Yes, We Are Open!: Recent Episodes
Moneris, Al Grego
BINGE SEASON 2 NOW!
Small business is the backbone of Canada’s economy, but it isn’t for the faint of heart. Every year in Canada tens of thousands of businesses are born, however every year almost the same number fail. A lot can be learned from failure, but that’s just sad and depressing.
“Yes, We Are Open” is a podcast that tells the stories of those that survive. How did they do it? What can we learn? Al Grego, of Moneris travels the country to tell these stories of challenge and perseverance. Whether you’re a small business owner yourself, or you’re thinking of starting one someday, these cautionary and motivational stories will provide you with the lessons and inspiration to help you on your way.
In the season 9 finale of ‘Yes, We Are Open’ Al visits Bilqees Grant, Co-Founder and CEO of Helius Originals. She tells her story of starting her unique business, which specializes in sustainable smoke barware, including equipment to smoke food and drinks using wood sourced from Ontario.
Bilqees shares the challenges of manufacturing, marketing, and scaling her business amidst the pandemic and trade tariffs and her plans to launch a new automated smoker.
This is her inspiring story.
You can learn more about Helius Originals at HeliusOriginals.com.
Credits:
- Amy Blundell - Leadership
- Darren Leroux - Leadership
- Caleigh Ellis – Graphic Artist
- Niyati Budhiraja – Webmaster
- Cheyenne Jenkins - Social Media
- The rest of the Moneris for their support!
Subscribe now!
If you're the owner of a small business in Canada and you'd like us to help tell your story, email us at podcast@moneris.com.
Yes, We Are Open is a Moneris podcast production hosted by Al Grego.
This week, Al is in Oakville, Ontario visiting Erin Nocent, owner of The Sweetest Thing bakery. Erin transitioned from baking cakes and cupcakes from home in 2009 to opening her own brick and mortar business in 2018.
She talks about overcoming her struggles with work-life balance and rising ingredient prices on her way to building a family legacy with her bakery. How did she do it? Listen now, to find out.
You can learn more about The Sweetest Thing at TheSweetestThing.com.
Subscribe now!
If you're the owner of a small business in Canada and you'd like us to help tell your story, email us at podcast@moneris.com.
Yes, We Are Open is a Moneris podcast production hosted by Al Grego.
This week, Al is back in Toronto visiting Ryan Altschuler, co-owner of Lynx Music. Ryan shares his story of building and running an innovative music and recording studio in Toronto and the significant challenges he faced.
How did Ryan do it? Listen now to find out.
You can learn more about Lynx Music at LynxMusic.ca.
Subscribe now!
If you're the owner of a small business in Canada and you'd like us to help tell your story, email us at podcast@moneris.com.
Yes, We Are Open is a Moneris podcast production hosted by Al Grego.
In this episode, Al goes deep underground to visit the Diefenbunker: Canada’s Cold War Museum. He speaks with Monique Goffinet, Executive Director, and Jordan Vetter, Marketing and Communications Manager about the history of the bunker, its role during the Cold War, and its transition from a military site to a museum.
Listen to this historic and fascinating story!
You can learn more about Diefenbunker at Diefenbunker.ca.
Subscribe now!
If you're the owner of a small business in Canada and you'd like us to help tell your story, email us at podcast@moneris.com.
Yes, We Are Open is a Moneris podcast production hosted by Al Grego.
This week, Al visits John Thompson, owner of The Record Centre in Ottawa, Ontario. John traded the grueling heat of a paper mill for the warm crackle of vinyl.
In 2011, John bought The Record Centre from a friend—starting with just six bins of records in the back of a video store. He has turned it into a thriving destination that's part record store, part vintage audio showroom, part concert venue, and part record label.
This is John’s story.
You can learn more about The Record Centre at TheRecordCentre.com.
Subscribe now!
If you're the owner of a small business in Canada and you'd like us to help tell your story, email us at podcast@moneris.com.
Yes, We Are Open is a Moneris podcast production hosted by Al Grego.
Al visits Adam Tomczyk, Co-Founder and CEO of Mad Radish to talk about the origins and growth of the company since its inception in 2017.
Adam shares his personal journey of relocating from New York to Ottawa and reflects on the challenges and triumphs along the way, overcoming obstacles such as inflation and supply chain issues. Mad Radish remains committed to providing healthy, flavorful, and affordable food. This is their story.
You can learn more about Mad Radish at MadRadish.com.
Subscribe now!
If you're the owner of a small business in Canada and you'd like us to help tell your story, email us at podcast@moneris.com.
Yes, We Are Open is a Moneris podcast production hosted by Al Grego.
In this episode, Al visits Chika Oguh, founder of My Afromania Inc., a fashion business in Ottawa that brings the vibrancy of African prints to Western styles.
Chika recounts how her love for fashion inspired her to create a marketplace supporting artisans from both Africa and Canada. She candidly discusses the financial and emotional challenges of entrepreneurship, the importance of community, and the role her family’s entrepreneurial spirit played in her journey.
Listen now to learn how Chika overcame setbacks, and built a thriving business from scratch.
You can learn more about My Afromania Inc. at MyAfromania.com.
Subscribe now!
If you're the owner of a small business in Canada and you'd like us to help tell your story, email us at podcast@moneris.com.
Yes, We Are Open is a Moneris podcast production hosted by Al Grego.
In the season 9 premiere of Yes, We Are Open, Al visits Paulo Chira, Owner of Champlain Table Tennis Club in Ottawa, Ontario. Originally founded in 1989, the club developed numerous national and international players but closed in 2015 due to a lack of support.
Paulo, who started playing table tennis at six in Peru and moved to Canada for better training opportunities, decided to revive the club in 2023. This is his story.
You can learn more about Champlain Table Tennis Club at ChamplainTTC.ca.
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If you're the owner of a small business in Canada and you'd like us to help tell your story, email us at podcast@moneris.com.
Yes, We Are Open is a Moneris podcast production hosted by Al Grego.
Season 9 of the award-winning 'Yes, We Are Open' podcast starts October 6th, 2025!
In this season, Al visits Ottawa, Ontario. Here is a little teaser for the upcoming season.
Subscribe now wherever you get your podcasts or visit YesWeAreOpenPodcast.com!
Subscribe now!
If you're the owner of a small business in Canada and you'd like us to help tell your story, email us at podcast@moneris.com.
Yes, We Are Open is a Moneris podcast production hosted by Al Grego.
In the season 8 finale of ‘Yes, We Are Open’, Al is back in Ontario, visiting Brenda and Rick Coletta, owners of The Fry’s The Limit and The Parlour.
After retiring from her corporate career, Brenda gave entrepreneurship a try. She bought a food truck, called it The Fry’s The Limit, and sold poutine. Then Rick joined her and they bought a second truck.
After a few years of toiling on the festival circuit, the couple decided to settle in Thornton, Ontario and add ice cream to their empire. They opened The Parlour amid some stiff competition in the small town. Eight years later, they’re not only still standing, they’re thriving, even after a pandemic and high inflation. How did they do it? Listen to find out.
You can learn more about The Parlour & The Fry’s The Limit at thefrysthelimit.com.
Credits:
- Amy Blundell - Leadership
- Darren Leroux - Leadership
- Caleigh Ellis – Graphic Artist
- Niyati Budhiraja – Webmaster
- Chetan Dhananjaya – Webmaster
- Loki Nichlani – Webmaster
- Cheyenne Jenkins - Social Media
- Patricia Crowe – PM
- Jessica Lepage – Translation
- Gladys Bagang – Logistics & Admin
- The rest of the Moneris for their support!
Subscribe now!
If you're the owner of a small business in Canada and you'd like us to help tell your story, email us at podcast@moneris.com.
Yes, We Are Open is a Moneris podcast production hosted by Al Grego.
Al visits Jim Baiton, the founder and owner of Tumblers Pizza in Regina, Saskatchewan. Jim shares his journey from making pizza boxes at 14 to building a pizza empire that sells Regina-style pizza in over 140 locations across Saskatchewan.
Hear the story behind the unique name, the secret formula for their incredible sauce, and the challenges faced along the way.
You can learn more about Tumblers Pizza at tumblerspizzaregina.com.
Subscribe now!
If you're the owner of a small business in Canada and you'd like us to help tell your story, email us at podcast@moneris.com.
Yes, We Are Open is a Moneris podcast production hosted by Al Grego.
In this episode of YWAO, Al sits down with Grant Frew, Bar and Marketing Manager at Bushwakker Brewpub in Regina, Saskatchewan. Grant recounts Bushwakker’s unique German beer-inspired roots, and how it evolved to become a staple in Regina's brewing culture.
Listen to stories and insights spanning over three decades at the brewery, detailing their origins, struggles, and triumphs to remain a beloved local establishment.
You can learn more about Bushwakker Brewpub at bushwakker.com.
Subscribe now!
If you're the owner of a small business in Canada and you'd like us to help tell your story, email us at podcast@moneris.com.
Yes, We Are Open is a Moneris podcast production hosted by Al Grego.
This week, Al visits Gloria Walsh, Manager of Creative Kids, a charitable organization dedicated to removing financial barriers for Saskatchewan children aged 4 to 19 to participate in arts and culture.
From its inception in 2007 to its growth and community impact, discover how Creative Kids has enriched lives and fostered cultural appreciation among the youth. Learn about their struggles, successes, and future aspirations.
You can learn more about Creative Kids at creativekidssask.ca.
Subscribe now!
If you're the owner of a small business in Canada and you'd like us to help tell your story, email us at podcast@moneris.com.
Yes, We Are Open is a Moneris podcast production hosted by Al Grego.
In this episode of YWAO, Al visits Tracy Bosche, the owner of Zippity Zoom Toys in Regina, Saskatchewan.
Tracy shares the inspiring story of how she started the toy store in 2009, juggling a newborn and a new business. She talks about the evolution of the store, her background in retail, and her passion for toys.
Tracy also discusses the challenges her business faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, her family's involvement in the business, and future plans for expansion.
You can learn more about Zippity Zoom Toys at zippityzoomtoys.ca.
Subscribe now!
If you're the owner of a small business in Canada and you'd like us to help tell your story, email us at podcast@moneris.com.
Yes, We Are Open is a Moneris podcast production hosted by Al Grego.
In this episode, Al sits down with Amanda Rae, the owner of Base Studio, a thriving hair salon in Regina.
Amanda shares her journey from a stylist to a business owner, the challenges she faced, and the resilience it took to overcome them, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
You can learn more about Base Studio at basestudio.ca.
Subscribe now!
If you're the owner of a small business in Canada and you'd like us to help tell your story, email us at podcast@moneris.com.
Yes, We Are Open is a Moneris podcast production hosted by Al Grego.
This week Al sits down with Ashley Donald, the owner of BasketCases, a prominent gift basket store in Regina. Ashley shares her inspiring journey of buying and running the business, discussing her origins, struggles, and future outlook.
Discover how she transformed from a dedicated customer to the “Chief Basket Case” herself, navigating the challenges of pandemic, inflation, and marketing, while also maintaining a strong community spirit.
You can learn more about BasketCases at basketcases.ca.
Subscribe now!
If you're the owner of a small business in Canada and you'd like us to help tell your story, email us at podcast@moneris.com.
Yes, We Are Open is a Moneris podcast production hosted by Al Grego.
In the season 8 premier of ‘Yes, We Are Open’, Al flies to Regina, Saskatchewan to visit Kevin Toth, President of Prairie Flying Service. They delve into the storied history and rich legacy of the company which began in 1946, founded by four World War II pilots.
The aviation industry has had many highs and lows during that time. Significant events like 9/11, the pandemic, and rising costs for parts and labour have made it increasingly difficult to stay in the game.
Learn about Kevin's personal journey from a ramp-rat to president of the company. Hear the full story and get inspired by Kevin's dedication and leadership!
You can learn more about Prairie Flying Service at prairieflying.com.
Subscribe now!
If you're the owner of a small business in Canada and you'd like us to help tell your story, email us at podcast@moneris.com.
Yes, We Are Open is a Moneris podcast production hosted by Al Grego.
Season 8 of the award-winning 'Yes, We Are Open' podcast starts April 7th, 2025!
In this season, Al visits Regina, Saskatchewan.
Here is a little teaser for the upcoming season.
Subscribe now!
If you're the owner of a small business in Canada and you'd like us to help tell your story, email us at podcast@moneris.com.
Yes, We Are Open is a Moneris podcast production hosted by Al Grego.
In the season 7 finale of Yes, We Are Open, Al is in Oakville, Ontario visiting Tyler and Jordie Schwartz from Retrofestive, a unique pop culture and Christmas store.
Tyler started selling Christmas Story leg lamps back in 2007. When that went well, he added Christmas Vacation moose mugs. Now Retrofestive is Canada’s top shop for old-school fun! Learn how he did it and about his journey along the way.
You can learn more about Retrofestive at retrofestive.ca.
Credits:
- Amy Blundell - Leadership
- Rick Stephan - Leadership
- Caleigh Ellis – Graphic Artist
- Chetan Dhananjaya – Webmaster
- Loki Nichlani – Webmaster
- Niyati Budhiraja – Webmaster
- Mallory McWhirther – Social Media
- Cheyenne Jenkins - Social Media
- Patricia Crowe – PM
- Jessica Lepage – Translation
- Pascale Dumas-Bresse – Translation
- Pao-Lan Ladouceur – Translation
- Melanie Bell – Translation
- ValérieBoisvert – Translation
- Marc-AndréHoule – Translation
- Gladys Bagang – Logistics & Admin
- The rest of the Moneris for their support!
Subscribe now!
If you're the owner of a small business in Canada and you'd like us to help tell your story, email us at podcast@moneris.com.
Yes, We Are Open is a Moneris podcast production hosted by Al Grego.
Al’s final stop in Winnipeg is at Jenna Rae Cakes, co-owned by twin-sisters Jenna Hutchinson and Ashley Kosowan. Their dream began 15 years ago in their small apartment, sparked by an episode of Cake Boss, and grew into a legitimate business despite numerous legal and logistical hurdles.
Hear about the challenges of balancing school, work, and starting their bakery from the ground up, including the crucial moments they realized they needed to take the business to the next level.
You can learn more about Jenna Rae Cakes at jennaraecakes.com.
Subscribe now!
If you're the owner of a small business in Canada and you'd like us to help tell your story, email us at podcast@moneris.com.
Yes, We Are Open is a Moneris podcast production hosted by Al Grego.
We hit the bullseye with this episode this week! Al visits Neil Migalski, General Manager at AVO Gameroom. They talk about the rich history and unique charm of this beloved Winnipeg establishment founded in April 1963 by three brothers, and how it has evolved into a community staple known for its pool supplies, dart equipment, poker accessories, and more.
Neil shares his passion and vision for keeping this family-friendly hub at the forefront of recreational gaming.
You can learn more about AVO Gameroom at avogameroom.com.
Subscribe now!
If you're the owner of a small business in Canada and you'd like us to help tell your story, email us at podcast@moneris.com.
Yes, We Are Open is a Moneris podcast production hosted by Al Grego.
We tee off episode 5 as Al visits with Amy Cerasani, from Shooters Family Golf Centre and Restaurant. The Cerasani family transformed a modest driving range into a beloved community hub serving Winnipeg for the past 31 years and counting.
Listen now to learn about the family's deep-rooted entrepreneurial spirit, the challenges and triumphs they've faced, and Amy’s own journey growing up within the vibrant atmosphere of Shooters.
You can learn more about Shooters Family Golf Centre at shootersgolf.ca.
Subscribe now!
If you're the owner of a small business in Canada and you'd like us to help tell your story, email us at podcast@moneris.com.
Yes, We Are Open is a Moneris podcast production hosted by Al Grego.
This week Al is back in Ontario for a visit with Dave Guenther, owner of Door World in Tillsonburg.
Dave balanced a growing family and an expanding business during an unprecedented global pandemic. Hear how together with his wife Breanne, their resilience and adaptability helped them build a thriving company from the ground up.
You can learn more about Door World at doorworld.ca.
Subscribe now!
If you're the owner of a small business in Canada and you'd like us to help tell your story, email us at podcast@moneris.com.
Yes, We Are Open is a Moneris podcast production hosted by Al Grego.
Things get spicy in episode 3 when Al visits Nikhil Dutt, owner of Spice Circle. His family opened the restaurant in 2019, despite having no prior business experience.
Nikhil opens up about his early emotional struggles of receiving customer criticism and the determination that drove him to keep improving their service and food quality. Today Spice Circle boast the best Indian food in Winnipeg. How did they do it? Listen to find out.
You can learn more about Spice Circle at spicecircle.ca.
Subscribe now!
If you're the owner of a small business in Canada and you'd like us to help tell your story, email us at podcast@moneris.com.
Yes, We Are Open is a Moneris podcast production hosted by Al Grego.
Al visits Katrina Tessier, Owner of Scout Coffee: + Community. Katrina shares her journey of opening the unique Winnipeg café, providing a welcoming space for parents to relax while their children play.
Tune in for the story of how a mother turned her idea into a reality. Learn how Katrina navigated financial hurdles, the pandemic, and a change in location to create a unique space for families.
You can learn more about Scout Coffee + Community at scoutwinnipeg.com.
Subscribe now!
If you're the owner of a small business in Canada and you'd like us to help tell your story, email us at podcast@moneris.com.
Yes, We Are Open is a Moneris podcast production hosted by Al Grego.
In the season 7 premiere of ‘Yes, We Are Open’ Al flies to Winnipeg, Manitoba. His first visit is with Ashley Lyons and Mikol Markiw from The Real Escape Canada to delve into the intricacies of the escape room industry.
Tune in to hear how a family’s shared passion for puzzles turned into a successful escape room empire and how they navigated the challenges thrown by the pandemic. Discover the cutting-edge technologies they plan to integrate to stay ahead in the thrilling world of escape rooms.
You can learn more about The Real Escape Canada at therealescape.ca.
Subscribe now!
If you're the owner of a small business in Canada and you'd like us to help tell your story, email us at podcast@moneris.com.
Yes, We Are Open is a Moneris podcast production hosted by Al Grego.
Season 7 of the award-winning 'Yes, We Are Open' podcast starts October 7th, 2024!
In this season, Al visits Winnipeg, Manitoba. Here is a little teaser for the upcoming season.
Subscribe now!
If you're the owner of a small business in Canada and you'd like us to help tell your story, email us at podcast@moneris.com.
Yes, We Are Open is a Moneris podcast production hosted by Al Grego.
Yes, Kawartha TV & Stereo Is Open!
In the season 6 finale of ‘Yes, We Are Open’, Al visits Peterborough, Ontario and Scott Stuart, owner of Kawartha TV & Stereo. They’ve been fixtures in the city for over half a century! In that time, their industry has gone through countless disruptive technology changes but they’ve been able to adapt and today they continued to provide their customers with top quality products and service.
This is their story.
You can learn more about Kawartha TV & Stereo at kawarthatv.com.
Credits:
- Duri Alajrami - Leadership
- Amy Blundell - Leadership
- Rick Stephan - Leadership
- Cass McPhee – Moneris Ad Voiceover
- Caleigh Ellis – Graphic Artist
- Chetan Dhananjaya – Webmaster
- Loki Nichlani – Webmaster
- Niyati Budhiraja – Webmaster
- Mallory McWhirther – Social Media
- Tanya Nagi – Social Media
- Cheyenne Jennkins - Social Media
- Sydney Lupton - Social Media
- Kelly Servos – Internal Communications
- Farnaz Yaqubian - Internal Communications
- Patricia Crowe – PM
- Jessica Lepage – Translation
- Pascale Dumas-Bresse – Translation
- Pao-Lan Ladouceur – Translation
- Melanie Bell – Translation
- ValérieBoisvert – Translation
- Marc-AndréHoule – Translation
- Gladys Bagang – Logistics & Admin
- The rest of the Moneris for their support!
Subscribe now!
If you're the owner of a small business in Canada and you'd like us to help tell your story, email us at podcast@moneris.com.
Yes, We Are Open is a Moneris podcast production hosted by Al Grego.
Yes, Italian Ice Cream Is Open!
Back from His Calgary trip, Al heads down to the “Honeymoon Capital of the World” Niagara Falls to visit Andrew Vergalito, owner of Italian Ice Cream. The business was opened by Andrew’s parents Joe and Anna in 1978 and for 46 years they’ve been serving the locals and tourists alike.
There have been many challenges and changes to the area in their almost half-century of business. This is their story.
You can learn more about Italian Ice Cream at italianicecream.ca.
Subscribe now!
If you're the owner of a small business in Canada and you'd like us to help tell your story, email us at podcast@moneris.com.
Yes, We Are Open is a Moneris podcast production hosted by Al Grego.
Al’s final stop on his Calgary trip is to Heritage Park Historical Village. It’s one of Calgary’s premier tourist attractions, originally opened in 1964 with a mission to connect visitors with the history of Western Canada.
Al visits with Dominic Terry, a spokesperson at the park. Dominic talks about the park’s origins and how it has evolved in the past 60 years bringing history lessons to life through immersive storytelling and fun attractions for everyone.
This is the story of Heritage Park.
You can learn more about Heritage Park at heritagepark.ca.
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If you're the owner of a small business in Canada and you'd like us to help tell your story, email us at podcast@moneris.com.
Yes, We Are Open is a Moneris podcast production hosted by Al Grego.
Virginia Borges came to Canada in 2014 from Venezuela with the dream of starting her own business. She wanted her business to give back to the community in some way. She then opened Re:Grub Burger Bar.
Known for their highly instagrammable milkshakes and burgers, Re:Grub has become a popular Calgary hotspot for their unique and delicious creations.
This is Virginia’s story.
You can learn more about Re:Grub Burger Bar at regrub.ca.
Subscribe now!
If you're the owner of a small business in Canada and you'd like us to help tell your story, email us at podcast@moneris.com.
Yes, We Are Open is a Moneris podcast production hosted by Al Grego.
Al’s next stop in Alberta is beautiful Canmore, home of Sara and Joe Titus, owners of Going With The Grain. For almost 20 years Sara and Joe have been installing and restoring hardwood floors in the Canmore area. They are one of only two husband & wife teams in North America to hold the designation of ‘Bona Certified Craftsmen’. All this to say, they know their craft!
Throughout their 20 years of business, Sara and Joe have encountered many struggles. From building their brand when they opened, to a recession, to unpredictable scheduling issues, to increasing material costs, their business can be volatile.
How have they managed? Listen to find out.
You can learn more about Going With The Grain at goingwiththegrain.ca.
Subscribe now!
If you're the owner of a small business in Canada and you'd like us to help tell your story, email us at podcast@moneris.com.
Yes, We Are Open is a Moneris podcast production hosted by Al Grego.
This week Al goes to picturesque Banff, Alberta to visit Ken McMurdo, owner of Mountain Chocolates. Ken started his business in 1989 when Banff was just beginning to grow into the tourist attraction it has become. But it hasn’t always been a sweet time for Mountain Chocolates.
Being so heavily reliant on tourism has meant many ups and downs for Ken’s business and he’s seen it all, from natural disasters to global conflicts to the pandemic. His latest challenges involve inflation and supply chain issues.
How is he managing? Listen to find out.
You can learn more about Mountain Chocolates at mountain-chocolates.business.site.
Subscribe now!
If you're the owner of a small business in Canada and you'd like us to help tell your story, email us at podcast@moneris.com.
Yes, We Are Open is a Moneris podcast production hosted by Al Grego.
In this week’s episode of ‘Yes, We Are Open’ Al heads downtown to Calgary’s Beltline District to visit KAKS Bar & Podcast. You read that right. It’s a bar, with a built-in podcast studio! Needless to say, Al is more than a little excited.
He speaks with the owners Kass Kielly-Burke and Shawn Chan. They opened KAKS in June 2023, so they’re approaching their first year in business. First years are a challenge for any business, but when you pair that with record inflation and rising interest rates, you have recipe for struggle early on.
How are they managing? Listen to find out.
You can learn more about KAKS Bar & Podcast at kaksbarpodcast.com.
Links of Interest:
- Kaks Bar and Podcast Show on Youtube
- Bloodbath Tactics Podcast
- CHATTING WITH QUEEN LAYNE
- The Joe Rogan Experience Podcast
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If you're the owner of a small business in Canada and you'd like us to help tell your story, email us at podcast@moneris.com.
Yes, We Are Open is a Moneris podcast production hosted by Al Grego.
You can learn more about River Café at river-cafe.com.
Subscribe now!
If you're the owner of a small business in Canada and you'd like us to help tell your story, email us at podcast@moneris.com.
Yes, We Are Open is a Moneris podcast production hosted by Al Grego.
Subscribe now wherever you get your podcasts to hear them as they publish each week, or visit yesweareopenpodcast.com.
Subscribe now!
If you're the owner of a small business in Canada and you'd like us to help tell your story, email us at podcast@moneris.com.
Yes, We Are Open is a Moneris podcast production hosted by Al Grego.
You can learn more about Maritime Fun Group at maritimefun.com.
Credits:
- Duri Alajrami - Leadership
- Amy Maraone - Leadership
- Rick Stephan - Leadership
- Cass McPhee – Moneris Ad Voiceover
- Caleigh Ellis – Graphic Artist
- Chetan Dhananjaya – Webmaster
- Niyati Budhiraja – Webmaster
- Mallory McWhirther – Social Media
- Tanya Nagi – Social Media
- Kelly Servos – Internal Communications
- FarnazYaqubian - Internal Communications
- Zino Obi-Egbedi – PM
- Jessica Lepage – Translation
- Pascale Dumas-Bresse – Translation
- Pao-Lan Ladouceur – Translation
- Melanie Bell – Translation
- Mateo Sanchez – Translation
- ValérieBoisvert – Translation
- Marc-AndréHoule – Translation
- Lia Pizarro – Communications
- Gladys Bagang – Logistics & Admin
- The rest of the Moneris for their support!
Subscribe now!
If you're the owner of a small business in Canada and you'd like us to help tell your story, email us at podcast@moneris.com.
Yes, We Are Open is a Moneris podcast production hosted by Al Grego.
You can learn more about Tech Fuel at techfuel.ca.
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If you're the owner of a small business in Canada and you'd like us to help tell your story, email us at podcast@moneris.com.
Yes, We Are Open is a Moneris podcast production hosted by Al Grego.
You can learn more about Strikers Den at strikersden.ca.
Check out Ash's History book "India And Faraway Lands".
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If you're the owner of a small business in Canada and you'd like us to help tell your story, email us at podcast@moneris.com.
Yes, We Are Open is a Moneris podcast production hosted by Al Grego.
You can learn more about aaniin at aaniin.shop.
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If you're the owner of a small business in Canada and you'd like us to help tell your story, email us at podcast@moneris.com.
Yes, We Are Open is a Moneris podcast production hosted by Al Grego.
You can learn more about Torpedo Rays at torpedorays.com.
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If you're the owner of a small business in Canada and you'd like us to help tell your story, email us at podcast@moneris.com.
Yes, We Are Open is a Moneris podcast production hosted by Al Grego.
You can learn more about Bradford Academy of Music at bradfordacademyofmusic.com.
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If you're the owner of a small business in Canada and you'd like us to help tell your story, email us at podcast@moneris.com.
Yes, We Are Open is a Moneris podcast production hosted by Al Grego.
You can learn more about Lane Gallery at lanegallery.com.
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If you're the owner of a small business in Canada and you'd like us to help tell your story, email us at podcast@moneris.com.
Yes, We Are Open is a Moneris podcast production hosted by Al Grego.
You can learn more about Ocean Quest Adventures at oceanquestadventures.com.
Subscribe now!
If you're the owner of a small business in Canada and you'd like us to help tell your story, email us at podcast@moneris.com.
Yes, We Are Open is a Moneris podcast production hosted by Al Grego.
Subscribe now wherever you get your podcasts to hear them as they publish each week!
Subscribe now!
If you're the owner of a small business in Canada and you'd like us to help tell your story, email us at podcast@moneris.com.
Yes, We Are Open is a Moneris podcast production hosted by Al Grego.
You can learn more about Top Talent Entertainment at toptalent.ca.
Credits:
- Duri Alajrami - Leadership
- Amy Maraone - Leadership
- Rick Stephan - Leadership
- Cass McPhee – Moneris Ad Voiceover
- Caleigh Ellis – Graphic Artist
- Chetan Dhananjaya – Webmaster
- Niyati Budhiraja – Webmaster
- Mallory McWhirther – Social Media
- Sydney Lupton – Social Media
- Tanya Nagi – Social Media
- Kelly Servos – Internal Communications
- Zino Obi-Egbedi – PM
- Jessica Lepage – Translation
- Pascale Dumas-Bresse – Translation
- Pao-Lan Ladouceur – Translation
- Melanie Bell – Translation
- Mateo Sanchez – Translation
- Lia Pizarro – Communications
- Gladys Bagang – Logistics & Admin
- Lori Yorke – Montreal Correspondent
- Sylvie Stewart – Moncton Correspondent
- The rest of the Moneris for their support!
Yes, Landscape Ontario Is Open
Landscape Ontario is Ontario’s premier horticultural trades association. For the past 50 years, they’ve been supporting their members through professional development, trade shows and conferences, consumer events and cost savings benefits.
Their premier annual event is the Landscape Ontario Congress, Canada’s largest and longest running trade show and conference for landscape professionals. While the pandemic might have provided a boon to many of their members, it put the long-running event in jeopardy for two consecutive years.
Where they able to pull it off? Listen to find out.
You can learn more about Landscape Ontario at landscapeontario.com.
Yes, Spin-IT Records and Video Is Open
This week Al is in Moncton, New Brunswick visiting Patrick Parise, owner of Spin-IT Records and Video. From file sharing to streaming, Patrick has seen a lot of disruption in his chosen industry over the past 20 years. In spite of this, Patrick was able to persevere and build a successful company.
So would the pandemic just be another disruption that Patrick would expertly navigate, or would his business finally succumb? Listen to find out.
You can learn more about Spin-IT Records and Video at spin-itrecords.ca.
Yes, Brooks Pepperfire Foods Inc. Is Open
Al’s next stop in season 4 of the podcast is Rigaud, Quebec to visit Greg and Tina Brooks from Brooks Pepperfire Foods Inc.
Pepperfire Foods are more than just hot sauces. They specialize in co-packing and private-labelling fresh food products for many specialty food companies.
But BOY are their hot sauces HOT!
How did they survive the pandemic? More importantly, did Al survive his visit?
Listen to find out.
You can learn more about Brooks Pepperfire Foods Inc. at pepperfire.ca.
In the season 4 premier of ‘Yes, We Are Open’ Al heads east to New Brunswick. His first stop is the Sackville Curling Club.
At 128 years old, it’s the oldest business Al has featured on the podcast—by a lot—but that doesn’t mean they’re impervious to struggle. With lockdowns and severe capacity restrictions, the pandemic posed the club’s greatest threat in literally a century!
How did they survive?
Listen to find out.
You can learn more about Sackville Curling Club at sackvillecurlingclub.com.
‘Yes, We Are Open’ Season 4 Teaser
Season 4 of the award-winning 'Yes, We Are Open' podcast starts April 3rd, 2023!
Here is a little teaser for the upcoming season.
Subscribe now wherever you get your podcasts to hear them as they publish each week!
Bear Cave Silent Booths
On the season 3 finale of ‘Yes, We Are Open’ Al visits Trevor and Andrea from Bear Cave Silent booths. Learn how they turned a one-off job into a manufacturing business.
While the pandemic may have actually helped them get new customers, the resulting shortage of building material threatened to shut them down before they even started. Couple that with their inexperience in running a business and difficulty in getting funding and we have a recipe for struggle.
How did they survive? Listen to find out.
You can learn more about Bear Cave Silent Booths at bearcavesilentbooths.com.
Links of interest
- Andrea's book 'When A Witch Arrives' by Andrea Max (Audiobook)
- Andrea's music
Credits:
- Duri Alajrami - Leadership
- Amy Maraone - Leadership
- Rick Stephan - Leadership
- Mat Belanger – Moneris Ad Voiceover
- Caleigh Ellis – Graphic Artist
- Chetan Dhananjaya – Webmaster
- Mallory McWhirther – Social Media
- Tanya Nagi – Social Media
- Kelly Foss - Promotion Consultant
- Kelly Servos – Internal Communications
- Zino Obi-Egbedi – PM
- David Litwin – Reviewer
- Darren Leroux – Reviewer
- Jessica Lepage – Translation
- Pascale Dumas-Bresse – Translation
- Pao-Lan Ladouceur – Translation
- Melanie Bell – Translation
- Mateo Sanchez – Translation
- Gladys Bagang – Logistics & Admin
- The rest of the Moneris for their support!
Kidsworld Pediatric Dentistry
Dr. Priya Kothari studied and specialized in pediatric dentistry in the United States, before returning to Canada to be closer to family and to open her own practice 12 years ago.
Today Kidsworld Pediatric Dentistry in Aurora, Ontario is a busy practice, treating children from all over Southern Ontario. But what happens when staffing shortages and the pandemic hit? How will she keep her patients safe? Can her dental practice survive?
Listen to find out.
You can learn more about Kidsworld Pediatric Dentistry at kidsworlddentistry.com.
Impact Kitchen
Personal trainer and nutrition expert Josh Broun had a vision for a restaurant focused on providing simple meals with real, wholesome ingredients to ”provide energy to take on the day with purpose and optimism”.
In 2015, he teamed up with Frank Toskan, co-founder of MAC Cosmetics to open Impact Kitchen despite neither of them having previous restaurant experience. Since then, Impact Kitchen has grown quickly, opening 4 more locations in Toronto.
The future looked bright, but then came the pandemic forcing them to close their doors indefinitely. How did they survive? Listen to find out.
You can learn more about Impact Kitchen at impactkitchen.ca.
Downunder Travel
This week Al goes downunder in downtown Toronto when he visits with Jason Webb from Downunder Travel. Jason and his team have been helping travelers get from Canada to Australia and the South Pacific and back since 2004.
Business got off to a strong start for Jason and his team, but the travel industry can be quite a turbulent one…so to speak. Pilot strikes, airline closures, terrorist attacks, can all threaten to put you out of business.
Downunder Travel managed to survive all challenges thrown at them, but none of these would come close to preparing them for what was about to happen to the world in 2020.
How did they survive? Listen to find out.
You can learn more about Downunder Travel at downunder-travel.com.
Stylephotos
This week Al is in Concord, Ontario visiting twin brothers Khasan and Husan, the owners of Stylephotos, the #1 eCommerce photography service in Canada.
Khasan and Husan started out looking for ways to improve the quality of the photography for their family’s eCommerce fashion store and ended up building a fully automated in-house production studio boasting some pretty impressive clients!
How were they able to turn their need into a self-funded tech-startup with no background in photography? Listen and find out.
You can learn more about Stylephotos at stylephotos.ca.
Lakeside Dog Biscuits
This week Al is in Kingston, Ontario to meet Laurie Hannah, the owner of Lakeside Dog Biscuits.
20 years ago, Laurie’s Golden retriever became ill from eating commercial dog food, so Laurie set out to create natural, healthy treats for her pets and thus created Lakeside Dog Biscuits
Today Laurie is retired from her career as a social worker and running her dog biscuit business full time. But how has the pandemic and high inflation affected her business?
Listen to find out.
You can learn more about Lakeside Dog Biscuits at lakesidedogbiscuits.com.
Matriarch
In this episode Al goes to Kitchener, Ontario to visit Ankush Raina, owner of Matriarch.
Ankush moved to Canada from India in 2018. His ultimate goal was to start his own business, something he’s been dreaming about since he was a teenager. Everything he’s done since arriving in Canada was with that goal in mind. He turned that intense focus into Matriarch, an online activewear brand. The name is a tribute to his grandmother.
But with limited experience in clothing manufacturing and an impending pandemic that would shut down all gyms for an indefinite period, would Ankush’s focus and work ethic be enough to pull Matriarch through?
Listen to find out.
You can learn more about Matriarch at thematriarch.ca.
In the Season 3 premier of ‘Yes, We Are Open’ Al goes to Port Sydney, Ontario to visit Heather Huff-Bogart, Owner of The Green Bouquet Cannabis Inc.
Heather opened her dream business in the middle of the pandemic lockdown. In addition, she had to navigate the restrictive and ever-changing regulations in Ontario’s cannabis industry, overcome objections from her own family and friends and even some of her own neighbours.
How did she do it? Listen to find out.
You can learn more about The Green Bouquet Cannabis Inc. at thegreenbouquetcannabis.com.
‘Yes, We Are Open’ Season 3 Teaser
Season 3 of 'Yes, We Are Open' starts October 3rd, 2022!
Here is a little teaser for the upcoming season.
Subscribe now wherever you get your podcasts to hear them as they publish each week!
It’s About Community
In the season finale of ‘Yes, We Are Open’ Al visits Parry Sound Friendship Centre in Parry Sound, Ontario.
He speaks with the Executive Director Delores McKay about the origins of the community centre and all the great work they’ve done to support Parry Sound’s indigenous community.
Like all business, the Friendship Centre has gone through many struggles. Find out how they overcame those struggles and what the future looks like.
You can learn more about Parry Sound Friendship Centre at psfc.ca.
Credits:
- Duri Alajrami - Leadership
- Amy Maraone - Leadership
- Rick Stephan - Leadership
- Mat Belanger – Moneris Ad Voiceover
- Kelly Servos – Merchant Liaison
- Caleigh Ellis – Graphic Artist
- Jameson Di Nucci – Webmaster
- Mallory McWhirther – Social Media
- Tanya Nagi – Social Media
- Kelly Foss - Promotion Consultant
- Emma Swan – Internal Communications
- Farnaz Yaqubian – Internal Communications
- Charlotte Lyons – Intern
- Zino Obi-Egbedi – PM
- David Litwin – Reviewer
- Darren Leroux – Reviewer
- Jessica Lepage – Translation
- Pascale Dumas-Bresse – Translation
- Pao-Lan Ladouceur – Translation
- Melanie Bell – Translation
- Mateo Sanchez – Translation
- Gladys Bagang – Logistics & Admin
- The rest of the Moneris for their support!
Raise a Glass!
Al’s final stop on his trip to BC is to South Burnaby and Studio Brewing where he speaks with Kathryn McKinney, General Manager at Studio Brewing.
Staying small and becoming part of the community and brewing great beer was the goal. Kathryn talks about the challenges Studio Brewing faced opening in Burnaby during a pandemic. How did they do it? Listen to their story now.
You can learn more about Studio Brewing at studiobrewing.ca.
It’s About Balance
Al speaks with Aneta Pietruszko, co-owner of Power Yoga Canada in Burlington, Ontario.
Aneta talks about how she started practicing yoga to help with her anxiety and ended up owning and running her own studio, first in New York City, then back home in Burtlington. Listen to how she did it, and how she managed through the pandemic.
You can learn more about Power Yoga Canada at poweryogacanada.com.
This Episode Is A Beauty!
Al’s next stop in BC takes him to Burnaby and Meraki Beauty Bar, where owner Michelle Tran and her award-winning staff are committed to making you feel and look great!
Michelle left a promising career in finance—a tough sell to her Asian immigrant parents—to make a go of it on her own as a business owner. Listen to how she did it, while also navigating the pandemic. You won’t want to miss this one!
You can learn more about Meraki Beauty Bar at merakibeautybar.ca.
You’ll Get A Kick Out Of This One!
This week Al is back in Toronto on the west border of Little Italy to speak with Vic Granic, Sensei and founder of SuperKick Karate.
This is literally not your father’s Dojo. Superkick is focused on the young members of their community. Vic isn’t interested in teaching your kids how to fight, he wants to teach them self-confidence, leadership skills, and fitness. What happens when all that is taken away because of a pandemic? Listen to this episode to find out.
You can learn more about SuperKick Karate at granicsensei.com.
This week Al visits Kerrisdale Village, a popular Vancouver neighbourhood known for their shops and restaurants. He meets Winson Ho, General Manager of one of the newer additions to this neighbourhood Jess’ Restaurant and Bar.
Combining opulence and luxury with casual dining may seem counter-intuitive, but Jess’ manages to pull it off. How they were able to open for business during a pandemic? How were they able to whether not one, but two complete staff turn-overs in the process? Listen to find out.
You can learn more about Jess’ Restaurant and Bar at https://jessrestaurant.ca.
Al visits with Aisling Whitaker and Anand Iyer, owners of Bitehaus Toronto Dental, a contemporary dental clinic in St. Clair West Village.
Founded in 2018, Bitehaus prides themselves on offering a thoughtful stress-free dental experience. This year (2022) they opened their second location in uptown Toronto.
How was Bitehaus able to, not only survive the pandemic, but actually thrive to the point where they were able to expand while other business’ failed? Listen to find out.
You can learn more about Bitehaus Toronto Dental Clinic at https://bitehaus.ca.
In the Season 2 premier of ‘Yes, We Are Open’ Al goes to Coquitlam BC to visit Danielle Poggi (she/they), Owner and President of Climb Base5, a pair of indoor rock climbing gyms in the Greater Vancouver area.
Climb Base5 has been the indoor climber’s premiere choice in Vancouver since 2002, but gyms were some of the hardest hit businesses during the pandemic. How did Climb Base5 navigate the lockdown and all the restrictions? Listen to find out.
You can learn more about Climb Base5 at https://climbbase5.com
If you're the owner of a small business in Canada and you'd like us to help tell your story, email us at podcast@moneris.com.
Yes, We Are Open is a Moneris Podcast Production hosted by Al Grego.
Credits:
- Amy Maraone - Leadership
- Rick Stephan - Leadership
- Mat Belanger – Moneris Ad Voiceover
- Kelly Servos – Merchant Liaison
- Caleigh Ellis – Graphic Artist
- Jameson Di Nucci – Webmaster
- Mallory McWhirther – Organic Social
- Tanya Nagi – Paid Social
- Emma Swan – Internal Communications
- Zino Obi-egbedi – PM
- David Litwin – Reviewer
- Darren Leroux – Reviewer
- Jessica Lepage – Translation
- Pascale Dumas-Bresse – Translation
- Gladys Bagang – Logistics & Admin
- The rest of the Moneris for their support!
Season 2 of 'Yes, We Are Open starts April 2022!
In this season, Al heads to B.C. in search of new stories about small Canadian businesses and their perseverance.
Subscribe now to hear them as they publish each week!
In the season 1 Finale of ‘Yes, We Are open’, Al visits The Ontario Blue Jays, an amateur baseball organization who’s objective is to develop young baseball players and prepare them for the collegiate and pro levels.
Entering their 25th season, OBJ has become an internationally recognized baseball program, but what happens when all organized sport is forced to shut down for over a year? Listen to find out.
You can find out even more about The Ontario Blue Jays at https://www.objbaseball.com/
If you're the owner of a small business in Canada and you'd like us to help tell your story, email us at podcast@moneris.com.
Yes, We Are Open is a Moneris Podcast Production hosted by Al Grego.
Credits:
- Amy Maraone - Leadership
- Rick Stephan - Leadership
- Mat Belanger – Moneris Ad Voiceover
- Kelly Servos – Merchant Liaison
- Caleigh Ellis – Graphic Artist
- Jameson Di Nucci – Webmaster
- Beverly Wooding – Organic Social
- Anita Matte Heshmatzadeh – Paid Social
- Emma Swan – Internal Communications
- Sasha Abrams – PM
- Kathleen Kennedy – Copyrighter
- David Litwin – Reviewer
- Darren Leroux – Reviewer
- Catherine Vendryes – Reviewer
- Gill Fruchter – Legal
- Jessica Lepage – Translation
- Pascale Dumas-Bresse – Translation
- Gladys Bagang – Logistics & Admin
- The rest of the Moneris for their support!
Al visits Bob Roy, owner of PBR Auctions in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.
A successful 30-year old business, PBR Auctions faced its greatest challenge when the pandemic made it impossible to hold live in-person auctions. How did they pivot? Will moving everything online save the business?
You can find out even more about PBR Auctions at https://www.pbrauctions.com/
If you're the owner of a small business in Canada and you'd like us to help tell your story, email us at podcast@moneris.com.
Yes, We Are Open is a Moneris Podcast Production hosted by Al Grego.
Al visits Tia Small, owner of Valley Online in Grand Valley, Ontario.
After taking a leap of faith from a stable career in property management to running her own business, Tia faces the weighty challenge of growing her new business in a pandemic while learning as she goes. How is she doing? Listen now to find out.
You can find out even more about Valley Online at https://www.valleyonline.ca
If you're the owner of a small business in Canada and you'd like us to help tell your story, email us at podcast@moneris.com.
Yes, We Are Open is a Moneris Podcast Production hosted by Al Grego.
Al visits The Grist Craft Kitchen & Brewery in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario.
Owners Rob and Danielle put everything on the line including their home and savings to follow Rob’s dream of opening a restaurant and brewery in their hometown. After 3 long years of construction delays, and with a pandemic still wreaking havoc on the food service industry, The Grist finally opened their doors this past June. How did they do? Listen now to find out.
You can find out even more about The Grist at http://www.thegrist.ca.
If you're the owner of a small business in Canada and you'd like us to help tell your story, email us at podcast@moneris.com.
Yes, We Are Open is a Moneris Podcast Production hosted by Al Grego.
Al visits with Joshua MacGowan, owner of Supplement World Canada, a Saskatchewan-based chain of supplement stores.
The biggest challenge for any new business is making a name for yourself in a competitive industry. Joshua was successful once, but then was forced to make the difficult decision to start all over again with a new brand. How did he do? Listen now to find out.
You can find out even more about Supplement World Canada at www.supplementworldcanada.com.
If you're the owner of a small business in Canada and you'd like us to help tell your story, email us at podcast@moneris.com.
Yes, We Are Open is a Moneris Podcast Production hosted by Al Grego.
We connected with the Peace Collective team about their journey from relative unknown to a Toronto staple worn by some of the city's biggest athletes and their fans. But hype doesn't always equal success during a pandemic, especially with sports on hold, so how did they pivot to get where they are today? Listen now to find out.
You can find out even more about Peace Collective at https://www.peace-collective.com/
If you're the owner of a small business in Canada and you'd like us to help tell your story, email us at podcast@moneris.com.
Yes, We Are Open is a Moneris Podcast Production hosted by Al Grego.
Saunders Electric is a family operation through and through, so we connected with them to learn their secrets to juggling commitments to a booming business while continuing to support each other. Their future looks brighter than ever with construction projects booming once again, but is a passing of the torch in the cards for the family patriarch? Listen now to find out.
You can find out even more about Saunders Electric at https://www.saunderselectricltd.ca/.
If you're the owner of a small business in Canada and you'd like us to help tell your story, email us at podcast@moneris.com.
Yes, We Are Open is a Moneris Podcast Production hosted by Al Grego.
Al visits the team at The Athlete Matrix to talk about their baseball beginnings and how they grew to support athletes across a number of sports, notably volleyball, basketball and gymnastics, before the pandemic hit. What did they do to pivot their business in the face of lockdowns? Listen to find out.
You can find out even more about The Athlete Matrix at https://www.theathletematrix.com/home.
If you're the owner of a small business in Canada and you'd like us to help tell your story, email us at podcast@moneris.com.
Yes, We Are Open is a Moneris Podcast Production hosted by Al Grego.
Small business is the backbone of Canada’s economy, but it isn’t for the faint of heart. Every year in Canada tens of thousands of businesses are born, however every year almost the same number fail. A lot can be learned from failure, but that’s just sad and depressing.
“Yes, We Are Open” is a podcast that tells the stories of those that survive. How did they do it? What can we learn? Al Grego, of Moneris travels the country to tell these stories of challenge and perseverance. Whether you’re a small business owner yourself, or you’re thinking of starting one someday, these cautionary and motivational stories will provide you with the lessons and inspiration to help you on your way.
If you're the owner of a small business in Canada and you'd like us to help tell your story, email us at podcast@moneris.com.
Yes, We Are Open is a Moneris Podcast Production hosted by Al Grego.