 - Out of the 20 businesses taking part in the accelerator, how many of them are not in Alberta?
02:19 - Why is it important to support businesses that have aspects relating to community, safety, or wellness?
04:18 - Were you involved in the first two cohorts of the Telus CSW Accelerator?
05:11 - Antonio Visconti, CEO & Founder, Sobereye - Where are you from and what’s the name of your business?
09:45 - Is your product in the market already?
10:39 - How can people connect with you who may be interested in deploying your product at their workplace?
11:36 - Akanksha Shelat, Co-founder & CTO, Mind-Easy - Where are you from and can you tell me a bit about your business?
12:26 - How does Mind-Eye offer culturally sensitive mental health resources?
13:10 - What role does technology play in Mind-Easy?
14:24 - What stage is your business at currently?
14:51 - What are you trying to receive out of the Telus CSW Accelerator?
19:18 - If someone wanted to connect with you, how can they do that?
20:25 - Ghalia Aamer, Founder & CEO, TalkMaze - Where are you from and can you tell me a bit about your business?
20:58 - What stage of your business are you in right now?
21:19 - What challenges do you think you’ll face with TalkMaze?
22:26 - Is there a lot of gamification involved in TalkMaze?
23:45 - If someone wanted to learn more about TalkMaze, how could they connect with you?
25:25 - Ling Huang, President & CEO, Technology North Digital Services - Tell us a little bit about your business.
25:49 - Can you tell us about your experience being a part of cohort #2 of the Telus CWS Accelerator? What did you get by being a member of it?
27:11 - When you came into cohort #2, was your business already up and running?
31:27 - What are the biggest challenges in growing your business?
32:55 - If I gifted you a million dollars today, what would you do with it?
For this special episode of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Ashif Mawji, the managing director of ScaleGood Fund LP. From his humble beginnings in Kenya, Ashif caught the entrepreneurial bug early on, watching his parents work their way up in their respective jobs. His dad was working on the shop floor at a Honda and moved up the ladder to become the managing director at Honda Africa, and his mother, who started out as a teacher, ended up running her own Montessori school. But having money doesn’t always make things easier, and after a tragedy showed his parents just how unsafe their living situation was, they decided it was time to leave Kenya – and everything they owned – behind and move to Canada to start over.
For his part, Ashif’s entrepreneurial journey started at the young age of 11 or 12, when he would travel to Nairobi to buy watches on consignment, where he would then sell at a local farmer’s markets on the weekend, making a percentage from each sale. That sales bug didn’t leave him on his move to Canada, though, and his first venture here was reselling Nintendos and Nintendo games. From there, he got into programming and would do consulting work on the side. Today, Ashif is the managing director at ScaleGood Fund, where he uses everything he’s learned over the years to help other entrepreneurs get a leg up in their respective businesses, through both investments as well as being a trusted advisor.
To learn more, visit https://scalegood.ca/ or connect with Ashif on his LinkedIn.
00:00 - Into
00:49 - Can we talk a little bit about your background? I’d love to hear the story about how you arrived in Edmonton.
06:15 - What was your first entrepreneurial venture after moving to Canada?
07:04 - What were some of the biggest challenges you faced here in Canada?
08:40 - With ScaleGood Fund, what kind of companies do you find yourself drawn to invest in?
11:28 - Share a little bit about the Telus Community Safety and Wellness Accelerator that you chair.
15:13 - In all the companies you’ve funded or been a trusted advisor for, have you seen any commonalities in the challenges they face?
18:13 - Do you feel that the accelerator that you have created is a kind of ideal mix of all of the accelerator programs out there right now?
23:25 - What do you think is one of the most important challenges to tackle right now in terms of safety in Edmonton?
27:58 - What impact do you think AI is going to have on our society in general?
34:48 - What does success look like to you?
36:24 - If you could send your younger entrepreneurial self a letter, what advice you would give?
37:48 - If our audience wanted to connect with you, how could they do that?
For Episode 226 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Damon Pistulka, the co-founder and managing director of Exit Your Way. Exit Your Way is a consulting and brokerage firm that helps business owners sell or succeed their businesses. On the consulting side, Damon and his team help businesses to grow in preparation for an eventual sale. On the brokerage side of Exit Your Way, the team helps business owners looking to sell in front of qualified buyers who are in the market to purchase a business. Their services for brokering sales include pre-market planning, finding buyers and getting the LOI, negotiation, and due diligence.
To learn more, visit https://exityourway.us/
00:00 - Intro
02:30 - What are three things every entrepreneur needs to know?
10:07 - What is it that Exit Your Way does? What services are you providing?
15:22 - Can you walk us through the buyer’s perspective?
21:41 - Talk to me a bit about what happens when a business owner wants to sell, but they’ve been underpaying themselves and then need to recalculate fair market value for what they do.
24:13 - What are some common mistakes you’ve seen when it comes to owners selling their businesses?
29:52 - Are there any books that you would recommend for our audience?
32:32 - How can our audience connect with you?
For Episode 225 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Steven Martens, the founder of Grid 749 Innovations. But today, we’re not here to talk about Steven’s company. We’re here to talk about his work with Mount Royal University’s Hydrogen Innovation Accelerator and what it means for Edmonton and Canadian businesses. In partnership with Edmonton Global, The Hydrogen Innovation Accelerator will train teams on a repeatable and scalable innovation process to capture new value and revenue streams from the emerging Hydrogen economy in Western Canada. Each company will develop and test a new product and/or service concept by the end of their 4-day 4-step program, held over a 90 day window.To learn more, visit https://www.growthcompass.org/innovationaccelerator
00:00 - Intro
01:32 - Can you talk about the work you’re doing with Mount Royal University in Calgary with their Hydrogen Innovation Accelerator and Growth Catalyst Program?
02:52 - Can you tell us a little bit about your entrepreneurial background and how you’ve gotten here?
10:40 - Could you explain why we’re seeing this hotbed of activity in the hydrogen space in the Edmonton Region?
20:24 - What are the goals of this accelerator? What is it trying to accomplish?
22:54 - These business that will opt to take part in the Hydrogen Innovation Accelerator, what will they learn? And how do you overcome the challenges of, essentially, teaching old dogs new tricks when it comes to established companies?
32:59 - How can our audience connect with you?
For Episode 224 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Jess McCarter, co-founder and Sales & Strategy of Base86. Base86 started before the pandemic as a restaurant supply chain optimization company. They launched their first product in February 2020, and by June 2020, they lost half of their paying customers due to the decimation of the restaurant industry because of the pandemic. After meeting with their investors to brainstorm some new ideas for a company that could weather the storm of the pandemic, two investors emphatically suggested the healthcare industry. And so Base86 pivoted its area of operations to dental health care supply chain optimization instead.
Jess is a serial entrepreneur, who’s had his hands in everything from the restaurant industry to dental supply chain optimization, real estate development, technology development, and even a rideshare company called RideBid, which was a competitor of Uber and was acquired by the Bay Area Taxi Company.
To learn more, visit https://www.base86.com/ or follow Jess on LinkedIn.
00:00 - Intro02:36 - What are three things that every entrepreneur needs to know?13:35 - What are some of the advantages of your approach to entrepreneurship? 20:35 - How does one not allow failure to impact their psyche and instead leverage the learning that comes from that failure?31:01 - You seem to have a tremendous amount of interests, passions, and curiosity. Is that a curse or a benefit?40:01 - If someone wanted to connect with you, what would be the best way to do that?
For Episode 223 of Amplify Your Business, we’re celebrating International Women’s Day with Heather Roberts, the founder of Extraordinary Women, and host of the podcast Boundaries, Business, and Boobs. Heather works with highly successful female entrepreneurs who also have families and children, and help them create a business and life that works for them. Many women are brought up in a society where they’re taught that they need to please, and do everything for everyone, and meet everybody’s expectations, which just leads to burn out. Heather then comes in and helps these women become the directors of their own life; to help them set boundaries in their lives and their businesses.To learn more, check out Extraordinary Women, and the Boundaries, Business, and Boobs podcast.
00:00 - Intro
01:30 - What are three things every entrepreneur should know?
03:09 - What is Extraordinary Women? What do you do? What are you trying to accomplish?
12:16 - Can you tell me more about your entrepreneurial background?
23:37 - Was it difficult for you to overcome the thought processes typically imposed on women in regards to traditional gender norms?
29:02 - How do you define success now as opposed to at the beginning of your entrepreneurial journey?
31:01 - If you could go back in time and write a letter to your pre-entrepreneurial self, what would it say?
34:35 - If anyone in our audience, specifically women, wanted to connect with you, how could they do that?
For Episode 222 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Amy Blankson, the CEO and Co-Founder of the Digital Wellness Institute. Amy is also a best-selling author, with her work, The Future of Happiness. She is a member of the UN Global Happiness Council, and a graduate of Harvard University and the Yale School of Management.
Amy created the Digital Wellness Institute to help organizations develop a roadmap for finding the sweet spot between productivity and well-being in the digital era. These days, the vast majority of people spend most of their days on their phones, tablets, or laptops, staring at their screens for most of their waking hours. Amy believes that that sense of hyperconnectivity creates a mental strain not only on us personally but also on our productivity at work and our abilities to communicate effectively. This is where the Digital Wellness Institute comes in. They’ll go into an organization, help business leaders identify their current digital culture, determine ways to measure it and find ways to improve it.To learn more, visit the Digital Wellness Institute’s website at https://www.digitalwellnessinstitute.com/
00:00 - Intro
01:18 - What are three things that you think every entrepreneur needs to know?
02:10 - What are some of the biggest mistakes you’ve made on your entrepreneurial journey?
04:13 - What is the Digital Wellness Insitute, and what problems are you trying to solve?
08:01 - Has the pandemic influenced digital culture at all? And if so, how?
10:42 - What trends have you seen in terms of individuals who have a better grasp on digital wellness than others?
13:12 - What is your personal approach to digital wellness?
16:21 - Tell me about the journey of transitioning from your last entrepreneurial venture to the Digital Wellness Institute.
20:11 - Can you tell me a little bit about how you navigate through your own self-doubt?
23:39 - Are there any secrets, tips, or advice that you could give to other entrepreneurs just starting out on their journey?
27:11 - Walk me through your thought processes as you were trying to figure out funding for the Digital Wellness Institute.
31:36 - If you could go back in time and write your younger entrepreneurial self a letter, what would it say?
33:31 - If our audience wanted to connect with you, how could they do that?
For Episode 221 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Rebecca Kirstein Resch, the founder and CEO of Inqli. If Quora and Tinder got married, had a baby, and that baby grew up to become an entrepreneur, it would be Inqli. Inqli is a platform that matches people who have the desire to learn with people who have knowledge to share. If a new entrepreneur or a student has a question, they would ask it in the Inqli platform, and they would instantaneously get matched with the right people who would be able to answer that question. The matching is made via an AI-based system that matches question askers to question answerers based on the knowledge-sharer’s skills, interests, purpose, and values. In short, Inqli is an inclusive knowledge-sharing platform that enables the connection of individuals who wouldn’t otherwise connect.To learn more, visit https://www.inqli.com/
00:00 - Intro
00:46 - What are three things every entrepreneur needs to know?
07:10 - What does Inqli do? What problems are you solving?
14:18 - What kind of impact did COVID have on your business?
17:33 - How did you overcome the challenges you faced during the pandemic?
21:08 - What is the business model from Inqli going forward?
24:37 - What do you think will be the key to your success in the next three years?
30:05 - What makes the entrepreneurial lifestyle difficult for entrepreneurs?
32:04 - If you could write your younger entrepreneurial self a letter, what advice would you give?
34:13 - If our audience wanted to connect with you, how could they do that?
For Episode 220 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Brice Ulrey, the Managing Partner at Opkalla. Opkalla is an IT trusted advisory firm. Opkalla lives in the IT reseller space, but does things a little differently than your typical IT reseller. What they’re trying to do is solve the problem of biased agendas in their space. They consider themselves “vendor neutral.” Where most IT resellers have 20 to 30 vendors in their portfolio, Opkalla boasts over 300 different providers. Instead of singing the same old song that each solution that solves a business problem has only one provider to solve it, Opkalla brings two to three providers to the table and allows their customers to evaluate each one before deciding which one to go with. To learn more about Opkalla, visit their website at https://opkalla.com/.
00:00 - Intro
01:18 - What are three things every entrepreneur should know?
09:15 - Let’s talk about what Opkalla is all about. What problem are you solving?
18:27 - What are the secrets to your rapid growth over the last four years?
21:56 - What was easier for the growth of your business through COVID, and what was more difficult?
26:23 - How has that impacted you post-COVID?
30:46 - From your perspective, what do you think is the most difficult thing to deal with in the entrepreneurial lifestyle?
35:05 - What’s easier now at this stage of your business that wasn’t as easy at the beginning?
39:36 - If you could send your pre-entrepreneurial self a letter, what advice would you give a younger Brice?
42:23 - If someone wanted to connect with you, how could they do that?
For Episode 219 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Deidra Ciolko, the owner of Gorditos Fresh Mex. Deidra is an expat from the US who moved to the Dominican Republic 13 years ago. She and her partner decided to open up Gorditos Fresh Mex after noticing a gap in the market for fresh Mexican food in the Dominican. Employing locals has helped Deidra and her partner fully grasp not only the language but the local culture, which has helped their restaurant see great success since its opening. Bringing in fresh ingredients from local farmers and fishermen has allowed Deidra to realize her restaurant’s mission: creating a difference by putting more into the beautiful country she calls home than she takes out of it.To learn more, visit their website at https://gorditosfreshmex.com/
00:00 - Intro
00:46 - Where are you originally from?
02:14 - Tell me about your experience working here in the Dominican Republic as an expat.
04:32 - 13 years into this venture, tell me about the ride so far. What has happened that’s surprised you?
06:30 - Can you tell us about the regulations around starting a business in the DR vs North America?
09:05 - What advice would you give to other expat entrepreneurs who want to set up a business here in the DR?
14:55 - Is this the place where you’re going to retire or will you go back to the US eventually?
16:17 - How do we find Gorditos?
17:59 - Outro
For Episode 218 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Emma Givera, the owner of Bushnel Construction S. R. L. Bushnel Construction was founded by Emma’s partner, and when she moved to the Dominican Republic from Toronto, the two realized that her outgoing personality, expertise, and connections to other expats could really ramp up their business. From a small development company, Emma and her partner have grown Bushnel into a business that’s poised to take over! As of March, they’ll begin construction on 47 brand new, custom-made villas across the Dominican Republic.
00:00 -Intro
02:15 - Can you give us a little backstory of your experience being an expat entrepreneur in the Dominican Republic?
05:33 - Why are so many people investing in the Dominican?
07:20 - What was it like having to learn a brand new industry in a foreign country?
10:19 - What advice would you give to other expats looking to move to the Dominican Republic?
11:52 - What would be the best way for our audience members to connect with you?
12:47 - Outro
For Episode 217 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Julie Hewell of Homecore Realty. Julie is the owner of Homecore Realty in the Dominican Republic. Originally a real estate agent from the United States, Julie moved to the Dominican Republic with her family, with dreams of retiring and living the good life, spending time with her kids. However, as her kids entered their teens, Julie found herself looking for a new challenge. That’s when she founded Homecore Realty, a real estate agency that focuses on providing personalized and honest service to clients, both Dominican locals and fellow expats alikeTo learn more, visit the website at https://www.homecorerealtydr.com/
00:00 - Intro
01:03 - Was it your intention to move here to the Dominican Republic and start a business?
01:26 - Can you tell us a little bit about your work before you became an ex-pat and moved to the Dominican Republic?
03:21 - Are the realtors you work with local or ex-pats like yourself?
03:54 - What have been the biggest surprises you’ve had as an ex-pat starting a business here in the D.R?
06:03 - Did you find getting your business up and running to be slow-moving based on having to deal with the slow-moving trades out here?
06:39 - Who is your typical target market?
09:57 - Have you had any experience with corruption since opening a business in the DR?
11:40 - Do you have any advice for other ex-pats who may want to start a business here in the DR?
16:09 - Outro
For Episode 216 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Kit Lisle, the founder and moderator of the Operators.pe. Acting through their Strategic Growth Council, the Operators.pe is a peer community of private equity-backed C-level executives that are ready to act as a board of advisors for SMBs that need that network to help solve strategic growth dilemmas that will allow them to grow and thrive. They match clients with the best peer group for their industry and provide a safe, confidential, trustworthy environment, as well as experienced moderating using a format proven to drive results.
In addition, the Operators.pe, in itself, is an online community where executives can go to bounce questions off of one another. They also hold annual events that allow private equity backed executives to get together and network with one another.
00:00 - Intro
01:11 - What are the three most important things that every entrepreneur needs to know?
05:30 - Tell me a little bit about the Operators.pe.
15:10 - Did the idea of the Operators.pe come out of a need that you had?
19:00 - What did you find the most challenging with this startup versus your previous experience as an entrepreneur?
23:02 - Has it been a struggle to build both sides of the market at the same time?
27:11 - How do you determine what success looks like?
31:32 - What do you feel is one of the biggest stumbling blocks to achieving growth?
35:39 - How can our audience members connect with you?
For Episode 215 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Ryan Brown, Partner and former Sales Manager at Integrity Waste Solutions. Integrity is a waste solutions and management company that serves local Edmonton residential areas as well as commercial properties in the Edmonton Region. They chose the name Integrity because it is their mission to bring honesty and integrity back to the waste management solutions industry and the customers they serve, which they do mainly through upfront pricing, which the larger companies don’t offer.To learn more, visit their website at https://www.integritysolutions.ca/.
00:00 - Intro
01:16 - What are three things that every entrepreneur should know?
05:34 - The backstory of Integrity Waste Solutions
09:30 - Can you tell us a bit about Integrity Waste Solutions?
14:13 - How do you cultivate the innovative culture within your business?
17:25 - How challenging was the decision to walk away from Integrity?
21:02 - What are the criteria when trying to determine your next venture?
22:11 - What would success look like for you in your next venture?
23:06 - What do you think is going to be easier this next go-round?
23:56 - Do you have any advice for anyone else at this point in their journey?
25:50 - How can our audience members connect with you?
For Episode 214 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Ryan Malloy, Managing Director at Liquid. Liquid Software Corporation exists to provide business owners with state-of-the-art digital tools so they can extract more money from their businesses. They do this by enabling the flexibility of legacy software platforms that many businesses cling to, despite the ever-changing tech and software industry.
Their EDGE-QL solution is a platform designed to help business owners better manage the complexity of their day-to-day operations. It provides the users and their teams with the advantages of modern technology to enhance sales, reduce errors, and optimize productivity, enabling them to concentrate on expanding their business.To learn more, visit their website at https://www.thinkliquid.ca/.
00:00 - Intro
01:14 - What are three things every entrepreneur should know?
05:21 - Tell me a little bit about Liquid Software Corporation.
15:15 - How do you manage to juggle so many different ventures simultaneously?
21:37 - What’s gotten easier through each business venture you’ve become involved with over the years?
24:23 - What does success look like to you?
26:06 - If you could write your younger self a letter, what would it say?
28:07 - What books have you been reading that have really resonated with you?
30:32 - How can our audience members connect with you?
For Episode 213 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Julieta Miranda, the CEO of Kid-Drop in Fort McMurray, Alberta. Kid-Drop is a transportation solution for busy families. In a world where kids are constantly on the move, school, sports practices and games, extracurricular activities, and everything else, it can be a challenge to get them to and from all of those things in a safe and timely manner–especially if you’re a parent of more than one child!
Kid-Drop was designed to support parents in those movements in a safe manner, with in-vehicle cameras, carefully vetted drivers in uniform, and backed by transparency and consistency. They’ll get your children from Point A to Point B, whenever you need them to, and you have the peace of mind of knowing that they’re in good hands.To learn more, visit the Kid-Drop Inc. website.
00:00 - Intro
01:05 - What are three things every entrepreneur should know?
02:39 - Can you tell us a little bit about what Kid-Drop is?
06:36 - Do you have plans to expand through franchising, or do you have another strategy there?
09:27 - Can you explain your business model?
11:14 - What are some of the challenges you faced in the early days of Kid-Drop?
16:53 - What were some of the biggest surprises that you’ve had along the way?
18:48 - Can you take us back to the beginning of the business and talk about the struggles you experienced?
23:54 - You seem to have a lot of strength and mental fortitude. Where do you think that comes from?
26:28 - What’s easier this second go-round of entrepreneurship than it was the first time?
30:41 - If you could write your pre-entrepreneurial self a letter, what would it say?
34:59 - How can our listeners connect with you?
For Episode 212 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Jason Byrne, the founder and CEO of Icon-IQ. Icon-IQ is a recruiting company that focuses on sourcing senior technical talent – such as developers, engineers, product managers, data scientists, etc. – from Latin America for Alberta-based businesses. They work exclusively with companies who are having difficulties acquiring and recruiting this senior tech talent.To learn more, visit https://icon-iq.ca/ or hit up Jason on his LinkedIn.
00:00 - Intro
00:58 - What are three things that you think every entrepreneur should know?
04:04 - What are you doing over at Icon-IQ, and where did it all begin?
12:12 - Would you say that where you are today with Icon-IQ is a better business model than where you were pre-pandemic?
17:11 - Walk me through the decision-making process of your rebrand.
25:41 - What do you feel was the most critical element to your future success?
28:39 - As an entrepreneur, how do you make it through the lean years?
38:01 - What do you think is going to be easier now for you to achieve growth?
39:58 - If you could go back in time and write a letter to your younger entrepreneurial self, what would it say?
41:45 - How can our audience members connect with you?
For Episode 211 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Jonathan Fishbeck, the founder and CEO of EstateSpace. At a high level, EstateSpace is solving the problem of difficult estate management by simplifying it. In particular, EstateSpace deals with the non-financial asset management side of estate management, both from an operational perspective, as well as a portfolio perspective, by helping their clients to improve their economic outcomes.To learn more, visit https://estatespace.com/.
00:00 - Intro
00:58 - What are three things every entrepreneur should know?
02:57 - When you suggest that entrepreneurs get a good advisor, are you talking about paid advisors or unpaid advisors and mentors?
05:09 - Was retaining a good advisor something that you learned through your first venture?
06:23 - Can we talk a little bit about your business, EstateSpace?
08:43 - Where did you see the opportunities to pivot from a service-based model to a SaaS model?
11:05 - Are your clients the actual owners of the non-liquid assets you deal with, or are they service providers?
12:03 - When it comes to your experience, how do you navigate going from the construction world to the tech world?
15:34 - What’s easier this time around with the founding of this particular business than with your previous entrepreneurial ventures?
17:15 - What are the most difficult aspects of being an entrepreneur?
19:27 - Are you bootstrapping EstateSpace, or do you have outside investments?
21:38 - If you could write your younger entrepreneurial self a letter, what would it say?
25:13 - If our audience wanted to connect with you, how could they do that?
25:56 - Outro
For Episode 210 of Amplify Your Business, we’re spending Blue Monday with two women who are working to make every day brighter for all people. We’re joined by Danielle Bragge and Leanne Brownoff, co-founders of VR Pathways. The idea behind VR Pathways is leveraging Virtual Reality to change the brain and give people the relief they need to take them out of stressful situations and get them back to a place of fully functioning cognitive behaviour and cognitive thinking.
VR Pathways offers personal, on-demand mental health support for cognitive behavioural therapy and phobia therapy through two distinct apps within the world of virtual reality. Their mission is to help reduce negative thoughts and feelings through creating new, positive pathways within the brain that deliver long-term results.
To learn more, visit https://www.vrpathways.com/.
00:00 - Intro
01:01 - What are three things that you think every entrepreneur needs to know?
02:18 - Can you tell us a bit about your entrepreneurial history?
04:13 - What is VR Pathways, and what are you trying to solve?
08:26 - What is VR Pathways’ target market?
10:55 - Have you noticed an uptick in entrepreneurs using your service?
12:36 - How do two people, neither of which have a tech background, develop a solution planted in technology?
13:52 - How did you decide on VR being the solution?
15:58 - What do you feel are the advantages of not being in the tech space and starting a tech-centric company?
19:03 - For the next 12, 24 months of growth, what do you think are going to be your biggest challenges, and how do you think you’ll overcome them?
20:30 - How do you plan to finance the growth?
22:35 - What or who inspires you as entrepreneurs?
25:55 - If you could write a letter to your younger entrepreneurial self, what would it say?
29:28 - If someone wanted to connect with you and learn more about VR Pathways, how could they do that?
31:20 - Outro
For Episode 209 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Luke Butterworth, the co-founder and COO of JustCook Kitchens. JustCook is a Canadian proptech company that uses cutting-edge technology to construct and oversee restaurant spaces for restaurateurs and property owners. The first collective that JustCook opened was the 5th Street Food Hall, where chefs and entrepreneurs come together to create an amalgamation of restaurants to choose from in a single place. The 5th Street Food Hall is a one-stop-shop for all your cravings, offering a diverse range of cuisines such as South East Asian street food, vegan options, Mexican-Asian fusion, brunch choices, and the top burgers in the city.
Coming in the summer of 2023 is JustCook’s second location at Station Park, where they will be filling up two floors of mouthwatering meals for Edmonton foodies.
To learn more, visit https://www.justcookkitchens.com/
00:00 - Intro
00:44 - What are three things every entrepreneur should know?
10:08 - Can you tell us a little bit about Just Cook Kitchens?
15:52 - Is this a model that you saw somewhere else and replicated?
20:10 - Do you rotate different chefs through your space?
22:00 - How does your business model work? Where are your revenue streams coming from?
23:42 - Is the marketing done under the Just Cook Kitchen brand or under the individual brands of the entrepreneurs?
25:25 - If I was to order something from one of the restaurants, do I search for Just Cook Kitchens or order directly from the restaurant’s brand?
26:52 - How does your business model play out where we might be heading into a recession?
31:44 - When you first started Just Cook Kitchens to where it is now, what are some iterations you’ve done that you didn’t anticipate?
39:45 - Where do you get your inspiration?
47:12 - How can our audience connect with you?
47:33 - Outro
For Episode 208 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Meg Tucker, the owner of Cook With Meg. Cook With Meg was created at the beginning of the pandemic in 2020 with the mission to create kitchen confidence in families. In this digital age, everyone always seems to have their noses buried in their phones, tablets, or laptops, and the idea of traditional family dinners, where everyone got together, sat at the table, and ate as a family, has fallen by the wayside. Meg wanted to fix that.
Even though Meg had made it to the Top 25 in Master Chef Canada, she had never cooked professionally–it was just a passion. When the pandemic turned the world upside, she knew she would have to figure out something else to bring in income, and that’s when her creative side met her passion, and Cook With Meg was born. On March 23rd, 2020, she taught her first virtual family cooking class via Zoom. Today, Meg cooks with families in six different countries, running three cooking classes a week and six weeks of cooking summer camp for kids each July and August. Cook with Meg is more than just cooking classes, it’s bringing families together.To learn more, visit https://cookwithmeg.com/ or check her out on Instagram at CookWithMegToday.
00:00 - Intro
01:08 - What are three things that every entrepreneur should know?
04:12 - What do you do that helps you maintain a sustainable pace?
07:08 - Can you tell us a little bit about Cook With Meg?
14:34 - Was there a drop off in subscriptions after the pandemic due to “Zoom fatigue”?
17:58 - How has your revenue model evolved from your early days?
23:15 - What is easier now than what it was when you first started?
28:05 - If there’s one thing that you could have done differently since you started Cook With Meg, what would it be?
32:09 - If you could write your younger self a letter, what would it say?
37:24 - If our audience wanted to connect with you, how could they do that?
38:20 - Outro
For Episode 207 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Paul Shufelt, the founder and Head Chef at the Robert Spencer Hospitality Group. The Robert Spencer Hospitality Group runs six restaurants throughout Edmonton: Workshop Eatery, Hayloft, Woodshed Burgers, The Greenhouse Restaurants at Victoria, Riverside, and Rundle.
During his interview, Paul discusses what success has looked like for him, how he’s managed to open and operate six full-service restaurants and a catering business, and the things that he learned about hospitality through the Pandemic. Unlike many businesses, Paul was able to keep roughly 90% of his employees on staff during the pandemic, through a combination of ingenuity and pivoting the way his restaurants sold food. To learn more, visit https://robertspencerhosp.com/.
00:00 - Intro
01:25 - What are three things every entrepreneur should know?
06:32 - What’s been the secret to your success and growth?
09:40 - What was going through your mind with each restaurant you opened?
14:11 - What did you learn from COVID?
20:16 - What would you say is going to be the key to your success?
22:31 - Do you have some strategies that you’re planning on rolling out to address those concerns?
23:56 - If you had the ability to write your younger entrepreneurial self a letter, what would it say?
25:13 - If any of our audience wanted to connect with you, what’s the best way to do so?
26:20 - Outro
For Episode 207 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Ronak Sheth, the CEO and Founder of LIT Videobooks. Videobooks are a new consumable category that makes reading as easy, accessible, engaging, and fun as watching a movie. In a world where over 100 million Americans haven’t bought or read a non-fiction book in the last year, LIT Videobooks’ goal is to make reading non-fiction books as accessible as possible to as many people as possible.
With LIT Videobooks, consuming something from the world of non-fiction is as easy as watching a video on your smartphone. They partner directly with authors to create these hour-long videobooks that include animation, interviews, data presentations, archives, etc. It’s like you’re watching a Netflix documentary, but it’s actually a book. The all-access subscription at LIT Videobooks gives you access to 28 videobooks running the gamut from potty training to business leadership and everything in between.To learn more and to receive an exclusive discount provided to our audience by Ronak, visit https://litvideobooks.com/all-access and enter the promo code AMPLIFY to get 50% off your first year-long subscription. And don’t forget to check out Ronak at the BX Networking Event later this month to get your hands on a free copy of Profit First by Mike Michalowicz. Register for the event here: https://link.amplomedia.com/s/TJ8FRy6yWgFiOUjeregu
00:00 - Intro
00:50 - What are three things that you think every entrepreneur should know?
01:29 - Give me an example of one of these three things that you’ve had to face in the last three years.
02:49 - Can you tell me a little bit about LIT Videobooks?
06:23 - Where did the idea for LIT Videobooks come from?
12:30 - What is your business model?
15:32 - In the early days of LIT Videobooks, was the idea of this platform cannibalizing other sales a worry for potential authors or their agents?
17:52 - How do you, as a startup, grow both the supply but also the demand when you don’t yet have the supply?
24:50 - Have you looked into the ad tier subscription model?
28:06 - How do you pick the books you’ll focus on creating into video books?
32:30 - What are the biggest challenges that you think you’ll face in the next year?
35:28 - What’s easier today for your business than in the early days of LIT Videobooks?
38:20 - What videobooks would you recommend to our listeners?
41:01 - Of all the interviews you’ve conducted for your videobooks, who were the ones you were most excited about?
42:37 - If you could write a letter to your younger self, what would it say?
46:19 - If someone wanted to reach out to you, how could they do that?
46:45 - GIVEAWAY!! Watch for a special discount code!
47:35 - Special Announcement and a second giveaway!
48:36 - Outro
For Episode 205 of Amplify Your Business, we’re presenting an ENCORE episode of the Amplify Your Business Podcast, and it’s truly outrageous! For this encore presentation, we’re joined by Sandeep Todi, the Co-Founder and Chief Business Officer of Truly Financial. Truly Financial is an online digital bank, built exclusively for smaller businesses that helps them grow globally. In a world where many businesses - and especially startups - are using business practices that allow them to hire employees anywhere in the world, these organizations are seeking out new and cost-effective ways to pay their employees and handle international transactions. Truly Financial is the solution.To learn more, visit Truly Financial’s website.
00:00 - Intro
02:10 - What should every entrepreneur know as they embark on their entrepreneurial journey?
05:37 - What problem is Truly Financial solving?
12:34 - How long has Truly Financial been in operation?
14:13 - Is your business model similar to other financial institutions?
18:25 - Where does Truly Financial fit in the fintech landscape?
22:16 - How do you navigate the challenges of security?
24:44 - What are the next steps for Truly Financial? Do you plan to explore cryptocurrency?
29:05 - What advice would you give your younger self at the start of his entrepreneurial journey?
34:18 - How can anyone watching connect with you?
34:56 - Outro
For Episode 204 of Amplify Your Business, we’re presenting an ENCORE episode of Amplify Your Business Podcast, and it’s going to be a shocking one. For this encore episode, we’re joined by Lindsay White, the founder of High Voltage Leadership. High Voltage Leadership got its start in 2017 when Lindsay found herself working for a toxic leader at a financial institution. She decided that she couldn’t handle it any longer and ultimately left that job. Lindsay went from her corporate job into coaching certification training for a year, and from there, dove in with both feet and started her own coaching practice.To learn more, visit their website at https://highvoltageleadership.ca/
00:00 - Intro
01:40 - Tell me a little bit about High Voltage Leadership.
04:40 - You call yourself a People Operations Expert. What does that mean?
06:39 - What are some of the secrets to becoming a high-voltage leader?
07:59 - How do you merge the coaching and leadership training to help businesses navigate through leadership development and HR processes to have a successful business?
12:02 - How do you help business owners navigate through that?
14:18 - What is “positive intelligence”?
16:44 - Are your programs something that you see business owners taking on themselves, or are they incorporating team training as well?
19:40 - How can our audience connect with you?
20:33 - Outro
For Episode 203 of Amplify Your Business, we’re presenting an ENCORE episode of Amplify Your Business, and it’s just as sweet the second time around. For this encore episode, we’re joined by Trisha Bower, the Chief Baking Officer at Eat My Shortbread.
A discovery of a long-held family recipe one Christmas led to Trisha filling her pockets with delicious shortbread treats and squirreling away to an empty room to devour them. Coming from a family of entrepreneurs, Trisha had always known that one day, she would want to start her own business too, but it wasn’t until that Christmas that inspiration struck and she knew that she could turn her family recipe into something incredible for the world to enjoy.To learn more, visit www.eatmyshortbread.com
00:00 - Intro
02:00 - Can you dive a little into the backstory of Eat My Shortbread?
03:33 - What inspired you to do so many things with the shortbread, rather than just the typical shortbread cookie?
05:28 - Is the salted caramel a signature flavour?
08:27 - How did you come up with the name Eat My Shortbread?
10:00 - Was it a concern that although the word “Shortbread” is in your name, you do create multiple other products?
11:17 - What was holding you back from jumping in with both feet with Eat My Shortbread?
17:20 - What is the secret to your success thus far?
18:26 - What pieces of advice have you picked up along your journey that have had an impact on what you’re doing today?
22:06 - What mistakes have you made along the way that you’ve learned from?
28:00 - If you had the ability to go back in time and visit your younger self from a previous time, what time would you go back to, and what advice would you give yourself?
31:51 - How do people find Eat My Shortbread?
34:54 - Outro
For Episode 202 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Morgan McCollum, the managing partner at Shift.Support Inc. Shift.Support has spent the last 12 years trying to change the IT game, trying to change the mentality of their clients and the industry as a whole. They take a proactive approach to managed IT services, rather than a reactive one, to help their clients drive efficiencies in their businesses and get their IT back on track.To learn more, visit their website at https://shift.support/.
00:00 - Intro
00:48 - What are three things every entrepreneur needs to know?
03:14 - When do you usually do your planning?
05:52 - What problems are Shift.Support trying to solve?
08:11 - Have you taken this approach since the beginning?
11:32 - Has the move to more remote workplaces changed anything for you or your clients?
13:06 - What made you decide to bring in a partner externally as opposed to someone from within?
15:53 - Working with your best friend, have there been some challenges? And how did you navigate through them?
18:10 - What will be the biggest obstacle to achieving your Big Hairy Audacious Goal, and how will you overcome it?
22:19 - What do you do to market yourselves?
26:23 - What is easier to do now than it was when you first started Shift.Support?
29:08 - Where do you find inspiration?
31:50 - From a personal standpoint, as an entrepreneur, what does success look like for you?
33:34 - If you could write a letter to your younger self, what advice would you give yourself?
35:48 - If someone watching this wanted to connect with you, how could they do that?
36:21 - Outro
For Episode 201 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by… Lance Johnson! Yes, the Interviewer Extraordinaire himself is front and center for this very special episode of Amplify Your Business, as he looks back at some of his favourite interviews over the last 200 episodes.To learn more or be a guest on the Amplify Your Business podcast, visit www.amplifyyourbusiness.ca
00:00 - Intro
02:06 - Maxim Atanassov – Founder, Vinterre
03:55 - Nicole Janssen – Co-Founder & Co-CEO, ALTAML
06:04 - Barry Ehlert – CEO, Windmill Golf Group
09:53 - Ted Kouri – Founder & President, Incite Strategy
13:06 - Sarah Goodman – CEO, Chiwis
18:17 - Ally Stone – Founder & CEO, The Inspired Leader
22:21 - Outro: Keep an eye out for our eBook in the New Year!
For Episode 199 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Sean Collins, the CEO of Varme Energy. Varme Energy develops waste energy facilities built with integrated carbon capture and storage. Essentially, large industrial process facilities that use two-stage combustion technology to combust municipal solid waste that would otherwise be going to a landfill. These facilities burn the waste, extract all of the energy out of it, and with carbon capture and storage, they capture all of the post-combustion CO2 and sequester it underground. This sustainable, environmental solution eliminates landfills long-term, recovers the energy in the waste, and puts all of the carbon underground.To learn more, visit their website at https://www.varme.ca/
00:00 - Intro
01:04 - Did people in the audience at Edmonton Unlimited’s Launch Party show any interest in your pitch?
01:49 - What are three things every entrepreneur needs to know?
04:35 - Any suggestions that you have for other entrepreneurs for turning off the entrepreneur when they get home?
06:39 - Can you tell us a little about Varme Energy?
07:44 - Why is this something that is new tech being introduced to Western Canada?
09:11 - Why is now the right time for this kind of tech in Canada?
12:57 - How do you face the complexities that come with bringing this kind of technology into Canada as an entrepreneur?
15:49 - How did the partnership with the Norwegian company you’re working with come about?
18:09 - Could you explain what you meant by the term “venture studio” that you used during our conversation prior to recording?
20:06 - How long ago did you start your first entrepreneurial venture?
20:25 - What do you find easier now that you’ve been at this for 14 years than you did at the beginning?
23:47 - In the future, do you think the greatest opportunities for sustainability and environmental protection will be with First Nations populations?
25:35 - If you could write your younger self a letter, what would it say?
28:01 - What do you consider to be success?
30:04 - If someone in our audience wanted to connect with you, how could they do that?
30:56 - Outro
For Episode 198 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Jason Reposa, the founder and CEO of Good Feels. Good Feels is a licensed cannabis operator in Massachusetts. They produce and sell cannabis beverages and beverage enhancers. Currently, they have five ready-to-drive cannabis-infused seltzers in stock. Their drinks come in a 12-ounce bottle and are made in a variety of flavours, depending on the season. Their Fall Seasonal lineup is a hit with consumers and includes flavours like Blood Orange, Grapefruit, Autumn Harvest, Black Cherry, and Raspberry Apple.To learn more, visit the Good Feels website.
00:00 - Intro
01:01 - What are three things that you think every entrepreneur should know?
03:33 - What is Good Feels, and what are you trying to accomplish?
04:22 - Did you get your start with ready-to-drink beverages?
06:46 - Tell me about the journey to getting Good Feels off the ground.
10:05 - The loneliness of entrepreneurship.
11:59 - From your tech and programming background, what advantages have you been able to apply to your current role as CEO of Good Feels?
14:46 - Was it a strategic decision or a regulatory issue to remain strictly wholesale?
15:44 - Do you find that helpful in regards to pushing you to only focus on one channel?
17:18 - Is it difficult for you to wholesale into other states?
18:49 - Do you plan to expand your product line?
19:49 - Was there anything about the Pandemic that made the business easier or more difficult?
22:00 - Where do you find your inspiration, or who or what inspires you?
24:54 - If you could write your pre-entrepreneurial self a letter, what would it say?
27:16 - What does success look like to you?
29:58 - How do you manage all of these growth ideas you have?
33:55 - If somebody wanted to connect with you, what’s the best way to do so?
34:40 - Outro
For Episode 197 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Nicole Matos, the founder of Oonie and CEO of Rivet Construction. Oonie is, essentially, an online farmer’s market. Small and medium sized local food producers can join Oonie and easily set up their own shops to get their food products online and available for customers to buy quickly, and easily. Customers can then go to a single website, Oonie, to find all of the local food products they want to buy. The Oonie difference is that all products can be put into one basket, even from different vendors, and checked out all at the same time. As well, unlike farmer’s markets, Oonie is available 24/7. To learn more, visit Oonie’s website at https://oonnie.com/.
00:00 - Intro
00:52 - What are three things that you think every entrepreneur should know?
03:04 - Tell me a little bit about Oonie.
10:18 - Can you tell me about Rivet Construction?
11:52 - What motivated you to create something completely different in Oonie than what you previously did with Rivet Construction?
14:29 - How do you balance the things that pull on your attention between the two businesses?
17:12 - The way you delegate your workload, where did you learn to do that?
18:34 - As an Indigenous woman entrepreneur, what would be more challenging, and what are some advantages that you have?
22:18 - Who or what inspires you?
25:31 - Can you share some of the things you learned with Rivet that helped shape the way you run Oonie?
30:52 - If you were able to send a letter back in time to the pre-entrepreneurial Nicole, what would it say?
32:18 - What is the difference between personal vs. business credit?
35:05 - If any of our listeners wanted to connect with you, how could they do that?
36:34 - Outro
For Episode 196 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by our signature guest, Matthew Pollard. Matthew is the author of the Introvert’s Edge book series and public speaker who travels the world teaching introverted people how to be successful salespeople. Matthew is also the National Brand Ambassador for BX Networking, an organization that educates small business owners on how to develop and grow their business so that they can live the life they’ve always wanted. Matthew is often called the Rapid Growth Guy because he challenges business owners to think differently and transform their businesses to be more successful.
A learning disability left Matthew with a sixth-grade reading level by the time he had graduated highschool. This learning disability caused Matthew to become incredibly introverted in his teen years and had caused him to lose jobs and miss out on opportunities. However, it also pushed him to do better. To overcome not only his learning disability, but also his introvertedness. This push would eventually see him become the renowned author, public speaker, and small business guru that he is today. Today, Matthew has helped transform over 3500 struggling businesses and run five multi-million dollar successful businesses of his own.To learn more, visit www.matthewpollard.com, sign up to become a BX Networking member, or register for the BX Networking Reimagined event.
00:00 - Intro
01:16 - Tell us a bit about BX Networking and the speaking event you’ll be doing here in Edmonton in January.
05:51 - It’s interesting to see that small business owners who’ve faced the greatest challenges often become the most resilient and successful.
08:47 - The magic ingredient.
17:24 - How do you challenge entrepreneurs or business owners to approach their businesses differently?
24:37 - Is storytelling something that you have worked at or have you always had this gift?
30:48 - The power of story.
33:41 - If you could send a letter back in time to your younger self, what would it say?
36:35 - As the ambassador of BX, can you give us a bit of a snapshot to how BX is different from other networking organizations?
41:15 - Register for BX’s Networking Reimagined event on January 24th.
42:44 - Outro
For Episode 195 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Andrew Ambrocichuk, the CEO of Hydrasurvey. Hydrasurvey provides hydrographic sludge surveys, wastewater project monitoring, and thermal tank surveys to companies undertaking wastewater projects that include lagoons and ponds to help their clients prepare for remediation. Wastewater ponds and lagoons are designed to hold a certain amount of sludge and sediment, but eventually, these ponds and lagoons need to be remediated. When that time comes, Hydrasense surveys the sludge to tell their clients how much sludge they have and what it’s made of. This allows their clients to know where the sludge can go in terms of landfills or land applications. They also act as quality control throughout the remediation project.To learn more, visit their website at https://www.hydrasurvey.ca/
00:00 - Intro
01:08 - What are three things that you think every entrepreneur should know?
04:47 - As someone with an engineering background coming into a sales position, did you struggle with learning how to sell the product as a whole rather than just the features?
08:21 - What is Hydrasurvey? What problems are you trying to solve?
09:50 - What does your client base look like? Who are your clients?
11:03 - How did you decide that there was a business opportunity in sludge surveying?
13:45 - What are some of the biggest surprises that you had when you were transitioning from working for someone else to entrepreneurship?
15:12 - How do you stay resilient through those challenges, the naysaying, and self-doubt?
18:02 - Where do you find your inspiration?
19:41 - What is your definition of freedom?
21:27 - Can you talk a little bit about Hydrasurvey’s future growth and why the US is a target market for you? What are some of the unique challenges you’re facing in doing so?
24:51 - Does your professional insurance cover you for working in the US as well as it does for work you do in Canada?
26:57 - What have you identified as being some of the biggest risks to achieving your business vision and how to you plan to overcome those risks?
31:05 - How are you keeping an eye on the cashflow aspect while still enabling the growth you want to have?
33:07 - If you could write your pre-entrepreneurial self a letter, what would it say?
35:43 - [Andrew asking Lance] What do you do to not feel overwhelmed as an entrepreneur? Is there something specific that you do?
38:13 - Outro
For Episode 194 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Virginia Wornstaff, the CEO of OSP Microcheck. OSP Microcheck is a company that specializes in microbial identification, surveillance, and mitigation in the oil and gas sector. OSP Microcheck works with the global oil and gas industry to develop solutions for the effects of water and its use, and through data-driven analysis, they help companies in the oil and gas sector decide which biocides are the right ones for their particular application.
To learn more, visit the OSP Microcheck website at https://ospmicrocheck.com/
00:00 - Intro
01:06 - What do you think are three things every entrepreneur needs to know?
03:08 - What is OSP Microcheck all about?
05:22 - Do you operate globally?
08:07 - What role does your background in entrepreneurship play in regard to your work with OSP?
10:47 -Do you find your entrepreneurial mind and scientific mind are at odds at times throughout your work with OSP?
14:59 - Are there unique challenges to coming in as an employee, then an investor, and now leading the company versus starting your own company?
20:56 - What is easier at this stage of the company’s journey to be able to allow you the opportunity to evolve and change the business?
24:52 - If you could bring another entrepreneur along on this part of your journey right now, whether someone famous or someone you know personally, who would that be and why?
26:45 - If you could write a letter to your younger self, what would it say?
28:12 - If someone in our audience wanted to contact you, how could they do that?
28:44 - Outro
For Episode 193 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Derek Spruill, co-founder and director of sales for Cherry Blossom Hemp. This is the second iteration of the Cherry Blossom brand. Originally called Cherry Blossom Confections, they dealt in the edibles and marijuana candy market. The second iteration then became Cherry Blossom Hemp, and finally, after meeting with a CBD manufacturer out in Oakland, they became Cherry Blossom CBD.
Today, Cherry Blossom CBD delivers high-quality full-spectrum vape-able and dab-able CBD products, such as live resin, extracts, and concentrates.
To learn more, visit their website https://www.cherryblossomhemp.com/
00:00 - Intro
01:07 - What are three things that you think every entrepreneur needs to know?
04:21 - Can you tell us a little bit about Cherry Blossom CBD?
10:52 - When it comes to the legalization of Cannabis across the US, has that fuelled a bigger understanding of CBD or does it distract away from it?
13:16 - What have been some of the challenges that you’ve had to overcome?
14:59 - Do you have a physical location?
15:40 - What things are easier for you now than when you started?
18:19 - At this stage, what are you doing right that’s really helping you find success?
20:42 - It sounds like you do a lot of education as part of your sales process. Is that correct?
21:48 - If an angel investor dropped $1M into your lap, what would you be doing to maximize your growth with that?
23:01 - What inspires you, as an entrepreneur?
25:33 - How do you define success as an entrepreneur?
27:57 - If you could write your past self a letter, what would it say?
32:57 - If someone wanted to get in contact with you, how could they do that?
34:34 - Outro
For Episode 192 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Colin Tran, the founder, and president of NXT-GEN at the University of Alberta. At a high level, NXT-GEN was originally founded to bring entrepreneurship to the high school level. It has since evolved into an organization that connects those students - that next generation of Edmonton entrepreneurs - with our city’s rapidly developing entrepreneurial ecosystem. This program was developed with the dream of helping to launch the next generation of young entrepreneurs into that ecosystem and get them started on their entrepreneurial journeys.
To learn more, visit the NXT-GEN website at https://www.nxt-gen.biz/
00:00 - Intro
00:58 - Can you give us a rundown as to what you’re trying to do with NXT-GEN?
02:22 - Did NXT-GEN start with high schoolers because you were once a high schooler wishing for this kind of program to help you get into the entrepreneurial ecosystem?
05:06 - What are some of the gaps you’re trying to fill in terms of university courses for entrepreneurship?
07:00 - What are you finding in terms of the background of the students who are interested in NXT-GEN?
09:01 - Is NXT-GEN also focused on bridging the gap between students and industry as well?
10:58 - Are most of these students coming into NXT-GEN with a business idea or a business already started?
13:14 - Do you come from a family of entrepreneurs? Where does this passion for entrepreneurship come from?
16:57 - With the students you’re working with, do you find that there’s this extra excitement because they can take those risks right now when they’re young?
22:22 - How can our audience support NXT-GEN?
24:06 - Outro
For Episode 191 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Ken Bautista, the co-founder of the Public Food Hub, and founder and co-partner of Makespace. The Public combines the community of farmer’s markets with the innovation of drop-shipping to bring delicious food makers and mixologists into industrial kitchens where they can make their wares and food lovers can come to get their favourite dishes or brands. It’s a small food hub for those who want their favourites but don’t want to have to trek all the way downtown to a restaurant.
In short, The Public is a Facebook marketplace or Etsy for makers. Through a combination of physical retail spaces, neighbourhood pickups, and popup markets, The Public is helping more than 400 brands reach a growing community of customers.
To learn more, visit https://publicfoodhub.com/ or https://www.makespacegroup.com/
00:00 - Intro
01:18 - What are three things that every entrepreneur needs to know?
05:20 - Do you have any advice for new entrepreneurs about how they can balance having hope but also understanding the math of entrepreneurship?
07:21 - Can you tell us a bit about the problem that the Public Food Hub is trying to solve?
10:22 - What is the makeup of these food hubs?
13:31 - Is all of this done through a centralized ordering application?
16:25 - This seems like a way for these makers to move into new locations and consumer demographics without having to physically open new locations.
20:42 - How does the Public Food Hub fit into the broader Makespace initiative that you have?
24:23 - Where do you find this limitless energy to constantly be boosting the entrepreneurial community, and where do you get your inspiration?
28:34 - With all of the experience you have, what’s easier for you now than it would have been in the earlier days of your entrepreneurial journey?
31:27 - Do you get bored easily? Or is it just that you have this curiosity and desire to learn?
34:04 - What does success look like to you?
36:59 - If your wife were to describe you as an entrepreneur, how would her description of you be different than that of one of your co-founders or collaborators?
40:59 - If you had the ability to send a letter back in time to your pre-entrepreneurial self, what would it say?
44:41 - If any of our audience wanted to connect with you, how could they go about doing that?
45:27 - Outro
For Episode 190 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Derek Nolt, the founder, and CEO of Bladeflex. Bladeflex is an upper-body rehabilitation device. Muscles can adapt to the direction in which the force is applied, which is why the resistance on the Bladeflex divide is built right in. Bladeflex helps the shoulders, back, and neck area adapts to better form. The beauty of Bladeflex comes from its ability to be used wherever and whenever you need it, whether that’s at home, in the office, or anywhere you might need that extra support.
To learn more, visit Bladeflex’s website at https://bladeflex.com/
00:00 - Intro
00:50 - What are three things that you think every entrepreneur should know?
03:37 - Tell me a little bit about Bladeflex. What are you guys doing over there?
04:33 - Did the development of this device come from problems that you, yourself, were having with your shoulders and neck?
06:24 - Who is your target audience?
08:56 - How long have you been in development and commercializing the product?
09:50 - What is your go-to-market strategy?
11:09 - What are some of the challenges you see going forward with the growth of Bladeflex?
12:26 - From a manufacturing standpoint, is this product manufactured offshore and then imported, or is it manufactured here?
13:20 - How have you been handling the supply chain management issues that many companies have been facing recently?
14:27 - What percentage of your sales would be direct to consumers vs through retail from physiotherapists, massage therapists, or other distributors?
15:21 - When you were making the decision of selling through retail outlets vs direct to consumer, why did you choose to go more into direct to consumer vs traditional distribution channels?
16:35 - Have you been in any of the accelerators within the startup community? What kind of support have you received through the community?
18:20 - If you could write a letter to your past self, from before you started Bladeflex, what would that letter say?
19:46 - How do you know when to add another product to the SKU?
22:01 - What inspired you to take the leap of faith and create this product and business?
23:45 - Outro
For Episode 189 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Mike Toffan, the founder and executive director of Project Forest. Project Forest is a non-profit organization that helps other companies solve their ESG (Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance), CSR (Corporate Social Responsiblity), and carbon reduction challenges. To do this, they identify non-productive agricultural land that’s found within Indigenous community land or with conservation groups. Once the land has been identified, Project Forest’s financial partners then fund the rewilding work to restore and protect the natural processes and wilderness areas of that land.
Project Forest has developed a platform where companies small and large, whose core values include the importance of sustainability, can partner with them to help provide meaningful, tangible, on-the-ground impact.
To learn more, visit Project Forest’s website.
00:00 - Intro
01:03 - In your opinion, what are three things every entrepreneur should know?
02:39 - Is Project Forest a non-profit or a for-profit organization?
02:48 - Can you tell us a little bit about what you do at Project Forest?
06:49 - What’s your background? How did you get into doing this?
08:44 - Why did you start Project Forest in the midst of a pandemic?
10:09 - What are some of the challenges that you’ve had to overcome since starting Project Forest?
11:51 - You work with both huge corporations as well as solopreneurs. Do you find that you’re chasing after the big ones because they’re easier to land? Tell us about the mix of your customer base.
16:28 - When you were setting up the company and making the decision to be a not-for-profit vs a for-profit, can you walk me through that decision?
18:05 - Is there anything unique or different about managing a non-profit vs a for-profit?
20:30 - What are some of the things that you think are going to be most challenging going forward?
23:39 - If you could write your younger self a letter, what would it say?
25:57 - What keeps you up at night right now?
27:46 - If people wanted to reach out to you, what’s the best way to do that?
30:26 - Outro
For Episode 188 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Hillary Sweet, the co-founder, and CEO of Kidney-Chek. Anyone who’s ever owned a pet knows that they are very good at hiding when they’re not feeling well. As pets age, vets start to offer regular bloodwork and wellness checks and tests to ensure that everything is still functioning normally. The problem is, many pet owners find these tests too expensive or unnecessary, as their pet has shown no sign of illness, so they opt not to have them done. Kidney disease is one of the most undiagnosed health problems animals face. One in three cats and 1 in 10 dogs will have kidney disease that goes undiagnosed or undetected.
Kidney-Chek wanted to come up with a solution to combat this often deadly health issue, so they invented a quick, affordable screening tool that uses your pet’s saliva to test for kidney disease.
To learn more, visit their website and check out their products at https://kidneychek.com/
00:00 - Intro
00:47 - What are three things that you think every entrepreneur should know?
03:51 - What is it that Kidney-Chek does?
04:59 - Why did you decide to focus on pets versus humans?
06:14 - Is kidney disease in animals a problem that you discovered first and then built on it from there, or were you searching for a problem that needed to be solved first?
07:26 - What made you decide that you wanted to be an entrepreneur?
09:26 - Despite having a Ph.D., you had no intention of staying within academia?
10:41 - What have been some of the biggest challenges that you’ve had to overcome as you transitioned from academia into starting, running, and growing a business?
12:33 - Can you tell me a bit about the last three and a half years?
15:45 - Can you walk us through the competitive landscape that you’re facing right now?
16:19 - With no direct competitors, how do you address pricing? What methodology did you use?
19:28 - Is your long-term plan to continue to sell online and in retail stores or do you plan to skew towards one or the other?
22:48 - When you talked earlier about wishing you had done more customer validation earlier on, was that beyond the pricing? Was it in the messaging? Can you expand upon that a bit?
28:29 - What’s easier now for your business at this stage than it was before?
30:09 - What are the biggest hurdles or challenges that you’re going to have to overcome to get Kidney-Chek to its next level?
33:00 - If you were to write a letter to your pre-entrepreneurial self, what would that letter say?
36:50 - If our listeners wanted to reach out to you, how could they do that?
37:27 - Outro
For Episode 187 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Jim Parsons, the founder, and owner of Equinox Sound & Entertainment. Through Equinox, Jim not only writes, produces, hosts, and entertains through a variety of avenues, but he has also created online courses to teach others to do the same. As well, he helps his clients with all of their video, editing, and content needs.
Through his other entrepreneurial venture, Sports Side Hustle, he runs digital courses that teach students how to use their passion for sports to get off the sidelines and into the game through courses on writing blogs, producing podcasts, and more.
To learn more, visit the Equinox Sound & Entertainment website.
00:00 - Intro
01:42 - What are three things every entrepreneur needs to know?
05:11 - Can you tell us a bit about Equinox?
10:08 - As an entrepreneur, how do you manage the emotional side of the ups and downs we face, like what happened to the entertainment industry during the pandemic?
13:01 - A lot of entrepreneurs get bored easily and have the tendency to switch from one challenge to the next. Do you find yourself doing something similar?
15:44 - What is the Sports Side Hustle?
21:12 - Would what you’re doing with Sports Side Hustle have been possible 10, or 15 years ago?
23:01 - What are some of the challenges that you think you’re going to face between now and the next couple of years in order to continue to scale your business?
25:46 - How do you differentiate yourself from the competition? And how did you work through that process of being different?
27:50 - Are there any podcasts, books, other entrepreneurs, or famous people that you follow that you’re leveraging for inspiration? Where do you get your inspiration?
30:40 - If you could write a letter to your younger entrepreneurial self, what would it say?
32:24 - Do you have a goal that you’re trying to strive for, or do you just approach it day by day?
33:54 - Who is the best hockey player in the history of the Edmonton Oilers franchise?
34:45 - Who is your favourite player to watch on the ice?
35:49 - What’s your prediction on who’s going to win the Stanley Cup this year?
36:12 - If anyone wants to connect with you or learn how to get involved, what’s the best way to connect with you?
36:54 - Outro
For Episode 186 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by PJ Barclay, the President and CEO of Impirica. Impirica develops risk assessment tools for companies to accurately measure impairment risk as it relates to driving and operating in other safety-sensitive environments. Impirica gives organizations and individuals the peace of mind that employees and individuals can operate safely in a given environment. They provide easy-to-use and cost-effective in-depth risk assessment solutions to ensure that commercial drivers are healthy, productive, and able to continue to work for years to come.
To learn more, visit the Impirica website.
00:00 - Intro
00:55 - What do you think are three things every entrepreneur needs to know?
03:25 - What are some of the superpowers that you think you bring to the table?
05:19 - Can you tell us a little bit about Impirica? What are you doing? What problems are you trying to solve?
06:57 - What motivated you to become a partner in this company?
09:26 - Is there anything that you can share about things that you were looking at when making the decision to join this company?
12:01 - Your gust instinct, was that something that was borne out of a history of entrepreneurship?
17:46 - How do you stay focused in a particular kind of space when you have so many opportunities out there?
23:19 - What is easier for you or your company, now at this stage in its business life?
25:39 - What keeps you up at night right now?
28:56 - If you could write a letter to your younger self, what would it say?
31:05 - What inspires you, who inspires you, or where do you get your inspiration from?
34:42 - What would be the best way for our listeners to reach out to you?
36:38 - Outro
For Episode 185 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Evan Wain, the co-founder of Ordr. Ordr is a company that is changing the way we enjoy sporting and local events by affording the public the option for premium service, even in the “cheap seats”.
Following Edmonton Unlimited’s Launch Party 13, we delved into the ups and downs of starting a service-oriented startup in the middle of a pandemic.
To learn more, you can visit Ordr’s website or check out their Instagram.
00:00 - Intro
00:55 - Tell me about the experience of pitching your company at Launch Party 13, held by Edmonton Unlimited.
01:52 - How unnerving was it to get up in front of everyone at Launch Party 13 to pitch your business, Ordr?
02:49 - What are three things that every entrepreneur needs to know?
06:43 - Can you tell us a little bit about Ordr? What problem are you solving?
08:46 - What was it like starting a business like Ordr in the middle of COVID when there were no large venues open?
11:32 - Where are you now in terms of the business? Walk me through the last year.
14:45 - How did you manage to land such major investors?
19:27 - What is the best advice you have received from your mentor?
23:05 - What keeps you up at night?
24:15 - What challenges have you had to overcome?
25:59 - With the threat of big names like Uber Eats or Doordash possibly moving into this space, how are you mitigating this?
28:30 - What advice would you give your younger self?
30:36 - How can our viewers get in contact with you?
31:14 - Outro
For Episode 184 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Dr. Tom Ingegno, the owner of Charm City Integrative Health. Charm City Integrative Health is a health and wellness center in Baltimore, Maryland, that offers health services that combine both Eastern and Western medical practices to help their clients achieve their greatest level of wellness.
Some of their services include whole-body cryotherapy, acupuncture, salt therapy, red light therapy, therapeutic massage, clinical counseling, and more.
To learn more, visit the Charm City Integrative Health website.
00:00 - Intro
01:22 - What are three things that you think every entrepreneur should know?
5:50 - Can you tell us a little bit about Charm City Integrative Health?
10:24 - Is it unique to be as integrated as Charm City is?
13:37 - Do you have multiple clinics? Are you franchising?
18:02 - In terms of COVID, how were you able to, as a business owner, accommodate that all within one physical space?
20:01 - What do you think are some of the biggest challenges you’re going to have in terms of the growth plans you have?
22:07 - How are you overcoming the challenges that come with rapid growth?
24:37 - Where do you find the inspiration to help people with their health?
27:14 - Do you have other mentors as well?
28:36 - What are the secrets to creating the kind of amazing culture you’ve curated at Charm City?
30:10 - If you could go back in time and write your past self a letter, what would it say?
32:23 - What is it that you are currently losing sleep over? What stresses you out right now about your business?
34:54 - How do you manage the desire to tinker with and change your business?
37:07 - What do you see that is a common thing that you advise entrepreneurs to do that maybe is a little different than what you advise other people?
38:30 - How can people contact you?
39:49 - Outro
For Episode 183 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Jeff Waldman, the founder, and principal of ScaleHR. ScaleHR helps small to mid-size businesses scale their HR and People Operations through strategy and operations advice and resources, tech stack support and help, identifying value props, and growing leadership skills. They also help recruitment tech and HR startups build better solutions and software for their own businesses.
To learn more, visit the ScaleHR website.
00:00 - Intro
01:09 - In your experience, what are three things every entrepreneur needs to know?
03:11 - Where did you get your strong business acumen from?
04:27 - Can you tell us a little about ScaleHR?
09:48 - Can you explain what you offer in terms of tech stacks to your clients?
12:27 - With the more widespread acceptance of hybrid and remote workplaces, what changes from an HR standpoint?
16:19 - Do you think that, regardless of technology, the days of having that work-life separation are over now?
19:47 - How do you support your team to navigate through working with so many different people with different personalities and beliefs surrounding work-life balance?
25:22 - If you could have had $1 million at the start of ScaleHR, what would you have done differently?
28:04 - What is your take on the entrepreneurial lifestyle? What do you love about it? What do you find most difficult?
30:12 - How do you manage the emotional roller coaster that comes with being an entrepreneur?
33:54 - If people wanted to reach out to you, how could they do that?
34:35 - Outro
For Episode 182 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by David Thomas, the founder of BudSense. BudSense is a Software as a Service provider that offers branded, customized cannabis dispensary menus and digital signage that you can change as often as your inventory changes. They take the pain out of having to manually create store menus and tracking inventory with spreadsheets and a sharpie for crossing out sold out strains. Everything is fully customizable for whatever new stock you get in on delivery days to update and print paper menus and signage.
To learn more, visit the BudSense website.
00:00 - Intro
00:42 - What are three things that every entrepreneur should know?
03:17 - What is BudSense and what is the problem you’re trying to solve?
06:15 - When you say that the inventory changes by 5% on a regular basis, what do you mean by that?
08:45 - Is BudSense a SaaS with hardware included?
9:24 - In terms of BudSense as opposed to running brick-and-mortar dispensaries, what do you like about this business model?
12:28 - Does BudSense have an early mover advantage that’s going to play out in your favour?
13:38 - What is your biggest challenge, outside of just cost-benefit analysis?
15:36 - Is it a challenge for you to put your trust in team members after spending so much time micromanaging everything yourself?
18:18 - What would you say is the key to the success you’ve found so far in this space?
20:18 - Can you speak to me about the intentionality that you have around the culture you’re creating within BudSense?
22:06 - Can you explain to us how you fill the positions that you have available in your company?
30:26 - If you could write a letter to the you that was just starting BudSense, what would that letter say?
34:07 - What is easier now that you’ve been doing this for a while?
35:48 - Did moving to Victoria happen before or after you figured out the whole work-life balance thing?
36:37 - Who or what inspires you?
40:59 - If someone wanted to get in contact with you, how could they do that?
41:44 - Outro
For Episode 181 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Ted Fleming, the CEO of Partake Brewing. Partake Brewing started in Ted’s basement (and garage) as a solution to his own problem of not being able to consume alcohol any longer due to a Crohn’s Disease diagnosis. From its meager beginnings in Ted’s house in 2017 to two manufacturing and processing plants - one in Toronto and one in Calgary - Partake has quickly become a household name for non-alcoholic brews. Partake’s Pale Ale even won the World Beer Award for Best Non-Alcoholic Beer.
To learn more, check out their Online Shop or give them a follow on Instagram.
00:00 - Intro
01:01 - In your experience, what are three things that every entrepreneur needs to know?
03:49 - Can you tell us a little bit about your Pale Ale?
05:42 - What is the process for removing the alcohol from your beers?
08:11 - Tell us the story of how Partake Brewing was born.
09:55 - So Partake started in Toronto and expanded into Calgary, and now you’re manufacturing in both provinces, right?
10:35 - Do you have any competitors in Canada in the exclusively non-alcoholic brewing space?
11:27 - Being the first in this category, did it make it easier to get penetration into distribution?
12:58 - Being in the non-alcohol beer industry, what does your distribution look like? Do you sell in more than just liquor stores?
14:32 - Are you finding that growth in your category of the beer market is growing at the same rate as the rest of the craft beers or faster?
17:32 - When you were first starting out, did you have enough foresight to understand all of the potential advantages - from a market standpoint?
19:52 - In the early days of Partake, what thought did you put into building a community around your brand, and how has that changed over time?
21:50 - Can you share with us any of the ways in which you continue to grow your community engagement as you’ve grown?
22:52 - Was it difficult for you, as a craft brewery, to expand your manufacturing and processing to two different locations on opposite sides of the country?
24:40 - What challenges would you be facing that other single-location craft breweries don’t face?
25:30 - With two locations on opposite sides of the country, are you now facing double the supply chain issues that many other businesses in Canada have been facing?
26:37 - If you could write your past self a letter, what would it say?
27:43 - Do “Thinking big,” and “keeping it simple” contradict each other, or are you able to still manage both philosophies?
28:32 - What is easier now, at this point in your journey, than what it was at earlier stages in your business?
29:32 - If you had $1 Million at the start of your journey with Partake Brewing, what would you have done differently?
31:43 - How did you manage to achieve such rapid growth with Partake Brewing in such a short period of time?
34:49 - Who or what inspires you?
35:45 - Where can we find Partake Brewing products?
38:17 - Outro
For Episode 180 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Sarah Goodman, the founder and CEO of Chiwis. Chiwis is an organic health food company that makes fruit chips. But these aren’t the dried fruit that you’ve come to expect. The fruit used to make Chiwis products is farmed right down the street from the facility where they are dried and made into chips. Meaning that rather than getting dehydrated fruit chips that are brown and boring looking, Chiwis fruit chips are dehydrated at the height of their ripeness, which not only allows them to retain their bright colors, but also their sweet flavours.
To learn more, visit the Chiwis website at https://chiwis.co/ or check out their Instagram.
00:00 - Intro
01:57 - What are three key things that every entrepreneur needs to know?
06:02 - Can you tell me a little bit about your products?
16:04 - The way you chose to methodically do the research before launching Chiwis, is that something you learned from your previous experience in the tech industry?
18:45 - Why did you start marketing Chiwis the way you did right from the start? Why did you choose to not go to farmer’s markets?
21:32 - Why was it that Whole Foods jumped all over Chiwis, even though they’re not known for doing that?
26:17 - What are the biggest things that you’re able to draw from, from the tech experience you have that you’re able to apply to Chiwis that is different from what the rest of the food industry is used to?
31:46 - What are you doing, at this stage, to prepare for something that might be larger than your projection is?
36:06 - Is it fair to say that the critical thinking you’ve displayed in launching Chiwis comes from the bootstrapping you’ve done?
39:21 - If you could write your past self a letter, what would that letter say?
41:04 - What were some of the big takeaways from the speech given by Nike’s CMO that you were present for?
43:06 - If any of our viewers wanted to get in touch with you, how could they do that?
44:14 - Outro
For Episode 179 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Grant Lahring, a co-founder and Head of Growth at Goodlawyer, a software marketplace based out of Calgary, Alberta. Goodlawyer provides startup founders and other founders with specialized legal services enterprises that they can trust. Through Goodlawyer, startups have the ability to work directly with lawyers, rather than having to communicate through the firm and paying extra overhead and costs.
Goodlawyer are striving to elevate the legal experience for startups and entrepreneurs by offering transparency around pricing, knowing your price before you start, knowing your deadlines, and being able to talk to your lawyer whenever you want, not whenever they want.
To learn more, visit their website at www.goodlawyer.ca
00:00 - Intro
01:20 - What are three things that you think every entrepreneur needs to know?
07:19 - Can you tell us a little bit about Goodlawyer? What problem are you trying to solve right now?
10:41 - From a competitive standpoint, does Goodlawyer have many competitors out there that have a similar model?
12:00 - How did you get involved with Goodlawyer?
14:16 - Can you share with us a little about what it’s like coming in as a co-founder but not in the original founding group?
16:43 - How does everyone at Goodlawyer handle the idea of taking risks?
18:52 - How do you approach conflict between partners at Goodlawyer?
20:58 - In your conversations with founders, have you found any common threads in terms of the skillsets that they bring to the table that differentiate the successful ones from those who struggle?
23:05 - From a personal perspective, what is one of the biggest challenges to the entrepreneurial life?
24:23 - What do you do to maintain your health - mental and physical - through all of the challenges and stress that being an entrepreneur brings?
28:00 - Do you have a favourite book, podcaster, blogger, or somebody that you admire and look forward to consuming their content?
30:46 - If you could write your past self a letter, what would it say?
34:09 - Is Goodlawyer self-funded, or have there been outside investors?
35:42 - If our viewers wanted to connect with you, what’s the best way to do so?
36:16 - Outro
For Episode 178 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Blyth Gill, the founder and CEO of Tradle. Tradle strives to make parenting easier for parents of young children who tend to outgrow clothes very quickly, often before they’ve even had the chance to wear them. So instead of buying clothes, Tradle allows parents to have high quality clothes with the convenience of being able to return them and not worry about where they go after their children have outgrown them. They are keeping clothes in circulation as long as possible, reducing the need to always be manufacturing more clothes.
Tradle helps parents have a convenient clothing system of constantly circulating clothing for their children, while also helping brands keep their items in circulation as long as possible. It pushes brands to make clothing more durable and last for a long time. It’s the opposite of the new fast fashion trend while focusing on sustainability and durability, and taking some of the stress out of new parenthood.
To learn more, visit the Tradle website or check them out on Instagram.
00:00 - Intro
01:25 - Can you tell the audience what you think three key things are that every entrepreneur should know?
03:52 - In terms of your business and your experience right now with Tradle, can you speak a bit more, what have you experienced from the ecosystem of small business support we’re seeing in cities across Canada?
05:30 - Tell me a little bit about Tradle. What problem does Tradle address?
07:26 - How do you address this idea of fast fashion, and manufacturers not wanting to create long-lasting pieces as it doesn’t benefit them if people aren’t coming in to buy more pieces?
08:49 - How does Tradle differ from clothing rental models we’ve seen cropping up recently?
10:29 - Can you talk to us a little about how the revenue share business model is going to work for Tradle?
15:02 - How does Tradle’s value prop differ from what parents have already been doing in the hand-me-down economy?
17:48 - If you could write a letter to yourself from before you started your entrepreneurial journey, what would that letter say?
19:52 - As an entrepreneur, how do you prepare for the roller coaster of emotions, challenges, ups, and downs that entrepreneurship brings?
21:58 - If you could go back in time, and do some things differently in terms of your entrepreneurial journey, what would you do differently?
24:29 - Have you been able to embed your core values into your own company culture yet?
25:16 - Do you have any plans right now to try to incorporate your core values into your company culture?
27:17 - What does success look like to you? How do you define success?
28:46 - If someone wanted to connect with Tradle, or with you directly, how could they do that?
30:45 - Outro
For Episode 177 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Catherine Warren, the CEO of Edmonton Unlimited. Edmonton Unlimited has a singular purpose: to unite a globally recognized innovation community in order to create jobs and contribute to Edmonton’s enduring economic vitality, resiliency, and identity. They do this through connecting both established businesses and startups with the resources and programs they need to learn, grow, scale, and thrive in a supportive and innovative community.
Whether you’re a student with a business idea or an established business looking to scale, Edmonton Unlimited has the resources to help you achieve those dreams.
To learn more, visit the Edmonton Unlimited website, and stay tuned to Amplomedia for more information about Launch Party 13, happening this Thursday!
00:00 - Intro
00:43 - Can you tell me three things that you think every startup entrepreneur should know?
03:41 - If a startup comes to Edmonton Unlimted and takes advantage of all of the resources you have available, do you then connect them to this broader range of services offered to Startups in the City of Edmonton?
4:55 - How do you define a startup?
6:48 - How many organizations do you work with at any given time?
7:42 - Is there a cost for businesses to participate in any of the programs at Edmonton Unlimited?
9:24 - Can you tell me about the event you are hosting on Thursday night?
11:52 - What are the different challenges startups versus established businesses face?
15:19 - From your perspective, what is it that startups generally get wrong from a marketing perspective?
19:43 - How would you encourage a business to not get caught into too small of an echo chamber when they’re doing social listening and customer outreach?
23:14 - Do you have a sense as to how many startups there are in the Edmonton region?
27:09 - Could you list two or three businesses that have come through your doors that have made a profound impact in Edmonton?
31:13 - What is the best way for people to learn more about what’s happening with Launch Party 13 and everything else going on at Edmonton Unlimited?
32:45 - What excites you most about the position that you have as the CEO of Edmonton Unlimited?
34:47 - Outro
For Episode 176 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Paul Cataford, the executive director at Business Link. Business Link is a government-funded non-profit that offers business advice, business plan reviews, market research, networking events, workshops and webinars, and helps with government grants to small businesses and entrepreneurs in Alberta. For 25 years they’ve been working with small businesses and entrepreneurs to help them get up and running or provide advice and a push in the right direction to those who’ve become lost in the overwhelm.
Two of the newest programs that Business Link has become involved with are the DEP and the CDAP. The DEP, or Digital Economy Program, helps small businesses learn to operate in the digital age by teaching entrepreneurs how to use the tools available to them to launch eCommerce websites, put their businesses on the map, and build a thriving social media presence. The CDAP, or Canadian Digital Adoption Program is a micro-grant of $2400 to help entrepreneurs and small businesses deploy eCommerce capabilities.
To learn more, visit Business Link today.
00:00 - Intro
01:08 - If you could give three pieces of advice to entrepreneurs, what would they be?
02:43 - How long have you been in the entrepreneurial ecosystem?
06:11 - Can you tell me a bit about closing your business?
13:23 - What role is Business Link going to have in supporting new entrepreneurs and the growth of existing ones?
17:37 - What do you think are some of the key things that are going to help businesses become more resilient?
23:30 - If you could bend the ear of our next premier, what would you advocate for in terms of programs or tools to help support entrepreneurs?
30:56 - How do we get information about these programs and the kind of advice you give to the right people who need it?
34:47 - How do we reach the people who work full-time jobs but also have their own side hustle?
40:40 - Outro
For Episode 175 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Jessica Harquail, a partner at Givens LLP. Givens LLP is a future-focused accounting firm, based in Edmonton, Alberta, with three offices across the province. They strive to empower entrepreneurs to build profitable, scalable businesses with their innovative technology, business know-how, and solutions-driven thought leadership.
Jessica speaks about dreaming big, knowing your end game, and why partnerships make specific industries - such as law and accounting firms - successful, and how other industries can use partnerships to scale their own businesses.
To learn more, visit the Givens LLP website.
00:00 - Intro
00:55 - What are three things that you think every entrepreneur needs to know?
04:48 - How long have you been a partner at Givens LLP?
05:07 - Can you tell me a little bit about Givens LLP and what you do?
08:12 - When you’re onboarding a new client, what are some of the commonalities you tend to discuss in terms of business growth?
10:09 - What are some of the common mistakes you see entrepreneurs make?
13:05 - When you entered into the accounting profession, was it always your intention to become a partner?
14:23 - If you think back to before you became a partner to now, how has your definition of success changed?
17:39 - Why do you think some industries - such as accounting firms and law firms - have business structures that include partners, while others don’t?
19:11 - What advice do you have for other businesses regarding leveraging partnerships within their company?
22:55 - How do you determine how many partners a firm should have and who should be elevated to partnership?
24:38 - To bring on a new partner, what needs to happen?
26:41 - Is bringing on new partners part of the Givens LLP growth strategy?
28:04 - If you were to write a letter to yourself the day that you became a partner, what is in that letter?
29:22 - If you had a million dollars right now, what do you do with it in terms of the business?
30:52 - Speaking of technology to automate workflows, how fearful are you of AI?
35:42 - What’s the best way for people to connect with you?
35:57 - Outro
For Episode 174 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Zack Storms, the founder and Chief Organizer at Startup TNT. Startup TNT is an organization of like-minded entrepreneurs, investors, innovators, and community supporters who meet every week to network, have fun, share their stories, and help build companies.
Since 2019, Startup TNT’s weekly Thursday night happy hours have led to 50 startups raising $7 million from over 200 angel and venture capital investors.
Startup TNT - which stands for Thursday Night Tradition, an homage to Zack’s weekly gatherings - has between 25 to 35 startup applications each year, as well as 25 to 35 investors. The investors will screen the applicants and select a top 20. That top 20 will have an opportunity to pitch their businesses at the Top 20 Pitch Night, and afterwards, they each go through due diligence where every week some will get eliminated while others will move on. At the end, they have a finale where the top 5 companies pitch again, and the investors make their decisions live at the finale. Each year, at least one applicant receives an investment on Finale night, but typically, they’ll see two or three investments.
This year, the Top 20 Pitch Night is being held on October 6th, and the finale will be held on November 17th.
To learn more, visit startuptnt.com.
00:00 - Intro
00:59 - What do you think every entrepreneur needs to know?
03:52 - What was the reason behind starting Startup TNT?
08:00 - How many startups have you seen receive investments since TNT’s inception?
09:14 - What’s the business model for Startup TNT?
12:17 - The shift from academia to entrepreneurship, was that something that you always aspired to?
14:30 - In working with all the startups that have come through the program, what could you have done differently that would have made your first company a success?
16:15 - After having companies fail when you first started, is there anything that you know now that you would have done differently back then?
18:26 - Did you have a vision for what Startup TNT was going to be back when you first started the happy hours?
21:31 - How did you carve out the space that you found yourself in, in this larger ecosystem?
24:45 - What made you choose to make Startup TNT a not-for-profit organization?
27:29 - What does the future hold for Startup TNT?
29:32 - What do you think are some of the biggest challenges to the entrepreneurial lifestyle that entrepreneurs run into?
31:41 - As an entrepreneur, how do you manage a good work-life balance?
35:21 - Do you have anything you want to say to our listeners?
36:21 - Outro
For Episode 173 of Amplify Your Business, we ventured out to the Forward Slash Summit on September 28th to experience the future of Edmonton’s economy first-hand (and maybe a glass of champagne or two along the way.)
Forward Slash is committed to “radically transforming and growing the economy of the Edmonton region.” With efforts to bring together local experts first undertaken during the early days of the pandemic, it was incredible to be rewarded for our patience with an industry-spanning event that could only be described as a big splash.
This episode was not only filmed on site, but it provides unique outlooks from a diverse group of entrepreneurs, business owners, and politicians. There’s a lot to unpack, but we hope you come out of it with even a fraction of the excitement we did!
To learn more about the summit and its mission, visit Forward Slash online.
00:00 - Intro
00:27 - Mustafa Sahin, VP of Investment and Trade at Edmonton Global
05:46 - Catherine Warren, Ceo of Edmonton Unlimited
09:37 - Lisa Baroldi, President and CEO of Boma Edmonton
16:01 - Mallory Yawnghwe, Founder and CEO of Indigenous Box Inc
21:26 - Keren Tang, City of Edmonton, Karhio Ward Councillor
23:46 - Ian Wahl, Managing Owner of Alternate Route Coffee Co
28:38 - Outro
For Episode 172 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Nadine and Franco Dookhoo, co-owners of Naco Commercial Property Solutions, a company that employs a team of knowledgeable experts to get down and dirty to keep commercial properties running smoothly and cleanly, so their owners don’t have to. Whether it’s snow removal, parking lot maintenance, landscaping, window washing, building clean outs, or anything in between, Naco has it covered.
To learn more, visit Naco’s website at https://nacosolutions.com/.
00:00 - Intro
01:10 - What are three pieces of knowledge that you think every entrepreneur should know?
03:45 - Can you give us a little background as to what Naco does?
06:09 - What have you learned along the way in your 16 year entrepreneurial journey?
09:46 - If either or both of you were to write a letter to your younger selves, what would the letter say?
13:54 - Do you ever have any hesitancy with collecting payment from clients who may be late making them?
17:35 - As business partners who are married, how do you two make it work?
21:09 - Do you see a lot of staff turnover in your business?
23:54 - What is your strategy for working employee ownership into your business?
27:54 - So your strategy is communicate with employees to find out who is wanting to grow within the business and then train them into senior roles and profit sharing?
31:29 - What is going to be the key to your successful growth?
34:26 - What does success look like for you?
40:43 - Outro
For Episode 171 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Kurian Tharakan, the founder and Managing Director of StrategyPeak Sales & Marketing Advisors. Kurian has been in the business for decades, and when he’s not sitting across the table from companies providing them with sage marketing and sales advice, he’s investing in budding entrepreneurs, and writing books, like his 2020 work The 7 Essential Stories Charismatic Leaders Tell.
To learn more, read Kurian’s book and visit the StrategyPeak website.
00:00 - Intro
01:08 - If you could give entrepreneurs three pieces of advice, what would they be?
03:41 - Tell us about StrategyPeak and what inspired you to found this company.
06:45 - What motivated you to start a strategy company?
13:51 - What are the key things you see in entrepreneurs that you wish to invest in?
18:16 - Where do you see the ship go off track most often with entrepreneurs?
25:14 - The best thing about digital marketing is the ability to personalize the message specifically to demographics or individuals.
30:11 - Can you explain more about this mathematical system you’ve built around marketing and strategy?
33:26 - Where can people find your book and how can they contact you?
34:32 - Outro
For Episode 170 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Chris McLeod, the Vice President of Global Marketing and Communications at Edmonton Global. An experienced leader and active community volunteer, Chris has a strong track record of bringing people and ideas together. He has an impressive portfolio and expertise in economic development, community-building, marketing, strategy, and business engagement.
One of the ways in which Chris strives to bring people and ideas together is by curating and developing events where the two can converge, such as Forward/Slash, happening on September 28 at the Edmonton Convention Centre. The event will bring together leaders from the political, business, academic, and Venture Capitalist communities to help them see the possible future of the Edmonton Region in the industries of hydrogen, food & agriculture, life sciences, artificial intelligence, and global supply chain.
To learn more, visit the Edmonton Global and Forward/Slash websites, or check out their respective social media platforms listed below.
Edmonton Global: Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn.
Forward/Slash: Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn.
00:00 - Intro
00:59 - Can you tell us a little bit about the Forward/Slash event and what you’re trying to accomplish with it?
3:33 - How do you manage to gather all of these people together for an event like Forward/Slash and keep them focused?
4:28 - How long has Edmonton Global, as the regional economic development organization been around?
7:59 - Do you get a sense of urgency for the Edmonton Region to stay relevant on a global scale in some industries?
10:46 - Can you walk us through what Forward/Slash is and what it’s about, who should be there, and where they can get their tickets?
16:00 - Can you give us an example of de-risking to encourage investment?
18:16 - How can people get tickets to the Forward/Slash event?
19:08 - Outro
For Episode 169 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Erin Bury, co-founder and CEO of Willful, a death tech business. Death tech is an industry that strives to push the way Canadians deal with death into the digital age. It’s moving from paper-based processes like drafting wills, estate planning, estate executing, etc., into the online world. Willful, as a business, sits firmly in the pre-planning stages of death: drafting wills, getting power of attorney documents, and building out other plans that will help families when their loved one passes away, and ensures that their voice is heard after they’re gone.
Last year, Erin and her co-founder Kevin went in front of the Dragons on Dragon’s Den Canada, seeking a $500,000 investment, which they successfully secured.
To learn more, visit the Willful website.
00:00 - Intro
00:54 - What is death tech?
01:27 - Where does Willful fit into the death tech industry?
01:49 - How are you revolutionizing this aspect of end-of-life planning?
03:50 - Do you see the older demographic adopting these online practices easily?
06:03 - Does Willful have an area where it can hold passwords for the family of loved ones to access their online footprint once they pass?
07:20 - Is Willful a useful tool for entrepreneurs?
09:02 - How old is Willful?
10:35 - I understand that you were on Dragon’s Den?
11:45 - Did you secure a deal with the Dragons?
12:22 - Can you tell us about the experience of being on Dragon’s Den?
14:40 - How much of an advantage have you received by having the Dragon Michelle Romano on board?
15:37 - How much consulting do you get from Michelle Romano?
17:21 - In your opinion, what are some of the biggest lessons you’ve learned in your entrepreneurial journey?
20:13 - Can you talk to me about cap tables and term sheets?
25:52 - What do you think are the keys to your growth over the next three to five years?
27:42 - How did you secure a partnership deal with CIBC?
29:19 - What was the intention behind approaching CIBC for a partnership, rather than a fintech company?
31:22 - Do you currently have any plans to expand beyond the Canadian marketplace, and what are your challenges going to be there?
32:34 - How can people connect with you?
33:19 - Outro
For Episode 168 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Kelsey Vickers, the co-founder of Fit + Fierce. Fit + Fierce is a program run by two friends, Kelsey and Danielle, for young girls in grades 4 to 12 (this year, Fun + Fierce was developed for younger girls in grade 3). The program aims to provide school-aged girls with the support system, information, and wellness that many young girls find themselves needing at such a difficult age.
Fit + Fierce is an award-winning company, having secured the Mentorship Award from the Alberta Business Awards of Distinction presented by the Alberta Chamber of Commerce earlier this year for their work in mentoring young girls and teaching others to mentor.
To learn more about how to get involved with Fit + Fierce or even license their program to start your own, visit the Fit + Fierce website.
00:00 - Intro
01:00 - What are three things you think every entrepreneur should know?
01:58 - What inspired you to get into this business with your partner?
03:14 - When you started this business 11 years ago, what was your initial plan?
03:54 - What is the age group of those enrolled in your classes?
05:00 - Tell us a little bit about winning the Alberta Business Awards of Distinction Mentorship Award.
06:39 - What inspires these girls to come back month after month?
08:03 - Why was it important to have a very well-rounded program for these girls?
10:03 - If you could write pre-entrepreneur you a letter, what would you say?
10:54 - Are you planning to franchise Fit + Fierce?
12:06 - Has the need for this type of program for young girls changed since COVID?
12:36 - Has your program changed from pre-COVID to today?
13:19 - What would you define success as?
14:34 - From a business model standpoint, is this the same type of business model as a regular gym, where it’s so much a month or year for membership?
15:20 - Where do you want your business to be in three years?
16:31 - What does your planning process look like?
17:31 - What are the biggest barriers to achieving your goals?
19:00 - How can people who may want to license your program or have their daughters join it, how can they connect with you?
19:42 - Outro
For Episode 167 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Alex Rossol, the co-founder and CEO of AlignVR. AlignVR is a soft skill assessment tool, used for employee hiring or training. Employees are given VR gear and enter into a series of puzzles that they must work together on to complete. In this episode, Alex wows Lance with his revelation that when you’re 90% done on a project, you’re about halfway to the finish line.
Alex goes on to talk about how VR is changing both the in-office and remote work hiring landscape. Gone are the days of awkward interviews and overspending due to miss-hires. With AlignVR, you can learn how potential hires will act in the workplace, whether they have leadership potential, and how they handle obstacles and conflicts before you spend the money on hiring them.
To learn more, visit AlignVR or visit their Instagram to see a video of a teambuilding exercise in action.
00:00 - Intro
00:58 - Can you explain to me three things that you think every entrepreneur should know?
07:22 - What is AlignVR inspired you to create it?
09:45 - Walk me through the use of AlignVR by hiring managers.
12:53 - Are these VR scenarios created by your company or are they licensed from somewhere else?
17:01 - When you put job candidates into the virtual reality scene, who joins them?
20:34 - How long have you been in the VR industry?
26:50 - What has been the biggest challenge in going from creating VR escape rooms to AlignVR?
33:09 - If you could write your past self a letter, what would it say?
40:27 - What future opportunities do you see for AlignVR as hardware for VR headsets gets cheaper and the technology gets better?
42:42 - How can people interested in AlignVR get in contact with you?
43:55 - Outro
For Episode 166 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by John Davis, the CTO and Co-Founder of Zero Point Cryogenics, a company that manufactures dilution refrigerators. Dilution refrigerators are the method of continuously cooling below one kelvin. In fact, Zero Point Cryogenics refrigerators cool to around ten millikelvin - which is roughly -273.14 degrees celsius, just 0.01 degrees shy of Absolute Zero.
When most people hear the word “cryogenics,” they tend to think of body preservation, but Zero Point Cryogenics’ focus is on quantum technology, including quantum computers.
To learn more, visit the Zero Point Cryogenics website or follow them on LinkedIn, Facebook, or Twitter for some cool cryogenic info.
00:00 - Intro
01:14 - Why would you need a refrigerator that cools to ten millikelvins?
02:40 - What is the market size for a business like this?
04:12 - What does your competitive landscape look like?
06:41 - What inspired you to become an entrepreneur?
09:18 - If you could write your pre-entrepreneurial self a letter, what would you say?
11:20 - Where did you get the expertise to understand the market and the customer base?
14:04 - In terms of supply chain management in the area of quantum computing, how important do you think Zero Point Cryogenics is going to be in this industry?
18:15 - Now that you’ve made your first sales, how will the direction of the company change or shift?
20:35 - What are your next steps on your path to grow Zero Point Cryogenics?
22:23 - Are you facing any challenges in regards to recruiting?
25:11 - If someone had given you 1M or 10M pre-commercialization of Zero Point Cryogenics, what would you have done differently?
26:31 - How can people contact or connect with you?
28:18 - Outro
For Episode 165 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Matt Hampton, the founder of Headshop, and the Director of Client Engagement at Envoy. During our conversation with Matt, he explains to us what pushed him to start Headshop.com, how things have changed since he bought the domain more than two decades ago, and where he gets his entrepreneurial inspiration.
Though originally, Headshop dorm decor for the college stoner, in the wake of cannabis legalization in many states across the US, they’ve pivoted their products to the realm of cannabis accessories.
To learn more, visit the HeadShop website or follow them on Instagram.
00:00 - Intro
01:03 - What do you think are the three things every entrepreneur should know? 05:05 - What is Head Shop, and what inspired you to start it?
10:00 - How was the evolution of the term “Head Shop” changed the way you market your business?
18:14 - How have you translated the typical head shop feel into a digital shop, and what do you wish you could have done sooner?
22:49 - Tell us about pivoting from a product brand to a lifestyle brand.
27:34 - Do you think there may be opportunity to move into the psychedelics space as regulations are beginning to change?
32:12 - How do you manage the risk potential of having a cannabis business with how volatile the political landscape surrounding cannabis is currently?
38:26 - Where do you go for entrepreneurial inspiration?
48:47 - How can viewers connect with you or Head Shop?
49:27 - Outro
For today's episode of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Dennis Geelen, the founder and Chief Difference Maker at Zero In. Zero In is a boutique consulting firm that helps businesses conquer indifference in whatever way that looks for them - whether it be indifferent customers who don’t want to buy products or indifferent employees who aren’t passionate about their work.
Zero In helps businesses fight indifference by increasing customer retention, improving customer experience, and teaching them to build a passionate work culture of innovation that allows their employees to adapt, learn, and develop better ways to serve their clients. When you build a passionate work culture, you make your employees passionate about the work that they’re doing, which, in turn, conquers customer indifference as well. If your team is passionate about your product or service, your customers will be, too.
Aside from Zero In, Dennis has just released his fourth book, the Accidental Solopreneur, which launches on September 6th. He also teaches a course about learning the steps he took to become a successful solopreneur called the Solopreneur Playbook: 6 Steps to Freedom. Listeners of our podcast can get a 25% discount for this course by entering the promo code tvzvajc.
To learn more, visit Zero In.
0:00 - Intro
1:05 - Three key things every entrepreneur needs to know.
3:46 - The transition from corporate to entrepreneurship.
6:52 - Were you able to build your niche from your corporate experience?
8:57 - How did you decide on your niche and how would you describe it?
10:46 - Becoming an author: What problems are your books solving?
13:04 - What was your breakthrough moment?
16:54 - How long did it take you to gain momentum?
20:43 - Launching into Solopreneurship.
23:26 - What challenges did you face becoming an author?
25:00 - Advice for anyone wanting to write a book.
27:12 - What can we learn from your Solopreneur Playbook course?
29:50 - The 6 Steps: Course overview
36:50 - Is there a strategic reason for deviating from your original niche?
39:18 - When would you advise changing niches?
41:53 - How do we find your courses and connect with you?
42:57 - Outro
For Episode 163 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Sam Jenkins, the managing partner at Punchcard Systems. Punchcard is a tech startup that focuses on being your all-in-one software company. Whether you’re looking for a digital workplace, web or mobile apps, dashboards, marketing automation, systems integration, or need innovation for your website, portals, intranet, or IoT, Punchcard systems does it all. They call themselves a Startup-as-a-Service, offering custom software builds that transform how you live and work.
To learn more, visit Punchcard Systems online via their website, LinkedIn, or Instagram.
00:00 - Intro
01:03 - Tell me three things that you think every entrepreneur needs to know.
05:03 - What inspired you to create Punchcard Systems, and what does your company do?
07:45 - What inspired you to be in the tech space?
11:52 - What do you do to cultivate company culture?
16:29 - How do you facilitate the sharing of stories from your employees and your clients?
18:15 - Can you explain to me your onboarding process with so many remote employees?
22:28 - What keeps you up at night?
27:51 - How do you balance out cost and revenue?
32:42 - What kind of growth are you looking at in the next 12 months?
35:46 - What obstacles are you facing as you work towards this growth?
39:32 - How do you develop a competency for risk, understanding, and mitigation?
44:01 - How can people get in contact with you?
44:36 - Outro
For Episode 162 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Moirae Choquette, the founder and CEO of Tomato Wheels. Tomato Wheels has gone through many incarnations since it got its start in 2020 as an Italian spice company, creating what Moirae dubbed “Pasta Cheaters,” which were different spice profiles of dried herbs for people who couldn’t cook. When the pandemic hit, Moirae’s suppliers in Italy stopped responding to her attempts at contact, and so she was forced to shift the business focus of Tomato Wheels. From there, the brand pivoted into kitchen utensils made with stronger but lighter wood, kitchen towels, and eventually, into sparkling red wine.
To learn more, check out Tomato Wheels on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, or LinkedIn, and keep an eye on their website to learn when their Lambruso hits the Alberta market.
00:00 - Intro
00:57 - What are three key things you think every entrepreneur should know?
03:37 - What’s in the bag?
05:30 - How did you start Tomato Wheels?
10:05 - Describe your Lambrusco.
10:41 - Why have I never heard of this wine before?
12:27 - When you bring on an expert like Brad Royale, is helping at the wine-making stage?
13:51 - What is the process to importing wine from Italy?
15:15 - How do you get your product into the Liquor Control Board in Alberta?
16:23 - What is your plan to tackle consumer education?
17:48 - Will you be doing tastings for your Lambrusco in liquor stores in Alberta?
19:34 - Do you have any plans to expand your line of wines in the future?
21:06 - What do you think your biggest challenge over the next 12 months will be?
22:01 - When is your Lambrusco hitting the Alberta market?
22:10 - What will people be able to find your Labrusco once it hits the market?
23:05 - As an entrepreneur, how was the experience of constantly reinventing the brand Tomato Wheels?
26:00 - If you could write a letter to your younger self, what would you say?
27:07- If you had a $1 million to spend on your business at this point in your trajectory, what would you do differently?
28:11 - What do you consider to be the biggest challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship?
32:55 - How can people find Tomato Wheels?
33:37 - Outro
For Episode 161 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Damien Vince, co-founder of Change Toothpaste, who makes sustainable toothpaste. Change Toothpaste is a toothpaste tablet that doesn’t change how you brush your teeth, but instead, what you use to brush them. Traditional toothpaste tubes are made up of 11 polymers, plastics, and resins that are neither recyclable nor compostable. Every tube ever made still sits in a landfill somewhere. Change Toothpaste wanted to, well, change that.
Their all-natural toothpaste tablets are sold in compostable pouches, and since it’s a dry tablet - meaning they’re not shipping “water” like traditional toothpaste tubes - shipping is lower, which keeps the cost of the tablets down.
To learn more, visit Change Toothpaste on their website or Instagram.
00:00 - Intro
01:49 - Based on your entrepreneurial journey, what do you think every entrepreneur should know?
05:53 - What inspired you to create Change Toothpaste?
09:52 - Can you tell us about the new product you have coming out later this year?
11:27 - What marketing hurdles did you have to overcome in getting this product out there?
15:55 - If you could write your past self a letter, what would you say?
18:53 - Through what other channels are you distributing your product?
21:34 - How do you change people’s perception of what brushing their teeth should look like?
26:17 - Has your definition of success changed since you started this journey with Change Toothpaste?
28:01 - What do you love about being an entrepreneur, and what do you not love about it?
30:57 - Outro
For Episode 160 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Nathan Flim, the founder and CEO of The Fort Distillery. The Fort Distillery was founded in 2018 by Nathan and continues to be a family-owned and run distillery in Saskatchewan, Alberta.
When The Fort Distillery first opened, they distilled vodka, gin, and a few liqueurs, but in 2019, they quickly saw the rise in popularity of ready-to-serve cocktails and decided they wanted to get into the game, but do it differently. Their Tumbler and Rocks line was born from the idea that they wanted to introduce people to cocktail culture who may not have experienced it before. Crafted in beautiful glass bottles, the ready-made cocktails are designed to be opened, poured over ice, and enjoyed.
To learn more, visit The Fort Distillery website or Instagram.
00:00 - Intro
01:13 - Tell me a little bit about your brand.
04:45 - Can you explain the decision behind the packaging of your Tumbler and Rocks line?
07:18 - What are three things every entrepreneur should know?
12:25 - How to find the right mentor for you.
17:59 - How do you overcome the challenges of delegating?
23:17 - What inspired you to start The Fort Distillery?
25:44 - The future of craft distilleries.
27:55 - What changes have you had to make with the industry growing the way it is?
30:48 - What challenges have you faced expanding into the U.S?
32:45 - In the U.S do you market yourself as a Canadian product?
34:12 - If you had received a cash infusion when you started, how would that have changed things?
37:26 - If you could, how would you mentor yourself when you started?
40:48 - How did you identify the problem you are solving?
44:46 - What would success look like for you 10 years from now?
47:17 - Outro
For Episode 159 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Cory Hrushka, CEO of Insight Psychological, a psychological and counseling practice that services adults, children & youth, marriage and couples, families, and businesses.
Insight Psychological recently launched a tool, MyPsychPulse, for businesses to allow their employees to take an online screening test to evaluate where they are in regard to their own mental health. The screener is completely confidential and the business will only get aggregated data so they can get some statistics on how their company is doing from a mental health standpoint and find areas that they may need to pay attention to. Employees will get their own personal results, and they can take steps to engage Insight Psychological from there if they so choose.
To learn more about Insight Psychological, visit their website, or for businesses or entrepreneurs interested in their new tool, visit MyPsychPulse.
Government grants mentioned in the podcast:
- Technation
00:00 - Intro
01:08 - What are some insights you’ve learned about entrepreneurship in your journey?
06:09 - Tell me about your business and how you’ve achieved so much success.
11:12 - In your practice, are you hearing a lot about the struggles entrepreneurs have been facing since the Pandemic started?
13:57 - What can entrepreneurs do to manage the ups and downs of entrepreneurship to maintain good mental health?
15:53 - What are some routines or best practices for entrepreneurs to maintain optimal mental health?
18:01 - Is there any advice you could give to entrepreneurs to ensure their employees are maintaining good mental health?
19:58 - How do employers or companies access your MyPsychPulse tool?
20:57 - What are the keys to your 25 years of success?
23:28 - Knowing what you know now, is there anything that you could have done differently to fast-track your growth?
27:23 - What advice would you give to entrepreneurs about hiring the right people?
30:06 - Tell us about the things you do to help other psychologists and businesses to give back to your community.
32:51 - How has your definition of success changed since the beginning of your career?
33:51 - What keeps you motivated to continue growing your business?
37:11 - How can people contact you?
38:04 - Outro
For Episode 158 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Zeze Peters, the founder and CEO of Beam City. Zeze has a degree in aerospace engineering from Cornell University, which he’s leveraged to fill his website full of hilarious space-themed puns. Beam City is the world’s first AI-based advertising automation platform. Through the use of algorithms and AI, Beam City helps its clients to plan and optimize their ads on all of the top ad channels, as well as “multi-location and personalization at scale.”
Zeze’s aerospace background has given him the unique ability to figure out complex systems, simplify them, and make them work. He’s applied this training at Beam City to create their growth coordination platform that allows you to maximize results from advertising, email campaigns, and social media all in one place.
To learn more, and for all the space puns your heart desires, visit Beam City. Stop tab jumping and blast your business to the stratosphere.
00:00 - Intro
01:08 - What three pieces of advice would you give budding entrepreneurs?
03:28 - What does Beam City do?
05:39 - Blast your business to the stratosphere with AI.
08:07 - Why did you pivot from aerospace engineering to marketing?
09:49 - How long have you been developing this platform?
11:27 - Starting this company during COVID, what has been your biggest challenge?
13:34 - If you could write a letter to your younger self, what would you say?
16:02 - How do you know when your product is ready for commercialization?
18:00 - Was AI built into your platform from Day One, or was it added later?
20:14 - Did you move right from creating digital shopping malls to Beam City?
22:44 - If you had started Beam City with a suitcase full of money, what would you have done differently?
24:07 - If you could choose any entrepreneur to go on this journey with you, who would you choose?
25:59 - Did you start with an advisory team?
27:02 - Is your board of advisors a formal board or an informal board?
30:09 - How can someone interested in Beam City contact you?
30:51 - Outro
For Episode 157 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Angela Armstrong, the president and founder of Prime Capital Group. Prime Capital is an organization that leases equipment or tools of their trade to small and large businesses at a fraction of the price it would have cost them to buy them outright. This allows small businesses to get the tools they need while staying cash rich so they can grow their businesses through agile financing.
In our conversation with Angela, she shares some deep thoughts on health matters, time management, self-reflection, her definition of success, and the importance of setting boundaries.
To learn more, visit Prime Capital Group.
00:00 Intro
01:53 - What are three things that every entrepreneur should know or be doing?
08:18 - Healthy from the inside out.
11:53 - How do you set your day up for success?
19:18 - What tools or methodology do you apply to setting up and tackling your daily tasks?
24:41 - How long ago did you start Prime Capital Group?
24:55 - What would you say to your younger self?
26:32 - What does success look like to you?
28:52 - What are the most challenging aspects of entrepreneurship?
30:01 - Where do you find the time to do everything that you do?
31:25 - What do you do for fun?
32:33 - If you could have a do-over on anything in your career, what’s something you would have done differently?
36:44 - What does Prime Capital Group do?
39:03 - How can people reach you?
41:03 - Outro
For Episode 156 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Craig Milne, the CEO of Copperstone Technologies. Unlike the majority of our guests on Amplify Your Business, Craig Milne is not the founder of Copperstone Technologies, but he was brought on in the early days as the CEO and has helped to scale the business to where it is today.
Copperstone Technologies is a company that builds robots for hazardous site investigation. These robots provide mission-critical data from hazardous environments.
To learn more, visit Copperstone Technologies LTD.
0:00 - Intro
1:33 - What should entrepreneurs consider when hiring a CEO?
5:17 - Is offering equity in the business part of the CEO hiring strategy?
7:45 - What does Copperstone Technologies do?
12:22 - When did you sign your first deal?
14:23 - The differences between a founder CEO and a hired CEO.
18:03 - Would you do anything differently knowing what you know now?
19:48 - What drew you into the world of robotics?
22:32 - The challenges of transitioning from entrepreneur to hired CEO.
26:06 - Would you define success differently in this position?
28:29 - How you can learn more about and connect with Copperstone Technologies
29:53 - Outro
For Episode 155 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Kaiden Vancuren, the owner of Medicine Hat Brewing Company. In our interview with Kaiden, he tells us the three things he thinks every entrepreneur should know, how Medicine Hat Brewing survived the “Valley of Death,” what it’s like to break into other provinces as a brewing company, and much more.
To learn more, visit Medicine Hat Brewing Company’s website or Instagram.
0:00 - Intro
1:00 - What 3 things should every entrepreneur know?
2:12 - Medicine Hat is a hidden gem.
2:47 - How have you survived ‘The Valley of Death’?
4:43 - How are you navigating the various liquor regulations across Canada?
5:35 - How many different beers has Medicine Hat Brewing Company created?
7:41 - Distribution management
9:23 - What was your inspiration for becoming a brewer and starting Medicine Hat Brewing Company?
11:59 - If you had received a million dollars when you started, how would you have spent it?
14:08 - Managing growth and expenditures.
16:16 - What would you write in a letter to yourself when you started?
18:31 - The craft beer industry is very collaborative, why is that?
21:18 - How would you define success?
22:33 - If you could pick a celebrity co-entrepreneur, who would it be?
24:05 - Outro
For Episode 154 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Tenielle Magee, the owner and CEO of Leduc Physio, Navisess, Compression Care, and Physio@Home. In our discussion with Tenielle today, she tells us the three things she thinks every entrepreneur should know, blows us away with how she manages to run four businesses and still has time to sleep, talks about opening Physio@Home during the pandemic, and explains how she deals with supply chain issues.
To learn more, visit her websites, Leduc Physio, Navisess, Compression Care, and Physio@Home.
0:00 - Intro
1:05- Top 3 tips for entrepreneurs.
3:21 - What is the backstory to you starting four businesses?
6:13 - Where do you find the drive and capacity?
7:36 - How do you manage change and uncertainty?
9:05 - Staying grounded in business.
11:05 - What advice do you have for your young self starting out?
13:56 - If you received one million dollars in the beginning, what would you have spent it on?
15:02 - What are the biggest challenges?
17:09 - What does success look like to you?
20:00 -Outro
For Episode 153 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Ailynn and Jason from Yelo’d Ice Cream, a mom-and-pop ice cream joint that blends Asian and Philippino flavours with one of Canada’s favourite desserts: ice cream.
Yelo’d got its humble start in the home kitchen of Jason and Ailynn, where they would whip up different flavours of ice cream for their children. After one of their daughters remarked that they should open an ice cream shop, the pair got to work to make it a reality. Through the power of social media, word of this one-of-a-kind ice cream parlour made the rounds, and soon, Ailynn and Jason had crowdfunded enough capital to open Yelo’d!
To learn more about Yelo’d Ice Cream, visit their website or check out what crazy flavours they’re cooking up next on their Instagram.
0:00 - Intro
1:55 - The idea behind Yelo’d Ice cream.
5:01 - What role did social media have in starting Yelo’d Ice Cream?
7:30 - What led to your success on social media?
9:22 - What makes your ice cream unique?
11:20 - Get the exclusive flavours while you can!
18:00 - What challenges did your first winter bring?
20:00 - The impact of Covid-19.
24:50 - What social media platform performed best for you?
26:33 - 20k followers and counting!
29:55 - Advice for gaining followers.
31:39 - Starting your food truck vs food delivery services.
40:35 - The concept of a ghost kitchen.
44:51 - What lessons have you learned and what would you do differently?
47:14 - Outro
For Episode 152 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Adam O’Brien from Bitcoin Well. Bitcoin Well, formerly Bitcoin Solutions, began with O’Brien buying and selling Bitcoin through ads on Facebook and Kijiji, and eventually led to having 115 Bitcoin ATMs across Canada. They are now one of Canada’s leaders in buying and selling Bitcoin in a non-custodial fashion.
To learn more, visit the Bitcoin Well website or follow them on Instagram @thebitcoinwell.
0:00 - Intro
1:48 - Introduction to Bitcoin Well.
3:44 - What made you persevere?
8:43 - What is your business model?
10:20 - How does one use Bitcoin Well?
12:08 - Where can clients find your ATM’s?
13:12 - Growing organically vs acquisitions and lessons learned.
17:33 - What do you owe your success to?
18:42 - How does the value of Bitcoin relate to demand on your machines?
21:03 - Why ATM’s and not online transactions?
23:16 - Are online transactions in the near future?
28:24 - What is next for Bitcoin Well?
31:09 - Going Public!
33:03 - What advice do you have for your younger self?
25:51 - How to connect with Bitcoin Well.
43:55 - Outro
For Episode 151 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Caitlyn Fulton, owner and Chief of Operations, and Blair Lebsack, owner and Chef at RGE RD, a restaurant and butchery in Edmonton. RGE RD espouses the concept of farm-to-table, doubly so when they opted to open up their own butchery right next door to their original restaurant, despite the fact that neither owner had ever worked in retail food service before.
To learn more, visit RGE RD’s website or Instagram, and the butchery’s website or Instagram.
0:00 - Intro
2:45 - The concept behind RGE RD.
5:13 - What makes RGE RD unique?
9:52 - What impact did Covid-19 have?
14:56 - Was getting back to full capacity overwhelming?
16:36 - Lessons learned along the way.
19:24 - The Chef’s Table Experience.
21:25 - Introducing the butchery.
23:17 - Supporting local industry.
24:13 - what inspired the butchery expansion?
25:23 - Lessons about starting a business in the pandemic.
29:28 - What is next for RGE RD?
30:34 - Outro
For Episode 150 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Darren Pelechaty, partner and General Manager at SOHO, a restaurant, pub, and live music venue in Alberta, where the 70s New York punk scene meets modern-day downtown Edmonton, and inclusivity reigns supreme.
To learn more, visit SOHO’s website, https://www.sohoyeg.com/, or check them out on Instagram.
0:00 - Intro
1:40 - Where it all began
3:34 - What inspired the design?
8:00 - What are your plans for entertainment?
10:20 - What’s on the menu?
11:53 - The challenges of opening during Covid-19.
14:32 - Were there benefits to starting when you did?
15:44 - We’re open for Take-Out!
17:59 - Punk, Pizza, and Good Times!
19:08 - Outro
For Episode 149 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Aby Aiyeleye, the Co-CEO of Clavis Studio. This year, Clavis Studio won the newcomer Entrepreneur Award of Distinction from the Alberta Business Awards of Distinction, presented by the Alberta Chambers of Commerce.
Clavis Studio is an online design platform that marries the fun of designing a space with the functionality of doing it online. Clavis Studio allows you to recreate whatever space you’re trying to design in their app, and provides you the furnishing that you need to put together your dream space before you commit to buying anything.
To learn more, visit Clavis Studio’s website at https://myclavis.ca/
0:00 - Intro
2:45 - What makes Clavis Studio unique as a design tool?
6:45 - Did this tool take an extraordinary amount of work to put together? 8:00 - What angle did you come at the gap from? What background did you come from?
9:30 - What do your collaborations look like?
11:15 - Tell us about the newest developments and when they go live? 12:05 - What was your entrepreneurial journey?
15:05 - What is the background of your business partner? 16:00 - Was the concept for the business yours, or was it a collaboration?
16:50 - What lessons have you learned in your entrepreneurial journey?
21:32 - How to connect with Clavis Studio.
22:05 - Outro
For Episode 148 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Ben Baker, the founder and CEO of Your Brand Marketing. Ben is also a seasoned podcaster, with 350 episodes of his current show, the Your Living Brand Live Show, under his belt. In our discussion with Ben, he talks us through the three things he thinks every entrepreneur should know, how he started Your Brand Marketing and a lot about podcasts.
To learn more, visit the Your Brand Marketing website, and check out Ben’s current podcasts here.
0:00 - Intro
3:28 - Three things every entrepreneur needs to know.
5:25 - What is Your Brand Marketings’ ‘Why’?
9:47 - What solution do you offer?
11:20 - Communication - Are things getting better or worse?
13:53 - Have companies improved communications by leveraging tech?
17:17 - How to effectively use data.
20:33 - What adjustments have you made to consulting?
26:07 - Work from home communication styles.
27:55 - The internal podcasting process.
36:18 - The ideal internal podcast formula.
40:10 - Connect with Your Brand Marketing.
40:32 - Outro
For Episode 147 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Melissa Kwan, co-founder and CEO of eWebinar. eWebinar is a product for people who hate running webinars. Born out of Melissa’s own hatred of running webinars, eWebinar aims to fully automate the process of running a webinar through giving clients the ability to turn any video into a webinar that they can automate on a recurring schedule or make available on demand so you never have to do the same one twice.
0:00 - Intro
0:56 - Key insights for new entrepreneurs.
4:14 - Did sales come naturally to you or was it learned?
9:13 - Is ‘Do what you love.’ fair advice for those starting their journey?
13:27 - What problem is eWebinar solving?
17:36 - Who is your audience?
21:41 - Did eWebinar benefit through Covid-19?
24:23 - It’s been said that webinars are dead, how do you respond?
25:50 - Advice you would give your younger self.
30:35 - The definition of success for eWebinar.
35:35 - How to connect with Melissa Kwan.
36:53 - Outro
For Episode 146 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Sandeep Todi, the co-founder and Chief Business Officer of Truly Financial. Truly Financial is an online digital bank, built exclusively for smaller businesses that helps them grow globally. In a world where many businesses - and especially startups - are using business practices that allow them to hire employees anywhere in the world, these organizations are seeking out new and cost-effective ways to pay their employees and handle international transactions. Truly Financial is the solution.
To learn more, visit Truly Financial’s website.
For Episode 145 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Heather McLaren, co-founder of Mystica Entertainment. McLaren is an adrenaline junkie who fell into entrepreneurship through volunteering for event band changeover, which ultimately led her on her journey to co-founding Mystica Entertainment.
In our interview with Heather, we talk about her foray into rave culture, the COVID-19 Pandemic, the entertainment industry as a whole, and hear her three things that every entrepreneur should know.
0:00 - Intro
0:27 - What should entrepreneurs know about the entertainment industry?
4:28 - Why did you choose the events business?
9:15 - How did Mystica Entertainment evolve?
11:07 - What impact did Covid have?
12:53 - How did you navigate the impact?
14:47 - How has Mystica Entertainment changed since?
16:48 - How did you scale your business?
19:52 - If you could, what advice would you give yourself when you started?
21:12 - The difficulties of entrepreneurship.
22:12 - What does success look like now?
24:25 - Given the choice, who would you want as your business partner?
26:40 - Outro
For Episode 143 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Christine Manning, the co-founder of Manning Canning, an organization that operates a commercial kitchen that they lease out to other consumer packaged goods businesses. Manning Canning also creates their own line of jams, pickles, and drinks.
Christine tells us how she accidentally stumbled into entrepreneurship, her journey from following her mother’s canning recipes in her backyard preserving business to owning a commercial kitchen, and the top three things she thinks every entrepreneur should know.
0:00 - Intro
0:28 - Top 3 things entrepreneurs should know
2:58 - What inspired Manning Canning?
5:09 - How did the commercial kitchen come to be?
7:53 - How many businesses have grown through your kitchen?
9:18 - How do you build community?
12:30 - What inspired your product line progression?
15:30 - What did you learn through growing your product line?
17:40 - What did you learn dealing with consumer packaged goods?
20:40 - What advice would you give to your entrepreneurs?
24:48 - What advice would you give yourself when you started?
27:00 - Outro
For Episode Career Stories of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Kerri Twigg, Career Contentment Coach at Career Stories. Kerri is the author of The Career Stories Method, a Number One bestseller on Amazon, and is an acclaimed speaker and career coach. After stumbling upon some teachings by American mindfulness teacher and neuroscience research consultant, Shinzen Young, Kerri took to coaching others about what she calls the Five Elements of Happiness to help her clients find career contentment.
Kerri spent 25 years coaching people on how to land their dream jobs, but eventually realized that it wasn’t enough. Her clients who had gushed about their “dream job” weren’t actually happy, and neither was she. That all changed after she learned about Shinzen Young’s teachings, and began applying the Five Elements of Happiness to her own life and career. Once she began to use storytelling, mindfulness, and meditation in her own life and career to unleash her “awesome self,” and change her mindset, Kerri was able to teach others to effect that change as well.
Kerri’s Five Elements of Happiness are Relief, Fulfillment, Self-Understanding, Mastery, and Connection. To learn more about the Five Elements of Happiness and how to use them to find happiness and fulfillment in your career, watch our podcast and then head over to Amazon and buy Kerri’s book.
To learn more, visit Kerri website, buy her book, and most of all, watch our podcast!
For Episode 142 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Adam Gellert—Founder of HiredHippo.
As a business owner, your people are investments. But with job boards filled with sterile postings, employees unsure of how to present themselves to young businesses, or costly recruitment services bringing in candidates without long-term vision, the jobseeker market was ready for an innovator. With a “dating app-like approach,” HiredHippo is creating interviews in a click.
0:00 - Intro
0:49 - Three things Adam thinks every entrepreneur needs to know
4:30 - What is HiredHippo?
10:58 - Building two sides of a market at the same time
13:58 - A new service model
17:31 - What Adam would have done differently when he started his business
20:36 - The most challenging part of being an entrepreneur
22:09 - Outro
For Episode 141 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Dorit Smali—Founder of Digital Dorit Agency.
What can energy teach us about being better marketers? Today, Dorit Smali of Digital Dorit Agency shares her thoughts with us on abundance, connection, and passion—all of which can help us understand and tell better stories for the businesses we work with. This is a novel and uniquely personable approach to marketing, and we’re excited to share it with our listeners.
0:00 - Intro
1:01 - What Dorit thinks every entrepreneur needs to know
4:25 - What problems does the Digital Dorit Agency solve?
6:52 - How to find clients that match your energy
14:31 - What would Dorit say to her younger self about starting a business?
16:20 - The challenges of the entrepreneurial lifestyle
19:30 - Neurodiversity: what is it?
24:37 - Where to learn more about Neurodiversity
26:45 - Outro
For Episode 140 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Connor Curran—Chief Laundry Folder of Local Laundry.
What is community pride without community? When you put your city front and centre of your brand, you had better stand for it. Connor Curran of Local Laundry shows his company’s pride in spades with local manufacturing, a staggering donation goal, and a vision for tomorrow across Canada. Experience his passion firsthand in this heartfelt episode—we hope you enjoy it as much as we did.
0:00 - Intro
1:06 - What Connor thinks every entrepreneur needs to know
3:38 - What is Local Laundry?
5:21 - What sets Local Laundry apart?
11:50 - Finding (and maintaining) your niche as a startup in an established industry
15:11 - "Tell everyone else's story, and you begin to tell your own story."
22:57 - The secrets to TikTok for businesses
32:44 - What Connor would say to his younger self about starting his business
37:39 - Outro
For Episode 139 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Abi Ajibola of Memoirs Photography.
“Come and be a celebrity for a day.” That’s the motto that helps Abi Ajibola turn everyday shoots into unforgettable portraits for her clients. As a fan of elevating experiences through beauty and connection, she brings joy to her clients that shines through in both her prints and her plans for growing the business—something that’s even more impressive to accomplish as a new Canadian citizen!
0:00 - Intro
0:54 - What Abi thinks every entrepreneur needs to know
5:25 - What is Memoirs Photography?
7:11 - The Impact of the iPhone and the art of photography
11:37 - Turning a hobby into a business
15:37 - Overcoming the (seemingly) impossible
20:06 - Branching out and moving up
25:08 - How to start your day off right
28:05 - Outro
For Episode 139 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Arden Styles of Crypto Cache.
When tech goes smaller, it often goes smarter. Crypto Cache sees this trend through to the finish for cryptocurrency mining by uniting software, power handling, and lightweight weather-resistant enclosures that allow companies to add to their digital wallets anywhere, anytime. As a veteran of highly adaptable industries, Styles offers our listeners a few crucial insights about brand communication, envisionment, and ultimately, delivery.
To learn more, visit Crypto Cache online.
0:00 - Intro
0:49 - What are three things every entrepreneur needs to know?
2:18 - What problem is Crypto Cache solving?
5:19 - Setting yourself apart in an industry
11:04 - Sometimes, it's just luck
13:59 - Managing an influx of business
16:04 - What would you say to your younger self?
19:53 - How to be distruptive
24:57 - An entrepreneur's journey
29:37 - If you had the money, what would you have done differently when you founded Crypto Cache?
32:34 - Spending more on marketing]
33:55 - Outro
For Episode 136 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Julie Shipley-Strickland—Senior Wealth Advisor at Wellington-Altus Private Wealth and owner of JSS Wealth & Risk Management.
Risk can equal reward when it comes to running your business—you just want to make sure you have someone like Julie keeping an eye on the horizon. Risk management involves the present as much as it does the future, and for maintaining a strategic eye of your operations that still leaves room for dreaming up a bold new future, the importance of wealth management expertise cannot be overstated. This episode is definitely for owners who want to see tremendous success as their business grows, especially in terms of efficient money management.
0:00 - Intro
0:21 - Meet Julie
3:26 - Ups and downs
5:29 - Getting into wealth management
8:27 - Managing volatility
12:55 - Investing for entrepreneurs vs. non-entrepreneurs
19:42 - Buying investments in your business
24:13 - Managing a successful exit
27:17 - Outro
For Episode 135 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Gay Derk of Bridal Fantasy.
A lot of business is impersonal—needs being satisfied by the most efficient or cost-effective means the market allows. But for something as personal as a wedding, the entire focus needs to be on the client and their desires. That’s what makes Bridal Fantasy such an interesting company—they do the work behind the scenes so that the couples-to-be can take centre stage and truly live their dream. Derk works in the business of love, and from listening to her talk, it sounds like business is booming!
0:00 - Intro
0:47 - Becoming a business owner
3:28 - Calming chaos (in life)
5:33 - Introducing a new type of business
9:16 - The start of Bridal Fantasy
10:56 - Adapting for longevity
14:28 - What would you do differently?
16:25 - What would you say to the younger Gay?
21:42 - The impacts of COVID-19
24:38 - Outro
For Episode 137 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Tatiana Soldatova—Co-Founder and Principal of Syllable, Inc.
Big thoughts (and designs) can come in small packages as Tatiana Soldatova tells us. Syllable, Inc. takes the best parts of a mindful and future-focused entrepreneur into the architectural design space, resulting in both happier clients and communities. If you’ve been looking for an insightful pick-me-up with practical lessons on bringing your business and self forward, this episode is for you.
0:00 - Intro
0:51 - Three things every entrepreneur needs to know
5:54 - What is Syllable Inc?
8:06 - The importance of the customer experience
9:30 - Overcoming the challenges of COVID-19
16:27 - Changing your ideal customer
22:34 - The power of looking at things differently
27:07 - You should go to therapy
29:03 - What would you do differently?
32:45 - What does success look like to you?
37:03 - Outro
For Episode 134 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Trish Tutton, Speaker & Mindfulness Teacher.
Trish Tutton is on a mission to create calmer, happier workplaces and employees. With training programs designed to help us thrive in the present moment (and all those unpredictable ones to come), it’s no wonder she is trusted across Canada as an empowering coach who helps elevate speaking and listening skills at the same time. We can learn a lot from finding our calm in a busy world—maybe for you that starts with popping on your headphones for this episode?
0:00 - Intro
1:14 - Starting as a Mindfulness Teacher
5:57 - An accidental entrepreneur
10:25 - How to ground yourself
17:16 - How to recognize your negative emotions
21:11 - Are we more anxious?
25:57 - Are we experiencing a wave of mindfulness?
32:55 - Outro
For Episode 133 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Lea Carr of Tilr.
As an entrepreneur, you’re always looking in new places to grow your business. But what about looking inside your organization? It is critical for staff to understand the unique impact they can offer their place of work in as many ways as it is important for managers to understand the team of problem-solvers they have. Carr and her team are designing and implementing systems to bridge this gap in fun and engaging ways, resulting in better and more prosperous hires.
0:00 - Intro
1:02 - What is Tilr?
5:04 - A novel idea
8:00 - You're never too small to understand your work force
10:22 - Hiring a CEO: when and why
14:28 - Starting Tilr Hire
20:30 - The impact of AI on the workforce
25:33 - What advice would you give your younger self?
34: 56 - Outro
For Episode 132 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Ted Kouri of Incite Strategy.
Marketing your business through an acquisition is a challenge not many think of—it’s not so much taking the ball and running as it is remapping the entire playing field. For outside-the-box considerations around the biggest transaction of your professional life, it takes outside-the-box thinkers. From pre-empting potential problems to solving new ones on the fly, today’s episode is a masterclass on the side of business that a customer may never see.
0:00 - Intro
0:40 - What is Incite?
5:14 - Demand in the consulting space
9:49 - Advice for early M&A
15:12 - How long should a founder stick around?
22:18 - Getting top-down buy in
27:23 - Lessons learned
31:43 - Managing change
40:37 - Outro
For Episode 129 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Ryan Saunders of Stone Temple Coffees.
From diving instructor to niche winemaker, Saunders’ journey took him from Canada to Honduras with unpredictable results—including marriage! From governmental quirks to the thrill of exporting, this episode answers as many questions about international business as it does pose new ones. Check it out!
To learn more, visit Stone Temple Coffees online.
0:00 - Intro
1:01 - Ryan's entrepreneurial journey
2:08 - Cashew wine?!
5:02 - Growing a business in a developing nation
11:54 - Operating a business in Honduras
20:35 - A unique product development process
24:40 - Growing new markets vs. existing markets
31:50 - Finding a mentor
33:33 - Outro
For Episode 131 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Dan Ferren of Ferren Coaching.
Male-minded coaching offers the clients of Ferren Coaching the ability to thrive where they may not have expected. This episode speaks uniquely to all business owners, people, and entrepreneurs who want to excel and find passion in their life. No one should be afraid of a helping hand, and with this honest look at what it takes to change the lives of others, Ferren paints a picture of mutual support (personal and professional) for a brighter future.
0:00 - Intro
1:21 - What is a men-only coaching business?
2:31 - An evolving practice
4:03 - Maintaining focus
6:58 - Channeling your struggles into work
9:18 - A different style to coaching
12:04 - Dealing with stereotypes
15:34 - Managing common struggles
21:30 - Opening up
25:43 - The role of a coach
27:51 - Setting the right price
31:30 - Outro
For Episode 130 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by of Mathew Russel or Arkadium—a Sherwood Park-based retro arcade.
Another in-person interview! This one is complimented by the whir of pinballs, the clack of retro joysticks, and families enjoying new and old pleasures. This is a short, sweet, and fun look at what it takes to bring your nostalgia into the present day with a forward-thinking business plan that connects newcomers, hobbyists, and the community with a lovingly restored slice of the past.
0:00 - Intro
0:30 - What is Arkadium?
2:25 - A unique arcade model
3:18 - The Arkadium Pinball League
5:23 - Getting Arkadium started
6:47 - The surprises of starting a new business
8:04 - The difference a million dollars can make
9:58 - Getting the word out
11:50 - The future for Arkadium
14:48 - Sussing out the competition
15:57 - Outro
For Episode 128 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Kael Nicholson of Beamdog—an Edmonton-based video game development company.
In an industry that is fueled by large contracts, international companies, and complicated consumer marketing, sometimes it pays to be the underdog. Today we learned about how the creative and business challenges that go into a fantasy world can be even more pressing than the ones that face our listeners in seemingly “real” jobs. This is a very unique opportunity for our listeners to see the kind of labour and strategy that goes into an industry many overlook—we hope you enjoy the lessons as much as we did!
0:00 - Intro
0:50 - What is Beamdog?
2:49 - What it takes to publish a video game
7:55 - Managing long-term projects as a game developer
13:46 - How to navigate rapid growth
15:42 - Reinforcing company values
19:14 - Attracting top-quality talent
24:24 - Innovation vs. acquisition
26:48 - The future of Beamdog
33:05 - Outro
For Episode 127 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Michelle Daides—CEO of MD Media.
At a time when more people than ever have access to high-quality cameras, microphones, and editing tools, how can companies compete for user attention and drive sales through video marketing? We thought we at Amplomedia knew what we were talking about until Daides walked us through what a lifelong career in the video marketing industry looks like. We’re very proud of this collaborative conversation—there’s still a lot to learn!
0:00 - Intro
1:11 - The beginning of MD Media
4:12 - The state of video marketing
8:07 - Providing coaching for the camera
16:57 - Trends in video marketing
23:53 - Video marketing and Tik Tok
28:50 - What would you do differently?
31:31 - Managing the entrepreneur's lifestyle
35:22 - Lance's definition of success
38:32 - Outro
For Episode 126 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Zach Hodder—Founder of Calgary-based Harpia.
The story of Harpia is one of meeting what you need with what you have. As any rural hockey enthusiast can attest to, finding qualified coaching costs more than just the time on the ice—it takes transport costs, logistics, and lodging. But when that’s what it takes to get ahead in the game, how can families get ahead on a budget? Hodder looked to technology (specifically smartphones) as a vehicle for personalized training, analytics, and off-ice coaching on a family-friendly budget. Talk about a hat trick!
0:00 - Intro
0:45 - How did Harpia start, and what problem is it solving?
5:35 - Using smart devices for smart training
8:15 - Expanding services in the early stages
10:41 - Learnings from The Alberta Catalyzer Program
15:02 - Surrounding yourself with advisors
18:38 - What would you do differently?
21:05 - The best resources for entrepreneurs
27:24 - Knowing when to admit your mistakes
30:56 - Big things happening at Harpia
34:17 - Outro
For Episode 125 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Tarek Hossain of Double Space.
Moving companies are nothing new, but with that comes scams, unfair contracts, and what feels like limited options. Combine that with booking elevators, coordinating friends and family, and increasing gas costs, and you have conditions for a dissatisfied market. That’s where Double Space does something different—transparency, compassion, and customer focus.
0:00 - Intro
0:46 - What is Double Space?
6:01 - Developing a new approach to an old industry
10:28 - Navigating change in a growing business
12:19 - If you had $1 million starting your business, what would you do differently?
14:43 - Starting a business in an unfamiliar industry
21:41 - Generating customers as a new business
25:05 - Advice to new entrepreneurs
32:23 - Outro
For Episode 124 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Eric Velez-Chula and Justin John of The Woods Cannabis.
Like any other hobby, you get what you put into it. For The Woods and their journey from cleaning chemical manufacturers to cannabis retailers, that meant analyzing the consumer journey from the standpoint of elevating everyday habits into healthier rituals. It’s even better when you get to do it with your best friend—it doesn’t hurt when they’re a chemical engineer, either!
0:00 - Intro
4:17 - How did The Woods get started?
8:36 - Creating a great retail experience
14:44 - Marketing a cannabis store
17:26 - Managing the competition
22:05 - Profit sharing in a retail business
28:35 - What would The Woods do differently?
30:57 - Outro
For Episode 123 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Ally Stone—founder & CEO of The Inspired Leader.
Elevating leadership is an intensely personal journey—it involves amplifying the best traits of yourself and silencing all the doubts that might hold you (and your team) back. In “inspiring” you to find the upwards trajectory that’s latent in anyone, Stone’s work inside the hospitality industry and beyond speaks to how much we can accomplish when we let our strengths speak for us—as today’s episode will show you through so many light and dark turns.
0:00 - Intro
1:13 - Starting an entrepreneurial journey
3:48 - Building a brand as a franchisee
6:23 - Running a successful franchise
9:28 - Giving back to the community
14:19 - Managing relationships in a family business
23:04 - Entrepreneurship as a woman
30:24 - What is The Inspired Leader?
34:52 - Outro
For Episode 122 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Danielle Cherewyk—Founder & CEO of The Headroom.
As a second-generation stylist who loves both the hands-on aspects of the job and the gloves-off side of business ownership, Cherewk’s story takes some interesting turns. Instead of hearing about hair spray and toner, we’re going to be talking about shares, employee buy-ins, and the complexity of retaining great hires for life. Not because Lance is bald, but because it’s more interesting. We promise.
0:00 - Intro
1:52 - What is The Headroom?
3:40 - What makes The Headroom unique?
6:04 - Employee ownership at The Headroom
16:35 - Lessons in employee ownership
19:26 - Clockworking your business
25:34 - Finding business efficiencies
28:19 - Implementing a new methodology
32:21 - Outro
For Episode 121 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Keenan Pascal—CEO and Founder of Token Naturals.
Don’t be fooled by the steady tone of voice and authoritative understanding of the cannabis space. Keenan Pascal is still very much eyeing the future eagerly as Token Naturals expands, pivots, and continually shifts to meet ever-changing market demands. From bitters to cannabis to whatever else Edmonton needs, this smart group of even smarter owners are helping businesses across Canada take their products from idea to the commercial stage.
0:00 - Intro
0:50 - What is Token Naturals?
4:00 - Drawing on past experience
8:54 - Using an advisory board
10:51 - Realizing new opportunity
14:09 - Refining your processes
16:27 - Navigating cannabis regulation
18:53 - Growing a product offering
23:54 - Learning from your mistakes
For Episode 120 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Peter Kasper —Founder & CEO of Terpli.
Biochemistry is complex—what isn’t is your own sense of “yuck” or “yum.” That’s the simplicity behind Terpli and their AI-driven cannabis database. Users can input desired traits, reviews, and any other considerations they have towards their cannabis choices and Tepli will scan the market using their E-commerce tools to find you the perfect fit. We’ll be blunt—this is pretty neat stuff. We hope you enjoy the story!
0:00 - Intro
0:34 - What is Terpli?
1:38 - Navigating complex regulations
4:35 - Finding opportunity in uncertain times
9:48 - Every startup has its challenges
14:52 - Securing the right financing
18:23 - Building (and using) an advisory board
22:00 - Effectively transitioning a business model
29:29 - Bringing Terpli to Canada/Outro
For Episode 119 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Marc Wandler of Susgrainable—an ethical food company that straddles the line between friendly bakers and mad scientists.
The problem of beer waste doesn’t begin with finding a place to recycle cans and bottles. Every day, 450 tonnes of spent grain is generated by Canadian craft breweries alone, creating costly barriers for both consumers and brewers who want to live ethically. What better way of solving two problems at once than by converting “waste” into nutrition? Susgrainable has created a solution for everyone, and we couldn’t be more excited to have them on the show to share the process and story.
To learn more about their sustainable mixes, visit them online!
0:00 - Intro
0:36 - What is Susgrainable?
2:19 - How Marc gets spent grains
5:30 - The business model of Susgrainable
7:24 - Finding the right marketing mix
11:03 - Perfecting the recipe
13:28 - The challenges of starting up in an unfamiliar space
16:32 - Finding the right investors
19:27 - Opening a new facility
20:19 - The keys to success (so far)
25:54 - Improving performance
28:27 - Outro
For Episode 118 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Jamie Draves, President and CEO of Quinta Quinoa—an all-Canadian quinoa producer whose benefits are as shocking as their story.
From health challenges came an important discovery—that quinoa has the potential to stave off even life-threatening conditions for some Canadians. Draves then took his life-affirming attitude to an even further conclusion by establishing a country-wide program for growing, packaging, and delivering local nutrition like no one has experienced before.
0:00 - Intro
1:06 - The backstory of Quinta Quinoa
2:25 - Why is quinoa so healthy?
6:47 - Growing the seeds of Quinta Quinoa
10:02 - How do you make a tasty quinoa?
11:54 - The challenges of the quinoa business
15:52 - Planning for the future (of quinoa)
21:17 - Balancing brick-and-mortar and online sales
25:45 - Outro
For Episode 117 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Dan Flatt of Naborino—a synthesis of e-commerce, social media, and hyper-local communications.
As the first few months of the pandemic made life feel smaller (sometimes down to the size of a single room), the connections we kept were made all the more important. By leveraging that feeling of local connection, Flatt’s team is developing a multi-utility application that allows group buys on products and services, meaning more local goods (and memories) for less cost. What’s not to love?
To learn more about Naborino’s development, visit them online!
0:00 - Intro
0:49 - What is Naborino?
3:58 - Building communities
6:38 - Growing two sides of the same business
14:03 - Building the minimum viable product
19:30 - Operating in two markets at once
26:26 - Get in touch with Naborino
For Episode 116 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Salim Dharssi of Managemate—a comprehensive tool for turning everyday condo board owners into high-powered decision makers. There is no shortage of project management tools out there, but Managemate finds a niche where few others go. Inside today’s episode is a success story about listening to an underserved market and setting out to create the best tool possible. And isn’t that just the heart of entrepreneurship?
To learn more about Managemate and to schedule your demo, visit them online!
0:00 - Intro 0:37 - What is Managemate? 2:22 - What sets Managemate apart? 5:16 - Discovering a unique opportunity 6:56 - Starting an entrepreneurial fire 9:24 - How hands on is Salim? 11:25 - Building a business off the side of your desk 13:21 - Learning to take risks 19:52 - Getting to the next stage 23:14 - Setting the right priorities 24:46 - Overcoming marketing challenges
For Episode 115 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Lindsay White of High Voltage Leadership. If she is magnetic over the phone, just wait until you see how she activates, empowers, and ultimately inspires leaders to be the resource their team needs the most. HR might be a dirty word to many, but as Lindsay shows, a people-focused strategy can still be about your business as a whole.
To learn more and to start activating your people, visit High Voltage Leadership online!
0:00 - Intro
0:46 - About High Voltage Leadership
3:45 - What it means to be a People Operations Expert
5:45 - The secrets to becoming a High Voltage Leader
7:21 - Navigating leadership development
11:32 - Executing on HR improvements
13:34 - The Positive Intelligence Program
16:05 - A strategic approach to training
For Episode 114 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Leila Keshavjee of Happy Pops—an all-natural alternative to unhealthy treats. She is here today to show us that when you take the familiar flavours and joys of Canada’s favourite snacks and amplify the best and most inclusive parts, the sky is the limit.
For more information and to view our full archive of past episodes, visit amplifyyourbusiness.ca!
For Episode 113 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by B. McKay Byam of SimTech MD—a company that is using virtual reality to transform the everyday experiences of medical patients, students, and professionals. After all, when you can’t afford to fail in a high-risk environment like healthcare, how else can you safely provide world-class training than in a virtual setting? McKay walks us today through the points of leverage, interest, and challenge for this new type of business.
For this episode of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Julia Kirouac of nud fud inc—a forward-thinking raw snack company that takes the simple into the sublime. At a time of health consciousness where we are more conscious than ever of our nutritional intake, does flavour need to be made second (or third) priority? Julia shows us a way out of the kitchen and back to healthy living.
For Episode 112 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Isabelle Lam of Remix Snacks—a way to boost your sustainability, protein intake, dietary fibre, and joy all at once! The hunt for a fun way to end a Nutrition degree ended up with a business that’s as crackling as their snacks are—not too brittle, not too sweet, and with as much adventurous spirit as they brought to her business-building strategy.
For Episode 110 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Hank’s Plumbing owner Michael Edworthy. Confused already? We were too—that’s because, after six years of working together, Hank sold the business to the most capable man he knew—Michael! Today’s episode looks at the journey from white-collar work to blue and back. We hope you enjoy learning more about the challenging (but rewarding) journey from worker to owner.
For Episode 109 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined (for a second time!) by Matt Hill—Program Manager of Business Link. Today, he speaks with us about the Digital Economy Program and how his team empowers even the smallest local businesses to move over to and thrive in an online marketplace.
For Episode 108 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Alessandra Amato of Algi Foods. As founder of a purpose-driven snack company, she asked herself how she could make a big impact on Canadian diets without making a big impact on the environment. The answer was algae bars—a snack that bridges natural resources with all-natural flavours. But how do you get consumers to believe in a product they don’t yet understand? Alessandra was very kind to share her experience with us today.
For Episode 107 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Jana Rieger of True Angle—a health technology company that helps dysphagia patients live comfortably and confidently with their swallowing condition.
Not only is she solving problems that affect 20% of adults over 50—she’s actively working to educate the public on a widespread but relatively overlooked condition. We learn about tackling medical and market needs of immense magnitude, winning over investors, and making a real impact on people’s lives. We hope you enjoy the episode!
For Episode 106 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Elizabeth Burrow—self-styled “Chief Nut Lady” of Jewels Under the Kilt.
We’re proud to say the style and subject matter of this episode coalesce perfectly—nuts. Elizabeth’s passion has carried her far as an entrepreneur, and we can’t wait to see what’s next. From blazing a trail to reinventing the classics, Jewels Under the Kilt brings equal parts celebration and curiosity. We really hope you enjoy this especially energetic episode.
To learn more, visit Jewels Under the Kilt online.
For Episode 105 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Becky Oxton—co-owner of Sunrise Estate Services.
You don’t have to be a hoarder to have the thought, “what happens to all of this stuff when I’m gone?” That’s a problem that Becky and her team tackle through inventorying, auctioning, and making the most they can of the items that meant the world to the deceased. In short, they assist everyone from executors to beneficiaries while mindfully handling the most delicate moment in many family’s lives.
So how do you run a business with so many hearts on the line? Check out the full episode below—now available as a Podbean or Spotify podcast!
For Episode 104 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Jesse Long of Hot Sauce Co. When your small college club idea turns out to be a lot hotter than anyone expected, the sky is the limit. With hopes as high as his Scoville counts, Jesse walks us through his journey from childhood curiosity to culinary mastery.
For Episode 103 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Janet Key of Prosperous Woman Coaching. Her approach blends the spiritual and the practical, the familiar and the novel, all in search of empowerment. How do we trust ourselves and grow? How do we find our best selves in a business world that can quickly suck up an entire personality? For advice, tips, and perhaps a bit of magic—listen in!
For Episode 102 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Jeff Ball of Thrive Provisions.
In his own words, Thrive Provisions was “born out of necessity.” That necessity? A lack of great backpacking snacks. With a ranch, entrepreneurial spirit, and hunger for change, Ball turned the everyday into a new way of refueling in the backcountry.
The unique view of Ball’s business—literally from conception to finished product—may provide other entrepreneurs a chance to think of their product in terms of how it affects a community. For Jeff, he is rejuvenating land as he works. What are you rebuilding when you launch your business? What kinds of hidden needs are you fulfilling?
For Episode 101 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Jo Anne Torrance, Mary Marino, and Marlow Italiano of La Dee Da Sauces—the reigning Sauce Queens!
When you see passionate ownership like this, you have to wonder if it's their fire that keeps the sauces simmering. In pairing Italian roots with entrepreneurial aspirations, these ladies blazed a path of their own in bringing their hopes for better locally-made products into reality—join us as they talk about the exciting twists and turns the business took as it grew from side dish to main venture!
For Episode 100 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Maryam Munaf of Healthy Genie—a snack company focusing on recipes built around organic dates. A taste of home can mean as much to you as it does to your customers. It’s even better when that product opens the door for North American consumers to try healthier meals. With children on the way and a business ready to boom, it was all about big choices and even bigger plans for the future. Listen in for tips on scaling, pivoting, and finding yourself in the chaos.
For Episode 99 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Barb and Heather—co-founders of Brew’ed Biscuits. The journey these two entrepreneurs took involved educating themselves as fast as they educated their customers. Talk about teaching an old dog new tricks! With spent grains being a nutritionally dense and low-sugar byproduct of the beer brewing process, Brew’ed Biscuits takes waste out of the equation with dog treats that are worth the buzz. In today’s episode, Barb and Heather walk us through the transition from hospitality to retail, the challenges in consumer education, and all the distracting fire hydrants they had to pass along the way.
For Episode 98 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Leila Kairns of HealTea. When you’ve steeped on a problem for long enough, maybe it’s time to launch your own business. Since late night drinks often force you to choose between sugar, caffeine, or alcohol, Healtea offers you an alternative—healthy, refreshing, and packed with entrepreneurship in every bottle. What’s not to love?
For Episode 97 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Ameen Fadel of Cedar Valley Selections—Canada’s first retail fattoush manufacturer. As a business owner at 16, Fadel (now 22) offers us a unique glimpse into the future of Canadian entrepreneurship. Our questions today involve the ups and downs of scaling a business from a young age.
For Episode 96 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Yuliya Cruikshank of Epic Experiences—an online service that aggregates unforgettable experiences Canada-wide! Our questions today involve building on existing services to make them simpler, streamlined, and more profitable.
For Episode 98 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Aby Aiyeleye of Clavis Studio—a 3D rendering platform that creates a comprehensive virtual environment for interior design. Our questions today involve balancing innovation with customer feedback.
For more information, visit amplomedia.com/amplifyyourbusiness/clavis-studio!
Follow us on social media @amplomedia to stay updated with new episodes every day!
For Episode 94 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Afton Brazzoni—founder of content marketing company Scribe National. They focus on content writing that helps build meaningful strategies in the B2B space—an industry filled with notoriously complex sales cycles. Our questions today involve the value of high-quality content.
For more information, visit amplomedia.com/amplifyyourbusiness/scribe-national!
Follow us on social media @amplomedia to stay updated with new episodes every day!
For Episode 93 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Kirk Zembal—co-founder of Lacombe-based Blindman Brewing. As Blindman were early adopters of craft beer in the market, we talk about their approaches to change, growth, and navigating cutting-edge technology in their pursuit of innovation. Our questions today involve building a collaborative approach to industry-wide problems.
For more information, visit amplomedia.com/amplifyyourbusiness/blindman-brewing! Follow us on social media @amplomedia to stay updated with new episodes every day!
For Episode 92 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Kim Heron of Little Blue Fibre Studio—a fibre art store focusing on handmade products for textile newcomers and enthusiasts. Our questions today involve leveraging a streamlined budget to achieve big walk-in traffic—even in inclement market conditions.
For Episode 92 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Myrna Bittner—CEO & Founder of RUNWITHIT Synthetics. Her team generates AI entities that make choices based on programmable city conditions, resulting in “synthetic populations” as an invaluable tool for planners to understand how their proposals will play out in the real world. Our questions today involve bridging a highly technical application with market appeal and general usability.
For Episode 90 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Rhonda Goldberg of Oh! Naturals—specialists in healthy, flavourful, and inventive “chips” that are as healthy as they are crave-curbing. Our questions today involve how you translate a passion for dietary health into an international enterprise.
For Episode 89 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Ed MacNab—CEO of 3DPHC. With both new and trusted technologies, their corporation is looking forward to “printing” homes using the same technology as desktop 3D printers. Our questions today involve leveraging extraordinary market conditions to create a revolutionary business.
For Episode 88 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Eryne Sarabin of Tycoon Events—a full-service event planning and consultation company that are as at home in virtual events as they are live experiences. Our questions today involve how a business built on connections can pivot to thrive in a pandemic space.
View our full archive and access more episode of Amplify Your Business at amplifyyourbusiness.ca!