Business

Invest in yourself! Tracking, planning and marketing are the keys to success

Bryan Macaulay is a visual storyteller. Since his father opened Village Studio in 1977, Bryan has been providing timeless photography to Grimsby and the Niagara area. His experiences over the last 30 years in the business have been life-changing. His entrepreneurial resolve, drive, and creativity have allowed him to pivot the business which has kept it healthy.


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How to smell out a good deal when buying a business

Today, our guest is Trevor Van Heemert. After briefly attempting employment in his early 20s, Trevor resigned with no plan and bought a $150 bike trailer for scooping up merch from street-side free piles for consignment. That fateful purchase led to the offer to take over a struggling bicycle-based compost pickup operation in Victoria called Pedal to Petal. He brought it from decrepitude into a brief golden age, before the City brought its own taxpayer-funded compost trucks in to crush all the green waste operators out of business. Undiscouraged, Trevor launched his bucket website FiveGallonIdeas.com to showcase dozens of repurpose projects for the countless buckets in his now useless business inventory. Having established a pattern of redeeming struggling enterprises, Trevor was presented with an opportunity to buy an arcade manufacturer in Vancouver. After a grueling negotiation process, he and his business partner took possession of the 13-year-old salvage operation in April 2024.


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Exploring the Transition: From Corporate to Entrepreneurial Drive

Kim Tabac is a dynamic business executive with over 25 years of experience designing and executing people & culture strategies for leading organizations across various industries. Best known for building high-performing teams, designing game-changing employee engagement strategies, developing differentiated and irresistible employee experiences, delivering highly valued health & wellness programs, and driving the adoption of innovation and technology to disrupt traditional HR practices.

This interview helps us understand the migration from corporate to entrepreneurial drive… it’s quite refreshing. In Kim’s words, “I think there is something that that is unique about somebody who is an entrepreneur. And those are people who aren’t just gonna settle for what’s available. They either have an idea or they have a solution. And they wanna make an impact. They wanna make a change. And they know that they can make that change. They can leave that change. It takes a whole bunch of confidence, obviously a lot of support, and a lot of resilience.”


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How We Gather Matters: The New Formula for Purpose-Driven Events to Create More Impact and Less Waste

Leor Rotchild is an author, speaker, and consultant with 20 years of sustainable business experience.

Leor is the Senior Director at Upswing Solutions, a B Corp-certified boutique consulting firm where he supports government and private sector clients to decarbonize their supply chains, address human rights risks, and deeply integrate purpose and sustainability into their core strategies.

Leor’s background includes leading a national association called Canadian Business for Social Responsibility and co-founder of a sustainable events company called Do It Green.

In his new book, entitled How We Gather Matters, Leor makes the case for better utilizing major events as a powerful platform for societal change and lays out a blueprint for a more purposeful, inclusive and sustainable approach to bringing people together.


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On a mission to reshape the pretzel experience

Ashley Ehmann is the Co-Founder of TWIGZ Pretzels. Formally trained as a teacher, she enjoys the daily unique challenges that entrepreneurship brings. Ashley is passionate about building community, and is excited about using TWIGZ to empower others, and grow the brand into a household name across Canada.


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True innovation springs from unwavering dedication

Meet Matt Dee, an unconventional serial entrepreneur propelled by innovation with a self-taught mastery in sales, marketing, and design. He’s left an indelible mark, notably shaping the credit card payment system in the early 2000’s that we still use today, thriving in diverse ventures from early car sales from his parents driveway to professional music. Currently, he’s on the verge of launching a pioneering boat rental business alongside an adult card game concept, fueled by renewed determination. Despite recent setbacks, he finds solace in nature and draws strength from his close-knit circle. Matt Dee embodies resilience, showcasing the transformative power of passion and perseverance in the entrepreneurial journey. His story is a beacon of inspiration, reminding us that setbacks are merely stepping stones on the path to success, and true innovation springs from unwavering dedication and an unyielding spirit.


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The Savvy Socialite empowering small businesses to flourish on social media

Carolynne Scoffield, known as the “Savvy Socialite,” has made her mark in Calgary’s marketing sphere, defying the setbacks of a serious facial injury sustained due to a Rottweiler attack to become the Marketing Director at Arlington Street Investments. A decade-long career path through social media has culminated in a widely followed blog, amassing over 180,000 hits at its zenith. Now, she applies her seasoned skills in SEO, analytics, and strategic marketing campaigns across platforms like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok.

Equally esteemed in academia, Carolynne boasts a Business Administration Diploma with a focus on Digital Marketing from Bow Valley College. Her academic prowess is underscored by a second-place victory in the Dean’s Alberta Business Case Competition and the Jason Lang Scholarship award. Concurrently, she’s the entrepreneur behind Savvy Socialite, where she empowers small businesses to flourish on social media through community-focused organic growth techniques.

Above her professional triumphs, Carolynne treasures motherhood as her crowning achievement. Her daughter represents the pinnacle of joy and inspiration, serving as a pillar of strength and motivation in Carolynne’s life, driving her to be an unstoppable force in her industry.


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Craft a Clear North Star: Align Your Business Around Mission and Vision for Entrepreneurial Success!

Mick Lautt is an established entrepreneur, currently serving as the co-founder and CEO of SciMar Ltd. As CEO, Mick leads a family-driven business and a team of scientists, business development professionals, and investment relations specialists in developing and unveiling a new scientific approach for the prevention, detection, and treatment of type 2 diabetes. Under Mick’s leadership, SciMar has attracted over 100 investors and developed SciMar NuPa Test, a proprietary diagnostic test meal now in clinical trials.


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Unconventional Lessons for Becoming an Unstoppable Entrepreneur

Mike Fata co-founded Manitoba Harvest Hemp Foods in 1998. From 1998 to 2016, he ran all aspects of the company as Chairman of the Board and CEO. In February 2019 Mike helped guide the strategic sale of Manitoba Harvest to Tilray for $419 million dollars.

Mike has dedicated over 25 years studying and practicing natural health, starting in 1995 when he made the life changing decision to lose over 100lbs, and go from 300lbs to his current 180Lbs. He has gained an excellent knowledge of human anatomy, diet, nutrition and natural health lifestyle. Mike is a best-selling author, a keynote speaker, and has been featured on various media countless times regarding natural health, nutrition, hemp foods, organic agriculture, sustainable business, entrepreneurship and mentorship.

Mike has won numerous awards;

  • Young Entrepreneur of the Year (2004)
  • Socially Responsible Business Award (2006)
  • The Lorax Award (2006)
  • Top 40 under 40 (2008)
  • Company of the Year (2010)
  • CHFA Organic Achievement Award (2010)
  • Spirit of Winnipeg Award (2014)
  • Nutrition Business Journal Education Award (2014)
  • CME Emerging Business Award (2014)
  • EY Entrepreneur of the Year (2014)
  • MFPA Presidents Award (2016)
  • OTA Organic Rising Star Award (2016)
  • Top 100 Health Influencers (2017)
  • John Holtmann Leadership Award (2021)

In February of 2022, as Chairman of the Board Mike completed his third nine figure exit deal with the acquisition of Sol Cuisine by Plant Plus Foods for $125mm cash.

Mike is currently Chief Executive Officer of Fata & Associates, Chairman of the Board of Nuts For Cheese, Global Growth Advisor for Mid-Day Squares, Lifetime Member (Past Chairman) of the Canadian Health Food Association (CHFA), Lifetime Member (Past Chairman) of Young Presidents Organization (YPO) and investor/advisor to a portfolio of companies.

Mike is a homeschooling father, certified holistic health coach and avid backyard organic farmer. In his free time he enjoys coaching and mentoring natural products industry entrepreneurs. In 2021 Mike launched www.fatafleishman.org a free mass mentorship toolbox for CPG entrepreneurs.

Mike hosts the Founder to Mentor podcast (a top 5% global podcast), connecting you with world class founders to inspire your personal and professional growth. https://www.mikefata.ca/podcast.

Mike’s best-selling book Grow: 12 Unconventional Lessons for Becoming an Unstoppable Entrepreneur released in March 2023.


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The crucial element of entrepreneurial success – an unyielding passion for one’s chosen venture

Moufeed Kaddoura has a diverse work experience spanning different industries and roles. In 2012, they worked as a Laboratory Assistant at the University of Waterloo, managing a project and gaining valuable skills in time management, planning, and project management. In 2013, they served as a Laboratory Analyst at SGS. In 2014, they were the CEO and Founder of Kenota Health, where they raised $16M and assembled a skilled management team. In the same year, they also worked as a Velocity Science Coach at the University of Waterloo, mentoring science startups and aspiring entrepreneurs. Additionally, they were a Residence Life Don, responsible for creating a safe and supportive environment for students. Overall, Moufeed Kaddoura has demonstrated their leadership, entrepreneurial, and scientific skills throughout their work experience.
In the course of the interview, the conversation delved into the entrepreneurial insights of Moufeed Kaddoura. The emphasis was on a crucial element of entrepreneurial success – an unyielding passion for one’s chosen venture. Throughout the discussion, Moufeed underscored the importance of finding a passion that consumes one’s thoughts and actions, highlighting the pivotal role that genuine love for the chosen path plays in sustaining long-term commitment.
Moufeed Kaddoura has a diverse education history. In 2016, they attended Y Combinator and pursued Entrepreneurship/Entrepreneurial Studies, completing the S16 program. Before that, they studied at the University of Waterloo from 2010 to 2015, obtaining a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree. Unfortunately, their field of study during their undergraduate years is not specified. Additionally, in November 2012, Moufeed Kaddoura obtained a certification in CPR Level A + AED. Further details about the institution providing this certification are not available.
Moufeed articulately expressed a deep connection between personal passion and its broader societal impact, contending that the true brilliance of scientific achievements lies in their tangible benefits to people. As Moufeed’s entrepreneurial journey unfolded, they shared insights into their pivotal role in establishing a health company, emphasizing the mission to bridge the gap between scientific innovation and practical application in healthcare settings.

Ultimately, Moufeed’s entrepreneurial narrative revolves around an unwavering commitment to bringing science and innovation to the forefront of clinical practice, all driven by a profound love for the meaningful work they engage in.


Entrepreneurs are the backbone of Canada’s economy. To support Canada’s businesses, subscribe to our YouTube channel and follow us on FacebookInstagramLinkedIn and Twitter.

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