This Commerce Life

From Rescue Horses to Retail: Building Topline Feed and Farm Supply in Rural Ontario Feb 03, 2026

When Vikki decided to rescue horses with no teeth, she didn't realize it would lead to opening a thriving feed and farm supply business.

In this episode, Vikki and her husband Rob share how Topline Feed and Farm Supply started as a way to "supplement the horses" and evolved into a community hub in Tavistock, Ontario. From navigating the challenges of rural retail and competing with big-box stores to giving back through hospice visits and youth programs, this Ontario Made award-nominated business proves that passion, ADHD-fueled entrepreneurship, and a lot of hard work can build something special.

Plus, we talk about the realities of running a brick-and-mortar store, the importance of doubling down on Canadian entrepreneurship, and why rescuing horses is way cooler than anyone expected.

Find Topline feed here: https://www.toplinefeeds.com/home

thank you to Haddas and Rebecca at Ontario made for connecting us with Vicki and Rob. https://supportontariomade.ca/

Thank you to LGDF Wholesale for sponsoring this episode. https://www.lgdfwholesale.com/

From Salt Spring Island to Small-Town Retail: Angela Donnelly on Running Raise the Root Organic Market Jan 27, 2026

From Salt Spring Island to Small-Town Retail: Angela Donnelly on Running Raise the Root Organic Market

Angela Donnelly, founder of Raise the Root Organic Market in Caledon, Ontario, shares her journey from working on her parents' mobile produce truck on Salt Spring Island to opening her own natural foods store. Angela talks about learning the produce business at Vancouver's terminal markets, the transition from hippie back-to-the-landers to strategic retailer, and the harsh realities of competing against grocery giants in 2025.

Find Raise the Root here: https://www.raisetheroot.ca/

You can find Angela on Linkedin here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-donnelly-3a73123a/

Thank you to Haddas and Rebecca at Ontario Made for connecting us.

Thank you to LGDF Wholesale for sponsoring this episode. You can find them at https://www.lgdfwholesale.com/

From Zero Research to 175 Stores: Building Peak Beverage Co.'s Premium Fruit Soda Brand Jan 20, 2026

Andrew Warburton from Peak Beverage Co. joins Phil and Kenny to share his journey building a premium fruit soda brand in BC's competitive beverage market. From launching with minimal research to now being in 175+ stores across Western Canada, Andrew opens up about the realities of scaling a local CPG brand.

In this conversation, you'll hear about Peak's channel strategy—why food service and wineries have been their sweet spot, how Amazon opened up eastern markets without expensive direct-to-consumer shipping, and the importance of staying connected to customers through farmer's markets and demos. Andrew discusses navigating distributor relationships, managing seasonal fluctuations in the food and beverage industry, and why understanding your consumer and picking your spots matters more than being everywhere.

Whether you're launching a beverage brand or scaling a local food product, Andrew's honest, practical approach to building Peak Beverage Co. offers valuable lessons on entrepreneurship, distribution strategy, and staying true to your brand.

Thank you to LGDF Wholesale for sponsoring this episode. You can find them at: www.lgdfwholesale.com

You can find Andrew at https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewwarburt0n/

Check out Peak Beverage here: https://www.drinkpeak.ca/

Buy it on Amazon here:
Apple Rhubarb: https://a.co/d/eRoHXAP

Haskap Lemonade: https://a.co/d/iXhD0XY

Tell us which one is your favourite here: https://www.instagram.com/thiscommercelife/

Building Canada's Next Generation of Retail Leaders with Dr. Janice Rudkowski Jan 13, 2026

Building Canada's Next Generation of Retail Leaders with Dr. Janice Rudkowski

Ever wonder where retail professionals actually learn their craft? Dr. Janice Rudkowski from Toronto Metropolitan University's School of Retail Management joins Phil and Kenny to discuss Canada's only undergraduate degree program dedicated exclusively to retail education. From merchandise planning and supply chain logistics to experiential learning with industry partners, Janice reveals how TMU is preparing students for careers across the entire retail ecosystem—from fashion buying at Sephora and Lululemon to emerging food retail opportunities. The conversation explores the evolution of Canadian grocery retail, the importance of regional players like Sobeys and Metro, and why hands-on industry connections are critical for developing the next generation of retail talent. If you've ever wondered how to bridge the gap between academic theory and real-world retail execution, this episode is for you.

Find Dr Rudkowski here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janicerudkowski/

Thank you to Field Agent Canada for their support: https://www.fieldagentcanada.com/

Challenge to Success: How Market 49 Fine Foods is Revolutionizing Frozen Meals in BC Jan 06, 2026

Bryan from Market 49 Fine Foods joins Phil and Kenny to share the story of how a COVID-era side hustle for bored chefs turned into a thriving frozen meal business that's redefining quality in the freezer aisle.

What started as cooking for friends and family who couldn't or wouldn't cook has grown into a multi-location operation across BC's Lower Mainland. Bryan opens up about his culinary journey that began out of challenge (pushing back against his mom's lunches as a kid), his 100+ years of combined chef experience with his partners, and why they saw a massive gap in the frozen food market.

In this conversation, you'll hear about Market 49's unique approach to premium frozen meals, their strategic distribution through independent retailers like Williams and Urban Fare, their pop-up model testing new markets, and the challenges of scaling a food business while maintaining chef-quality standards. Bryan also shares insights on pricing strategy, the realities of running a commercial kitchen, why they've avoided the Big 3 grocery chains, and how they're building a loyal customer base across Vancouver, Surrey, Burnaby, and beyond.

Whether you're a food entrepreneur looking to break into retail, curious about the frozen food category, or just want to understand how small brands grow in Canada's competitive CPG landscape, this episode delivers practical insights and real talk about building a food business from the ground up.

Check out Market 49 here: https://market49.ca/

Find Bryan here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-swartz-936a122b0/

From Quebec Grains to World-Class Spirits: The Dunrobin Distilleries Story Dec 30, 2025

From Quebec Grains to World-Class Spirits: The Dunrobin Distilleries Story

Adrian from Dunrobin Distilleries joins Phil and Kenny to share the fascinating journey of building one of Eastern Ontario's premier craft distilleries. Located halfway between Ottawa and Montreal, Dunrobin has carved out a unique position in Canadian spirits by sourcing local Quebec grains and building a vertically integrated operation from farming to finished product.

Find Adrian here:https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrianspitzer/?originalSubdomain=ca

Shop for Dunrobin here: http://dunrobindistilleries.com/

Thank you to Field Agent Canada for supporting the podcast : https://www.fieldagentcanada.com/

The Business of Boxes: Inside Commercial Packaging with Glenmore Printing Dec 23, 2025

James Rowley of Glenmore Printing pulls back the curtain on the commercial packaging industry, revealing how commodity price volatility, tariff uncertainty, and consolidation are reshaping the business. James shares his philosophy on being a true partner to food brands—absorbing cost pressures, providing strategic guidance beyond just printing boxes, and helping smaller players navigate market opportunities.

Find James here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-rowley-8800ab15/

Check out the studio here: https://www.glenmorecustomprint.com/

Shout out to: https://beststudio.ca/

Thank you to Field Agent Canada for supporting the podcast: https://www.fieldagentcanada.com/

We catch up with Sonia Strobel, Co-Founder & CEO Of Skipper Otto - Canada's Largest Community-Supported Fishery Dec 16, 2025

We catch up with Sonia Strobel, Co-Founder & CEO Of Skipper Otto - Canada's Largest Community-Supported Fishery

Skipper Otto has cracked the code on sustainable, traceable seafood in Canada. Co-founder and CEO Sonia Strobel joins us to share how their community-supported fishery model has grown to serve 8,000 members across the country—and why they finally made the leap into home delivery.

In this conversation, Sonia walks us through the careful, deliberate expansion that's defined Skipper Otto's growth: from community pickup locations at 100+ partners nationwide to launching home delivery in Ontario, Quebec, BC, and Alberta. She explains the logistics challenges they solved (spoiler: dry ice is key), why they operate their own boat in False Creek, and how pre-purchasing shares in the catch guarantees living wages for 45 fishing families while ensuring customers get the freshest, most sustainable seafood possible.

Whether you're curious about alternative food systems, direct-to-consumer distribution, or building a values-driven food business that actually works, this episode offers a masterclass in patient, purposeful scaling.

TOPICS DISCUSSED:

The community-supported fishery model and how it works
Expanding from pickup locations to nationwide home delivery
Solving frozen delivery logistics across Canadian climates
Operating their own fishing vessel and processing facility
Building trust through complete supply chain transparency
Balancing growth with quality and sustainability values

Visit skipperotto.com to learn more about their membership model and home delivery options.

Thank you to Field Agent Canada for supporting the podcast https://www.fieldagentcanada.com/

Mushroom Gummies and Market Strategy: How Mycelyum is rethinking functional wellness Dec 09, 2025

We sit down with Joy Dutcher, co-founder of Mycelyum, to explore how she turned a personal journey with ADHD and functional mushrooms into an innovative Canadian wellness brand. Joy shares the origin story of discovering lion's mane and chaga mushrooms through her partner Jimmy's background in traditional Chinese medicine, and why they chose the gummy format over powders and capsules.

Check out Mycelyum here: https://mycelyum.com/

Find Joy here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joydutcher/

Thank you to Field Agent Canada for supporting the podcast: https://www.fieldagentcanada.com/

Not Too Sweet: Building a Better-For-You Beverage Brand on Vancouver Island Dec 02, 2025

Elaine and Cam, the founders behind Not Too Sweet Drinks, join Phil and Kenny to share their journey of creating a sparkling beverage brand that's actually not too sweet. Recording from Phil's car during CHFA prep with special guests Lara and Christine from Munching on Molecules, this episode captures the authentic story of Vancouver Island entrepreneurs who are redefining the sparkling drink category.

From their backgrounds in engineering and graphic design to launching a beverage company during a pandemic, Elaine and Cam discuss the challenges of building distribution across BC, managing cash flow with direct store delivery, and staying focused on sustainable growth. They open up about their mentorship with industry veteran Greg Tolazzi, the decision to stay local rather than rush into broader retail expansion, and why they're committed to keeping manufacturing on the island.

With products ranging from lychee to ginger beer, Not Too Sweet has built a loyal following through farmers markets, independent retailers, and word-of-mouth. This conversation covers the realities of beverage entrepreneurship, the importance of community support, and why sometimes the best growth strategy is knowing when not to scale too fast.

Find Not Too Sweet at @not2sweetdrinks on Instagram or visit www.not2sweetdrinks.ca

thank you to Field Agent Canada for supporting the podcast https://www.fieldagentcanada.com/

From Corporate to Coach: Sarah Kinlin's Journey of Grit, Grace & Goals Nov 25, 2025

Sarah Kinlin returns to This Commerce Life two and a half years after her first appearance, and the transformation is remarkable. What started as a tentative step toward professional speaking has evolved into a thriving business as a mindset and leadership coach, author, and professional hockey coach.

In this heartfelt conversation, Sarah shares her journey from leaving Johnson & Johnson to building a multi-faceted career centered on helping others go from tired and overwhelmed to rested and focused. She discusses writing her book "Grit, Grace & Goals" – a tribute to her late fathhttps://sarahkinlin.com/pages/grit-grace-mindset-coachinger's leadership lessons from raising nine kids while working at a nuclear station – and how her own childhood shaped her approach to coaching young athletes and business leaders alike.

Sarah opens up about the grief recovery work that led to her book, the unexpected success of her book tour, coaching U15 girls' hockey, and the challenges of entrepreneurship. From meditation practices to managing hockey teams to running leadership workshops, this episode captures the reality of building a purpose-driven business while staying true to your values.

Whether you're considering a career transition, navigating the loneliness of entrepreneurship, or looking for inspiration on how to turn life lessons into impact, Sarah's story offers practical wisdom wrapped in authenticity.

This is Sarah's original podcast episode (episode 314) https://this-commerce-life-fb5a846c.simplecast.com/episodes/we-meet-a-fan-become-fans-sarah-kinlin-will-be-a-world-reknowned-speaker-coach-and-educator-were-proud-to-be-her-first-podcast

Check out Sarah's website here: https://sarahkinlin.com/pages/grit-grace-mindset-coaching

Thank you to Field Agent Canada for supporting the podcast: https://www.fieldagentcanada.com/

Shannon & Sarah: Two "Sisters" Building a Smarter Homeopathy Brand with Curated Medicine Kits Nov 18, 2025

Shannon and Sarah, Naturopathic Doctors from Guelph, Ontario, are reimagining homeopathy for modern retail. In this episode, they share how they're solving the complexity problem in the homeopathy category by offering curated kits instead of overwhelming individual SKUs.

They discuss their journey from festivals to CHFA, their strategic approach to pricing, navigating Health Canada regulations, and why their next move might be Europe or Asia before conquering traditional Canadian pharmacy chains. Plus, hear about the unique advantages of being sisters in business—and the challenges of selling a category that struggles with mainstream press but has devoted believers.

Check out Hawthorn Homeopathics here: https://hawthornhomeopathics.com/

Thank you to Field Agent Canada for supporting the podcast. https://www.fieldagentcanada.com/

Breaking Into Canadian Retail with Simran Kaur Nov 11, 2025

Join Phil and Kenny as they hit the road with Simran Kaur, Sales Manager for Western Canada at Chiba Organics, for an unfiltered conversation about navigating the Canadian CPG and retail landscape.

From her start handling national accounts for McDonald's and Starbucks at Zomato in Delhi to building relationships with independent grocers across Western Canada, Simran shares hard-earned wisdom about what it really takes to succeed in this business. Recorded on a marathon road trip, this episode dives into the realities of selling into retail: managing out-of-stocks honestly, building authentic store relationships, understanding that it's never about you—it's about helping stores serve their customers better, and why owning your mistakes is non-negotiable.

Whether you're breaking into the industry, managing accounts, or just trying to understand how products make it onto shelves, this conversation delivers practical insights and real talk about the challenges and rewards of life in Canadian retail and CPG.

You can find Simran here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaur-mansimran/

In case you're interested in working with Jiva Organics: https://www.jivaorganics.ca/

Thank you to Field Agent Canada for supporting the podcast https://www.fieldagentcanada.com/

Eye-Friendly Beauty: How an Optometrist is Revolutionizing Cosmetics with Dr. Nieka Sabeti Nov 04, 2025

What if your makeup routine is secretly harming your eye health? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Nieka Sabeti, a practicing optometrist and founder of CHESHMA, a groundbreaking line of eye-friendly cosmetics. After countless patients broke down in her exam room—struggling with dry eye disease caused by cosmetics and feeling they had to choose between their appearance and their eye health—Dr. Neeka had a middle-of-the-night revelation that changed everything.

Discover why most cosmetics aren't as eye-safe as you'd think, how proper makeup removal can dramatically improve eye health, and what drove this optometrist to become an entrepreneur. Dr. Neeka shares her journey from chemistry undergrad to eye doctor to beauty brand founder, including why she drove labs crazy with her extensive testing requirements (way beyond Health Canada's standards).

We dive deep into the connection between cosmetics and dry eye disease, the importance of proper eye hygiene, and why education is at the core of changing both consumer behavior and industry standards. Plus, hear the co-hosts debate the challenges of building awareness for health-focused beauty products in a market where convenience often trumps wellness.

Whether you're a makeup lover, deal with dry eyes, or are curious about the intersection of healthcare and beauty innovation, this conversation will open your eyes (pun intended) to what you're really putting on your face.

Check out Cheshma Beauty here: https://cheshmabeauty.ca/

Thank you to Field Agent Canada for supporting the show: https://www.fieldagentcanada.com/

Knucklehead Interviews Oct 28, 2025

The Knuckleheads talk to each other. Two retail veterans with a combined 50+ years of experience sit down for honest conversations about Canadian business, brands, and the challenges facing small and medium-sized companies.

We talk to each other about where we come from and how we got here. Kenny, it turns out, was always pretty linear. Phil, has nothing linear about his career at all.

Thank you to Field Agent Canada for sponsoring our podcast. https://www.fieldagentcanada.com/

From Crisis to Creation: How Lupus and Scleroderma Led to a Natural Skincare Brand Oct 21, 2025

When Nana Daniels returned from a trip to Ghana in 2016, she experienced a severe lupus flare-up that left her skin severely burned. What happened next changed her life forever.

After seven hours in the emergency room with no real solution, Nana turned to her Ghanaian roots and created her own remedy using raw shea butter, vitamin E, and essential oils. The results were so remarkable that friends started asking for their own supply—and Honam Naturals was born.

In this inspiring episode, Nana shares:

Her 25-year journey living with lupus and scleroderma
How a medical crisis became an unexpected business opportunity
The cultural wisdom behind shea butter and African black soap
Selling out her first product batch in one hour and making $1,000
Winning a mentorship with Dragons' Den's Manjit Minhas
Landing products in Winners, Walmart (US and Canada), and Amazon—all while battling imposter syndrome
The challenges of scaling from kitchen countertop to big box retail
Why she chose aluminum containers and eco-friendly packaging
Her vision for getting into more natural health stores across Canada

From Ajax, Ontario, Nana has built a thriving skincare and haircare brand that honors traditional African ingredients while meeting modern clean beauty standards. Her story proves that sometimes the best solutions come from going back to basics—and that a little bit of courage can turn adversity into opportunity.

Products discussed: Body butters, African black soap, hair care for tight curls and chemically-treated hair, home fragrances, and men's grooming

Connect with Honam Naturals: http://honamnaturals.com/collections

Thank you to Field Agent Canada for sponsoring the podcast: https://www.fieldagentcanada.com/

From Auto Mechanic to Artisan Sausage Maker: D-Original Sausage Haus Story Oct 14, 2025

From Auto Mechanic to Artisan Sausage Maker: D-Original Sausage Haus Story

Join us as we sit down with Clint from D-Original Sausage Haus in Steveston, BC, who shares his unconventional journey from automotive mechanic to box manufacturing to crafting premium German-style cured meats. Clint discusses the challenges of running a brick-and-mortar deli in a post-COVID world, the art of making authentic salamis and pepperoni with BC pork and natural casings, and the frustrations of navigating Canada's inter-provincial trade regulations. From consignment deals with craft breweries to building relationships with loyal customers, Clint reveals what it takes to grow a premium, artisanal meat business while staying true to traditional recipes and quality ingredients. Plus, we debate the merits of truffle pepperoni and why sometimes the best things in life come in irregular shapes.

Check out Clint's online store here: https://www.doriginalsausagehaus.com/

Thank you to Field Agent Canada for sponsoring the podcast: https://www.fieldagentcanada.com/

From Cologne to Canada: What We Learned Walking 10 Football Fields at Anuga Oct 07, 2025

From Cologne to Canada: What We Learned Walking 10 Football Fields at Anuga

Phil and Kenny take the podcast on the road to Anuga, one of the world's largest food trade shows in Cologne, Germany. Recording their raw observations while navigating German parking lots and autobahns, they share what surprised them most: Bulgaria's emerging food innovation, the surprising absence of crowds at the Chinese pavilion, and how geopolitical tensions are reshaping international food trade.

The episode features candid conversations with Matt and Kim Lebeau from Lebeau Excel and Luca Felicetti from the fifth-generation Italian pasta maker. They discuss practical strategies for attending massive trade shows, the protein trend's different evolution in Europe versus North America, and why Canadian brands should consider looking east instead of south. Topics range from edible utensils and shelf-stable kombucha to the 106% tariff on Italian pasta and why Americans are apologizing for being American.

Our first take on Anuga Cologne. Kenny and I talk about what's happening in Cologne, and we catch up with Matt and Kim LeBeau, Luca Felicetti.

Thank you to Luca and the team at Felicetti for making us feel welcome in your lovely booth. If you're still at the show, head to Hall 10.2, B080

If you're not, head to https://www.felicetti.it/en

You can find Luca here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luca-felicetti-b27b3a279/

Thanks to Matt and Kim for jumping in on the podcast - we love you guys. Check out Lebeau Excel here: https://lebeauexcel.com/

Thank you to Fieldagent Canada for sponsoring the podcast https://www.fieldagentcanada.com/

Shauna Fidler, founder of Design Farm and producer of the Basin Food Summit Sep 30, 2025

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Shauna Fidler, founder of Design Farm and producer of the Basin Food Summit, as she takes us deep into British Columbia's Kootenay region—a place where local food culture thrives and producers connect directly with buyers who care.

Shauna shares her journey from running a cookie shop in Calgary to pioneering gluten-free baking before it was mainstream, and eventually finding her home in the Kootenays where she now supports food producers through branding, packaging design, and the annual Basin Food Summit.

Event Details: Basin Food Summit, November 6-8, 2025, Nelson, BC | www.basinfood.ca

Warning: This episode may cause extreme hunger and an irresistible urge to book a trip to the Kootenays.

You can find Shauna here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shauna-fidler-25226b241/

Thank you to Field Agent Canada for sponsoring the podcast https://www.fieldagentcanada.com/

From Ice Cream Cart to National Brand - The Hazel's Ice Cream Story Sep 23, 2025

From Ice Cream Cart to National Brand - The Hazel's Ice Cream Story

In this episode, hosts Kenny and Phil sit down with Sam Vermeulen, co-founder of Hazel's Ice Cream, to discuss the remarkable journey from a COVID-era ice cream cart idea to a growing national frozen novelty brand.

Sam shares how what started as a father-son dream of running an ice cream shop evolved into handcrafted premium ice cream bars. Born out of necessity during the pandemic, Hazel's pivoted from scooped ice cream to bars when traditional retail wasn't an option - a decision that accidentally filled a market gap in Victoria's frozen novelty scene.

Scaling CPG Brands with Roadmap CPG's Michelle Prychidny and Koreann Webster Sep 16, 2025

Scaling CPG Brands with Roadmap CPG's Michelle Prychidny and Koreann Webster

In this episode of This Commerce Life, hosts Phil and Kenny welcome the dynamic duo behind Roadmap CPG - Michelle Prychidny and Koreann Webster. Together, these industry veterans share their combined decades of experience helping emerging CPG brands navigate the treacherous waters of retail scaling.

From their early days at Vega and their rocket ship journey with SmartSweets to launching their own consultancy, Michelle and Koreann break down the critical foundational pieces that make or break growing brands. They dive deep into the most common pitfalls they see repeatedly: cash flow nightmares, pricing disasters, and the fundamental disconnect between profit and loss versus actual cash in the bank.

check out Roadmap CPG here: https://www.roadmapcpg.com/

Find Koreann here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/koreann-webster-42b43160/

Find Michelle here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-mckay-prychidny-b6b0492/

Thank you to Field Agent Canada for sponsoring the podcast. https://www.fieldagentcanada.com/

aspiring surgeon to herbal wellness entrepreneur: Sanaz Bahrami Sep 09, 2025

We sit down with Sanaz Bahrami, founder of Melts Infusions, who shares her remarkable journey from aspiring surgeon to herbal wellness entrepreneur. After nerve damage derailed her medical career dreams, Sanaz discovered the power of adaptogenic herbs during a challenging period in graduate school studying biomedical engineering.

What started as brewing "peace tea" in her apartment to manage anxiety and depression has evolved into a thriving business with over 500,000 TikTok followers and a loyal customer base. Sanaz opens up about her early struggles with mental health, the limitations she found with traditional pharmaceutical approaches, and how a lab mate's suggestion to try herbal remedies changed her life.

Check out Melts Infusions here: https://meltsinfusion.com/

Find Sanaz here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sanaz-bahrami-7a067014a/

Sanaz's Tiktok page is here: https://www.tiktok.com/@meltsinfusions

Thank you to Field Agent Canada for sponsoring the podcast: https://www.fieldagentcanada.com/

From Stadium Cleaner to Craft Brewer - The Latina Beer Story Sep 02, 2025

From Stadium Cleaner to Craft Brewer - The Latina Beer Story

Phil and Kenny sit down with Carlos Castro, the Venezuelan-Canadian founder of Latina Beer, for an inspiring conversation about entrepreneurship, immigration, and following your passion.

Carlos shares his remarkable journey from cleaning Rogers Stadium as an entry-level job to building his own craft brewery in St. Catharines, Ontario. What started as a casual conversation with a coworker during a break led to an eight-year adventure in the beer industry - all beginning with a napkin, a homebrew recipe, and $1,500.

check out Latina beer at https://www.latina.beer/ and @latinabeer

Thank you to Field Agent Canada for sponsoring the podcast https://www.fieldagentcanada.com/

The Kristina Farrell Episode: Fighting for Canada's Food System from the Inside Aug 26, 2025

The Kristina Farrell Episode: Fighting for Canada's Food System from the Inside

In this episode, hosts Phil and Kenny sit down with Kristina Farrell, CEO of Food & Beverage Canada, to explore the complex world of Canadian food manufacturing policy. Christina, who represents domestic food and beverage manufacturers across the country, breaks down the critical distinction between companies that actually make products in Canada versus those that simply sell here.

From her team-of-two operation in Ottawa, Kristina tackles massive challenges including inter-provincial trade barriers, labor shortages, and the ongoing work on Bill C-5. The conversation reveals how 92% of Canada's food manufacturing companies have fewer than 100 employees, yet the industry remains the country's largest manufacturing sector—a fact that often gets overlooked in policy discussions.

Kristina shares her journey from government bureaucracy to lobbying, explaining how she became the central coordinator between six provincial food and beverage associations and federal policymakers. The discussion touches on everything from why you've probably had more USDA beef than Alberta beef, to the surprising complexities of calling something "recyclable" under new Competition Act provisions.

The hosts and Kristina dig into Canada's tendency to overcomplicate systems that should be straightforward, from food safety standards that vary by province to the challenges of getting recognition for an industry that feeds everyone but struggles to get the political attention given to "sexier" sectors like automotive or mining.

Key topics covered:

The difference between food manufacturers and CPG companies
Inter-provincial trade barriers and Bill C-5
Labor challenges in food manufacturing
Why Canada's food system is simultaneously world-class and poorly understood by Canadians
The role of provincial food and beverage associations
Sustainability challenges and greenwashing regulations

This episode offers an inside look at the people working behind the scenes to keep Canada's food system running, and why understanding these complexities matters for everyone who eats.

Find Kristina here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristina-farrell-b09ba549/

Thank you to Field Agent Canada for sponsoring the podcast: https://www.fieldagentcanada.com/

CHFA Now Toronto 2025 Preview with Aaron Skelton & Lynsey Walker Aug 19, 2025

CHFA Now Toronto 2025 Preview with Aaron Skelton & Lynsey Walker

Join Phil and Kenny as they chat with Aaron Skelton (CEO) and Lynsey Walker (Chief Marketing Officer) from the Canadian Health Food Association for an exciting preview of CHFA Now Toronto 2025, happening September 19 - 21, 2025

What's New This Year:

BDC & Be Local Thursday Night Event - Special networking event at BDC Square (37th floor of CIBC Tower) with stunning lake views
Enhanced Conference Programming - Friday's packed agenda includes a new Quebec session called "Bonjour-Hi" and the highly anticipated data & insights presentation on women's health
Revamped Industry Awards - Saturday's awards ceremony promises to be the biggest yet, with upgraded entertainment and a green carpet experience
Sunday Fun Run - 3km charity run supporting Second Harvest, plus Incubator Alley pitch sessions

Key Dates:

Online registration closes August 31st
VIP retailer perks include free parking, Uber discounts, and food vouchers
Show runs September 6-8 at the CNE Automotive Building (formerly Beanfield)

Whether you're a longtime industry veteran or newcomer to the natural health space, this episode captures why CHFA has become the must-attend event that people plan their entire year around. As Phil notes, it's transformed from "Are you going?" to "When we get to CHFA, let's..."

Don't miss the advocacy update where Aaron explains how grassroots efforts led to real regulatory wins - proving that when the industry comes together, change is possible.

Sign up for CHFA here: https://www.chfanow.ca/toronto/

Thank you to Field Agent Canada for sponsoring the podcast: https://www.fieldagentcanada.com/

From Bartending Tips to 24 Locations: The Foxy Box Story Aug 12, 2025

From Bartending Tips to 24 Locations: The Foxy Box Story

In this episode of This Commerce Life, we sit down with Kyla, the bold founder and CEO of Foxy Box Laser & Wax Bars, who turned bar tips and brazilian waxes in her dining room into a 24-location franchise empire across Canada.

Starting 12 years ago in her dining room (yes, you read that right), Kyla used her bartending tips to fund her venture into the hair removal industry. What began as giving customers shots of tequila while learning to perfect Brazilian waxes has evolved into a franchise system employing over 250 staff across four provinces.

you can find Kyla here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyla-dufresne-295867149/

check out Foxy box here: https://foxyboxwaxbar.com/

Thank you to Field Agent Canada for sponsoring the podcast https://www.fieldagentcanada.com/

A celebration of success. Re-sharing Caitlin Vanderhaeghe's episode Aug 05, 2025

A celebration of success. Re-sharing Caitlyn Vanderhaeghe's episode from 2022 on the evolution of Kidstar. In light of her announcement last week of getting National distribution, we thought it'd be a good time to re-share Caitlin's journey with Kidstar.

A small Canadian company, that put in a lot of work to get here! Congrats Caitlyn and the Kidstar team!!

Check out Kidstar here: https://kidstarnutrients.com/

Thank you to Field Agent Canada for sponsoring the podcast https://www.fieldagentcanada.com/

Mid-Summer Update - Road Trips, Trade Shows, and What's Next Jul 29, 2025

Mid-Summer Update - Road Trips, Trade Shows, and What's Next

Phil and Kenny reconnect for a candid mid-summer update on what's been keeping them busy and what's coming up for This Commerce Life. After spending five hours together booking travel (and learning they should have let Keelin handle it), the duo shares their exciting plans for the fall.

In This Episode:

Anuga 2025: The hosts are headed to Germany's massive food trade show (October 4-8) to bring back marketplace intelligence
Ontario Road Trip: Kenny's coming to Toronto in late September/early October for filming across Central Ontario - from London to Barrie, or potentially east to the Belleville-Kingston area
Behind the Scenes: Meet Keelin, their "not-so-secret weapon" who keeps them organized, and why they're crystallizing their three core focuses
The Unsexy Fundamentals: Why they keep returning to the same crucial topics - cost of goods, margins, cash flow - that aren't glamorous but are essential for Canadian retail success
Retail Stories: Their passion for independent Canadian retailers, from Brian Pilau's stores to Peter at Kelowna Your Independent Grocer, and their dream to visit North West Company's Arctic Circle operations
Looking Ahead: BC Food & Bev accelerator program, Manitoba webinars, a mystery Interior BC conference, and their ongoing mission to showcase Canadian retail
Thank you to Field Agent Canada for sponsoring the podcast https://www.fieldagentcanada.com/

Amy Rempel - From Third-Generation Grocery to Pioneering Kids' Skincare Jul 22, 2025

Amy Rempel - From Third-Generation Grocery to Pioneering Kids' Skincare

In this episode, we sit down with Amy Rempel, owner of Elevation Brands and founder of Fresh Faces Skincare, Canada's first skincare line specifically designed for kids. Amy brings a unique perspective to the natural products industry as a third-generation grocery professional whose great-grandfather helped bring Metro stores to Ontario.

What You'll Learn:

How Amy identified a dangerous TikTok trend of kids using adult skincare products and turned it into a business opportunity
The reality of working with brokers vs. distributors and what brands need to know before making the call
Why Amy created a consulting package to bridge the gap between direct-to-consumer and retail-ready brands
The importance of having distribution, funding, and production capacity in place before approaching brokers

Major Announcement: Amy shares her exciting news about receiving a Golden Ticket and getting Fresh Faces Skincare into Walmart stores nationwide starting February 2025 - and how she's already thinking strategically about execution rather than just celebrating the win.

Key Takeaways:

The difference between wants vs. needs in emerging categories
How to position new products in conventional retail (hint: clear shelf signage is everything)
Why understanding your retailer's customer base is crucial for success
The evolution of brand partnerships and when it's time to level up

Amy's pragmatic approach to business development and her deep industry knowledge make this a must-listen for anyone looking to scale their brand or work with brokers effectively.

Check out Fresh faces here: https://freshfacesco.com/

Find Amy Rempel here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-rempel/

Trading Cards to Facebook Fame: How One Collector Built a Digital Empire Jul 15, 2025

Trading Cards to Facebook Fame: How One Collector Built a Digital Empire

Join Phil and Kenny as they dive deep into the fascinating world of modern card collecting with special guest Anthony from Red Light Sports. What started as a COVID hobby digging through childhood collections has evolved into a thriving Facebook Live business that's redefining how collectors buy and sell.

Anthony takes us behind the scenes of his innovative approach to card sales - from mystery bags that guarantee value to live auctions that keep hundreds of viewers engaged for hours. Discover how he built a community of 1,400+ members, created custom entertainment elements (yes, there's a theme song!), and turned what could be mundane transactions into must-watch events.

In This Episode:

The psychology behind mystery pulls and why "the first one's free"
How to pivot from daily auction management to streamlined live shows
Building customer loyalty through entertainment and guaranteed value
The challenges of going live for 5-6 hours twice a week
Why Anthony's girlfriend's AI skills became a game-changer
Phil's continued resistance to card collecting (spoiler: 2,000 cards is apparently "nothing")
Kenny's potential future as a guest auctioneer

Whether you're into cards, curious about Facebook Live selling, or fascinated by how hobbies become businesses, this episode offers insights into community building, digital entrepreneurship, and the passion that drives collectors.

Plus: Plans for an epic Vancouver ice cream tour featuring 218 flavors at La Casa Gelato - because apparently that's how card people network.

Find Anthony at https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CqUYjddbr/

Check out La Casa Gelato here: https://www.instagram.com/lacasagelato?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

Thank you to Field Agent Canada for sponsoring the podcast: www.fieldagentcanada.com

Burgoo Restaurant's Justin Joyce on 24 Years of Comfort Food & Vancouver's Evolving Food Scene Jul 08, 2025

Burgoo Restaurant's Justin Joyce on 24 Years of Comfort Food & Vancouver's Evolving Food Scene

We had an amazing conversation with Justin, owner of the four Burgoo restaurant locations in Vancouver, who joined us despite dealing with a power outage and a sick dog. What started as a discussion about his restaurants quickly evolved into a deep dive about the challenges facing independent operators in today's market.

The Burgoo Story

We learned how Justin's path to restaurants began with a detour from university. Originally headed to study English literature at the University of Alberta, he stopped in Calgary and met a mentor who offered to lend him money to open a restaurant in Vancouver. At 21, with no stress and plenty of optimism, he made the leap and opened the Funky Armadillo in the early '90s before eventually developing the Burgoo concept in 2001.

What struck us was how Burgoo started as purely comfort food - originally serving only soups and stews in two sizes: "giant and enormous." They didn't even have plates when they first opened, serving everything in bowls. No sandwiches, no appetizers, just 10 soups and 15 stews. The menu has evolved dramatically over 24 years, finally adding french fries just this past year after resisting for over two decades.

Check out Burgoo here: https://www.burgoo.ca/

Thank you to Field Agent Canada for sponsoring the podcast: https://www.fieldagentcanada.com/

Food Fraud and Authenticity Testing with Deleo De Leonardis, CEO of Purity IQ Jul 01, 2025

Food Fraud and Authenticity Testing with Deleo De Leonardis, CEO of Purity IQ

In this eye-opening conversation, Kenny and Phil sit down with Deleo De Leonardis, CEO and co-founder of Purity IQ, to discuss a critical issue that affects every consumer: food fraud and adulteration.

Deleo shares her unexpected journey from 20 years in retail (including VP of Private Label at Sobeys) to becoming an entrepreneur in the science-based world of authenticity testing. Despite not being a scientist herself, she and her co-founders identified a massive gap in the industry - while labs routinely test for identity (is echinacea actually present?), they often miss adulteration, dilution, and substitution.

Key Topics Covered:

Why standard identity testing isn't enough to catch food fraud
The difference between targeted vs. untargeted testing methods
Real examples of adulteration in honey, olive oil, spices, and supplements
How economic pressures and supply chain disruptions create opportunities for fraudsters
The shocking reality that less than 1% of imported products are actually inspected
Why "Product of Italy" doesn't guarantee authentic olive oil
The innovative QR-enabled certification system that educates consumers in real-time

Sobering Statistics:

Some botanical supplements contain over 80% maltodextrin filler instead of active ingredients
Food fraud has existed since ancient Rome and flourishes during economic uncertainty
Most labs focus on facility audits (GMP) rather than actual product testing

This conversation will change how you think about the products on grocery store shelves and highlights why consumers, brands, and retailers need to ask better questions about authenticity testing. As Deleo puts it: "You may think you're doing all the right things - you're missing a really big component."

Find Purity IQ here: https://purity-iq.com/

Find Deleo here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/delsue28/

Thank you to Field Agent Canada for sponsoring the podcast: https://www.fieldagentcanada.com/

Automating Food Safety: From Paperwork to Profit with Normex CEO Tanguy Etoga Jun 24, 2025

Automating Food Safety with Normex

In this episode, we sit down with Tanguy Etoga, founder and CEO of Normex, to dive into the often overlooked but critically important world of food safety management.

Tanguy shares his fascinating journey from a childhood in Cameroon—where a conversation with his father about preserving mangoes year-round sparked his passion—to becoming a food safety consultant and tech entrepreneur revolutionizing how small and medium food businesses handle compliance.

What We Discovered:

Why our industry is traditionally slow to adopt new technology (spoiler: we're too busy making food!)
How AI and IoT sensors are transforming tedious paperwork into streamlined digital processes
Real examples of companies saving $60,000+ in six months through automation
The hidden costs of manual food safety processes that most of us don't realize we're paying
Why even small food businesses with just 2 employees need proper food safety systems
How one ice cream company freed up 3 quality employees to move into production

My Key Takeaways: From temperature monitoring that used to require hourly manual checks to AI-powered corrective action plans, Tanguy shows us practical applications of technology that actually work—not just buzzword solutions. This isn't about replacing people; it's about eliminating the mundane tasks so our teams can focus on what matters: making great food safely.

Whether you're a food processor, manufacturer, restaurant, or anywhere in our supply chain, this conversation offers valuable insights into protecting your business, your customers, and your reputation. I'll admit, food safety isn't the sexiest topic we've covered, but it might be one of the most essential.

Connect with Normex at normex.ca or follow their educational content on LinkedIn for weekly food safety insights.

Find Tanguy at https://www.linkedin.com/in/tanguyetoga/?originalSubdomain=ca

Thank you to Field Agent Canada for sponsoring the podcast : https://www.fieldagentcanada.com/

Thank you to LeBeauExcel for sponsoring this episode: https://lebeauexcel.com/

Hot Sauce Without the Heat - Viggy from Tocha Foods Jun 17, 2025

Hot Sauce Without the Heat - Viggy from Toca Foods

What happens when an aerospace engineer meets a sommelier and decides to revolutionize the condiment aisle? In this episode, we sit down with Viggy, co-founder of Tocha Foods, who's created something that sounds impossible: "hot sauce without the heat."

From his journey as a would-be rocket scientist to discovering a gap in the sauce market that left millions of people with nothing but salt and pepper, Viggy shares how he and his MBA classmate Matt built a product category that didn't exist. Their "spiced sauces" deliver all the complex flavors of hot sauce without the burn, creating what they call a "blue ocean" for consumers who were previously left out.

We dive deep into the realities of CPG life - from the importance of sell-through vs. sell-in data to navigating retail relationships and trade marketing. Viggy also shares some surprising use cases customers have discovered (including some that make our Italian co-host Kenny cringe) and why creating something genuinely new is both harder and more rewarding than following established formulas.

Plus, hear about their expansion across Canada, plans for "Tocha Sauce Club" cooking sessions, and why sometimes the best business advice is knowing what problem you're actually solving.

Whether you're a founder looking for inspiration, a food lover curious about innovation, or someone who's always wondered what to put on your eggs besides ketchup, this conversation will leave you hungry for more.

Find Toca Foods: https://tochafoods.com/ | @tochafoods on Instagram

Available: Online across Canada, Country Grocer, Gourmet Warehouse, and growing retail locations

Thank you to Field Agent Canada for sponsoring the podcast https://www.fieldagentcanada.com/

Thank you to LeBeau Excel for sponsoring this episode https://lebeauexcel.com/

Ashlyn Newlove, Founder of SmartSip Jun 10, 2025

Ashlyn Newlove, Founder of SmartSip

Ashlyn Newlove, Founder of SmartSip. We had an absolute blast talking with Ashlyn Newlove, the competitive and charismatic founder behind SmartSip - a calorie-friendly, fiber-rich powdered coconut oil creamer that's taking the health and wellness world by storm.

Ashlyn proves that with the right product, solid margins, authentic social media presence, and enough competitive fire to power a small city, you can turn a road trip idea into a thriving CPG business. Even if it means staying at Holiday Inns while building your empire.

Find SmartSip at https://smartsipcreamco.com/ - and yes, Kenny's sending Ashlyn some matcha for her next video.

Thank you to Field Agent Canada for sponsoring the podcast: https://www.fieldagentcanada.com/

Thank you to LeBeauExcel for sponsoring this episode: https://lebeauexcel.com/

Getting Graded: Inside the Wild World of Card Authentication with TGA's Tyler Stilborn Jun 03, 2025

Getting Graded: Inside the Wild World of Card Authentication with TGA's Tyler

Ever wondered how a piece of cardboard can be worth millions of dollars? This week, we dive deep into the fascinating (and slightly insane) world of sports card grading with Tyler, founder of TGA(True Grade Authentication), a new Canadian authentication company that's shaking up an industry dominated by American giants.

What You'll Learn:

Why getting a Wayne Gretzky card graded can cost you $1,000+ (hint: it's not just the grading fee)
How the hobby transformed from 25-cent packs to $25,000 boxes with "bounty" cards worth seven figures
The four critical factors that determine if your childhood card collection is treasure or trash
Why Canadian collectors were getting squeezed out by tariffs and how one entrepreneur saw an opportunity

The Real Talk: Tyler shares his journey from 11-year-old collector to business owner, explaining how a $25 Darryl Sittler rookie card sparked a 30+ year passion that led to launching TGA. We explore the tension between old-school collecting (nostalgia, sentiment, fun) and the new reality where cards are treated like stock investments.

Phil's Journey: Watch our co-host Phil go from complete card skeptic to cautiously intrigued, despite his horror at modern pack prices and complexity. Spoiler alert: Kenny's still trying to drag him to a Toronto card show, and Phil's still saying absolutely not.

Find Tyler at: https://tgagrading.com/

Thank you to Field Agent Canada for sponsoring the podcast: https://www.fieldagentcanada.com/

Thank you to LeBeau Excel for sponsoring this episode: https://lebeauexcel.com/

Kyle Schumacher of Caliente Hot Sauce Company May 27, 2025

Kyle Schumacher, founder and owner of Caliente Hot Sauce Company, joins the podcast to discuss his entrepreneurial journey from trades worker to successful hot sauce manufacturer. Based in British Columbia, Kyle has built a unique fresh hot sauce business that operates exclusively in refrigerated retail sections.

find Kyle here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyle-schumacher-1a345190/

Check out Caliente here: https://calientehotsauceco.ca/

Thank you to Field Agent Canada for sponsoring the podcast: https://www.fieldagentcanada.com/

Thank you to LeBeau Excel for sponsoring this episode: https://lebeauexcel.com/

The Newfoundland Chocolate Company May 20, 2025

In this special episode of "This Commerce Life," host Phil travels to St. John's, Newfoundland, where he tours the Newfoundland Chocolate Company with founder Christina Dove. Christina shares her remarkable journey from neuroscientist to chocolatier and gelato expert, detailing how she built her thriving business from her basement to a factory producing 40,000 chocolates daily.

The conversation explores Christina's commitment to all-natural ingredients, avoiding preservatives and artificial dyes by using fruit-infused white chocolate for coloring. Listeners will discover how the brand has grown from a small operation to wholesaling across Canada while promoting Newfoundland's culture through its packaging and products.

Christina provides insights into her inclusive workplace philosophy, highlighting how she designs her production processes to accommodate neurodiversity and support employees from various backgrounds. The factory incorporates braille, multiple languages, and color-coding systems to ensure everyone can communicate effectively.

From navigating pandemic challenges with 113 staff to creating innovative treats like chocolate capelin and gelato made with Newfoundland ingredients, this episode offers an inspiring look at a business that combines scientific precision with cultural celebration and human-centered management.

Find Christina here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christina-dove/

Check out Newfoundland Chocolate Company here: https://www.newfoundlandchocolatecompany.com/

Thank you to Field Agent Canada for sponsoring the podcast. https://www.fieldagentcanada.com/

Sarah Harper and the Fiery World of Stoke The Fire Hot Sauce May 13, 2025

Sarah Harper and the Fiery World of Stoke The Fire Hot Sauce

Join hosts Phil and Kenny for an engaging conversation with Sarah Harper, the self-proclaimed "Sauceress" and CEO of Stoke The Fire Hot Sauce. This episode takes you on a journey from Sarah's fascinating background as a performance artist and Arctic chef to her current life as a passionate pepper farmer and hot sauce creator in British Columbia's Similkameen Valley.

Sarah shares the story of how she and her partner Stu transformed their backyard garden into a thriving 7-acre farm with over 40 varieties of specialty hot peppers. Discover how their brand "Stoke The Fire" was born, the inspiration behind their best-selling "Bear Spray" sauce (hint: it involves actual bears!), and their commitment to organic, honey-sweetened products with no refined sugars.

The conversation explores Sarah's unique approach to farming, her indigenous partnerships, and her vision for connecting food producers across British Columbia. From her beekeeping adventures to her new commercial kitchen facility, Sarah offers insights into sustainable small-scale farming and the supportive community of food producers in BC.

Whether you're a hot sauce enthusiast, a farming aficionado, or simply love stories of passion-driven entrepreneurship, this heartwarming episode showcases the authentic connection between good people, great food, and the land they cultivate.

Check out Stoke the fire here: https://www.stokethefirehotsauce.com/

Thank you to Field Agent Canada for sponsoring the podcast: https://www.fieldagentcanada.com/

From Restaurant Owner to Tea Entrepreneur with Nicole Keats May 06, 2025

From Restaurant Owner to Tea Entrepreneur with Nicole Keats

Join hosts Phil and Kenny as they sit down with Nicole Keating, founder of The Newfoundland Tea Company. In this candid and energetic conversation, Nicole shares her remarkable journey from running a fine-dining bistro in Gander to building a premium organic tea brand that's rapidly expanding beyond Newfoundland's shores.

Nicole opens up about weathering personal and professional challenges—including a divorce, health struggles, and the devastating impact of the pandemic on her restaurant business—before finding unexpected success in the tea industry. Learn how her distinctive moose logo came to be, why premium tea is finding its market in a coffee-dominated world, and the creative ways she's incorporated tea into everything from cocktails to merchandise.

This episode showcases an entrepreneur whose resilience, gut instincts, and commitment to quality have helped her navigate career transitions while staying true to her roots. Whether you're a tea lover, an aspiring entrepreneur, or simply enjoy stories of reinvention, Nicole's authentic and spirited take on building a business from the heart offers inspiration and practical insights for the commerce life.

check out Nicole's product here: https://www.thenewfoundlandteaco.com/

Find Nicole here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-keats-084444266/

Thank you to Field Agent Canada for sponsoring the podcast https://www.fieldagentcanada.com/

Owner of Wild Moon Organics Sean Smith looks at brands, owning a bone broth company a little differently. Apr 29, 2025

Owner of Wild Moon Organics Sean Smith looks at brands, owning a bone broth company a little differently.

Check out Wild Moon Organics here: https://wildmoon.ca/

Find Sean here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sean-smith-1551b953/overlay/photo/

Thank you to Fieldagent for sponsoring the podcast: https://www.fieldagentcanada.com/

Nathanael Hollands and Kinvest Impact Foundation are building market innovations in Rural Africa Apr 22, 2025

Nathanael Hollands and Kinvest Impact Foundation are building market innovations in Rural Africa. They invest in agribusiness farms near marketplace communities. By combining development in marketplaces with commercial farms, they help foster a complete economic system where value is created, jobs and wages grow, and money is recirculated into the local economy.

Connect with Nathanael here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fixr/

check out Kinvest here: https://kinvestglobal.com/

Thank you to Field Agent Canada for sponsoring the podcast: https://www.fieldagentcanada.com/

Be sure you sign up for CHFA West - see you there! https://www.chfanow.ca/vancouver/

Dinner with Christos. The founder of Aelo, talks about their new launch, Limoncello and how this one is special Apr 15, 2025

Dinner with Christos. The founder of Aelo, talks about their new launch, Limoncello and how this one is special. He also talks about how he thinks about flavours, and keeping Aelo special.

Check out Aelo here: https://www.drinkaelo.com/

Connect with Christos here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christos-kalaitzis-b7942378/

Thank you to Field Agent Canada for sponsoring the podcast: https://www.fieldagentcanada.com/

We're excited to go to CHFA West - head to https://www.chfanow.ca/vancouver/

Throwback episode. We walked the Kelowna Farmer's Market with Peter Boyd Apr 08, 2025

Throwback episode. We walked the Kelowna Farmer's Market with Peter Boyd last summer and this is some of the footage. We get a buyer's perspective on brands and what he wants to accomplish, and we hear just a sample of amazing stories at that market.

Thank you to Field Agent Canada for sponsoring the podcast. Head to https://www.fieldagentcanada.com to find out more

Get more details on Grocery Showcase West: https://gsfshow.com/

Sign up to head to CHFA West: https://www.chfanow.ca/vancouver/

Off Script with Phil & Kenny: April Events Preview Join Phil Chang and Kenny Vannucci as they discuss upcoming food industry events and initiatives in Canada this April Apr 01, 2025

Off Script with Phil & Kenny: April Events Preview

Join Phil Chang and Kenny Vannucci as they discuss upcoming food industry events and initiatives in Canada this April. The duo shares their plans for CHFA (April 26-27), where they'll run a unique connection hub using Polaroid photos to match brands with distributors, brokers, and partners. They'll also be attending Grocery Showcase West (April 14-15), supporting BC brands and connecting industry players.

Thank you to Field Agent Canada for sponsoring the podcast. Head to https://www.fieldagentcanada.com to find out more

Get more details on Grocery Showcase West: https://gsfshow.com/

Sign up to head to CHFA West: https://www.chfanow.ca/vancouver/

Melanie's episode is here (aired April 1st., 2024) https://www.thiscommercelife.com/tclpodcast/episode/1f1ab546/melanie-macinnes-talks-about-being-flexible-nimble-the-irrational-fear-of-losing-the-farm

Frozen Assets: How TransCold Distribution Is Revolutionizing the Ice Cream and Frozen Food Industry Mar 25, 2025

From ice cream bicycles to national distribution: Meet Melissa Leung of TransCold, the powerhouse behind Canada's frozen food logistics. Learn why small frozen brands need distribution partners, how TransCold expanded from ice cream to nationwide frozen food delivery, and why factoring in distribution costs from day one is crucial for frozen food startups. A must-listen for anyone in the frozen category or considering entering it.

Get in touch with Melissa: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissacoughlan/

Check out Transcold here: https://www.transcold.com/

Thank you to Fieldagent Canada for sponsoring this podcast: https://www.fieldagentcanada.com/

Brittany from HIVE Naturals and Jeff Doucette from Field Agent Canada to announce their groundbreaking partnership: the world's first hybrid merchandising agency. Mar 18, 2025

In this episode, hosts Phil and Kenny welcome Brittany from HIVE Naturals and Jeff Doucette from Field Agent Canada to announce their groundbreaking partnership: the world's first hybrid merchandising agency.

The collaboration combines Field Agent's powerful audit capabilities with HIVE's expert merchandising team to create a "find and fix" solution for brands. This innovative partnership allows brands of all sizes to efficiently identify in-store execution issues and target resources where they're needed most, making retail visibility and compliance more accessible and affordable.

The conversation also explores the current state of Canadian retail amidst tariff uncertainties, discussing how retailers and brands are adapting to growing consumer demand for Canadian products, and the challenges of clearly identifying and promoting local options in stores.

Join us for candid insights, practical advice, and lively discussion on navigating today's complex retail environment.

Thank you to Field Agent Canada for sponsoring the podcast. You can find them here: https://www.fieldagentcanada.com/

Check out Hive Canada here: https://www.hiveretailsolutions.com/

Find Jeff Doucette here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-doucette-72b3556/

Find Brittany here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittany-kroetsch-74248744/

Lisa Simonsen packs eggs for a living...just kidding. If you're looking for a designer's view of front of pack labels that are upcoming, this is the episode for you. Mar 11, 2025

Lisa Simonsen packs eggs for a living...just kidding. If you're looking for a designer's view of front of pack labels that are upcoming, this is the episode for you.

Connect with Lisa here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-simonsen/

Find out more at Lisa's website: https://www.simonsendesigns.com/

We're smiling ear to ear - Nadia Toledo plus talking about tamales is a win/win! Mar 04, 2025

Tamales are an ancient dish from Mesoamerica, with about 500 variations in Mexico alone, differing by region and ingredients. Generally, almost anyone who has tried one, smiles when they reminisce about having a coffee, hot chocolate with a tamale. We're smiling ear to ear - Nadia Toledo plus talking about tamales is a win/win!

Check out Nadia's tamales here: https://www.antojosysabores.com/

Find Nadia here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nadiatoledo/

Thank you to Field Agent Canada for sponsoring the podcast. You can check them out here: https://www.fieldagentcanada.com/drive-trial

She found me with one of her buttermilk biscuits in my mouth. Dawn Chapman owner and CEO of Toronto's Lazy Daisy's Café and inaugural winner of WXN Canada's Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Food Industry Award, presented by Skip Feb 25, 2025

She found me with one of her buttermilk biscuits in my mouth. Dawn Chapman owner and CEO of Toronto's Lazy Daisy's Café and inaugural winner of WXN Canada's Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Food Industry Award, presented by Skip

Check out Lazy Daisy's Cafe: https://lazydaisyscafe.ca/

Thank you to our sponsor Fieldagent Canada: https://www.fieldagentcanada.com/

Rochelle Minagawa, Founder of MotherLove Ferments jumps in to talk about the ending of the year, and what comes next for the business. Feb 18, 2025

Rochelle Minagawa, Founder of MotherLove Ferments jumps in to talk about the ending of the year, and what comes next for the business.

Check out Motherlove Ferments here: https://www.motherloveferments.com/

Find Rochelle here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rochelle-minagawa-7617491a5/

Thank you to Field Agent Canada for sponsoring the podcast. https://www.fieldagentcanada.com/

How to know what you don't know? Brody Hanson, CEO of Work Water talks about jumping into beverage making, starting from scratch with no industry experience Feb 11, 2025

Brody talks production and quality issues. How to know what you don't know? Brody Hanson, CEO of Work Water talks about jumping into beverage making, starting from scratch with no industry experience.

check out work water here: https://buyworkwater.com

Find Brody here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brody-hanson-2774205b/

Thank you to Field Agent Canada for being our sponsor: https://www.fieldagentcanada.com/

Taking control. We don't have a lot of it, but a chance to take a breath, make changes and continue to push for changes Feb 04, 2025

Taking control. We don't have a lot of it, but a chance to take a breath, make changes and continue to push for changes. Even though we have 30 days, let's not take our foot off the gas.

In case you're interested - Kenny's Linkedin post is here: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/kennyvannucci_buycanadian-shopcanadian-supportcanadian-activity-7291664605431402496-goGh?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAAHLzV0B66Ny63xfoPTffiJK3tQ6g2ZDISM

Things you can do in your day to day to change the conversation around tariffs. Places and resources that you can go to find local brands, Canadian brands. Jan 28, 2025

Just us today. Things you can do in your day to day to change the conversation around tariffs. Places and resources that you can go to find local brands, Canadian brands.

Thank you to Field Agent Canada for sponsoring the podcast.

Head to https://www.fieldagentcanada.com/ratings-and-reviews

Some resources:

https://buybc.gov.bc.ca/

https://madeinalberta.co/

https://supportontariomade.ca/

https://lesproduitsduquebec.com/en

Great places to ask questions and learn about brands and retailers:

https://bcfb.ca/

https://atlanticfood.ca/

https://chfa.ca/

https://foodbeveragemb.ca/

https://www.afpa.com/

We're sure we missed some more - send us a note and we'll amend this list!

Jennay Oliver is a fourth-generation farmer, that runs Paynter's Fruit Market in Kelowna. Jan 21, 2025

Jennay Oliver is a fourth-generation farmer, that runs Paynter's Fruit Market in Kelowna. Her great-grandfather started the farm in 1919. We need more farmers in this country.

check out Paynter's here: https://www.payntersfruitmarket.ca/

Find Jennay here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennay-oliver-131420b3/?originalSubdomain=ca

Thank you to Peter Boyd for connecting us.

Thank you to Field Agent Canada for sponsoring this podcast. www.fieldagentcanada.com

Mike Nunn comes on to talk automation, AI and how to help companies save some time and free up their folks to do other things. Jan 14, 2025

Mike Nunn comes on to talk automation, AI and how to help companies save some time and free up their folks to do other things.

Find Mike Nunn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikednunn/

Check out TLC solutions here: https://tlcitsolutions.com/

Thank you to David Vannucci for our new music in our intro.

She's committed to the economic advancement of women. Natalie Frederick Wilson is from Barbados, raised in New York City, and currently living in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Jan 07, 2025

She's committed to the economic advancement of women. Natalie Frederick Wilson is from Barbados, raised in New York City, and currently living in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalie-frederick-wilson-338b1873/

We finish the year with the fabulous Kyla King, CEO and Founder of Rad Jamz. Dec 31, 2024

We finish the year with the fabulous Kyla King, CEO and Founder of Rad Jamz. She's a Red Seal Chef that leaned into her love for jam.

You can find Kyla here: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/kyla-king-32911b2a9

If you want to check out Rad Jamz, you can head here: https://radjamz.co/store/

use coupon code: PK20 for a discount!

Thank you to LGDF Wholesale for sponsoring this episode: www.lgdf.ca

Claudio Perazzo started Italian Meat Master with one goal in mind: to make a positive impact on Canadians' diet, cleaning and improving iconic comfort foods like sausages and cured meats Dec 17, 2024

Claudio Perazzo started Italian Meat Master with one goal in mind: to make a positive impact on Canadians' diet, cleaning and improving iconic comfort foods like sausages and cured meats

Check out Italian Meat Master here: https://www.italianmeatmaster.com/

You can find Claudio here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claudio-perazzo-22747317a/

Thank you to La Grotta Del Formaggio (LGDF Wholesale) for sponsoring this episode. You can find them at www.lgdf.ca

President of Stong's Brian Bradley started working at Safeway in high school, initially with no plans to stay long-term Dec 10, 2024

Brian Bradley started working at Safeway in high school, initially with no plans to stay long-term, but he ended up rising through the ranks due to mentorship and opportunities. Find out what he thinks about Stong's and what comes next.

Find Brian Bradley here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-bradley-a404199/

Shop Stong's here: https://www.stongs.com/

If you're curious about the retailer panel - you can find it here: https://youtu.be/Faxa7MbPhao?si=PVHakwVFjo59Vd9_

Thank you to LGDF Wholesale (La Grotta Del Formaggio) - you can see what they do here: www.lgdf.ca

People are always thirsty. Wolseley Kombucha is on track for it's best year ever. Michelle talks about their success and what's next. Dec 03, 2024

People are always thirsty. Wolseley Kombucha is on track for it's best year ever. Michelle Leclerc talks about their success and what's next. In case you think this is an ordinary podcast hint, it's not - they've saved over 150,000 1L bottles from landfills.

Check out Wolseley Kombucha here: https://www.wolseleykombucha.com/

Find Michelle Leclerc here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-leclair-a39382236/

Tatsuo Kan is the owner of Kojo, and founder of Kizuna. Nov 26, 2024

Tatsuo Kan is the owner of Kojo, and founder of Kizuna. He came to Canada because he felt like it was the right thing to do. 4 kids, a bunch of restaurants later, he hasn't stopped moving - he now has two restaurants and a sake line and a sauce line.

check out Kizuna here: https://www.kizunasauces.com/

Find Kojo here: https://sushikojo.com/

He retired, started a business, retired again. Ran a triathalon, got his bike stolen, bought a bar and the rest is history Nov 19, 2024

He retired, started a business, retired again. Ran a triathalon, got his bike stolen, bought a bar and the rest is history.

Blair Wilson is the Founder of Forbidden Spirits. We wouldn't have met him if Peter Boyd didn't drag us to the Kelowna Farmer's Market.

Find Blair here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blairwilsonforbiddenspirits/

shop Forbidden spirits here: https://forbiddenspirits.ca/

We take a tour of Pealow's Your Independent Grocer with Brian Pealow Nov 13, 2024

We take a tour of Pealow's Your Independent Grocer with Brian Pealow. We're blown away by his focus on local, and helping the community out. Surprise surprise, he knows Peter Boyd.

Pealow YIG is here: https://www.yourindependentgrocer.ca/store-locator/details/1734

Find Brian here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-pealow-b-b-a-h-130a844a/

Rochelle teaches us about kombucha. Phil meets Oprah Nov 12, 2024

Rochelle teaches us about kombucha. Phil meets Oprah.

MotherLove Ferments is a Kelowna-based business that is dedicated to creating healthy and tasty ferments. We had a great talk with Founder Rochelle to learn more about their story.

Shop MotherLove here: https://www.motherloveferments.com/

Find Rochelle here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rochelle-minagawa-7617491a5/

Stephanie Horman has a plan to give back. It's called Cabin 5 granola, and it's awesome. Nov 05, 2024

Stephanie Horman has a plan to give back. It's called Cabin 5 granola, and it's awesome. This was recorded during our last trip out to Kelowna at the end of August, and we're sorry it took so long to get this out.

check them out here: https://cabin5granola.ca/

Find Stephanie here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-horman-a9046759/

Cam Bruce, owner of Famous Foods in Vancouver talks about coming to retail late in life, and what it takes to be successful as an independent grocer Nov 01, 2024

Cam Bruce, owner of Famous Foods in Vancouver talks about coming to retail late in life, and what it takes to be successful as an independent grocer.

Shop Famous Foods here: https://www.famousfoods.ca/

From 1 to 150. Ben Osmow talks about the Osmow family hustle, building a business from scratch and introducing Ontarians to shwarma. Oct 29, 2024

From 1 to 150. Ben Osmow talks about the Osmow family hustle, building a business from scratch and introducing Ontarians to shwarma. If you're from Ontario, "chicken on the rocks" is like a whopper or a big mac. You have the Osmows to thank for that.

check out Osmow's here: https://osmows.com/

find Ben Osmow here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benosmow/

We talk to Kurstin Leith and Christine about helping brands, how to know when you're ready for expert help like Agency Brand Management. Oct 22, 2024

We talk to Kurstin Leith and Christine about helping brands, how to know when you're ready for expert help like Agency Brand Management.

Find Kurstin Leith here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kurstin-leith-68832131/

Find Christine De Biasio here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christine-de-biasio-1444a914/

Check out Agency here: https://agencybrands.ca/

We hung out with Marie Morden and Haddas Lederman to talk about Ontario Made Oct 18, 2024

We hung out with Marie Morden and Haddas Lederman to talk about Ontario Made. A pandemic initiative that has been growing like crazy and creates a lot of exposure for SMBs.

This podcast is produced in Ontario, but without amazing Canadian made brands, we wouldn't be here ❤

Find Marie here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marie-morden-61529814/

Find Haddas here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/haddas-lederman-201575120/

Check out Ontario made here: https://supportontariomade.ca/

There's always time to talk about coffee. Founder of Smoking Gun Coffee Brandon Liton talks about moving from social work to roasting coffee. Oct 15, 2024

There's always time to talk about coffee. Founder of Smoking Gun Coffee Brandon Liton talks about moving from social work to roasting coffee.

Connect with Brandon here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandon-litun-739b242b0/

Find the cafe and Smoking Gun products here: https://smokingguncoffee.com/

We get a chance to talk to Bill van Nes, founder of St Brigids creamery, it might be the best butter we've ever tasted. Oct 08, 2024

We get a chance to talk to the guy who might make the best butter we've ever tasted. Bill van Nes talks about his transition to organic farming and the establishment of his creamery, St Brigid's butter. Wondering about the dairy industry? Heard about the milk quota but don't know what it is? Bill talks about this. We learn a ton about the dairy industry.

shop St Brigid's Butter: https://www.stbrigidscreamery.ca/

Find Bill Van Nes here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bill-van-nes-a7902b24/

We get a whole episode this time with Tareq Hadhad, Founder of Peace by Chocolate. Oct 08, 2024

We get a whole episode this time with Tareq Hadhad, Founder of Peace by Chocolate.

check out Peace by chocolate here: https://peacebychocolate.ca/

You can find Tareq here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tareqhadhad/

"All tomato school stories stay in tomato school." Dwayne Boudreau talks about challenges for brands growing up in Atlantic Canada. Oct 01, 2024

"All tomato school stories stay in tomato school." Dwayne Boudreau talks about challenges for brands growing up in Atlantic Canada. We talk about his experience from HJ Heinz, Cavendish Farms, Nestlé Foods, and Greco Pizza and celebrate some of the amazing brands that have come out of Atlantic Canada.

Find Dwayne here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dwayne-boudreau

If you're not signed up for the FBA awards ceremony - it's not too late! sign up here:

https://atlanticfood.ca/fba-conference-awards-2024/

In 1999, it all started as a labour of love with Nova Scotian entrepreneurs Gerry McConnell and the late Dara Gordon. Sep 25, 2024

In 1999, it all started as a labour of love with Nova Scotian entrepreneurs Gerry McConnell and the late Dara Gordon. Head Winemaker Jean-Benoit Deslauriers talks about the process of setting up a "new" winery, and how long it takes for great wine to take hold.

Thank you to Food and Beverage Atlantic for connecting us with Benjamin Bridge. To find out more about FBA:

https://atlanticfood.ca/

To shop for Benjamin Bridge: https://benjaminbridge.com/

We'll be at FBA's award ceremony : https://atlanticfood.ca/fba-conference-awards-2024/

We're walking the show in today's episode. If you ever wanted to know what retail folks talk about during show walks, this is the episode for you. Sep 24, 2024

We're walking the show in today's episode. If you ever wanted to know what retail folks talk about during show walks, this is the episode for you. Come along with us, we're going to walk some aisles with some of our friends.

Thank you to Izzy (Izabella Shaker), Christine De Biasio and Coby Palidwar for walking us through some of their really cool brands.

Find:
Izabella here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/izabella-shaker-96504422/

Izzy took us to:
https://www.allergysmart.com/
https://www.umyum.ca/
https://www.egglifefoods.com/

Christine here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christine-de-biasio-1444a914/

Christine took us to:

https://chiwis.co/

https://earthsown.com

Coby Palidwar here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coby-palidwar-1246608a/
Coby took us to:
https://www.leftcoastnaturals.com/

https://carbsbakery.com/

https://www.madewithlocal.com

Paloma & Andrew created a place where culture, quality and respect come together as Paz Bakery Sep 17, 2024

Paloma & Andrew created a place where culture, quality and respect come together as Paz Bakery. As the maker of the ball-shaped Cheese Dots, Lara and her husband Andrew Hoto have spent a good amount of time distinguishing between their Brazilian-inspired snack and that sedate, spherical milk product taking up space on charcuterie boards or the deep-fried bad decision also bearing the cheese ball name.

Check out Paz Bakery here: https://www.pazbakery.ca/

Thank you to Haddas at Ontario made for introducing us. To find out more head to: https://supportontariomade.ca/

Rob & Geraldine Brouwer didn't start out thinking they would create a dog food company Sep 10, 2024

Like many pet food companies, Rob & Geraldine Brouwer didn't start out thinking they would create a dog food company. They started by simply trying to feed their dog the best food possible. Big Country Raw started d2c and never looked back.

Check out Big Country Raw here: https://bigcountryraw.ca/

Check out Ontario made here: https://supportontariomade.ca/

Michael Clark is the Winemaker, General Manager and co-owner of Clos du Soleil Sep 03, 2024

Michael Clark is the Winemaker, General Manager and co-owner of Clos du Soleil. We stop to sample some beautiful wines, talk about the winery, how Michael approaches wine making, and what consumers should know about the wine business in the Okanagan and Similkameen Valley

Check out Clos du Soleil here: https://www.closdusoleil.ca/

We're on a roadtrip. We get some real feedback on wine in the Okanagan valley, and the BC Fruit Grower's situation. Aug 27, 2024

We're on a roadtrip. We get some real feedback on wine in the Okanagan valley, and the BC Fruit Grower's situation.

If you're curious what we're doing, head to our instagram to check out where we are and what we're doing.

Thank you for Paul Martin from Peter's YIG, Avi and Binne from Farming Karma and of course, to Peter Boyd, Peter's YIG for setting all this up.

David Giffin shares his journey in establishing a hemp business Aug 23, 2024

David Giffin shares his journey in establishing a hemp business. We talk about the challenges of hemp - the launch of the Earthli brand, addressing marketing challenges and consumer misconceptions about hemp.

Find David here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-giffin-899947163/

Find Earthli foods here: https://earthli.ca/

Andrew Elliott, former President of Foley's Chocolates comes on to talk about growing companies and the importance of leadership. Aug 20, 2024

Andrew Elliott, former President of Foley's Chocolates comes on to talk about growing companies and the importance of leadership. This was our first live podcast, filmed and recorded at JJ Bean's in East Vancouver.

You can find Andrew here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-elliott-936bba26/

ast to coast podcast. Patrick Griffin, the Founder of the Oat Company joins us from Newfoundland. Aug 16, 2024

A coast to coast podcast. Patrick Griffin, the Founder of the Oat Company joins us from Newfoundland. We talk about Patrick's move from public policy to oat maker, the logistics of manufacturing product from the east coast and trying to make it across the country.

Check out the Oat Company here: https://www.oatcompany.com/

Find Patrick here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-griffin-94397556/

We catch up with Michael Mazur, President at Freshfield Naturals, Inc. Freshfield won the 2024 CHFA Launchpad award in Vancouver Aug 13, 2024

We catch up with Michael Mazur, President at Freshfield Naturals, Inc. Freshfield won the 2024 CHFA Launchpad award in Vancouver

To check out Freshfield, head to https://freshfield.life/

To reach Michael: https://www.linkedin.com/in/micmazur/

Spreading the popcorn gospel. Tanner Townsend talks about switching crops, and becoming Canada's largest popcorn grower. Aug 06, 2024

Spreading the popcorn gospel. Tanner Townsend talks about switching crops, and becoming Canada's largest popcorn grower.

check out Uncle Bob's popcorn here: https://www.ontariopoppingcorn.com/

Tanner isn't on Linkedin much, but he's here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tanner-townsend/

Retailing is an art and a grind. Kristina Cavallari has both - the art to retailing and the grit to grind it out in retail. Jul 30, 2024

Retailing is an art and a grind. Kristina Cavallari has both - the art to retailing and the grit to grind it out in retail. We talk about Aura Natural Market, how Kristina thinks about retail and serving her customers.

In case you're wondering what the store looks like...we filmed a tour. https://youtu.be/Pshrw-SMKbk

To find Kristina: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristina-cavallari-923341b4/

To find Kurt Astle: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kurt-astle-22343a170/

To find Aura Natural Market: https://www.auramarket.ca/

Food Banks Mississauga partnership with Kimberly Clark Canada Jul 28, 2024

We got together with Todd Fisher from KC and Sukaina Sumar-Ebrahim from Foodbanks Mississauga to talk about the partnership they've built, and the new challenges that a "temporary" solution like a food bank is supposed to solve.

To find out more about Mississauga Food Banks: https://www.foodbanksmississauga.ca/

Find Sukaina here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sukaina-sumar-ebrahim/

Find Todd here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/todd-fisher-0b56493/

Steve Rad, CEO of Abacus comes on to talk AI, how Steve is using AI and how he and Abacus thinks about AI and the future Jul 23, 2024

We get into it, and totally forget to introduce Steve Rad, CEO of Abacus. We get into AI, how Steve is using AI and how he and Abacus thinks about AI and the future.

Check out Abacus brands here: https://www.abacusbrands.com/

Find Steve Rad here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-rad-5959943b/

Thanks to Gainops for sponsoring this episode. www.gainops.com

Find Nimesh here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nimesh-jaspal-462615/

Carmen Wakeling, Co-Owner of Eatmore Sprouts comes on to talk about sprouts and turning the tide on a 25 year old incident. Jul 16, 2024

This episode is a little overdue. Carmen Wakeling, Co-Owner of Eatmore Sprouts comes on to talk about sprouts and turning the tide on a 25 year old incident.

Find Carmen here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmen-wakeling/

Find Eat More Sprouts here: https://eatmoresprouts.com/

Sam Wong, Data executive at Marc Anthony leading organizations to work smarter with Data and AI. Jul 09, 2024

We're building some ties here in case you're wondering. Last week, you heard from Mike Nunn on security. This week you're hearing from Sam Wong, Data executive at Marc Anthony leading organizations to work smarter with Data and AI.

Phil has known Sam for a long long time. Fun fact, Sam was Phil's pianist at his wedding.

You can find Sam here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-wong-analytics/

Max saw the future of trading cards before we all caught on Jul 02, 2024

Max's store is interesting enough that Kenny would drive there.

Max saw the future of trading cards before we all caught on. A fascinating take on a childhood past time that has grown into something for grown-ups

Check out Max's website: www.zephryepic.com

Mike Nunn is the CEO of TLC Solutions. We talk about how to keep yourself cyber safe, and the things that brands and businesses should worry about Jun 28, 2024

Mike Nunn is the CEO of TLC Solutions. We talk about how to keep yourself cyber safe, and the things that brands and businesses should worry about

Find Mike here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikednunn/

Find TLC solutions here: https://tlcsolutions.ca/

Mike has a webinar hosted by BC Food & Beverage on Sept 19th. We'll post about this when we get the link.

Mitch Cobb is the founder of Libra Non-Alcoholic Craft Beer. We talk about his experiences "crossing over" from Upstreet Craft Brewing to the non-alcoholic side. Jun 25, 2024

It's a good time to continue the conversation about having a good time in the summer and have options on beverages. Mitch Cobb is the founder of Libra Non-Alcoholic Craft Beer. We talk about his experiences "crossing over" from Upstreet Craft Brewing to the non-alcoholic side.

To find Mitch : https://www.linkedin.com/in/mitchacobb/

To find Libra: https://drinklibra.ca/

This episode is sponsored by Food & Beverage Atlantic. You can find them here: https://atlanticfood.ca/

Don't forget to subscribe to our newsletters at www.thiscommercelife.com ,we promise to make it worth your while!

Michelle Mckay-Prychidny is the CRO at Shelfgram. She talks about super-charging the store visit, and the new thing they've built for students. Jun 17, 2024

Michelle Mckay-Prychidny is the CRO at Shelfgram. She talks about super-charging the store visit, and the new thing they've built for students.

To find Michelle: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-mckay-prychidny-b6b0492/

Shelfgram is here: https://www.shelfgram.com/

Congratulations to the teams at Shelfgram and Fieldagent - this is a great match!!

"Why can't I have a craft (non-alcoholic) beer with my friends?" Jun 11, 2024

"Why can't I have a craft (non-alcoholic) beer with my friends?"

Diagnosed with Crohn's disease, having a kid made him give up alcohol. Being mocked and derided for asking for non-alcoholic choices at bars and restaurants made Ted Fleming make his own.

check out Partake here: https://drinkpartake.com/

Find Ted here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ted-fleming-4370199/

Special episode today. We named him "Amazon Master" but in truth, Deepak is really really good at Amazon. Jun 07, 2024

Special episode today. We named him "Amazon Master" but in truth, Deepak is really really good at Amazon.

We usually save thursdays for industry experts that can help you build, solve and grow your business.

Find Deepak here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pateldpk/

Kristin Matthews, CEO of Tom&Sawyer comes back to tell us about her new partnership and product launch with Dr Joe Inglis. Jun 04, 2024

Kristin Matthews, CEO of Tom&Sawyer comes back to tell us about her new partnership and product launch with Dr Joe Inglis.

To find Kristin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristinlmatthews/

To find Dr Joe Inglis: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeinglis/

Check out Vetchef here: https://www.vetchef.pet/

Always be ready. Toronto based Shop Shndy got discovered in Scarborough, and is being featured in Paris Fashion Week 2024. May 28, 2024

Always be ready. Toronto based Shop Shndy got discovered in Scarborough, and is being featured in Paris Fashion Week 2024.

Shindy Gu shows off some old fashioned work ethic and customer service skills to retain and grow her consumer base.

Find Shindy here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shindy-gu-92a895164/?originalSubdomain=ca

Check out Shop Shndy here: https://shopshndy.com/

We meet up with the remarkable Winnie Hsu. Founder of Vision2Reality Foundation & CEO of NexGen Accounting May 21, 2024

We meet up with the remarkable Winnie Hsu. Founder of Vision2Reality Foundation & CEO of NexGen Accounting takes a few mins to catch us up on her amazing journey from having no skills to running an organization to help people start their dreams.

Find Winnie here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/winniehsu-v2rf/

Check out Vision2Reality here: https://www.v2rf.org/

Don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter www.thiscommercelife.com

We catch up with the amazing Corwin Hiebert. We talk about his podcast, the work he does and how to stay focused on your consumer. May 14, 2024

We catch up with the amazing Corwin Hiebert. We talk about his podcast, the work he does and how to stay focused on your consumer.

Find Corwin here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/corwinhiebert/

Check out Aisle 42 podcast here: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/aisle-42/id1709520061

John Doherty has to put up with us city mice. Stonepost Farms’ mission is to farm ethically May 07, 2024

John Doherty has to put up with us city mice. Stonepost Farms’ mission is to farm ethically, to produce nutrient dense food using ethical and regenerative farming practices that are both economically viable and sustainable for future generations.

Check out Stone Post Farms here: https://stonepostfarms.ca/

Mitch needs a hug. The founder of Rviita talks about starting in the CPG world from scratch Apr 30, 2024

Mitch needs a hug. The founder of Rviita talks about starting in the CPG world from scratch.

Connect with Mitch here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mitch-jacobsen-p-eng-89277649/

check out Rviita here: https://rviitalize.com/

Our first food scientist! Lara Tiro comes on to talk about our favorite topic...FOOD! Apr 23, 2024

Our first food scientist! Lara Tiro comes on to talk about our favorite topic...FOOD!

Lara talks about how she helps brands and how she thinks about food development.

Lara's Linkedin is here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laratiro/

Her website is here: https://rebelbotanica.ca/

Lara and her partner DID launch their first episode. You can find it here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1ph6xKO7td6ADDeXS2Z176?si=p6IEIDdcTv-Mp8yfiAzeeg

Kieran and Brent talk about what it takes to run a farm in southern Ontario Apr 16, 2024

We can still taste their cider. Val Steinmann and Brent Klassen moved from Toronto to get back farming. Kieran and Brent talk about what it takes to run a farm in southern Ontario, their amazing Heartwood Sparkle, and what it takes to be in a family based business.

Check out Heartwood Farms here: https://heartwoodfarm.ca/

Find Kieran Klassen here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kieran-klassen-879b38b8/

Jared talks about: being a dad, an ex-CPG founder, relationship builder, researchers & strategist. We do not talk about him being a really tall guy Apr 09, 2024

Jared talks about: being a dad, an ex-CPG founder, relationship builder, researchers & strategist. We do not talk about him being a really tall guy

Find Jared here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaredkligerman/

Subscribe to our emails to stay connected to more things: www.thiscommercelife.com

Melanie MacInnes talks about being flexible, nimble, the irrational fear of losing the farm Apr 02, 2024

They planted 36 acres of cottonwood trees and then the papermill shut down.
Melanie MacInnes talks about being flexible, nimble, the irrational fear of losing the farm. Locality Brewing talks about going field to glass, and what they've had to do to stay open.
Check out Locality Brewing: https://www.localitybrewing.ca/
You can find Melanie here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melanie-macinnes-691a4094/

Jan Stenc, Co-Founder and Head Distiller at Copperpenny Distilling Co. teaches us about gin, and also sorts of yummy alcoholic things. Mar 26, 2024

Jan Stenc, Co-Founder and Head Distiller at Copperpenny Distilling Co. teaches us about gin, and also sorts of yummy alcoholic things.

To reach Jan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jan-stenc-9651a955/

To find Copper Penny: https://copperpennydistilling.com/

Thank you to our sponsor today. The Food Executives Club of Vancouver https://fecov.com/

Aeryon came on to talk about lady bits and chlamydia Mar 19, 2024

Aeryon came on to talk about lady bits and chlamydia. We had some internet issues, but the CEO of Aeryon Wellness Nutraceuticals was super informative and lots of fun!
Find Aeryon here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aeryon-ashlie-027040105/
check out the website here: https://www.aeryonwellness.com/
You can find Aeryon's podcast, Friends you keep here: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/friends-you-keep/id1668005542

How hard is it to get good data?? Nimesh finds your data, fixes it, and helps you tell the story. Mar 15, 2024

He's fixated on data. We know how hard it is to get good data - Nimesh finds your data, fixes it, and helps you tell the story.

CEO of Gainops, Nimesh Jaspal talks about what does the data tells us.

to check out Gainops: https://www.gainops.com/

to find Nimesh: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nimesh-jaspal-462615/

Happy 10th birthday to Moonshine Mama's! Mel Divers talks about putting summer in a bottle. Mar 12, 2024

Happy 10th birthday to Moonshine Mama's! Mel Divers talks about putting summer in a bottle.

I could have sworn I produced it, but I can't find it!(Phil)

Check out Moonshine Mama's here: https://moonshinemamas.ca/

Melinda is here on Linkedin : https://www.linkedin.com/in/melinda-divers-75a32259/

Her episode on Hearts & Carts is here: https://podcasts.apple.com/bg/podcast/melinda-divers-ceo-founder-moonshine-mamas/id1653692647?i=1000632562460

He has 18+ years of real estate development, and he knows music spaces. But now, he knows kitchens too. COO of Coho Collective Kitchens, Amrit Maharaj talks about one of our favorite subjects - food! Mar 05, 2024

He has 18+ years of real estate development, and he knows music spaces. But now, he knows kitchens too. COO of Coho Collective Kitchens, Amrit Maharaj talks about one of our favorite subjects - food!

check out Coho Commissary here: https://www.cohocollectivekitchens.com/

Find Amrit here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amrit-maharaj-00334b193/

Daniel Rabu is an aquaculturist.Don't know what exactly that is? Neither did we. Feb 27, 2024

This one is a different episode. Daniel Rabu is an aquaculturist. We didn't really know what that was.

Daniel talks about his work with First Nations, he talks about growing seaweed, abalone, oysters, sea cucumbers and many more things.

You can find Daniel here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-rabu-177b3b16/?originalSubdomain=ca

We get naked and saucy (sortof) with Founder Paul Gill. Feb 20, 2024

We get naked and saucy (sortof) with Founder Paul Gill.

Paul talks about his sauces, but he also gives an episode full of tips & tricks for founders - things that he's learned along the way.

You can find Paul here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gillpaul/

Check out Naked & Saucy here: https://nakedandsaucy.com/

Make sure you subscribe here: www.thiscommercelife.com

John Danyluk and Michael Rende from Earth's Own come on to talk milks - oat, almond and we get a bit of masterclass in how to look at category analytics. Feb 13, 2024

John Danyluk and Michael Rende from Earth's Own come on to talk milks - oat, almond and we get a bit of masterclass in how to look at category analytics and how they look at strategy.

John Danyluk - https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-danyluk-7194405b/

Michael Rende - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelrende/

Check out Earth's Own here: https://earthsown.com/

We spend some time with Hope Aylen. We learn a few things and see how a designer sees the process of designing our hopes and dreams in packaging and labels. Feb 06, 2024

We spend some time with Hope Aylen. We learn a few things and see how a designer sees the process of designing our hopes and dreams in packaging and labels.

To find Hope https://www.linkedin.com/in/hope-aylen-designfulhope/

check out her services here: https://www.designfulhope.com/

We brought her back to talk about her! Cheryl Grant, the founder of Vitality comes on to talk about her journey. Jan 30, 2024

We brought her back to talk about her! Cheryl Grant, the founder of Vitality comes on to talk about her journey.

Last time she was on, she spent a lot of time talking about Save our Supplements. We wanted to make sure we got a chance to talk to Cheryl about Cheryl. We're glad we did. We talk about work life balance, taking time for oneself, and what it takes to "unplug"

To find Cheryl: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cherylgrant25/

Shop Vitality here: https://www.vitality.ca/

Former broadcaster Patrice Mousseau started making eczema lotion, and now she's moving into helping other businesses. Jan 23, 2024

Former broadcaster Patrice Mousseau started making eczema lotion, and now she's moving into helping other businesses.

Find Patrice here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrice-mousseau-1109791a/

Shop Satya here: https://satya.ca/

Tamara Wensley sent us the best pork rinds we'd ever had. The founder of Primal Sisters talks about how a vegetarian nutritionist got into pork rinds. Jan 16, 2024

Tamara Wensley sent us the best pork rinds we'd ever had. The founder of Primal Sisters talks about how a vegetarian nutritionist got into pork rinds.

Find Tamara here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tamara-wensley-96a445209/?originalSubdomain=ca

You can shop for her amazing pork rinds here: https://www.primalsisters.com/

They got voted off the island...literally. Salt Spring Island Founder Mickey McLeod comes on to talk about their origin story, regenerative farming, organic, fair trade standards. Jan 09, 2024

They got voted off the island...literally. Salt Spring Island Founder Mickey McLeod comes on to talk about their origin story, regenerative farming, organic, fair trade standards.

check out Salt Spring Island coffee here: https://www.saltspringcoffee.com/

you can find Mickey on linkedin here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mickey-mcleod-8829598/

Mickey talks about Regenerative Organic Alliance https://regenorganic.org/

Will Harris' book that Mickey refers to, is called 'A Bold Return to Giving a Damn: One Farm, Six Generations, and the Future of Food' https://www.amazon.ca/Bold-Return-Giving-Damn-Generations-ebook/dp/B0BS2TYFTW

He likes to break down silos and move between things. Michael Mikulak, Executive Director of Food and Beverage Manitoba comes on to talk about his winding path to helping food processors and brands today in Manitoba. Dec 22, 2023

He likes to break down silos and move between things. Michael Mikulak, Executive Director of Food and Beverage Manitoba comes on to talk about his winding path to helping food processors and brands today in Manitoba.

Find Michael here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-mikulak-5057b531/

Check out Manitoba Food and Beverage here: https://foodbeveragemb.ca/

find out more about Cultivate here: https://members.foodbeveragemb.ca/eventscalendar/Details/cultivate-sustainability-conference-and-trade-show-945577?sourceTypeId=Website

She's done a fast thought with us, but we finally got a chance to hang out for real with her. This started with a journey to switch the family to vegan, and she realized how hard it was to get healthy, tasty and relatively to make. Dec 19, 2023

She's done a fast thought with us, but we finally got a chance to hang out for real with her. This started with a journey to switch the family to vegan, and she realized how hard it was to get healthy, tasty and relatively to make.

check out Yumasoy here: https://yumasoy.com/

Find Gina here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gina-arsens-cpa-ca-cbv-05533312/

Cedar Valley founder Ameen Fadel talks about how he got started at 16 and how he and his family have built a national business Dec 12, 2023

Cedar Valley founder Ameen Fadel talks about how he got started at 16 and how he and his family have built a national business

Find Ameen here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ameen-fadel-48175514b/

Shop Cedar Valley here:

Looking for a Christmas treat? HINT - listen to this episode. A colouring cookie kit. Who knew? Chris Goodrow and his wife, Kristy, that's who. Dec 05, 2023

A colouring cookie kit. Who knew? Chris Goodrow and his wife, Kristy, that's who. They began baking out of a licensed kitchen in their basement part-time and frantically juggling 3 small children, a travel work schedule and growing demand. Today, they're pioneering a whole new category, and pushing the borders on decorating kits.

check out https://bysweetness.com/

Find Chris here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisgoodrow/

They bought their uncle's business, got orders by fax machine, and didnt' know who their end customers were. It took a pandemic, and a timely instagram post by Ryan Reynolds, and a lot of sweat and selling to get this business into what it is today. Nov 28, 2023

They bought their uncle's business, got orders by fax machine, and didnt' know who their end customers were. It took a pandemic, and a timely instagram post by Ryan Reynolds, and a lot of sweat and selling to get this business into what it is today.

shop Grandpa J's here: https://www.grandpajs.com/

Find Jenny here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennygrandpajs/

A father/daughter podcast on families in business together. Randy and Kamryn Sihota talk family business Nov 21, 2023

A father/daughter podcast on families in business together.

We spent some time with Randy Sihota at Nationwide, and this time, his daughter Kamryn joins us and talks about working with her dad. She talks about reconsidering working with her dad and Nationwide. The two of them talk about family dynamics and what it takes to try and continue to build a family business together.

You can find Kamryn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kamryn-sihota-4865b826b/

Randy is here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/randy-sihota-04593444/

check out Nationwide here: https://nnfd.ca/

check out Wescana foods here: https://wescanafoods.com/

Randy's original episode is here: https://www.thiscommercelife.com/tclpodcast/episode/231333c0/they-could-have-bought-a-mcdonalds-in-1976-but-his-dad-and-his-brother-chose-to-get-into-granola-instead-fast-forward-randy-sihota-is-still-in-the-family-business

Old Growth beverages tea will make a great Christmas gift! www.oldgrowthbeverages.com

Aaron Chin always knew that he wanted to be in the business of helping others. Watching his dad build Organika served as role model for what he's trying to do with the business today. Nov 14, 2023

This episode finally happened. We get a chance to talk to Aaron Chin about 30+ years in the Organika business. He always knew that he wanted to be in the business of helping others. Watching his dad do it served as role model for what he's trying to do with the business today.

You can find Aaron here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-chin-b1336336/

check out Organika here: https://organika.com/

check out our microground teas here: https://oldgrowthbeverages.com/

CEO and a partner of Unity Brands Inc., David Lui comes on to talk about the company he cofounded with Joe Mimran and Frank Rocchetti. Nov 07, 2023

CEO and a partner of Unity Brands Inc., David Lui comes on to talk about the company he cofounded with Joe Mimran and Frank Rocchetti. We talk to David about his wide and varied past, and how he's lived right across Canada.

Find David here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidymlui/

Check out Kit and Ace here: https://www.kitandace.com/

Let's talk about her Noods - Mayumi Bae and her siblings are committed to bringing Asian inspired, innovative plant based products to market. Nov 03, 2023

Mayumi Bae and her siblings are committed to bringing Asian inspired, innovative plant based products to market. Their newest product Noods, surprised us at CHFA East. In case you want to check out their food offerings in person, head to their cafe - the Plant Based Workshop

find Mayumi here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mayumi-bae-b735b1277/?originalSubdomain=ca

their cafe is here: https://plantbasedworkshop.com/

If you're interested in microground tea, head to www.oldgrowthbeverages.com

Sonia Strobel talks about supporting Canadian fishing families and keeping small-scale fishing alive in BC and providing transparency around what they are catching, where and how. Oct 31, 2023

Sonia Strobel talks about supporting Canadian fishing families and keeping small-scale fishing alive in BC and providing transparency around what they are catching, where and how.

Find Sonia here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sonia-strobel/

Sign up for Skipper Otto here: https://skipperotto.com/

Homework for our listeners - watch the cbc documentary on Skipper Otto here:: https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/2256028739565

Thank you to Fieldagent Canada for sponsoring this episode. You can find Buy and try here: https://www.fieldagentcanada.com/buyandtry

92% Canadians said they love having small businesses in their community, but only 13% do most of their shopping at small businesses Oct 25, 2023

Celebrating small business month, releasing a special episode with Christina Santini from CFIB. 92% Canadians said they love having small businesses in their community, but only 13% do most of their shopping at small businesses

Christina Santini from Canadian Federation of Independent Business talks about influencing goverment policy, helping small businesses and fighting for a CEBA extension.

Connect with Christina here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christina-santini-711ba5222/
On CEBA, fighting for an extension while providing information on refinancing for those who will need it.

New CEBA Provisions - https://www.cfib-fcei.ca/ceba-update
CFIB’s CEBA Petition – https://www.cfib-fcei.ca/en/petition/national-petition-ceba-loans
NDP Petition in the House of Commons: https://petitions.ourcommons.ca/en/Petition/Details?Petition=e-4624 (Closes December 5th)
Tips if refinancing - https://www.cfib-fcei.ca/en/tools-resources/financing-options-ceba-loan

On payroll taxes, here is a link to resources, as well as to a report that speaks to all the payroll taxes that exist across the country and their impacts: https://www.cfib-fcei.ca/2023-payroll-tax-deductions

Link to our Cybercecurity Academy, as well as Webinars and Qs&As on the issue: https://www.cfib-fcei.ca/cybersecurity

It is October. Small Business Month. Our #SmallBusinessEveryDay campaign is on! Resources to promote small businesses and shopping local are included below.

https://www.cfib-fcei.ca/celebrate-small-business
Toolkit for business owners: https://www.cfib-fcei.ca/celebrate-small-business/toolkits
Big Thank You contest open October 30, 2023 at 11:59 pm ET: https://www.smallbusinesseveryday.ca/big-thank-you-contest. Small business supporters can enter the weekly draw by visiting SmallBusinessEveryDay.ca and leaving a thank-you note to their favourite small Canadian business. The winners— one supporter and the business they thanked—are announced every week. The winning businesses will receive a $2,500 cash prize sponsored by Interac Corp., a one-year CFIB membership and a Big Thank You box. Small business supporters can also win $1,000 cash to shop local and a Big Thank You Box that includes small business products from every province and territory.
Small retailers’ local contributions report: https://www.cfib-fcei.ca/en/research-economic-analysis/small-retailers-local-contributions

Membership benefits and how to become a member: https://www.cfib-fcei.ca/en/membership-benefits or https://members.cfib-fcei.ca/en-ca/join-now

"Who the heck cuts out sugar??" This got her thinking. Alice Grey talks about finding monk fruit, and making the best chocolate she can make with monk fruit. Oct 24, 2023

"Who the heck cuts out sugar??" This got her thinking. Alice Grey talks about finding monk fruit, and making the best chocolate she can make with monk fruit.

Find Alice at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alice-grey/

Shop for monk fruit sweetened chocolate at https://mindfulmonk.co/

thank you to Fieldagent Canada for sponsoring today's episode. check out buy and try here: https://www.fieldagentcanada.com/buyandtry

Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter for great insights www.thiscommerclife.com

Chocxo just won an award at BCFB. Wondering what their story is? Scott Sulz comes on to talk about great chocolate. Oct 20, 2023

Chocxo just won an award at BCFB. Wondering what their story is? Scott Sulz comes on to talk about great chocolate.

On top of that, we spend some time talking to Scott about how you figure out how to work somewhere that you love.

You can find Scott here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-sulz-5301b967/

Check out Chocxo here: https://chocxo.com/

Interested in Fieldagent's Buy and try? hit this link: https://www.fieldagentcanada.com/buyandtry

The CEO of Vitality, Cheryl Grant sounds the alarm on Health Canada putting more red tape on our world class supplements process. Oct 17, 2023

The CEO of Vitality, Cheryl Grant sounds the alarm on Health Canada putting more red tape on our world class supplements process.

Thank you to the Boss for telling us that we had to have Cheryl Grant on. On a totally different note, Cheryl's decided that she's going to screw with Phil the time she sees him.

You can find Cheryl here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cherylgrant25/

check out Vitality here: https://www.vitality.ca/

check out the SOS campaign here: https://www.saveoursupplements.ca/

Fieldagent's Buy and Try program is here: https://www.fieldagentcanada.com/buyandtry

She inherited her dad's meat smoker and decided that she'd smoke tofu instead. Oct 10, 2023

She inherited her dad's meat smoker and decided that she'd smoke tofu instead. Founder Miki Talebi talks about coming from public policy to slinging tofu.

find her here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/miki-talebi-22587a43/?originalSubdomain=ca

check out Oome here: https://www.thisisoome.com/

Thank you to Field Agent Canada for sponsoring our episodes. Check out their Ratings and Review program here: https://www.fieldagentcanada.com/ratings-and-reviews

Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter at www.thiscommercelife.com

We're talking to a functional expert you can call or ask questions of. Bryan Horsley is a CA/CPA who has an accounting background, consulting and been a retailer. Oct 06, 2023

It's a thursday, and we're talking to a functional expert you can call or ask questions of. Bryan Horsley is a CA/CPA who has an accounting background, consulting and been a retailer.

You can find Bryan in Linkedin : https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-horsley/

or bryan@bryanhorsley.cpa

Thank you to Fieldagent Canada for sponsoring this epsiode, you can find out more about their ratings and review program here: https://www.fieldagentcanada.com/ratings-and-reviews

Be sure to head to www.thiscommercelife.com to subscribe to our newsletter to keep track of more tips and tricks in retail

"People want real tangible holistic frameworks for healing" Angela and Yarrow Willard talk about Harmonic Arts, how they became a national brand, and the shift from being a small business owner to a business leader. Oct 03, 2023

"People want real tangible holistic frameworks for healing" Angela and Yarrow Willard talk about Harmonic Arts, how they became a national brand, and the shift from being a small business owner to a business leader.

Find out more about Harmonic Arts here: https://harmonicarts.ca/

Find Yarrow here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yarrow-willard-b0b09839/

Find Angela here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-willard-9a92a611b/

Check out their webinar page here: https://harmonicarts.ca/pages/webinars

Thank you to our sponsor - Fieldagent Canada. Find out more about Ratings and Reviews here: https://www.fieldagentcanada.com/ratings-and-reviews

For every dollar they've given a company, those companies are able to attract another $64. Who is NPC? Sue Coulesan explains Sep 26, 2023

For every dollar they've given a company, those companies are able to attract another $64. Who is NPC? Coueslan explains. If you were at CHFA, you saw Shelley King on stage, helping Launchpad finalists, and if you walked the show, you definitely walked through innovation alley.
Find NPC here: https://www.naturalproductscanada.com/en/
Find Sue here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sue-coueslan-6864748/
Make sure you subscribe to our newsletter at www.thiscommercelife.com

Mitsoh ("Eat" in Cree Nehiyaw) was founded by Ian Gladue of Wabasca's Bigstone Cree Nation in Alberta. Sep 19, 2023

Mitsoh ("Eat" in Cree Nehiyaw) was founded by Ian Gladue of Wabasca's Bigstone Cree Nation in Alberta. We talk to Ian and his partner Brandon about restoring, preserving and sharing North American Indigenous culture while bringing great products to market.

Find Brandon here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandon-markiw-071b0946/

Find Mitsoh here: https://www.mitsoh.com/

Be sure to sign up for CHFA Now here: https://www.chfanow.ca/toronto/

Thank you to CHFA for sponsoring our September Podcasts.

Be sure to sign up for our newsletter here: www.thiscommercelife.com

If you had 250,000 people at your disposal what would you ask for? Jeff Doucette talks about some of the retail wishes he and Fieldagent fulfill every week for brands. Sep 15, 2023

If you had 250,000 people at your disposal what would you ask for? Jeff Doucette talks about some of the retail wishes he and Fieldagent fulfill every week for brands.

Find Jeff here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-doucette-72b3556/

Check out Fieldagent here: https://www.fieldagentcanada.com/

Make sure you sign up to CHFA Now here: https://chfa.ca/en/Events/chfa-now#upcoming

A what? A dacquoise + macaron = Dacaron. Jimmy Kim talks about their journey to bring the Dacaron to Canadian consumers. Sep 12, 2023

A what? A dacquoise + macaron = Dacaron. Jimmy Kim talks about their journey to bring the Dacaron to Canadian consumers.

Find wonderful Dacarons at: https://www.earthlingfoods.ca/

Talk to Jimmy here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimmy-kim-8219838b/

Vote for Jimmy here: https://www.bcfbawards.com/vote

Make sure you sign up for CHFA here: https://www.chfanow.ca/toronto/

Riaz Meghji, Author of Every Conversation counts comes on to talk about conversations, journaling and connections. Sep 05, 2023

Riaz Meghji, Author of Every Conversation counts comes on to talk about conversations, journaling and connections.

Find Riaz here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/riazmeghji/

Riaz's book is here: https://riazmeghji.com/book

Make sure you sign up for CHFA here: https://chfa.ca/en/Events/chfa-now

Sign up for our newsletter here: www.thiscommercelife.com

Karen Danudjaja the founder of Blume comes by to talk about startups, not knowing retail and celebrating wins Aug 30, 2023

Karen Danudjaja the founder of Blume comes by to talk about startups, not knowing retail and celebrating wins. We were pretty excited to talk to Karen - she's an incredible founder with a wonderful outlook on how she wants to approach her business.

Find Karen here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-danudjaja-8275682a/

Shop Blume here: https://itsblume.com/

Make sure you sign up for CHFA here: https://chfa.ca/en/Events/chfa-now

We get the '101' about chocolate and social enterprises. Mara Mennicken is the 'GOOD' in the The GOOD Chocolatier. After studying about social enterprises, she wondered why companies don't give back every step of their journey to growth. Aug 22, 2023

We get the '101' about chocolate and social enterprises. Mara Mennicken is the 'GOOD' in the The GOOD Chocolatier. After studying about social enterprises, she wondered why companies don't give back every step of their journey to growth.

Find Mara here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mara-mennicken-24609469/

Shop the Good Chocolatier here: https://thegoodchocolatier.com/

Make sure you sign up for CHFA NOW at https://chfa.ca/en/Events/chfa-now

Sign up for our newsletter at www.thiscommercelife.com

She takes risks. She loves learning and she's made a habit of sharing her wins and mistakes. Bro-Dough founder Erica Rankin comes on to talk about learning CPG and selling a product that she loves. Aug 15, 2023

She takes risks. She loves learning and she's made a habit of sharing her wins and mistakes. Bro-Dough founder Erica Rankin comes on to talk about learning CPG and selling a product that she loves.

Find Erica here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericabrodough/

Shop bro dough here: https://eatbrodough.com/

Make sure you subscribe to the This Commerce life Podcast at www.thiscommercelife.com

Thank you to CHFA for sponsoring this episode. If you're a retailer, sign up at https://www.microspec.com/reg/CHFAE2023/

One of his greatest fears is that he will talk without saying anything. That isn't true - while he was with us, VP Strategic Partnerships / Ethical Food Group Corwin Hiebert has a lot to say about helping brands grow. Aug 08, 2023

One of his greatest fears is that he will talk without saying anything. That isn't true - while he was with us, VP Strategic Partnerships / Ethical Food Group Corwin Hiebert has a lot to say about helping brands grow.

Find out more about Ethical Food Group here: https://www.ethicalfoodgroup.com/

Check out Corwin here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/corwinhiebert/

Don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter here: www.thiscommercelife.com

If you're a retailer, make sure you sign up for CHFA NOW here: https://www.microspec.com/reg/CHFAE2023/

This guy finally makes it onto the podcast. Kirk Homenick talks about getting kicked out of London Drugs in his first week, and the long hard road back to being a Canadian made, hand-crafted snack. Aug 01, 2023

This guy finally makes it onto the podcast. Kirk Homenick talks about getting kicked out of London Drugs in his first week, and the long hard road back to being a Canadian made, hand-crafted snack.

shop Hardbite here: https://hardbitechips.com/

Find Kirk here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirk-homenick-a19bb71/

Make sure you subscribe to the podcast newsletter here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirk-homenick-a19bb71/

Near 90 years of farming in Pitt Meadows BC, Hopcott Farms continues to thrive as a Family Farming Business Jul 28, 2023

Near 90 years of farming in Pitt Meadows BC, Hopcott Farms continues to thrive as a Family Farming Business. Started by their Grandparents in the 1930's and then run by their parents Bob & Debbie, it's now been the mission and passion of the 3 siblings, Jean, Travis and Brad, to continue and expand this family enterprise and truly become your one stop shop for locally raised meats, vegetables and specialty grocery items.

check out Hopcott Farms here: https://hopcottfarms.ca/

be sure to subscribe to our newsletter here: www.thiscommercelife.com

It's not about fear, it's about being aware. Mike Nunn from TLC Solutions walks us through the threats we face today in the world of Cybersecurity Jul 25, 2023

It's not about fear, it's about being aware. Mike Nunn from TLC Solutions walks us through the threats we face today in the world of Cybersecurity whether from a business stand point or personal. Mike chats with the Knuckleheads and goes through how we can do a better job and make some relatively easy changes to how we view and protect our data online.

check out Mike here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikednunn/

check out Mike's company here: https://tlcsolutions.ca/

Make sure you subscribe to our newsletter at www.thiscommercelife.com

We catch up with our CPG Industry Recruiting Guru, Trevor Baker. A chat about the workplace today, post Covid, the job market now and what people are looking for in employees and employers Jul 21, 2023

Still hurting from a de-llsting years ago with Kenny; we catch up with our CPG Industry Recruiting Guru, Trevor Baker. A chat about the workplace today, post Covid, the job market now and what people are looking for in employees and employers, and we ask, and seek Trevor's wisdom, when asking the proverbial "Where has everyone gone?" Whether you are looking for work or looking to hire, what does it look like for the prospective candidates and those looking to fill positions. Always an informative discussion with Trevor.

Find Trevor here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevoratmacdonaldsearchgroup/

Find MacDonald Search Group here: https://www.macdonaldsearchgroup.com/

make sure you subscribe to our newsletter: www.thiscommercelife.com

We meet a fan, become fans. Sarah Kinlin will be a world reknowned speaker, coach and educator. We're proud to be her first podcast. Jul 18, 2023

We meet a fan, become fans. Sarah Kinlin will be a world reknowned speaker, coach and educator. We're proud to be her first podcast.

talk to Sarah here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-kinlin-253917137/

check out Sarah's website here: https://sarahkinlin.com/pages/podcast

make sure you subscribe to our newsletter at www.thiscommercelife.com

Mushrooms! We talk mushrooms and building a mushroom farm from scratch with Bryan Thomas. Jul 11, 2023

Mushrooms! We talk mushrooms and building a mushroom farm from scratch with Brian Thomas. Brian’s career started as a mental health and addictions counsellor working in detox facilities, treatment centres and later on adult outreach for mental health and addiction for Fraser Health. During that time his passion for supporting communities and helping people led him to start co-op food buying programs and daily juice clubs.

Check out Myca Farms here: https://mycafarms.ca/

Make sure you subscribe to our newsletter at www.thiscommercelife.com

"It's like running up a down escalator" CEO of BC Food and Beverage James Donaldson talks about member challenges, being a not-for-profit industry association representing food and beverage manufacturers in British Columbia. Jul 07, 2023

"It's like running up a down escalator" CEO of BC Food and Beverage James Donaldson talks about member challenges, being a not-for-profit industry association representing food and beverage manufacturers in British Columbia.

Find James here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamessdonaldson/

If you're in BC, you should be signing up to be a member of BC Food and Beverage. https://bcfb.ca/

Sign up to our newsletter: www.thiscommercelife.com

A ballet dancer, model, actress, and scuba instructor turned to beverage maker. GnuSante Chief Strategy & Ideation Officer Autumn Kendrick talks about making kid friendly, nutritional drinks. Jul 04, 2023

A ballet dancer, model, actress, and scuba instructor turned to beverage maker. GnuSante Chief Strategy & Ideation Officer Autumn Kendrick talks about making kid friendly, nutritional drinks.

Talk to Autumn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/autumn-kendrick-829015184/

Shop for Gnubees here: https://www.gnusante.com/

Make sure you subscribe to our podcast newsletter here: www.thiscommercelife.com

Dean Yachison jumps in to talk about Health First network Jun 30, 2023

Dean Yachison jumps in to talk about Health First network - the first network of independent natural food stores joined together to reduce costs and increase effectiveness of marketing and communication giving consumers greater access to the benefits of natural products in Canada.

To find Dean: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dean-yachison-63497315/

to subscribe to our newsletter: www.thiscommercelife.com

We take a road trip to Fancy Food show in New York City. Favorite brands, how we think about imported products and costing are a few of the things we talk about. Jun 27, 2023

We take a road trip to Fancy Food show in New York City. Favorite brands, how we think about imported products and costing are a few of the things we talk about.

If there's anything you want to know, shoot us a question at podcast@thiscommercelife.com

Could be anything - something retail related, or just if you want to know something about Kenny and I that's ok too.

sign up at www.thiscommercelife.com to get additional content we're building on retail.

Emily and Kyle have made it their mission to knock down barriers to eating a plant-based diet by making accessible vegan versions of traditional products Jun 20, 2023

They met in law school. While they were there, they decided that the health benefits of a plant-based diet was a worthy cause to work on as a side hustle.

Fast forward, Emily and Kyle have made it their mission to knock down barriers to eating a plant-based diet by making accessible vegan versions of traditional products, being uncompromising on taste and quality.

talk to Emily here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-wilson-61050a134/

check out their products here: https://livingtreefoods.ca/

make sure you subscribe to the podcast newsletter here: www.thiscommercelife.com

He's a CPA by training, but he was employee #2 with Choices. It turns out that retail stuck, and now Arif Ahmed runs two stores, and has ambitions for more locally focused, community driven stores. Jun 16, 2023

He's a CPA by training, but he was employee #2 with Choices. It turns out that retail stuck, and now Arif Ahmed runs two stores, and has ambitions for more locally focused, community driven stores.

Get in touch with Arif here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hwmarif/

Sign up and subscribe to our newsletter at www.thiscommercelife.com

Jeff Ball talks about his family, and their journey thru farming. Trudi-Ann and Jeff talk about the process of getting Thrive Provisions to market, and packaging wagyu beef as a snack. Jun 13, 2023

Jeff Ball talks about his family, and their journey thru farming. Trudi-Ann and Jeff talk about the process of getting Thrive Provisions to market, and packaging wagyu beef as a snack.

find Jeff here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-ball-3b51a169/

find Trudi-Ann here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trudi-ann-webster-651bbb2/

Buy Thrive Provisions here: https://thriveprovisions.ca/

Head to www.thiscommercelife.com to subscribe

Retailer Spotlight: Peter Boyd, YIG Kelowna. Peter Boyd is a local legend, and a brand favorite grocer - he's helped so many brands, retail folks, store folks to find their feet, we were honored to have him on the podcast. Jun 09, 2023

Retailer Spotlight: Peter Boyd, YIG Kelowna. We finally get Peter Boyd on. He's a local legend, and a brand favorite grocer - he's helped so many brands, retail folks, store folks to find their feet, we were honored to have him on the podcast.

To talk to Peter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-boyd-b6b733ba/

She'd never made guacamole before. While mashing the avocados, Dyana saw a bottle of Aji condiment, a speciality in Colombia and South America. The rest, they say is history. Jun 06, 2023

She'd never made guacamole before. While mashing the avocados, Dyana saw a bottle of Aji condiment, a speciality in Colombia and South America. The rest, they say is history.

Talk to Nicholas here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholas-gonzalez-biagi-7b3193101/

Shop for Dyana's Aji Sauces here: https://www.ajigourmetproducts.com/

She's an OG. Took us awhile to bring her back. Kelly Ison updates us from episode 27 and what's happening today at Einstein Pets. May 30, 2023

She's an OG. Took us awhile to bring her back. Kelly Ison updates us from episode 27 and what's happening today at Einstein Pets.

check out her first episode here: https://this-commerce-life-fb5a846c.simplecast.com/episodes/062f1c64

Shop Einstein Pet here: https://www.einsteinpets.com/

Get in touch with Pareen and Salud Management here: https://saludbrandmanagement.com/

She got fired from being an admin assistant job, but rocked a sales job. She wondered if she was going to sell olive oil forever. Instead, she built Hive, the merchandising company that helps brands be visible and standout on shelf. May 23, 2023

She got fired from being an admin assistant job, but rocked a sales job. She wondered if she was going to sell olive oil forever. Instead, she built Hive, the merchandising company that helps brands be visible and standout on shelf.

To find Amanda: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandakenny01/

Check out Hive Naturals : https://www.hivenaturals.ca/

Talk to Pareen and her team at Salud here:

https://saludbrandmanagement.com/

A recipe for yeast based salad dressing turns into a gluten free product that solves Paul Kleinschmidt's health concerns and puts flavour back in his food. Yeshi starts in Paul and Barbara's kitchen and now is found nationwide. May 16, 2023

A recipe for yeast based salad dressing turns into a gluten free product that solves Paul Kleinschmidt's health concerns and puts flavour back in his food. Yeshi starts in Paul and Barbara's kitchen and now is found nationwide.

Contact Paul here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pkleinschmidt/

Shop Yeshi here: https://www.yeshifoods.com/

Ken Anderson, friend to the podcast and long time CPG guy (now retired) comes on to give a history lesson on how and why retailers do what they do that makes us so mad. May 12, 2023

Ken Anderson, friend to the podcast and long time CPG guy (now retired) comes on to give a history lesson on how and why retailers do what they do that makes us so mad.

Find Ken here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ken-anderson-188a8b17/

A tech guy and a forensic accountant decide to make fresh cooked dog food. We talk to Co-founders Peter Zakarow and Kristin Matthews about Tom & Sawyer May 09, 2023

A tech guy and a forensic accountant decide to make fresh cooked dog food. We talk to Co-founders Peter Zakarow and Kristin Matthews about Tom & Sawyer, the pet industry, pet food standards (or lackthereof)

Sign up for a subscription to Tom & Sawyer here: https://tomandsawyer.com/

Contact Peter here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterzakarow/

Contact Kristin here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristinlmatthews/

To find Matt LeBeau and his team: https://www.lebeauexcel.com/?utm_source=TCL&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=pdcstspnsr_lebeau&utm_id=pdcstspnsr_lebeau

Founder, Agency guy, he's gonna tell you the way it is Jared Kilgerman is a smart guy that will talk to you about your business without pitching you. May 02, 2023

When Kenny reads his stuff now, he likes it. Jared Kilgerman is a smart guy that will talk to you about your business without pitching you. Founder, Agency guy, he's gonna tell you the way it is.

Find Jared here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaredkligerman/

Jared runs : https://tttmrktg.com/

Find Matt LeBeau here: https://www.lebeauexcel.com/?utm_source=TCL&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=pdcstspnsr_lebeau&utm_id=pdcstspnsr_lebeau

She's not a baker. She's an entrepreneur. Jenna Ross and her Co-Founder saw a need and decided to jump in. As tourist season arrives in the Maritimes, you'll find her lighthouse shaped shortbread cookies all over Nova Scotia. Apr 25, 2023

She's not a baker. She's an entrepreneur. Jenna Ross and her Co-Founder saw a need and decided to jump in. As tourist season arrives in the Maritimes, you'll find her lighthouse shaped shortbread cookies all over Nova Scotia.

You can find Jenna here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jjennapoirierross/

Shop for cookies here: https://nscookieco.com/

shop for our favorite tea here: https://oldgrowthbeverages.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=sponsor&utm_id=OGB

Find Matt LeBeau here: https://www.lebeauexcel.com/?utm_source=TCL&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=pdcstspnsr_lebeau&utm_id=pdcstspnsr_lebeau

This team of students built a brand that supplies food banks and schools with fruit snaps. In the process, they won the Canadian Nationals, placed in the world finals. And..while they're not winning, they sell apple juice to grocery stores and markets. Apr 18, 2023

This team of students built a brand that supplies food banks and schools with fruit snaps. In the process, they won the Canadian Nationals, placed in the world finals. And..while they're not winning, they sell apple juice to grocery stores and markets.

If you're looking for talented people, the two entrepreneurs/students that were on the podcast were:

MacKenna Lenarcic: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mackenna-lenarcic/

Mandi Kohout: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mandi-kohout-17669b205/

Check out Unusally Good Food here: https://www.unusuallygood.ca/

The world cup for Enactus is here: https://enactus.org/results-2022/

Find OGB here: https://oldgrowthbeverages.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=sponsor&utm_id=OGB

Check out LeBeauExcel here: https://www.lebeauexcel.com/?utm_source=TCL&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=pdcstspnsr_lebeau&utm_id=pdcstspnsr_lebeau

"What the hell does Scott do?" First time caller, long time listener, Scott Miller finally gets to explain what he does for a living. Apr 11, 2023

"What the hell does Scott do?" A few firsts. First time caller, long time listener, and Kenny was his first retail buyer to call on in Canada. Scott has had an advantage of being in our living rooms for almost 5 years. Scott Miller finally gets to explain what he does for a living.

Connect with Scott here; https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottcameronmiller/

Sign up for FoodPro here: https://www.bcfb.ca/events/foodpro23-thrive-conference?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=sponsor&utm_id=BCFB_FoodPro

Buy OGB here: https://oldgrowthbeverages.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=sponsor&utm_id=OGB

Co-Founder + Chief Executive Officer at TMRW Foods, Dean Blignaut comes to talk about tomorrow, and how to effect change in the way we eat, and the way we think about 'protein' Apr 04, 2023

Co-Founder + Chief Executive Officer at TMRW Foods, Dean Blignaut comes to talk about tomorrow, and how to effect change in the way we eat, and the way we think about 'protein' Caveat - Phil (me) talks about lying and deception as a marketing plan - I don't really believe that. :)

Find Dean here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dean-blignaut-7779a3210/

Shop TMRW foods here: https://tmrwfoods.com/

Most grocery stores now carry Greenhouse Juice Co. We talk to Hana James about where and how this all started. Mar 28, 2023

Most grocery stores now carry Greenhouse Juice Co. We talk to Hana James about where and how this all started. We get a special appearance from Hana's little boy too!

Find Hana here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hana-james-1791824a/

Shop Greenhouse here: https://www.greenhouse.ca/

Check out Heart & Carts here: https://canadian-podcasts.com/podcast/hearts-carts

Sign up for CHFA here: https://chfanow.ca/vancouver/

How to use new tools to understand trends that are coming, or to find out what you're missing. Jeff and Bram come on to talk new innovation Mar 24, 2023

We talk about the need to know what's happening in stores, how to use new tools to understand trends that are coming, or to find out what you're missing. Jeff and Bram come on to talk new innovation that you've heard us advertise here. We get deep on what new launches look like and how to fix flaws to assessing how a new launch is going.

Contact Bram here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bramw/

Shelfgram can be found here: https://www.shelfgram.com/

Find Jeff Doucette here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-doucette-72b3556/

check out Fieldagent here: http://fieldagentcanada.com/360

Head to CHFA Now to sign up - see you there!

Helping brands find their footing, Pareen Hassanally is doing what she loves. Mar 21, 2023

Pareen Hassanally is the Founder & Managing Partner of Salud Brand Management. She talks about helping brands find their footing, how she represents brands and how she sees retail today. Pareen and Phil commiserate about being Kenny's friends.

Find Pareen here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pareen-hassanally-02a522b/

Find Pareen's company Salud Management here: https://saludbrandmanagement.com/

shop Old Growth Beverages here: https://oldgrowthbeverages.com/

A pink slip on the fridge started a journey that wound up with Kurt running The Organic Grocer Mar 17, 2023

A pink slip on the fridge started a journey that wound up with Kurt running The Organic Grocer. A letter of gratitude got Kurt Astle on the show with us.

Find Kurt here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kurt-astle-22343a170/

Shop Organic Grocer here: https://theorganicgrocer.ca/

Sam Rayner is a purpose driven marketer that wants to leave the world better than she found it. As the Co-founder of Better Basics, she's taking plastic out of the world, by offering simple eco swaps help you say no to plastic Mar 14, 2023

Sam Rayner is a purpose driven marketer that wants to leave the world better than she found it. As the Co-founder of Better Basics, she's taking plastic out of the world, by offering simple eco swaps help you say no to plastic and yes to better products

Get in touch with Samantha here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantharrayner/

Go shop https://www.betterbasics.co/

When you're bored with us, go listen to Hearts & Carts: https://canadian-podcasts.com/podcast/hearts-carts

Sign up for CHFA Now here: https://chfanow.ca/vancouver/

Eat For Life Grocery Store Founder, Cookbook Author, Solopreneur Coach, Speaker Marsha Hebert talks about doing too much and how that's just enough. Marsha has an incredible journey. Mar 10, 2023

Eat For Life Grocery Store Founder, Cookbook Author, Solopreneur Coach, Speaker Marsha Hebert talks about doing too much and how that's just enough. Marsha has an incredible journey.

Find Marsha here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marshashebert/

Shop Eat for Life here: https://eatforlifebymarsha.com/

make sure you sign up for CHFA Now here: https://chfanow.ca/vancouver/

find Nuts to You here: https://www.nutstoyou.ca/

Jocknerd Marc Wandler took his love of sport nutrition and accidentally on purpose started rescuing spent grain from breweries and transforming it into delicious baking mixes that the whole family can enjoy. Mar 07, 2023

Jocknerd Marc Wandler took his love of sport nutrition and accidentally on purpose started rescuing spent grain from breweries and transforming it into delicious baking mixes that the whole family can enjoy.

Find Marc here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcwandler/

Check out Susgrainable here: https://susgrainable.com/

A retailer's point of view. We talk to Beth Potter, Marketing Manager, Community Natural Foods about how she got to CNF, and the role that Natural Health Stores play in local markets and the Canadian retail landscape. Mar 03, 2023

A retailer's point of view. We talk to Beth Potter, Marketing Manager, Community Natural Foods about how she got to CNF, and the role that Natural Health Stores play in local markets and the Canadian retail landscape.

Find Beth here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beth-potter-90b71b16/

Shop Community Natural Foods here: https://communitynaturalfoods.com/

Register for CHFA Now: https://chfanow.ca/vancouver/

Shop OGB here: https://oldgrowthbeverages.com/

She's designed snowboards, shoes and wanted to open a restaurant. Sonya Laurenssen talks about taking over Jusu and the brand's origin story. Feb 28, 2023

She's designed snowboards, shoes and wanted to open a restaurant. Sonya Laurenssen talks about taking over Jusu and the brand's origin story.

You can find Hearts & Carts here: https://canadian-podcasts.com/podcast/hearts-carts

Find Sonya here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sonya-laurenssen-983946b/

Shop Jusu here: https://getjusu.com/

Find Fieldagent here: fieldagentcanada.com/360 or email Jeff and his team at client@ca.fieldagent.net

Founder of P3 Natural Muscle & Joint Pain Relieving Cream, Registered Massage Therapist, Sports Therapist, owner of multiple clinics, lavender farmer makes John Forde an interesting guest. Feb 21, 2023

Founder of P3 Natural Muscle & Joint Pain Relieving Cream, Registered Massage Therapist, Sports Therapist, owner of multiple clinics, lavender farmer makes John Forde an interesting guest. His stories about the Vancouver Canucks is probably the most ordinary of his stories when you start looking at what he's built so far.

Find John here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-forde-96190a49/

Find P3 Cream here: https://www.p3cream.com/

This episode is sponsored by Fieldagent Canada. Find their 360 Innovation booster here: https://www.fieldagentcanada.com/360

They could have bought a McDonald's in 1976, but his dad and his brother chose to get into granola instead. Fast forward, Randy Sihota is still in the family business Feb 14, 2023

They could have bought a McDonald's in 1976, but his dad and his brother chose to get into granola instead. Fast forward, Randy Sihota is still in the family business. He talks about the ups and downs of being in a family business, what it's like to figure out how to be independent yet connected to the family.

Find Randy here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/randy-sihota-04593444/

Find Nationwide Natural Foods: https://nationwidenaturalfoods.com/

This episode is sponsored by Field Agent Canada.
Check them out at: fieldagentcanada.com/360 or

email client@ca.fieldagent.net

It started because she wanted to get her mom her favorite chocolate bar and discovered it had been discontinued. Crystal Regehr Westergard talks about becoming a Heritage chocolate bar brand specialist. Feb 07, 2023

She appeared on Dragon's Den. Got her chocolate bar listed at Sobey's based on the name alone. It all started because she wanted to get her mom her favorite chocolate bar and discovered it had been discontinued. Crystal Regehr Westergard talks about becoming a Heritage chocolate bar brand specialist.

Find Crystal here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/crystal-regehr-westergard-11692948/

Find Cuban Lunch here: https://cubanlunch.ca/

Thank you to Field Agent Canada for sponsoring this episode. You can find Field Agent 360 Innovation Booster here: fieldagentcanada.com/360 or you can email them at client@ca.fieldagent.net

If you're celebrating a Dry January, this episode with Cristina and the knuckleheads talk about Lyre's and the growing non-alcoholic spirits segment. Cristina talks about her time growing up at J&J, and her journey to this new emerging category. Jan 31, 2023

This one was burning a hole in our pocket. Cristina Bardorf comes on to talk Negroni, Lowgroni, (Low-Proof Negroni)

If you're celebrating a Dry January, this episode with Cristina and the knuckleheads talk about Lyre's and the growing non-alcoholic spirits segment. Cristina talks about her time growing up at J&J, and her journey to this new emerging category.

You can find Cristina here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cristinabardorf/

Shop Lyre's here: https://lyres.ca/

He started as a bag boy at Save-On Foods. Kyle Leslie, President of Star Marketing talks about helping amazing brands Jan 24, 2023

He started as a bag boy at Save-On Foods. He faxed his resume in for an advertising assistant, and next thing you know, Kyle Leslie has spent a lifetime in retail. Today, he's the President of Star Marketing Ltd.

Check out Star Marketing here: https://starmarketingcanada.com/

Find Kyle here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyle-leslie-45b17b21/

He'd never farmed before. When he had the opportunity to buy Alvin Filsinger's farm, he jumped at it. Filsinger's is named for it's founder Alvin Filsinger - one of the first six organic farms in Canada Jan 17, 2023

One of the first six organic farms in Canada - Filsinger's is named for it's founder Alvin Filsinger. When he decided to sell, Shaun Becker and his cousin decided to buy the place, with no experience in farming or making ciders or vinegars.

Check out Filsinger's here: http://www.filsingersorganic.com/

Find Shaun here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaun-becker-56935295/

Gage Mitchell on, he runs Modern Species - he helps impact-driven CPG brands grow through strategic branding, sustainable design, and community. Jan 10, 2023

We talk about the gift of time. This podcast was recorded before Christmas, but the conversation around "time" is definitely relevant. If anyone has solved the mystery - hit us up - we'd love to hear it. But really, we had Gage Mitchell on, he runs Modern Species - he helps impact-driven CPG brands grow through strategic branding, sustainable design, and community.

Check out Modern Species here: https://modernspecies.com/

Contact Gage here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gagemitchell/

Just the Knuckleheads today. We talk about what we want out of the podcast this year, what to expect from the podcast this year. We also do something we don't do well - we ask for what we want. Jan 03, 2023

Just the Knuckleheads today. We talk about what we want out of the podcast this year, what to expect from the podcast this year. We also do something we don't do well - we ask for what we want.

Making farming cool again. First timers on the podcast, Avi and Binny talk about Good Karma Farming from the Okanagan. One is a pharmacist and the other an engineer, but wind up taking over Avi's parents' farm Dec 27, 2022

First timers on the podcast, Avi and Binny talk about Good Karma Farming from the Okanagan. One is a pharmacist and the other an engineer, but wind up taking over Avi's parents' farm. They talk about learning the business, becoming part of a family business, and how they look to evolve the business.

They've recently won BC Food & Beverage Silver Product of the Year Award for their Pear Soda.

Check out Farming Karma here: https://www.farmingkarma.ca/good-karma/

She started her retail journey starts at 7 in Shakespeare Ontario. Dec 20, 2022

She might be the missing link on our podcast. Simona Irwin, Managing Director of Uprising Naturals started her retail journey starts at 7 in Shakespeare Ontario. We've had Simona on a #fastthoughts already and we were glad to hear her story finally.

To contact Simona: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonairwin/

To contact Uprising Naturals: https://www.uprisingnaturals.com/

Creating an Answer Where None Exists: A Hopeful Story - CEO of Kidstar, Caitlyn Vanderhaeghe Dec 13, 2022

She pretty much grew up in the industry and didn't know that there was anything else in the world.

From listening to her mom on early morning radio shows and helping to pack boxes from a young age, she's got retail in her blood.

Caitlyn Vanderhaeghe, President and CEO at Kidstar Nutrients dishes on growing up in a retail family, and her own search for a solution, not finding one, and building one.

You can find Caitlyn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caitlyn-vanderhaeghe-134486101/

Shop Kidstar here: https://kidstarnutrients.com/

He always wanted to be an entrepreneur. Scott Currie talks about what the journey looks like after drinking the corporate cool aid. Dec 06, 2022

He always wanted to be an entrepreneur. Scott Currie talks about what the journey looks like after drinking the corporate cool aid. "Growing up" at P&G, then breaking away to build his own business, then finally becoming CEO of Wakewater Beverage Company.

You can find Scott here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-currie-2400ba1a/

Shop Wakewater here: https://wakewater.ca/

Drew Butterworth talks about doing something worthwhile and doing something better than working for money Nov 29, 2022

Drew Butterworth talks about doing something worthwhile and doing something better than working for money. He left tech space and started making juice with his buddy Lloyd (Arbour). We talk about their hero sku - Sick Day and the unique format, and the challenges of merchandising a single sku. Today, they're in Loblaws, Goodness Me, Nature's Emporium and just about everywhere else.

Find Drew here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drew-edward-butterworth-5834a139/

Find sick day and goodvibes juice here: https://goodvibesjuice.com/collections/sick-day

Christos Kalaitzis is the Founder of OPUS and he talks about expertly handcrafted cocktails and the rocky road to making and selling alcohol free drinks Nov 22, 2022

Christos Kalaitzis is the Founder of OPUS and he talks about expertly handcrafted cocktails and the rocky road to making and selling alcohol free drinks. Christos is a fountain of knowledge on alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks and the social behaviours that come with drinking

Shop Opus here: https://www.drinkopus.com/shop-alcohol-free-drinks

Talk to Christos here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christos-kalaitzis-b7942378/

Two Bears talks about doing things that you love versus doing what everyone expects of you. What happens when you do? Coffee - cold coffee, hot coffee, oat milk, oh my! Nov 15, 2022

The founder of Two Bears talks about doing things that you love versus doing what everyone expects of you. What happens when you do? Coffee - cold cofee, hot coffee, oat milk, oh my! FRESH ROASTED COFFEE. ON REPEAT.

Check David out here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/twobearscoffee/

Shop Two Bears: https://www.twobears.ca/

ps - I love their coffee spot. If you're around, message me, I'll meet you there. (this is Phil) 195 Norseman St Unit 16, Toronto

she's just won the 2022 BCFB Award for Woman Entrepreneur of the Year . Jade Herrmann talks about the path to making great, non-dairy, thick, creamy and delicious alt yogurt. Nov 08, 2022

Inspired by her time in France, she looked for, couldn't find yogurt that tasted the way it should. So she did what came natural. She started on her kitchen floor, recipe testing, cracking open her own coconuts. Fast forward today, she's just won the 2022 BCFB Award for Woman Entrepreneur of the Year . Jade Herrmann talks about the path to making great, non-dairy, thick, creamy and delicious alt yogurt.

Find Jade here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jade-herrmann-51540b63/

Shop Yoggu! here: https://yoggu.ca/collections/all

Rattan Bagga is a Forty under 40 Winner in 2021, and is the CEO of Jiva Organics. We talk to Rattan about the heritage and legacy of being part a family business and how he and his family approach work and family life together. Nov 01, 2022

Rattan Bagga is a Forty under 40 Winner in 2021, and is the CEO of Jiva Organics. We talk to Rattan about the heritage and legacy of being part a family business and how he and his family approach work and family life together.

You can connect with Rattan here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rattanbagga/

Check out Jiva Organics here: https://www.jivaorganics.ca/

Rattan also built a notforprofit called Yell Canada, Canada’s first high school Entrepreneurship course eligible for university credit, providing youth with practical tools and experiences they need to succeed in the real world. Check it out here: https://yellcanada.org/

Jim Shopland comes back to about his business coaching, integrating family and business together Oct 25, 2022

He's baack!! Jim Shopland comes back to bring an update. Jim was the original guest on This Commerce Life. (episode #7) He comes back to talk about how his business has shifted and now how he's working with Laurie Shopland, and how he helps them with business coaching, integrating family and business together.

Contact Jim here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimshopland/

Find out more about his business here: https://shoplandhealth.ca/coaching/

They're dedicated to make the healthiest and tastiest fermented and powered by plants drinks. Pierrich talks about the focus on the best drink they can deliver Oct 21, 2022

Gutsy Kombucha is dedicated to making the healthiest and tastiest fermented and powered by plants drinks. Founder Pierrich Picard talks about the focus on the best drink they can deliver, not world domination. We're impressed with his focus and his agility - changing formats to make sure Gutsy gets into the most hands possible.

Find Pierrich here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pierrichpicard/

Shop Gutsy here: https://gutsykombucha.com/

Social Media Marketer, formerly incarcerated, to Entrepreneur. Emily O'Brien talks about Comeback Snacks Oct 18, 2022

Comeback Snacks, Emily O’Brien’s evolution from convict to entrepreneur is a story about lessons learned, resilience, determination, forgiveness and how to take a bad situation and turn it into endless positive opportunities.

She talks about taking a bad situation, turning this into an opportunity, and creating a social enterprise that could also provide reintegration opportunities for the formerly incarcerated.

Connect with Emily here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-o-brien-b628a4132/

Shop Comeback Snacks here: https://comebacksnacks.com/

VP Sales & Marketing at Cascadia Seaweed and Kove Ocean Foods, Desirée Dupuis talks about working with indigenous tribes and the in and outs of growing one of the world's most sustainable crops. Oct 11, 2022

Grown using only sea and sunlight, Kove snacks are here to help change the world. VP Sales & Marketing at Cascadia Seaweed and Kove Ocean Foods, Desirée Dupuis talks about working with indigenous tribes and the in and outs of growing one of the world's most sustainable crops.

Shop Kove here: https://koveocean.com/

Find Desirée here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ddupuis/

First zoom, first podcast. Tim Moorhead comes on to give an independent small business perspective Oct 07, 2022

First zoom, first podcast. Tim (Timmie) Moorhead comes on to talk pharmacy, pharmacy pharmacy. Tim runs a Pharmasave in Trail BC, and we talk about his career in retail, the difficulty of hiring these days and out of stocks. Kenny and Tim talk the old days, and changes in the town and how it affects retail.

Find Tim here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothy-moorhead-657b0033/

Shop Pharmasave Trail here: https://pharmasave.com/trail/

What would Laurie do? Actually, what did Laurie do? We talk to Laurie about the changes she's made, and she talks about her pivot and getting back into business with her husband Jim. Oct 04, 2022

What would Laurie do? Actually, what did Laurie do? We talk to Laurie about the changes she's made, and she talks about her pivot and getting back into business with her husband Jim.

find Laurie here: https://laurieshopland.com/

or on Linkedin here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurie-shopland-86b86218/

Danny Ferraro talks about a lifetime of retailing - his and his family's passion for serving the consumer and finding the best products. Sep 27, 2022

Danny Ferraro talks about a lifetime of retailing - his and his family's passion for serving the consumer and finding the best products. We explore what it was like to try and keep retail open and available during Covid, and Danny gives us insight on what kind of mindset it takes to make sure you look after staff and consumers like family.

Check out Ferraro Foods here: https://ferrarofoods.ca/

What does a fraction CFO, a brand, a podcaster, and the head of an Ecomm and Omnichannel business have in common? Sep 20, 2022

Live from the show! The Knuckleheads make it to CHFA East and we spend time talking to guests that were live and in attendance. We had a great time - thanks to Bruce Singer, Kyle Marsham, Sasha Rajamani and Kelsey Reidl for coming on with us.

You can find Bruce here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brucesinger/

Find Kyle Marsham here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyle-marsham-08178583/

You can find Sasha here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sasha-rajamani-02872618/

and more importantly, you can shop Pokko here: https://pokko.ca/

A big thank you to Kelsey Reidl for being a gem of a human being and for being an fellow OG on the podcast scene.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelsey-reidl-1aba1a31/

Follow and listen to Kelsey's podcast here: https://www.kelseyreidl.com/podcast

Gavin Mah talks about Finlandia and 48 years of building amazing relationships through great customer service Sep 13, 2022

Find Gavin here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gavin-mah-712a0041/

Shop Finlandia at : https://www.finlandiahealthstore.com/

Lorna Vanderhaeghe comes on the show. We talk history and what it takes to succeed in the Natural Health Industry Sep 09, 2022

Lorna Vanderhaeghe comes on the show. We talk history and what it takes to succeed in the Natural Health Industry. We were pretty excited to get Lorna on the show - she's a legend in the industry, and such a wonderful person to boot. Knowing who Lorna is, is really required knowledge to be in the Natural Health space

Find Lorna here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorna-vanderhaeghe-96773027/

He leaves a big CPG, jumps into a small business and 50 years later, he's helping brands of all shapes and sizes. Sep 06, 2022

He leaves a big CPG, jumps into a small business and 50 years later, he's helping brands of all shapes and sizes. We're inspired by Tony's humble nature and how many things he's help to build.

Connect with Tony here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tony-luongo-84b3228/

Find Concord National here: https://concordnational.com/

From fighting forest fires to driving buses, Jamie Park reminisces over the sound of percolated coffee and replicated that memory for all coffee lovers Aug 30, 2022

From fighting forest fires to driving buses, Jamie Parker and his partner learned about coffee roasting and set about building a brand that wants to be the most influential outdoor lifestyle brand. Calgary Heritage Roasting Company is growing one coffee lover at a time!

Check out Calgary Heritage Roasting Company : https://www.calgaryheritageroastingco.com/

Find Jamie here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-parker-a45a63112/

Find Mike here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-wenzlawe-329987122

Kenny is worried about Wendy Yeung. The knuckleheads get together and talk for the first time in a month. Aug 26, 2022

Kenny is worried about Wendy Yeung. She's amazing - thank you for listening to our podcast so faithfully. The knuckleheads get together and talk for the first time in a month. (did you miss us?) We talk vacations, taking a break, getting back in retail stores. We also talk about the business we launched. (the fractional COO business)

CHFA Launchpad details are here: https://chfanow.ca/toronto/chfa-launch-pad/

Check out Tao Tea here: https://www.taotealeaf.com/

An early pioneer to the natural products industry in Canada. Michael Theodor's story has some intrigue and lots of ingenuity and straight up sweat equity Aug 23, 2022

An early pioneer to the natural products industry in Canada. Michael Theodor's story has some intrigue and lots of ingenuity and straight up sweat equity An industry icon comes on the show. We take a little longer to get thru his story, but such a compelling story nonetheless. If you've ever eaten Rice Dream, Jason, Blue Sky, Lightlife, KIND Bar, Silk, Annie’s, Blue Diamond, Yogi Tea (and many more) - Michael brought those flavours to Canada for tasting.

Find Michael here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-theodor-3299848/

Michael's company website is here: http://www.mtconsulting.ca/

When a pancake...isn't a pancake. Andrew Maida is building a breakfast brand that brings delicious, healthier choices to the consumer Aug 16, 2022

When a pancake...isn't a pancake. Andrew Maida is building a breakfast brand that brings delicious, healthier choices to the consumer

He had a choice -become a tax lawyer, a doctor or run his dad's company. Instead he becomes...a pancake man? Except it's not really a pancake. Andrew takes his experience as a self-taught Ecommerce guy, and becomes an omnichannel retail brand.

check out Andrew here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-m-13b098a3/

Check out Flourish pancake here: https://www.flourishpancakes.com/

Devin Powell, GM @ Pulp & Press North America stops by to talk juice Aug 12, 2022

Devin Powell, GM @ Pulp & Press North America stops by to talk juice, the business of juice and how he went from a home services company to making cold pressed, raw, organic juices that use only the highest quality Canadian ingredients.

Find Devin here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/devinpowellpp/

Shop Pulp & Press here: https://www.pulpandpress.com/

He didn't want to be a snake oil salesman. SierraSil Health President Michael Bentley talks about pioneering research on bioaccessibility and bioavailbility Aug 09, 2022

He didn't want to be a snake oil salesman. SierraSil Health President Michael Bentley talks about pioneering research on bioaccessibility and bioavailbility. A big thank you to Michael for doing this episode after having a major bike accident the week before. (3 broken ribs and a punctured lung.) oh and welcome home Daniel Vanucci!!!

Find Michael here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-bentley-5154755/

Shop Sierra Sil here: https://sierrasil.com/

CEO and CMO of Five Strands, Austin Collins talks about taking career left turns, seeking better ways to help customers feel healthier Aug 02, 2022

CEO and CMO of Five Strands, Austin Collins talks about taking career left turns, seeking better ways to help customers feel healthier. Austin, friend of Tazz Latifi, former college athlete and perpetual seeker of healthier ways to live talks about how to take back control of your health & wellness, and providing personalized results to live a healthier lifestyle.

Find Austin here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-collins-b087a2160/

Check out 5Strands here: https://www.5strands.com/

BONUS: Austin has a youtube channel that talks about Bus / Vanlife. Check it out here: https://www.youtube.com/c/AwakenDaze

A salty chip snack in a compostable bag. Alicia and Jeff Lahey talk about their journey to having purpose, being parents and chasing passion Jul 28, 2022

Alicia and Jeff Lahey talk about their journeys - from moving to natural and organic and searching and finding sustainable packaging, their knack for unbelievable timing - to producing a wonderful chip in a bag was compostable. Oh...and they're in every major grocery in Canada already.

Find Alicia here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alicia-lahey-3019b954/

Find Jeff here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laheyjeff/

Shop for Humble Snacks here: https://humblechips.ca/

VP of Sales Justin Osborne of Eat & Beyond Global Holdings talks about company that helps, owns and grows emerging natural brands Jul 26, 2022

A friend of Angie Baker comes on the show. Justin Osborne, Vice President of Sales at Eat & Beyond Global Holdings Inc. dishes on moving from CPG to the natural space. We talk to Justin about working for a publicly traded company that invests, owns and grows amazing natural brands.

Find Justin here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-osborne-mba-21012821/

Find out more about Eat & Beyond Global Holdings here: https://eatandbeyond.com/

What would you ask Chef Dennis? We asked him about what it takes to grow an audience Jul 19, 2022

Chef Dennis comes on to talk about how he got started, and what it takes to grow an audience. We get a chance to walk through Chef Dennis' kitchens, and he talks about the origins of his blog, and how to grow the audience to what it is today.

Check out Chef Dennis on his page: https://www.askchefdennis.com/

Be warned - if you subscribe, you could get unsubscribed if you don't interact with his list!

Find him here on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/askchefdennis/

Chief Commercial Officer of Pacific Rim Michele Rebiere dishes on what it takes to break into a new regulated industry Jul 15, 2022

The cannabis industry has been a hot topic for awhile. Michele Rebiere talks about the opportunities and challenges, and the knuckleheads wander in with some OTC frustrations and hopes and dreams for this category. #michelerebiereforprimeminister

If you're wondering what it takes sometimes to break into a new regulated industry, this episode is for you.

Find Michele here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michele-rebiere-7252764/

Find Pacific Brands here: https://pacificrimbrands.ca/

She survived Kenny's basement from the old days and didn't go blind from his homemade wine. COO of BC Food & Beverage Alisa Hutton talks about the learning journey and helping people and how that brought her to where she is now. Jul 12, 2022

She survived Kenny's basement from the old days and didn't go blind from his homemade wine. COO of BC Food & Beverage Alisa Hutton talks about the learning journey and helping people and how that brought her to where she is now.

Find Alisa here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alisa-hutton-907824155/

Find BC Food & Beverage here: https://bcfb.ca/

Serial Entrepreneur Jerin Mece gets serious about entrepreneurs and helping brands grow Jul 05, 2022

We catch up with Jerin Mece (pronounced Meh-che) while he's on vacation.

Jerin's a serial entrepreneur that has gone from building a brand from scratch to now helping brands build healthy, prosperous businesses.

Find Jerin here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerinmece/

A Registered Holistic Nutritionist & Natural Health Brand Educator, mom, marketer, now Sales & Marketing leader, Chelan Wilkins talks about learning, reinvention and embracing new challenges. Jun 28, 2022

A trainer, mom, marketer, now Sales & Marketing leader, Chelan Wilkins talks about learning, reinvention and embracing new challenges.

Find Chelan here:https://www.linkedin.com/in/chelan-wilkins-rhn-cse-934a30129/

Check out Herbaland here: https://www.herbaland.com/

Would you rather be right than rich? Tazz talks about providing the opportunity for retailers to get out of their own way Jun 24, 2022

Would you rather be right than rich? Tazz talks about providing the opportunity for retailers to get out of their own way. Ex-retailer Tazz Latifi is one of our favorite people and she comes on to talk about now sharing her experience with other retailers and helping them find profitability.

Find Tazz here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tazzlatifi/

Three Farmers, Two Sisters, One Vision. CEO Natasha Vandenhurk talks beans, peas and lentils oh my! Jun 21, 2022

Three Farmers, Two Sisters, One Vision. CEO Natasha Vandenhurk talks beans, peas and lentils oh my! The vision that turned 3 Saskatchewan farms into something amazing. Their goal now? Make amazing snacks, and put Saskatchewan on the map as a destination for beans, peas, lentils and chickpeas.

Shop here: https://threefarmers.ca/

Find Natasha here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natasha-vandenhurk-61a89b26/

If you like what we do and want to help keep the mic's on: https://www.patreon.com/join/thiscommercelife

She's building an alternate dimension for cheese. CEO of Blue Heron Creamery Karen McAthy goes visionary on the knuckleheads Jun 14, 2022

She's building an alternate dimension for cheese. CEO of Lumi Foods (Blue Heron Creamery) Karen McAthy goes visionary on the knuckleheads. She goes deep on how to make 100% dairy-free, plant based vegan cheeses that doesn't sacrifice taste or tradition.

Find Blue Heron Cheese here: https://blueheroncheese.com/

Find Karen here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-mcathy-26728019/

If you love what we do and want to help keep the mics on: https://www.patreon.com/join/thiscommercelife

Founder of Betterwith ice cream Lori Joyce on her journey to making wickedly good ice cream. Jun 07, 2022

Cupcakes to Ice Cream. Lori Joyce talks about her journey from being on tv to now making wickedly good ice cream. Founder of Betterwith Ice Cream comes on to talk about learning how dairy works in Canada to her mission of making amazing ice cream.

Find Lori here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lori-joyce/

Betterwith is here: https://www.betterwith.com/

If you love what we do and want to help keep the lights on - become a Patron of the show - https://www.patreon.com/join/thiscommercelife

"You love my gelato more than I do" a handshake starts the journey to Righteous gelato May 31, 2022

Gelato season is upon us. James Boettcher, Chief Empowerment Officer & Custodian of Culture 🤙 at Righteous Gelato comes on to talk about buying the business on a handshake, the adversity that took him from a single retail store to being sold all over Canada. This one was really interesting because we also talk about culture and how to build a great culture.

Find James here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesboettcher/

Shop Righteous gelato here: https://www.righteousgelato.com/

If you're a CEO here are essential reads from James' reading list:

Pour your Heat into It - Howard Schultz

Delivering Happiness - Tony Hsieh

Work rules - Lazlo Bock

No rules rules - Reed Hastings, Erin Meyer

Powerful: Building a Culture of Freedom and Responsibility: Patty McChord

Story Driven: Bernadette Jiwa

Special Edition: Actual, viable, delicious business for sale. Jeanette Miller talks about selling a successful business. May 26, 2022

Check out Tout De Suite: https://www.toutdesweet.ca/

Find Jeanette here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanettemillertout/

The House that Matt Built. Matt LeBeau talks about representing brands May 24, 2022

Matt LeBeau - President at LeBeau Excel Sales & Marketing, comes on to talk about interviewing brands, choosing who to represent and the value that he brings to the retail space, retailers and brands.

Find Matt here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattlebeau/

Check out LeBeau Excel here: https://www.lebeauexcel.com/

If you like what we do and want to support us keeping the microphones on...https://www.patreon.com/thiscommercelife

David Perry is the CEO & Co-Founder of the eCommerce Network Carro May 17, 2022

An unusual guest for us, David Perry is the CEO & Co-Founder of the eCommerce Network Carro. He talks about influencers, brands and retailers and how he sees the dynamics changing in the next few years.

You can find David here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dperry/

we stop fooling around. Steve Rad prepared to be taken seriously. New merch, new toys, virtual reality kicking up a notch May 10, 2022

We stop fooling around. Steve Rad prepared to be taken seriously. Abacus Toys has new merch, new toys - virtual reality kicking up a notch. We also bend Kenny's brain with a virtual reality

Check out Abacus brands here: https://www.abacusbrands.com/

Find Steve Rad : https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-rad-5959943b/

Help us keep the mic's on: https://www.patreon.com/join/thiscommercelife

Made with Local founder Sheena Russell is serious about creating positive social and environmental impact with every step May 03, 2022

Shop Made with Local here: https://www.madewithlocal.com/

Find Sheena here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheena-russell-0459b728/

If you like what we do on this podcast and would like to help us out: https://www.patreon.com/join/thiscommercelife

Live At CHFA West...the Knuckleheads take the act on the road. Reactions, trends, some guests Apr 26, 2022

You can find Jordan here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-james-rogers-ba-dipt-80331b6/

You can find Martino here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martino-ciambrelli-47648836/

Brands that we found and love at the show:

https://notco.com/ca-en/

https://nutmegmylk.com/

https://store.threefarmers.ca/pages/about

https://www.calgaryheritageroastingco.com/

If you love our podcasts and want to become a patron: https://www.patreon.com/join/thiscommercelife

A nutritionist goes tech startup and decides to start her own startup. Founder & CEO of Chiwis, Sarah Goodman talks Kiwis Apr 19, 2022

Intuity Performance Whole Person Performance Sign up: https://bit.ly/3OiBHKT

Shop Chiwis here: https://chiwis.co/shop/

Find Sarah Goodman here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-goodman-48b89173/

Love what we do? Help us keep the lights on. Head to Patreon and become a patron of the show.

https://www.patreon.com/join/thiscommercelife

A CHFA special - CEO of CHFA Aaron Skelton and Hayden from the Pack Heavy Podcast come on to talk about trends and show topics Apr 12, 2022

check out the CHFA show here: https://chfa.ca/en/Events/chfa-2022-events

Aaron's Linkedin is here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronskelton/

Hayden Thomson's Linkedin is here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/haydenbthomson/

The Pack Heavy Podcast can be found here: https://thepackheavy.podbean.com/

the knuckleheads are going on the road! Apr 05, 2022

As mentioned in the podcast - Ange and Scott at Intuity Performance are hosting a Leadership Cohort.

Check it out here: https://www.intuityperformance.com/whole-person-leadership

Check out CHFA West here: https://chfa.ca/en/Events/chfa-2022-events

Shoot us a note if you're going - name, booth number, email : thiscommercelife@gmail.com

Talking healthcare and healthy trends with CEO of Jamieson Vitamins Mike Pilato Mar 29, 2022

Find Mike's profile here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-pilato-b31a75/

Shop Jamieson Vitamins here: https://www.jamiesonvitamins.com/

the opposite of sitting still. Good Juju founders Alexa and Lisa are tired. They came on the show to rest Mar 22, 2022

To shop Good Juju: https://hellogoodjuju.com/

Find Lisa Karandat: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-karandat-50b69821/

Find Alexa Monahan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexa-monahan-82a73678/

Long time marketer first time podcaster. Chloe Holyman talks natural products, coming from Australia to Canada Mar 15, 2022

Check out Ener-C here: https://www.tryenerc.com

Check out Harmony here: https://www.takeharmony.com/

Check out Ki here: https://www.kihealthdefence.ca/

Contact Chloe here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chloe-holyman-7b328656/

CEO of Ange MacCabe talks about helping existing and emerging leaders figure out who they are as leaders. Mar 08, 2022

Find Ange here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ange-maccabe-67a07616/

Check out Intuity Performance here: https://www.intuityperformance.com/

Want to support the podcast? Become a Patron here: https://www.patreon.com/join/thiscommercelife

First time someone compares us to the Beatles. Lorne Craig thinks this time is our Hamburg Mar 01, 2022

Find Lorne here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lornecraig/

Check out Unicycle Creative here: https://unicyclecreative.com/

Check out Unitoons here: https://www.unitoons.ca/

If you love us, you can support us by becoming a Patron. https://www.patreon.com/join/thiscommercelife

Games! Everyone loves games. Casey Karls talks about Wilder Games and success during the pandemic Feb 22, 2022

Find Casey Karls here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/casey-karls-691b2229/

Shop Wilder Games here: https://www.wildergames.shop/

Support the podcast by becoming a Patron! https://www.patreon.com/join/thiscommercelife

Plantable pencils! CEO of Sprout World Michael Stausholm talks about plants and pencils and sustainability Feb 15, 2022

Check out Sprout World here: https://sproutworld.com/

Connect with Michael Stausholm here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelstausholm/

To become a Patron of the show: https://www.patreon.com/join/thiscommercelife/

To contact us: https://www.thiscommercelife.com/tclabout

or email us at thiscommercelife@gmail.com

Serial Entrepreneur Dean Mosca talks about a lifetime of building businesses Feb 08, 2022

Find Dean at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dean-mosca-34329111/

To become a Patron of the show: https://www.patreon.com/join/thiscommercelife/

knuckleheads on choosing a distributor, retail trends and whats upcoming for the next few months Feb 01, 2022

Just the knuckleheads today. They talk about how Kenny qualifies a distributor, retail trends and what's in store (guest wise) for the show in the next couple of months.

Did we interview him or did he interview us? The host of the Pack Heavy Podcast, Hayden Thomson comes on to talk packaging and sustainability Jan 25, 2022

Find out more about Hayden here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/haydenbthomson/

Check out his podcast here: https://thepackheavy.podbean.com/

Seeing the business from the other side...CEO of Alive Publishing Group Ryan Benn talks being a partner to the industry Jan 18, 2022

Find Ryan Benn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-benn-88606b51/

Find the online version of Alive here: https://www.alive.com/

first time guest, long time listener. Sasha Rajamani, Founder of Umy Brands comes on the show Jan 11, 2022

Check out Umy Brands and Pokko here: https://www.umybrands.ca/

Find Sasha here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sasha-rajamani-02872618/

Start of the year. The two knuckleheads talk burn out, resting and what's in store this year Jan 04, 2022

We'd appreciate it if you took our survey - https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/9VG55TC

If you want to support us, you can head to our Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/join/thiscommercelife

Family owned brands teaches us about how success looks different for everyone Dec 21, 2021

Just the knuckleheads on this show. We look back at our last bunch of episodes and find that family owned brands have something to teach us. Success looks and feels different in all cases. We have more questions about Social Nature and Annalea and Jessica.

Social Nature founder Annalea Krebs and Marketing Smartie Jessica Malach talk about helping amazing brands Dec 14, 2021

Contact Annalea Krebs here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/krebs/

Contact Jessica Malach here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-malach-she-her-06644316/

You can find Social Nature here: https://www.socialnature.com/

To find Jessica's wonderful use cases here: https://www.socialnature.com/marketing/

Neil is the real deal. Co-founder Neil Sandler talks about the first 200 stores and doing things by hand Dec 07, 2021

Buy Neil's Real Deal here: https://www.neilsrealdeal.com/our-sauces

Co founder of Yellofruit Andrew Kinnear talks about building a dessert from scratch, understanding unit economics Nov 30, 2021

To find out more about Yellofruit: https://www.yellofruit.com/

To reach Andrew: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewkinnear/

Rohan Marley comes on the show to talk football, Marley coffee and finding success Nov 23, 2021

Rohan Marley jumps on with us to talk about finding success, avoiding the cold of winter and the choices he had to make to business happen.

A family run restaurant that serves a community for 20 years wonders what they can add to the show Nov 16, 2021

check out Celadon house here: https://www.celadonhouse.ca/

The unique selling opporunities for a passion project, it's never too late to reinvent yourself...The last month in review. Nov 09, 2021

We look back at the last few episodes and we're thankful for the things we learn from guests. It's never to late to reinvent who you are, or to start something new, entrepreneurs show us unique ways to sell product based on their passions.

Owner of Dirty Jane, Amy Remark talks about retailing women's biking gear Nov 02, 2021

Check out Amy here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-remark/

Want to buy some stuff? https://www.dirtyjane.com/

Serial Startup Entrepreneur Kemp Edmonds comes on to talk culture and the Canadian Workplace Culture Index Oct 26, 2021

To find Kemp: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kempedmonds/

To see an explainer of the Canadian Workplace Culture Index Explainer: https://youtu.be/iozPIY185-E

He follows his passion and builds an online and bricks and mortar pet business in 2.5 years Oct 18, 2021

Check out Beast and Buckle here: https://beastandbuckle.com/

Find Stew here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stewartjanderson/

Intuity Performance comes on, Founders Ange and Scott talk people and how to inspire employees Oct 12, 2021

Find Intuity Performance here: https://www.intuityperformance.com/

Contact Ange here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ange-maccabe-67a07616/

Contact Scott here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott1rust/

Owner and Artist of Ave Mariabell Designs comes on to talk inspiration building from scratch Oct 05, 2021

To find Ave Maria here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/avemariabell/

Check out Ave's store here: https://avemariabell.com/

Jeff B Smith retires from running a Fortune 100 company, starts 8 brands and an incubator Sep 28, 2021

you can find Jeff here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-b-smith/

shop Rise Market : https://risemarket.ca/

check out Honed: https://livehoned.com

COO at Ethical Bean Coffee on going from independent brand to being part of a big company Sep 21, 2021

You can find Viren here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/virenmalik/

If you've never had Ethical Bean Coffee, you can find them here: https://www.ethicalbean.com/

Patrick Higgins President of Propel Natural Brands talks growing brands and healthy growth Sep 14, 2021

To find Patrick: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-higgins-4424761/

Propel Natural Brands: http://www.propelbrands.ca/

Nick Saltarelli, Co-Founder of Midday Squares talks about funding, building a Quebec based mega company Sep 07, 2021

If you fit what Nick is looking for from an experience level and mentality for growth, you can find him here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-saltarelli-063a5965/

Check out Midday Squares here:

https://www.middaysquares.com/

Liza Amlani talks about Retail X, the first in person retail conference of the year in Chicago Aug 31, 2021

To reach Liza: https://www.themerchantlife.com/

The article we were talking about: https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/24/style/cotton-totes-climate-crisis.html

Some of Liza's tweets from Retail X:

https://twitter.com/i/status/1430273345690419206

https://twitter.com/i/status/1430166923355074566

Will and Shoshauna Routley, Founders of The Functional Beverage Group come to talk dreams Aug 24, 2021

To find out more about Will and Shoshauna and the Functional Beverage Group: https://funbevgroup.com/

Kerrie Hansler, co-Founder of Sweet Reads Box talks about building an experience around novels Aug 17, 2021

check out Sweet Reads here: https://sweetreadsbox.com/

To find Kerrie: https://sweetreadsbox.com/pages/contact

Two and a half knuckleheads tonight. Kenny and Phil talk about the podcast, where they'd like to see it go Aug 10, 2021

We'd love to hear from you. You can reach us at thiscommercelife@gmail.com - we'd love to know what you think of our plans, if you'd support us.

Neha Charnalia, co-Founder of SwitchGrocery talks about finding great products and building an online grocery store Aug 03, 2021

To find SwitchGrocery: https://www.switchgrocery.com

To find Neha: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neha-charnalia-a1193612/

We finally get an accountant on. Denise Wong straightens up the knuckleheads Jul 27, 2021

You can find Denise here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/denise-c-wong-cpa-ca-2a28519/

Check out Denise and DSquared: https://www.dsquaredgroup.ca/

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What would you do if you could have the retail intelligence you need in 48 hours? General Manager Jeff Doucette comes on to talk about helping brands QUICK and often. Jul 20, 2021

To find out more about Field Agent: https://www.fieldagentcanada.com/

Contact Jeff here: https://www.fieldagentcanada.com/contact-us

or https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-doucette-72b3556/

The Merchant Life comes back to talk a retail smorgasboard: 3D printers, ketchup chips, the future of shopping malls and much more. Jul 13, 2021

Find Liza Amlani here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizaamlani/

Sign up for The Merchant Life here: https://www.themerchantlife.com/

"If you knew you couldn't fail, what would you do? " Tim Dumas, Dreamer, Leadership Coach and Speaker comes on to talk about figuring out how to do what you love. Jul 06, 2021

To find out more about Tim:

www.servusleadership.com

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FU8ZOAFq1u8&t=3s

The Justin Timberlake of snacks, Jake Karls from Mid-Day Squares comes on to talk new categories for snacks and taking this as far as it can go Jun 29, 2021

To find Mid-Day Squares: https://www.middaysquares.com

To find Jake: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jake-karls-653106ba/

Shelfgram evolves, Bram comes on to talk improvements, usages and how brands, brokers and retailers are taking advantage of pictures of planograms Jun 22, 2021

To find Bram: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bramw/

To find Shelfgram: https://app.shelfgram.com/feed

Laser focused on a second career. John Antulov talks about turning a retail career into Professional Soccer Jun 15, 2021

Find John here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-antulov-0441a8a2/

Check out Thompson River University Soccer here: https://gowolfpack.ca/sports/mens-soccer

President and CEO of CHFA, Aaron Skelton comes on to talk about pandemic effects on health food retail. Jun 08, 2021

Find Aaron here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronskelton/

Find out if CHFA is for you by clicking here:

https://chfa.ca/en/

He retired, then unretired. Then he did it one more time. Now, he's a driving force in making Remedy Brands a recognized leader Jun 01, 2021

If you worked CPG, and spent any time in Vancouver, you probably know Alan, met Alan or heard of Alan. He's a local legend of sorts.

You can find him here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alan-bates-88b2b332/

Find out more about Remedy Drinks here: https://www.remedydrinks.com/ca/

Fardad Moayer comes back! We talk re-branding, re-launching products and the impact of supply during the Pandemic May 25, 2021

Check out Parissa Labs here:

https://parissa.com/

Find Fardad here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/fardadm/

She wanted to work for no one, but wanted to get paid fair, good money. Serial Founder Colleen Imrie comes on to talk Nooks Canada May 18, 2021

To find out more about the Nooks: https://thenooks.ca/

The Linkedin Page that she doesn't want you to check out:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/colleenimrie/

Peter Rodriguez, Built Brand Igniter and now he's back to talk about the next step to building your own brand May 11, 2021

To find out more about Peter -

https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-rodriguez-marketing/

To find Brand Igniter: https://www.brandigniter.ca/webinar

Special Episode: Kyle Ewing, Founder of Terraslate comes on to talk about the persistence required for success May 07, 2021

To find Kyle:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyleewing/

Kyle's company and waterproof paper:

https://terraslatepaper.com/

To find out more about ClearAngel:

https://angel.clearbanc.com/

VP of Partnerships & Insights of Social Nature, Jessica Malach talks about the half-million natural shoppers and their discovery platform May 03, 2021

We also talk agencies, when to use an agency, when to leave and strike out on your own, what brands should expect from agencies.

To find out more about Social Nature: https://www.socialnature.com/

To find Jessica:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-malach-she-her-06644316/

The founders of Good Juju, Alexa and Lisa come on to talk zero all-natural, plastic-free home & body products Apr 27, 2021

What a great brand! We were fascinated by what Lisa and Alexa have built. We were equally appalled at how these two wonderful founders have been viewed - anything other than wonderful people and brillant business people.

Check out Good Juju here: https://hellogoodjuju.com/

Find Lisa on Linkedin here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-karandat-50b69821/

President and Founder of Hippie Snacks, Owner of Left Coast Naturals Ian Walker Apr 20, 2021

A great conversation with a Natural Foods Industry Icon.

Happy belated Birthday to Ian Walker

and Happy Birthday to Kenny! (he's still not 60 yet)

To find Ian: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian-walker-a8725318/

Hippie Snacks: https://www.hippiesnacks.com/

Left Coast Naturals: https://www.leftcoastnaturals.com/

The Shoplands make and appearance and they have news! (Laurie and Jimmy!) Apr 13, 2021

You can find the Shoplands here:

https://laurieshopland.com/

https://shoplandhealth.ca/

Just the knuckleheads - Kenny and Phil talk what it costs to be in a Canadian retailer Apr 09, 2021

This episode was inspired by the article below.

https://financialpost.com/news/retail-marketing/the-reasons-behind-a-bitter-battle-between-food-makers-and-canadas-big-grocers

Co-Founder & CEO at Clearbanc Andrew D'Souza comes on to talk about Clearbanc and the launch of ClearAngel Apr 06, 2021

We owe this podcast to Kent Fenwick in more ways than one.

Kenny talks about his Covid experience. Philly complains about his boss. (himself)

Find out about Clearbanc here: https://clearbanc.com/en-eu/

Think you could use investment? ClearAngel is here: https://angel.clearbanc.com/

Andrew's Linkedin is here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewdsouza/

A recast of an older episode, Peter Rodriguez MBA, Chartered Marketer joins the boys. They talk about personal brand marketing, and why it's so important. Mar 30, 2021

We don't have a new episode this week - Kenny hasn't been feeling well, but in light of how popular Trevor Baker's episode was, we thought personal branding is something critical to anyone facing career changes.

This episode first aired Feb 10, 2020.

---

Peter Rodriguez MBA, Chartered Marketer, comes on the show to talk about his Award-Winning Brand Igniter™
Peter is a former CMO, Ex Kellogg’s, Pfizer, Nestle, J&J, Smucker. His new marketing program helps individuals build their personal brand image.

Philly still sounds like he's in witness protection - he's going to drown this mic and get a new one.

As a courtesy for the boys, Peter has provided a link for This Commerce Life users to see some of Peter's BRANDMI™ Personal Branding Framework https://www.brandigniter.ca/brandmisample

Alain Tungul, Founder of @crystalcr3me, only sells his creme brulee on Instagram Mar 23, 2021

Alain (Alan) teaches us a few things about the cooking industry, talks about his first job at Canoe. With the pandemic, he gets laid off and winds up making creme brulee.

Alain could use some help here - so if our audience can help out, he could use a contact for some jars at a better cost. Reach out to us at @thiscommercelife or thiscommercelife@gmail.com or contact Alain directly at @crystalcr3me

To check out his Instagram and order creme brulee:

https://www.instagram.com/crystalcr3me/

The BlogTo article:

https://www.blogto.com/eat_drink/2021/01/coconut-ube-creme-brulee-toronto/

Trevor Baker Recruiter and Coach from Macdonald's Search Group talks about digital skills and making career changes Mar 16, 2021

20-25 years with a single company, and structured out...these folks are facing steep challenges. Trevor has some suggestions on how to find your next career change.

To find Trevor:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevoratmacdonaldsearchgroup/

https://www.macdonaldsearchgroup.com/headhunter-in-vancouver

Kenny brought his lawyer. Tim Murphy, Founding Partner of Murphy & Company comes on to talk about how lawyers can help businesses Mar 09, 2021

Tim practices in the areas of business law and intellectual property, and has a broad range of experience dealing with commercial transactions and technology law matters, as well as resolution of business disputes. He acts for clients in all manner of transactions, including mergers and acquisitions, start-ups, financings, corporate governance and contract negotiations.

To check out Tim's firm: http://www.murphyandcompany.com/lawyer/timothy-murphy/

Sarah (Brazier) Rochacewich, Owner of Aunt Sarah's Chocolate shop talks about leaving CPG to open her own shop Mar 02, 2021

Now 4 stores, and making ice cream - Sarah and her husband Adam are rocking chocolate on the Rock.

Check out Aunt Sarah's Chocolate shop here:

http://www.auntsarahschocolate.ca/

Find Sarah here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-rochacewich-686b061/

Bag designer for FIFA 2002, Founder and Principal of Retail Strategy Group, Liza Amlani comes on to geek out on retail Feb 23, 2021

Aside from the fact that Liza thinks Kenny looks like George Clooney (in the dark in poor lighting), we talk retail - click and collect, omnichannel retailing and Liza's work to help retailers understand how to live and work in today

Find Liza at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizaamlani/

Liza's blog: https://www.themerchantlife.com/

Retail Strategy Group: https://www.retailstrategygroup.com/

Opera Singer turned banker, retailer then went Startup. Alys Richards talks about her learning journey Feb 16, 2021

An incredible conversation with a talented individual, Alys has a lot to say about how to think about your skills differently, and how to approach looking at opportunities differently.

To find Alys: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alysrichards/

CEO of Rebellious Infusions, Doug DuMars comes on to talk about going from BIG companies to a startup that disruptes the drink space Feb 09, 2021

Doug DuMars comes from Kraft/Heinz and Pepsi, talks about his experience working for two of the biggest CPG companies in the world, to jumping in as a startup in the drink space, founding Rebellious Infusions.

To find Doug:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dougdumars/

https://drinkrebellious.com/

If you're interested in samples, head to https://Samples.DrinkRebellious.com

Nicole Murphy, Vice President of Growth at Bell Curve comes on to talk career, email marketing and how Bell Curve is doing things different Feb 02, 2021

Philly and Nicole laugh about how long they've known each other, they geek out about email marketing and how it can power a business' growth. The boys are amazed at Nicole's skills and how many pots she's had her hands in.

To find Nicole: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolemjmurphy/

Check out Bell Curve here: https://www.bellcurve.com/

Shelby Taylor, Founder, CEO at Chickapea comes on to tell us about her unconventional journey to success Jan 26, 2021

Shelby started working on Chickapea in 2015. Today, Chickapea is everywhere!

Check out Chickpea here: https://chickapea.ca/

You can find Shelby here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taylorshelby/

Wondering what you do with classic CPG skills? Angie Baker comes on to talk about using her strategic skills for helping children Jan 19, 2021

Phil and Angie talk old J&J days and Philly relives some battle scars that left marks. Angie talks about putting her strategic skills to work with the Save the Children Organization, getting deployed to El Paso and helping children reunite with their families.

To find Angie Baker - https://www.linkedin.com/in/angiembaker/

First episode of the year is just the boys. Getting their sh*t together, Philly's pro-tip for the month, Google Adwords analytics improvements Jan 12, 2021

The boys talk about getting their businesses right, how they're thinking about the year. Philly struggles to help an owner become a CEO. Philly talks about how to think about client hours and how and when to work a little harder, when to balance versus family life.

Philly's pro-tip for the month - last month was WIFI Mesh, and now Philly wants you to think about buying a budget gaming laptop. (sub-$1000, light weight gaming)

2020 Holiday Hangout! We opened the Zoom Room and podcast guests of old came and hung out! Jan 05, 2021

We had lots of guest come and hang out for our last podcast of the year.

This one is pretty fun - if you want to watch it, it'll put faces to voices.

Head to https://youtu.be/QI4iS-Gsrso

Some of our guests that came by:

Tim Dumas, Jaks Alcohol

Stephen Sotto, Bed Bath & Beyond Mexico

Mark Stirling, Orion Sales

Cherry Yang, Air Ops Consulting https://www.airopsconsulting.org/

Tazz Latifi, https://petropolisnyc.com/the-petropolist-podcast/

Chloe Holyman, Brand Manager for https://www.tryenerc.com/

April May Bellia, formerly of Granola Girl now The Optimystic Soul life coach

Bram Warshafsky, Shelfgram, https://www.shelfgram.com/

Laurie Shopland, https://laurieshopland.com/

Jim Shopland, https://shoplandhealth.ca/

Richard Pollock, https://www.takeharmony.ca/, https://www.kihealthdefence.ca/

VP Of Business Development at Daiya Foods, Chris Bailey comes on to talk career path and leading edge plant based food innovation Dec 29, 2020

Long time "rock" of the retail industry...Alan Bates comes up, we talk career progression and Philly drools (as usual) over Daiya's new lineup of products.

You can find Chris here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-bailey-4130958/

You can find Daiya here: https://daiyafoods.com/

Drool over Daiya's food lineup here: https://www.youtube.com/user/daiyafoods/videos

The Boss makes an appearance! The pandemic from a manufacturer's perspective Dec 22, 2020

The Boss, Linda, talks about the pandemic from a manufacturer's perspective...A manufacturer that makes hand sanitizer. The boys and the Boss talk about concerns about the upcoming year, how to look at growth differently, and they talk growing up and ethnic backgrounds.

Check out Linda's profile here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindambwebb/

find Prolab here: http://www.prolabhealth.com/

A return visit by Intelocate's CEO Yulia Vasilyeva, to talk about her new round of funding Dec 15, 2020

When businesses land funding and have a chance to grow, it's always exciting. It's even more exciting when it's a business that helps other businesses solve communication and operational issues.

On top of that, the business is a friend of the show - that's very exciting! CEO of Intelocate, Yulia Vasilyeva comes on to talk about her $1 million in funding from TCap Private Equity.

To find Yulia: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yuliavas/

Intelocate: www.intelocate.com

TCap Private Equity : https://www.tcapequity.com/

Yulia's first episode with us is here:
https://this-commerce-life-fb5a846c.simplecast.com/episodes/3f43fcd5

A simple, economical online ordering system for restaurants built by a software company. Parachute Software co-founder David Linton explains what this is all about Dec 08, 2020

Parachute Software rolls out a new menu ordering platform that's simple to use and cost effective. Calling all restaurants - a profitable way to do take out!

To check out Parachute Software: https://www.parachutesoftware.com/

Check out their ordering page here: https://order.parachutesoftware.com/order/

You can find David here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidlinton/

Philly doesn't pay full price for anything...Shane Pounder from Flipp helps to fuel Philly's shopping ways. We talk online flyers, black friday and more Dec 01, 2020

We talk to Shane Pounder, Vice President Operations and Interim Vice President Marketing at Flipp and we talk about consumer behaviour vis a vis digital shopping, the struggle of getting good content and some new channels Flipp is exploring.

To find Shane, click here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shanepounder/

To get Flipp, click here: https://flipp.com/

Doing things differently; Premier Tuition Centre Owner AnneMarie Brosnan talks Covid and the effects on her business Nov 24, 2020

AnneMarie runs a great after school tutoring centre that was doing a steady business before Covid. Covid shut her down and she had to do things differently and bring her tutoring online.

Word of mouth used to drive the business but she had to change how she did things, used Facebook ads, Google ads to drive traffic into her centre.

To find AnneMarie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annemariebrosnan/

To check out her Tuition Centre: https://premiertuition.ie

We talk to a Unicorn - Winnie Mittal comes on the show to talk multicultural marketing Nov 17, 2020

Philly and Winnie reminisce about the good old days, and comes on the show to talk multicultural marketing. Winnie has serious experience marketing to the Canadian population, and we talk about the intricacies of cultural marketing.

To find Winnie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/winniebmittal/

the knuckleheads talk innovation and what comes next in this pandemic era Nov 10, 2020

The distributor discussion continues - some real life examples on how companies approach this. The knuckleheads talk innovation and what comes next in this pandemic era. We've had a lot of cool guests on talking about innovation and how to look at things differently. We had a chance to just sit and chat and talk about cool stuff that we think might be coming.

At the end, we talk about WIFI Mesh networks and how this changes your WIFI game.

This is a great article:

https://www.tomsguide.com/us/best-mesh-router,review-5191.html

Phil has this router: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B01NCZ2UBL/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_x_UpFQFbGYRYW8E

Other good ones:

https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B07WGJ9TY3/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_x_HrFQFbXJMNKKB

https://store.google.com/ca/config/nest_wifi?hl=en-CA

Mike Roberts, VP at Purity Life Health Products comes on to talk distribution during Covid and what small brands need to know Nov 03, 2020

Canada’s leading distributor of natural health products. From dietary supplements, vitamins and natural body care to eco friendly household products and natural health food products, Purity Life supplies products to over 7,000 stores across Canada.

To check out Purity Life click here: https://www.puritylife.com/

You can find Mike at https://www.linkedin.com/in/mroberts6/

COO of Green Planet Wholesale, Mark Walman talks about Cannabis, the emerging industry and the future of weed Oct 30, 2020

We were inspired enough to put this episode in the same week as another game changer. (see prior episode about Kelly Pigeon and Dresst)

Green Planet Wholesale is the supplier of equipment, a new kind of garden store. We were inspired to here where they're going, and how they've approached this growing and emerging segment of the market.

To find Green Planet Wholesale click here: https://www.mygreenplanet.com/

To find Mark, his Linkedin is here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-walman-082a6830/

The Youtube channel we were talking about is here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7no6ZJE1_PK756fpWy70lw

Kelly Pigeon started with the big "WHY," founds two game changing platforms -Dresst, then Loopt. Oct 27, 2020

Kelly Pigeon started with the big "WHY," founds two game changing platforms -Dresst, then Loopt. We talk about how to reduce consumption and waste in durable goods, and change the way the industry builds clothing, and the way consumers see clothing.

She doesn't stop there - she takes the platform she builds on Dresst and turns it into a model that other businesses can use to also run a rental business.

Check out Dresst: https://www.dresst.ca/

Loopt is here: https://www.looptplatform.com/

You can find Kelly here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-pigeon-6630607/

How to shift gears from being a solopreneur to being an owner and running a company with great people. Oct 20, 2020

We talk about how business owners / solopreneurs need to embrace teams and let their people help them grow. The guys get into the weeds and talk about the planning process, how to make sure departments stitch plans together so they function as a cohesive unit.

The book we were talking about:

https://www.eosworldwide.com/traction-book

Consultant turned Pet Food Brand Founder. We head to Africa to learn from "Fats" Diamini, Founder of Maneli Foods. Oct 13, 2020

We head to Africa to learn from "Fats" Diamini, Founder of Maneli Foods. We get a crash course on building a brand in South Africa and the joys and challenges of running a global brand.

To find Nhlanhla "Fats"

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nhlanhla-dlamini-0671531/

Maneli Foods is here: http://manelipets.com/

Joe Tarnowski gives us two episodes in one. The power of virtual meetings and what ECRM can do for vendors and retailers and a masterclass in content creation. Oct 06, 2020

Wondering what a tradeshow online looks like? How do you get good conversations while you're virtually minding your virtual tradeshow booth? Joe Tarnowski. VP, Content at ECRM & Host of The ECRM Podcast comes on to talk about making conversations happen between vendors and retailers. BONUS content - Joe loves content (like Phil).

To find Joe - you can find him here.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/tarnowskijoseph/

You can find ECRM here. https://ecrm.marketgate.com/

All hands on deck: Bed Bath and Beyond Mexico CEO Stephen Sotto talks about great retail during the pandemic Sep 29, 2020

All hands on deck: Bed Bath and Beyond Mexico CEO Stephen Sotto talks about great retail during the pandemic.

Bed Bath and and Beyond Mexico has found success catering to their consumer in new and innovative ways. We talk to Steve about his career and his pandemic journey with Bed Bath and Beyond.

To reach Steve, you can find him at

https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-sotto-08b605b/

Founder of Manitoba Harvest, Mike Fata comes on to talk about his remarkable journey to making hemp mainstream again Sep 22, 2020

Founder of Manitoba Harvest, Mike Fata comes on to talk about his remarkable journey to making hemp mainstream again.

Mike talks about how he began looking at hemp, his incredible struggle to bring hemp back to mainstream, and how he's giving back now.

To reach Mike, you can find him on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/manitoba-mikefata/

Imagine doing 700 virtual store tours without leaving your laptop. Bram explains how Shelfgram aims to do just this. Sep 15, 2020

Bram Warshafsky, marketer, entrepreneur and Founder of 5Crowd comes on talk about his latest venture, Shelfgram. [Think Nielsen meets Pinterest]

Store checks now come to you digitally. Imagine being able to do store checks virtually

Check out Shelfgram here: https://www.shelfgram.com/

To find Bram, hit this link. https://www.linkedin.com/in/bramw/

This one is all about us. Philly breaks his own rules, Kenny leans into less-than-40-hours... Sep 08, 2020

This one is all about us. Philly breaks his own rules, Kenny leans into less-than-40-hours...

We talk trade shows - do the online versions work? If you've been to one that you like, please let us know.

We were also talking about - https://ecrm.marketgate.com/

PSA: Calling all Entrepreneurs: Highline Beta and Intuit Accelerator closing Sept 4th Sep 02, 2020

The deadline is Sept 4th.

Apply here: https://www.intuit.com/ca/prosperity-accelerator/

Highline Beta and Intuit Accelerator closing Sept 4th - This program focuses on solving the most pressing financial problems for Canadian small businesses and consumers in the wake of COVID-19. Work with Intuit experts and Highline Beta to bring your solutions to market and make a difference!

Wondering what a good influencer / industry expert looks like? You'll like what Pindy has to say. Sep 01, 2020

Wondering what a good influencer / industry expert looks like? You'll like what Pindy has to say. Pindy talks a lot about how to work with brands, what an expert looks like.

You can find Pindy at:

https://censeopharm.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/pindy-janda-rph/

50 accounts to 10,000: Daryna Kulya, Co-Founder at OpenPhone comes on to talk about changing the business phone for modern businesses. Aug 25, 2020

Daryna Kulya, Co-Founder at OpenPhone comes on to talk about changing the business phone for modern businesses. Kenny wants to be like Phil when he grows up and Phil has an aw-shucks moment.

We talk to Daryna about her past - from founding Product Hunt in Toronto, and her time at Vidyard, to her current venture at OpenPhone.

Kenny gets super stoked and downloads Openphone, gets set up and running in less than the time it takes for us to talk about Openphone.

Check out OpenPhone here: https://www.openphone.co/

Find Daryna on Linkedin here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darynakulya/

We head to Singapore to meet Richard Loat about his journey of learning and what brands can learn about going overseas Aug 18, 2020

We head to Singapore to meet Richard Loat who helped to create Five Hole for Food talks about his journey of learning. We also talk to Richard about what brands can learn about cultures overseas.

Richard's Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardloat/

Richard's book recommendation for brands wanting to head overseas

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22085568-the-culture-map

She makes a treat in her kitchen, and 3 years later, it's Treatsmarts and listed at Whole Foods and 16 other retailers Aug 11, 2020

A great conversation with Simrit, founder of Treatsmarts. She made a treat in her kitchen, and 3 years later, it's Treatsmarts and listed at Whole Foods and 16 other retailers

To find out more about Treatsmarts, head to

https://www.treatsmarts.ca/

Instagram: @TREATSMARTS

You can find Simrit at https://www.linkedin.com/in/simrit-ollek-566b14168/

Kenny is STOKED. Arjan Stephens, President of Que Pasa Mexican Foods and EVP for Nature’s Path Foods comes on the show Aug 04, 2020

Kenny is STOKED. Arjan Stephens, President of Que Pasa Mexican Foods and EVP for Nature’s Path Foods comes on the show. A great story...where to begin?

A great look at one of the pioneers of organic products, and the struggle to take organic foods mainstream. Nature's Path is now found in 55 countries.

Find out about Que Pasa's unique story and Arjan's wedding present to his guests that became maybe one of the best cereals that Phil's ever tasted.

Nature's Path website is here: https://www.naturespath.com/en-ca/

Que Pasa can be found here: www.quepasafoods.com

Arjan's linkedin profile is here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arjan-stephens-4a84067a/

WWLD_Laurie Shopland quotes Wonderman "I have super powers and I'll use it for good" Jul 28, 2020

WWLD: _Laurie Shopland quotes Wonderman "I have super powers and I'll use it for good" She talks about how it feels to accomplish a goal, and how to find people who are ahead of you in the process to help guide you.

Laurie was published in the print version of https://www.optimyz.com/

Fardad Moayeri, Executive VP, Janitor & Chief Esthetics Officer at Parissa talks about making the world a smoother place and the effect of TikTok Jul 21, 2020

Fardad Moayeri, Executive VP, Janitor & Chief Esthetics Officer at Parissa talks about making the world a smoother place and the effect of TikTok.

An incredible story about Parissa's origins that includes the Iranian revolution, straight door to door selling and pandemic times.

Find out more about Parissa Wax here: https://parissa.com
You can reach Fardad at his Linkedin here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fardadm/

From 0 to 18,000 locations supported since 2015. Intelocate founder, Yulia Vasilyeva comes on to explain how and why so many companies and locations use Intelocate. Jul 14, 2020

From 0 to 18,000 locations supported since 2015. Intelocate founder, Yulia Vasilyeva comes on to explain how and why so many companies and locations use Intelocate.

We jump into the world of solving retail issues and hear some crazy stats like retailers solving 50,000 issues per 100 locations every 10 months! (on average)

You can find:

Yulia at https://www.linkedin.com/in/yuliavas/

Intelocate at https://www.intelocate.com/

If you ever have questions, you can email us at thiscommercelife@gmail.com or find us at @thiscommercelife on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

Special Episode. Cheryl Policastro from TPN Retail talks to the guys about 'The Future of the Buy' a BOPIS study done during Covid-19. Jul 10, 2020

Special Episode. Cheryl Policastro from TPN Retail talks to the guys about 'The Future of the Buy' a Buy Online Pickup In Store (BOPIS) study done during Covid-19.

The infographic can be found here: http://tpnweb.com/infographics/tpn_pandemic.pdf

To find Cheryl on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheryl-policastro-0622674/

The boys "plan" an episode. This episode is all about Kenny and Phil. The new "About Us Episode" Jul 07, 2020

The boys "plan" an episode. This episode is all about Kenny and Phil. The new "About Us Episode"

We talk to a long time fan, first time caller, Mark Stirling about a brand's perspective on COVID-19 Jun 30, 2020

We talk to a long time fan, first time caller, Mark Stirling about a brand's perspective on COVID-19. We talk through things like allocating inventory, manfacturing as fast as possible, and how to manage customers that might be unhappy with out of stock situations.

To find Mark:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-stirling-a3038511/?originalSubdomain=ca

Cherry Yang, a 70 year old trapped in a 28 year old's body, is a connector extraordinaire. Airtable expert, general smartie pants. Jun 23, 2020

Cherry Yang, connector extraordinaire. Airtable expert, general smartie pants comes on. She talks connectors, analytics and making things automated. Cherry is a critical integrator to helping businesses build sales funnel tracking, CRM projects and lead attribution are a few of the things she can help with.

Here's how to find Cherry:

https://www.airopsconsulting.org/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/cherry-yang-12368141/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5qlky4Sf1pZJnTYJLj_gWQ

Tazz Latifi, owner of Petropolis comes on the show. They talk about her retail store, and her consulting business. Jun 16, 2020

What is marketing to clients? Phil runs into a bunch of brands that are asking for marketing but maybe doesn't know what they're asking for.
Tazz Latifi, owner of Petropolis comes on the show. They talk about her retail store, and her consulting business.

To find Tazz, you can head to https://petropolisnyc.com/about-tazz-latifi/
The podcast: https://petropolisnyc.com/the-petropolist-podcast/
Her Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tazzlatifi/

WWLD! Philly talks about being out and on his own again - Laurie is LIVE! Kenny wants to be Phil Jun 09, 2020

WWLD! Philly talks about being out and on his own again - how it feels to leave Nymi, and work with clients that he loves. He's focused on shit that he loves, shit that he likes and none of the shit that's just shit, and trying not to do too much shit.

Kenny wants to be like Phil.

600 doors to 20 000 in 3 years. Smart Sweets is the Queen of the #kicksugar movement. We talk to Koreann Webster about their sweet success Jun 02, 2020

600 doors to 20 000 in 3 years. Smart Sweets is the Queen of the #kicksugar movement. We talk to Koreann Webster about their sweet success

https://smartsweets.ca/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/koreann-webster-42b43160/

Kenny gives Jake gas. We talk to Mid-Day-Squares Chocolate about success (over a million bars sold) and adjusting for Covid-19 May 26, 2020

Kenny gives Jake gas. We talk to Jake from Mid-Day-Squares about success and adjusting for Covid-19. These guys are the real deal...over a million bars sold. Mad magazine?? Spy vs Spy? Kenny shows his age, Philly admits he loves Spy vs Spy.

To order some chocolate, head to https://www.middaysquares.com/
You can find Mid-Day-Squares on Instagram at @middaysquares

Covid retailing continues. A retailer/wholesaler/distributer comes on. Struggles of government subsidies, rent subsidies and how to adapt without precendent May 19, 2020

Covid retailing continues. A retailer/wholesaler/distributer comes on. Struggles of government subsidies, rent subsidies and how to adapt without precendent.

Domenic Bruzzese of La Grotta Del Formaggio came on the show to talk about retailing during Covid, and how to adjust for a new normal

https://www.linkedin.com/company/lgdf-wholesale/?originalSubdomain=ca

COVID retailing. We talk to a small retailer that is open during Covid, all the things that retailers have to deal with during Covid. May 12, 2020

Peter Winstanley of Jaks comes on the show. We talk to him about COVID retailing, all the things that retailers have to deal with during Covid. We also talk about what to think about when you're coming out of social distancing and the new stage of retail.

You can check out JAK'S Beer Wine Spirits here: www.jaks.com

Peter Winstanley's Linkedin is here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-winstanley-14174baa/

Philly does a disappearing act on Kenny, the guys talk cybersecurity, the additional market effects of Covid and how the market will look when things open May 04, 2020

Philly does a disappearing act on Kenny, the guys talk cybersecurity, the additional market effects of Covid and how the market will look when things open

Businesses need to adjust to Covid and an extended period away. More importantly, they need to adjust to the fact that shopping behaviour won't be the same again at all. Apr 28, 2020

Businesses need to adjust to Covid and an extended period away. More importantly, they need to adjust to the fact that shopping behaviour won't be the same again at all. The guys talk about changes that could happen and how retailers should think about changing their business models.

WWLD - Give it air time, and give equal air time to thinking the opposite. COVID-19 is different now, not worse, just different Apr 21, 2020

Thank you to all the people who are out there working to keep us safe so we can stay home and podcast.
In today's WWLD - Give it air time, and give equal air time to thinking the opposite. COVID-19 is different now, not worse, just different. Laurie Shopland gets on the show and we talk about how Covid 19 is different, maybe even better, but not worse. How do we think about the business differently as well. It's a good time to inflect on what the future holds for you and your business.

Happy Birthday to Kenny who turns another year older and maybe a little wiser.

Jordan Rogers, Guru of plant based products stops in to chat with the guys on the plant based segment of the market Apr 13, 2020

Jordan Rogers, Guru of plant based products stops in to chat with the guys on the plant based segment of the market.
He talks through his business model, how he founded Lloyd-James Sales & Marketing, Canada’s plant-based sales & marketing agency.

We find out what's in store for plant based products and what to look for next.

Philly, Kenny and Jordan talk through how to market during Covid-19.

You can find Jordan here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-james-rogers-80331b6/

Steve Rad founder of Abacus Brands comes on the show to talk about Virtual Reality, teaching kids and how brands can use this technology. Apr 07, 2020

Extra long episode this week. Steve Rad founder of Abacus Brands (https://www.abacusbrands.com) comes on the show to talk about Virtual Reality, teaching kids and how brands can use this technology.

The guys talk about the future of retail, post Covid-19, how to use some of this VR technology and Philly needs to find a way to slow down a little.

Where do you leave your laptop? Social Isolation and the impacts on work balance. The guys talk about how things change, experiential marketing in new times. Mar 30, 2020

Where do you leave your laptop? Social Isolation and the impacts on work balance. The guys talk about how things change, experiential marketing in new times. If you're a business and you're trying to get out marketing messages, now is a good time.

Covid 19 and supply chain challenges that come with that. Digital media comes with some responsibilities. Things that you can and should be doing to keep up some social interaction during this pandemic. Mar 24, 2020

Covid 19 and supply chain challenges that come with that. Digital media comes with some responsibilities...stop sharing click-bait-y videos. Retailers have responsibilities in pandemic stock-up situations. Philly tells a funny story about a moment in a grocery store. Things that you can and should be doing to keep up some social interaction during this pandemic.

WWLD Laurie talks about her business, and how to think about Covid 19. A special offer for This Commerce Life folks Mar 17, 2020

WWLD Laurie talks about her business, and how to think about Covid 19. A special offer for This Commerce Life folks

Join Laurie Shopland for a free masterclass this wednesday! Click the link below:

https://laurieshopland.com/findingcalmnessamongcrisis/

Short special episode. Things that small medium retailers can do to help during Covid-19 Mar 13, 2020

Short special episode. Things that small medium retailers can do to help during Covid-19.

Thanks to Jim Shopland for the idea! Stay safe, tell us how you're doing.

Net effect of Coronavirus, a sticky situation with an owner Mar 10, 2020

Net effect of Coronavirus, the impact to shows and net effect on businesses. Not all of it is though - think about opportunities for being able to grow the business during tough times. Philly talks about a sticky situation with an owner who wants to own something they don't know anything about.

The Global Pet Expo Episode. Kenny and Philly meet in person to record. A buyer's perspective on tradeshows and Global Pet Expo Mar 03, 2020

Kenny and Phil record live for the first time in 115 episodes. They do a walk through of an aisle at Global Pet and tell you what they see, and then talk about how the show went.

If you're looking for our presentations, head to the bottom of the page at www.retailphil.com

New setup for Philly. We talk about the importance of bricks and mortar, and how they have a competitive edge over online stores. Feb 25, 2020

New setup for Philly. He starts the day with Kenny and finishes with Kenny. We talk about the importance of bricks and mortar, and how they have a competitive edge over online stores.

On Philly's reading list: Play Bigger: How Pirates, Dreamers, and Innovators Create and Dominate Markets
https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B015MOJ80G/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1

WWLD Kenny tunes in from Mexico, Laurie's thought work turns into an unanticipated opportunity Feb 18, 2020

WWLD Kenny tunes in from Mexico, Laurie's thought work turns into an unanticipated opportunity. Laurie looks at Philly's choices (or not choices).
Philly ties Laurie's work to examples of how SEO, funnel conversion, digital marketing and content marketing works.

Will the real Phil stand up? Thank you - a new mic - thanks for your patience Feb 12, 2020

Will the real Phil stand up? Thank you - a new mic - thanks for your patience.
For your reference - witness protection episode was recorded with a Shure MV5-LTG Digital Condenser Microphone.

This short recording was done with a Samson Go Mic Compact USB Microphone

Peter Rodriguez MBA, Chartered Marketer joins the boys. They talk about personal brand marketing, and why it's so important. Feb 11, 2020

Peter Rodriguez MBA, Chartered Marketer, comes on the show to talk about his Award-Winning Brand Igniter™
Peter is a former CMO, Ex Kellogg’s, Pfizer, Nestle, J&J, Smucker. His new marketing program helps individuals build their personal brand image.

Philly still sounds like he's in witness protection - he's going to drown this mic and get a new one.

As a courtesy for the boys, Peter has provided a link for This Commerce Life users to see some of Peter's BRANDMI™ Personal Branding Framework https://www.brandigniter.ca/brandmisample

Finding innovative ways to pitch a buyer a new product. Philly has a new mic and sounds like Kermit the frog (with a cold) Feb 04, 2020

Finding innovative ways to pitch a buyer a new product. Philly has a new mic and sounds like Kermit the frog (with a cold)

Kenny talks about pitching a product with a different angle.

*apologies for Phil's voice this week. He was using a new mic - and he really sounds like a full frog in his throat.
(he didn't buy it at full price - never pay full price)

Philly seeks balance - trying to make changes and have it all. Qualifying jobs, how to find balance Jan 28, 2020

Philly seeks balance - trying to make changes and have it all. Qualifying jobs, how to find balance

Kenny goes pro - new equipment, looks like a podcaster. We talk digital minimalism, getting focused on what you love Jan 20, 2020

Kenny gets new equipment...looks like a podcaster finally. Kenny goes pro - new equipment, looks like a podcaster. We talk digital minimalism, getting focused on what you love The books that Kenny is talking about:

Digital Minimalism https://www.calnewport.com/books/digital-minimalism/
Love is just damn good business https://www.stevefarber.com/books/love-is-just-damn-good-business/

WWLD turns the podcast upside down. Laurie needs coaching, Kenny drops wisdom, Philly is speechless. Jan 14, 2020

WWLD turns the podcast upside down. Laurie needs coaching, Kenny drops wisdom, Philly is speechless.
In all seriousness, Laurie gets coached - we have a full discussion about skills, when to discount your skills, and how to approach balancing work, money and loving what you do.

Philly's marketing plan comes together, Jan 07, 2020

Happy New Year to our audience. We love you all. (even if Kenny doesn't have feelings)

Philly talks about planned obsolescence, and how all the marketing efforts from last year have come together. The guys get into the effects on online, and how businesses compete with online today. (don't give up! Amazon doesn't own it all!)

The guys have the founder of Ener-C, Richard Pollock on the show. Dec 24, 2019

The guys have the founder of Ener-C, Richard Pollock on the show. Great story about his dog's half brother, and a career in entrepreneurship. From 25 cent puppet shows to now enriching people's lives with better water.

Find Richard on Linkedin here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-pollock-7586a63/?originalSubdomain=ca

Check out Ener-C here: https://www.tryenerc.com/

WWLD is back. Kenny gets some help finding focus, and Laurie uses palm trees as part of her calming strategy. (works on Philly) Dec 17, 2019

WWLD is back. Kenny gets some help finding focus, and Laurie uses palm trees as part of her calming strategy. (works on Philly)

No pop filter on Kenny this week. Overstretched Kenny needs to find the balance between entrepreneurship and happiness. Philly finds an awesome boutique brand Dec 10, 2019

No pop filter on Kenny this week. Overstretched Kenny needs to unload. Finding the balance between entrepreneurship and happiness. Philly finds an awesome boutique brand - #navkcollection https://www.navkcollection.com/

Did you buy anything for Black Friday? The importance of a pitch deck for creating business, how to build a business to scale Dec 03, 2019

Did you buy anything for Black Friday? The importance of a pitch deck for creating business, how to build a business to scale

This is the Thankful episode. Big thanks to Geoff Wong, being thankful for a wonderful year - the importance of celebrating wins. Nov 26, 2019

This is the Thankful episode. Big thanks to Geoff Wong, being thankful for a wonderful year - the importance of celebrating wins. We want to hear from you - how do you celebrate? what do you celebrate? tell us how your business year went!

EPISODE 100! We celebrate our milestone with our first "WWLD" (What would Laurie Do?) Nov 19, 2019

EPISODE 100! We celebrate our milestone with our first "WWLD" (What would Laurie Do?) The Guys also talk end of year prep, making sure that you end the year with great holiday sales. Fitting new products into planogram timing with major accounts, what to think about, when to prep.

Meet Philly's friend Lan Trinh, full time CPA turned entrepreneur. Nov 12, 2019

Lanh was a full time CPA that quit her job to design, build and sell houses. She took a passion in art and design and turned it into a livelihood. Kenny and Phil talk through the risks and considerations of going from a full time job to entrepreneurship.

Philly tries a macbook. The guys take the session to talk about podcasts that they love. Eventually they talk retail and carrying inventory. Nov 06, 2019

Philly tries a macbook. The guys take the session to talk about podcasts that we love and Philly talks about kicking up his next stage of learning, his next evolution. (stay tuned!) Philly admits that he wanted Laurie all to himself. Eventually, they get to talking about cool boutique health stores, and carrying inventory

Kenny lookin' and feelin' better. Getting out of the weeds and back into the clouds....er the strategy. How to make the rest of the team better. Oct 29, 2019

Kenny lookin' and feelin' better. Getting out of the weeds and back into the clouds....er the strategy. How to make the rest of the team better.

Kenny sounds different, Philly talks about new startups that he's working with. They talk Global Pet, WWLD Oct 22, 2019

Kenny sounds different, Philly talks about new startups that he's working with. They talk Global Pet, WWLD, coming up to episode 100

Kenny feeling a little tired and has a lot to do. When and who to outsource to. Your "expert" isn't the expert at everything. Oct 15, 2019

Kenny feeling a little tired and has a lot to do. When and who to outsource to. Your "expert" isn't the expert at everything. Philly's marketing plans are coming together.

WWLD picks up steam. Kenny starts following his own advice. Philly's marketing efforts are coming together Oct 08, 2019

WWLD picks up steam. Kenny starts following his own advice. Philly's marketing efforts are coming together

Philly apologizes for loses his sh*t. GDPR, privacy - taking it seriously. Kenny talks about office resources, and job resourcing Oct 01, 2019

Philly apologizes for loses his sh*t. GDPR, privacy - taking it seriously. Kenny talks about office resources, and job resourcing. The guys think about a 'WWLD' section on the podcast. Philly's videographer can be found at edwardsrapha.wixsite.com/video

Philly loses his sh*t. Kenny helps him vent, they talk about lost opportunities, and what to do when a PR opportuntity happens. A standing offer to our listeners... Sep 23, 2019

Philly loses his sh*t. Kenny helps him vent, they talk about lost opportunities, and what to do when a PR opporuntity happens. A standing offer to our listeners...Philly wishes his wife a Happy Birthday

Early morning podcast. Trade shows, a philosophical look at retail, the future of natural health... Linkedin promotions Sep 17, 2019

early morning podcast. Trade shows, a philosophical look at retail, Linkedin promotions

Kenny under the weather. Philly talks about travel, Kenny gets fixated on "experiential" Sep 10, 2019

Kenny under the weather. Philly talks about travel, Kenny gets fixated on "experiential"

Maturing, evolving and growth. Philly talks about someone whose found the perfect job but doesn't know it. He talks about his marketing campaign coming together Sep 02, 2019

Maturing, evolving and growth. Philly talks about someone whose found the perfect job but doesn't know it. He talks about his marketing campaign coming together

Cooking with Chang. Looking for mentors - do you need 'em? Finding, looking for places that have peers, mentors and sounding boards. Aug 27, 2019

Cooking with Chang. Looking for mentors - do you need 'em? Finding, looking for places that have peers, mentors and sounding boards.

The guys talk about elevating their game, and figure out Kenny's "why." Philly talks about finding more balance. Big Announcement at the End! Aug 20, 2019

The guys talk about elevating their game, and figure out Kenny's "why." Philly talks about finding more balance, losing weight and getting better focus.

Phil's been listening to this podcast - https://www.jimstengel.com/the-cmo-podcast/
If you're a Director of Marketing, the only marketing person in your organization or a CMO, we'd love to hear from you.

The guys have a big announcement at the end!

Tim Dumas from Jak's Liquor stops by to talk customer service, looking after employees and teaching great customer experience. Aug 14, 2019

Tim Dumas, Chief Operating Officer from Jak's Liquor stops by to talk customer service, looking after employees and teaching great customer experience. Philly and Ken talk to Tim about great customer experience, how Jak's teaches and invests in their employees.

https://www.jaks.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/servusleadership/?originalSubdomain=ca

Tim would love to help you find the perfect bottle of liquor.
tim.dumas@jaks.com

Philly stops to do something fun. Kenny pushes for return on investment. The guys talk about the roles that little stores play in consumers' minds. Aug 06, 2019

Philly stops to do something fun. Kenny pushes for return on investment. The guys talk about the roles that little stores play in consumers' minds. Phil gives an update on his email marketing automation plan.

This is the article we were talking about
https://www.sheknows.com/health-and-wellness/articles/2049318/the-brewing-backlash-against-hustle-culture-and-its-effects-on-mental-health/

The guys answer questions, talk about when to outsource email automation, Kenny starts forecasting for next year Jul 30, 2019

The guys answer questions, talk about when to outsource email automation, Kenny starts forecasting for next year. The importance of running numbers for next year to make an educated guess on what's to come.

Kenny gets overloaded and takes on more. (naturally) The boys talk about privacy, social networks and Linkedin. What Kenny looks like out of control Jul 23, 2019

Kenny gets overloaded and takes on more. (naturally) The boys talk about privacy, social networks and Linkedin. The guys are all over the place this episode. Philly theorizes on the war of search and how Amazon is winning search from Google, what the next social network might look like.

What Kenny looks like out of control....

Carrie Doyle makes an appearance. She talks about leaving her big job at a big company and what's next. Jul 16, 2019

Carrie Doyle makes an appearance. She talks about leaving her big job at a big company and what's next. Philly gets excited to connect two of his favorite people. Kenny becomes a Doyle fan (like Phil).

Philly and Ken make good on their vacation promise. How to tell if you should be looking for a new job. Philly does email automation and what the heck that means Jul 09, 2019

Philly and Ken make good on their vacation promise. How to tell if you should be looking for a new job. Philly does email automation and what the heck that means.

Some of the email automation platforms we were talking about:
Marketo, Hubspot, and Pardot

Philly and Ken also looked at https://www.tryenerc.com/ when they were talking about insights. (in case you want to follow along)

How entrepreneurs work while on vacation. The art of prioritizing and staying away from hot topics. Jul 01, 2019

The guys talk about working while on vacation. Do it or don’t do it? How to do it to remove stress and still get a vacation. Philly talks about email automation and how to go about setting up. The guys give Linda new job. Phil explains SEO in layman terms, and spills the beans on how Kent Fenwick is a voodoo magician at SEO.

Shnane has arrived. Vive Social in the house, the boys talk PR, social and digital representation, and what small/medium businesses should be doing on awareness. Jun 25, 2019

Shnane has arrived. Vive Social in the house, the boys talk PR, social and digital representation, and what small/medium businesses should be doing on awareness.

You can reach Shnane and Vive Social at info@vivesocialpr.com or https://www.facebook.com/vivesocialpr/ on Facebook.

The boys podcast thru the NBA Finals, Game 6, talk gap analysis, on the sales and the marketing side. Philly talks marketing numbers. Jun 17, 2019

The boys are tired but not complaining. When you're happy, tired is a good sign. Kenny talks about gap analysis - finding the right places to optimize your business. Philly makes a prediction about the demise of iPhone. They break in and out of watching game 6 of the Raptors vs Warriors Championship finals. Phil talks marketing numbers and conversion rates.

Kenny poo poos Phil. Philly talks SEO and outrunning old content. Jun 11, 2019

These two guys bicker over Apple and Android, Kenny tells Phil he's full of poo poo. Philly gets excited and talks content, why to have it, how to keep all the keywords together, how to outrun old content.

Marketing and the pressure to bear fruit early. Philly and Ken talk about getting the right information to make the right content Jun 03, 2019

Marketing and the pressure to bear fruit early. Philly and Ken talk about getting the right information to make the right content

Phil takes a trip - comes home with stuff to do. Philly and Ken get hot and heavy over price increases. May 28, 2019

This one episode is longer because of the complexity of the conversation. Price increases is part of everybody's business, but they seldom talk about it. Phil and Kenny get into and talk about different approaches you can take to introduce a price increase, what to expect as pushback from retailers, why you should be thinking about a price increase every year.

Barry comes on the show. More on transitions and how he made the jump from corporate life to entrepreneurship May 20, 2019

Kenny celebrates his wedding anniversary with Amelia. Barry comes on the show. More on transitions and how he made the jump from corporate life to entrepreneurship. Philly wonders how Barry put up with Kenny for 29 years!

To reach Barry, you can find him at : barrygmark@mac.com or https://www.linkedin.com/in/barry-mark-3b01182a

Ken wants Philly to get in touch with his feelings but can't take a compliment. Laurie continues to haunt Kenny. May 13, 2019

Ken wants Philly to get in touch with his feelings but can't take a compliment. Laurie continues to haunt Kenny.
The guys talk about when "good enough" is really good enough, and how to strike a balance in getting things done.

How social media is like cleaning toilets. We bring expert help on the show. Laurie Shopland talks about how to power through the things that are blocking your way May 07, 2019

We follow up and bring Life coach Laurie Shopland on. How to power through the things that are blocking your way. Laurie Shopland https://shoplandhealth.ca comes on the show and coaches Ken and Philly on how to power through blockers.

What to do when you need to change what you're working on. Ken picks on Philly Apr 30, 2019

Philly talks about not doing things that aren't in his wheelhouse, and that prompts a discussion about what to do when you need to change what you're working on. Kenny talks about adapting for change, the guys confirm that they're not normal. Ken picks on Philly.

Interview with Granola Girl. Hobby maker turned entrepreneur from giving out samples to 300 stores. Philly and Ken walk through April's journey. Apr 23, 2019

You'll want to check her out. https://www.facebook.com/thegranolagirl/
Philly and Ken walk through April's journey from cake maker to hobby granola maker turned entrepreneur. She's gone from giving out samples at local markets to selling in 300 stores.

Websites, merchandising, CRM and experiential oh my! Apr 16, 2019

Websites, merchandising and experiential oh my! Philly and Ken be their ADD selves and range on a series of topics. Philly talks about research and how finding facts to build a plan isn't different from small companies to big companies. They talk website builders and style guides. They talk CRM - https://www.zoho.com, https://www.hubspot.com/, https://www.marketo.com, https://www.zendesk.com/

Philly looks inside Ken's head to find out what a buyer sees when they do store visits Apr 09, 2019

Philly looks inside Ken's head to find out what a buyer sees when they do store visits. Kenny spends time in liquor stores and comes out sober. Philly finds out why, and what he's looking for. They talk retailing and retail strategy, and pet peeves about their shopping experience.

Marketing spend....it's not enough. Philly and Ken talk about the vitamin company that they're working with. Apr 04, 2019

Marketing spend....it's not enough. Make sure you measure what you spend on to get the right return on investment. (ROI) Be clear on what your goals are. Philly talks about #marketinggoals and loading up the funnel with opportunities for sales to convert. #mathtomarketing

Philly and Ken talk about the vitamin company that they're working with. What happens when you build a plan, and they change their minds...the team talks more cannabis and Shopland Health's insight cannabis/cbd episode.

Kenny talks about his ADD. Philly wants to do a joint session together next year at Global Pet. Philly wants to get Kenny in front of a lot of owner operators.

The guys talk Global Pet Expo, Kenny plays career counsellor. Philly talks about creating content in the middle of the night. Mar 26, 2019

The guys talk Global Pet Expo, Kenny plays career counsellor. Philly talks about creating content in the middle of the night. Work hard, play hard - Philly also talks about the talks that he did at the show. You can find them here. https://retailphil.com/presentations

Ken and Philly talk about what to call Kenny. Owner operator guidance counsellor? If you have an idea - send us a note!

Marketing budgets, clearout show, plant based protein, how trade shows spark ideas Mar 19, 2019

Philly gets ready for #GlobalPetExpo and the two sessions he's teaching there. (https://globalpetexpo.org/buyer/seminars.asp) He's teaching "Like.Follow.Share" and "What's Your Time Worth?" Ken and Philly get into how and when you do your own thing versus hiring out work to people to keep yourself moving.

Shout out to Sara Carvalho (http://sarasunshine.com/) for her magical graphic touch.

Philly talks about sweating a marketing budget and how to figure out where to find dollars from.
Kenny talks about Natural Expo West and how huge it is. Milk substitutes is a huge and trending category, and alternative protein sources is a growing trend. Plant based trends are one of the biggest growth trend at the show. Kenny talks about the clearout show in Las Vegas. Philly panics about Kenny going and spending the lights out.

What happens if Ken and Philly go to the same show? Ken guests from the Natural Expo West Mar 12, 2019

What happens if Ken and Philly go to the same show? Ken guests from the Natural Expo West

Kenny gets dressed up, everyone gets confused. The value of knowing your 'why' and how that helps the team around you. Mar 05, 2019

Kenny gets dressed up, everyone gets confused. The value of knowing your 'why' and how that helps the team around you.

Kenny the Amazon guy. A plus content. Philly lives breathes and dreams about brand stories. Feb 26, 2019

Kenny the Amazon guy. A plus content. Philly lives breathes and dreams about brand stories.

The famous Linda Webb makes her debut. First of many (we hope) Tips on what you need to do to get to production Feb 19, 2019

The famous Linda Webb makes her debut. First of many (we hope) Tips on what you need to do to get to production. Linda Webb talks through ingredients, packaging, order quantities, and all sorts of things that first time product people encounter.

Philly rants on why everybody needs to look after their own careers. Kenny plays nice guy. To quote or not to quote a job? Feb 12, 2019

Philly rants on why everybody needs to look after their own careers. Kenny plays nice guy. To quote or not to quote a job? Philly and Ken talk through launch decks, the nuances of selling B2B and how it's different from B2C marketing. When you figure out your audience...things get easier.

Know your customer...really. Do you have buyer personas? Looking after the basics to ensure you know who you're building a plan for Feb 05, 2019

Know your customer...really. Do you have buyer personas? Looking after the basics to ensure you know who you're building a plan for. Philly talks about buyer personas and how critical they are to building plans and knowing where and when to execute your plan. Calling out Linda Webb to come on the show, and a shout out for Rachel Farewell and This Commerce Life's new kickass socials. www.rachelfarewell.com

Sku rationalization, marketing messages, Google Ads and seasonal businesses. The guys are all over the place today. Jan 31, 2019

Sku rationalization, marketing messages, Google Ads and seasonal businesses. The guys are all over the place today. Plug for Satya Organics and Patrice's wonderful ezcema cream.

Philly has some news. The guys get geared up to help a business on a joint venture. The power of Linda Webb. Jan 22, 2019

Philly has some news. The guys get geared up to help a business on a joint venture. The power of Linda Webb, building a node or hub where our people can help our people.

What to do when your seasonal business has no season? The importance of paying it forward and helping others. Jan 15, 2019

What to do when your seasonal business has no season? Phil talks about dealing with excess inventory and no demand, and some of the tough choices businesses have to make Phil also talks about the importance of paying it forward and helping others.

Start the year with the right audience. Does your marketing plan match your consumer? Looking for a new word for a new type of agency. Jan 08, 2019

We decide we don't like Kent that much. (too smart, too talented etc. etc.) More love for Linda Webb, Rachel Farewell. Philly and Kenny try and figure out what to call themselves (not agency...but what? a node? a connector? something fancy please) Start the year with the right audience. Does your marketing plan match your consumer?

Happy New Year! We kick it off with a pretty serious discussion about investment and where to spend cash to grow a business. Jan 01, 2019

Happy New Year. Philly talks about Mexico, and the retail scene and then we get real serious about investment and where to spend cash to grow a business.

Kenny goes straight to WordPress. Philly resurrects Kent's SEO consultancy and creates a ranking for SEO experts in the world Dec 18, 2018

Kenny goes straight to WordPress. Philly resurrects Kent's SEO consultancy and creates a ranking for SEO experts in the world. It's the end of 2018 - is your content plan ready for 2019? Is your ad plan ready for late 2019 or early 2020?

Phil and Kenny talk price elasticity and the value of knowing how much you can or should discount.

A re-take on a botched episode. The guys talk about taking on bigger projects, bringing on people they can trust to outsource. An open invite for Linda Webb to jump on the show Dec 11, 2018

A re-take on a botched episode. The guys talk about taking on bigger projects, bringing on people they can trust to outsource. An open invite for Linda Webb to jump on the show. Shout out to Rachel Farewell and her social media magic skills.

The evolution of freelance - when you start choosing who you work with, and what happiness looks like. Dec 04, 2018

A fullplate - Philly talks about the ups and downs as a contractor. The evolution of freelance - when you start choosing who you work with, and what happiness looks like.

An apology to Kent, the importance of cash flow and what happens when you get a customer that doesn't pay you or the business goes bonkers Nov 27, 2018

An apology to Kent, the importance of cash flow and what happens when you get a customer that doesn't pay you or the business goes bonkers

All laughs and SEO. Phil talks keywords and organic SEO, how to find, build and rank keywords for your business. Nov 20, 2018

All laughs and SEO. Phil talks keywords and organic SEO, how to find, build and rank keywords for your business. This one is a good episode to check out on Youtube. Phil goes through keyword planner, how to check your competition for keywords and what you're supposed to do with keywords.

Getting past the gobbly gook of "content marketing," using Instagram to ask your audience for insights. Geo-tagging the bar and the importance of video. Nov 13, 2018

Content Marketing. What does it really mean? Getting past the gobbly gook and getting into what makes a consumer pay attention to your brand. Phil talks about helping Laura Dunkley teach Content Marketing 101 and Kenny pushes for "what the heck am I supposed to do?" The benefits of digital media versus old world market message testing. The love for Satya continues from last episode. Kenny gets excited and starts thinking about things. Geo-tagging the bar and the importance of video.

Phil and Kenny talk about how amazing small business are and the potentials for explosive growth. They talk about return on investment and proper spending in the right buckets to make businesses grow. Nov 06, 2018

Phil plugs Wave for Small Businesses (www.waveapps.com) and dreads tax season and accounting for his business. Phil and Kenny talk about how amazing small business are and the potentials for explosive growth. Free plug for Satya.ca, Quest Vitamins and Pink Solution. Kenny jokes about cutting Linda Webb lose, but Philly won't talk about it. They talk about return on investment and proper spending in the right buckets to make businesses grow. Sara Carvalho and her magic photography skills gets the Commercial Drive coffee really great photos.

What retailers value and how to deliver it without giving everything away. Coffee preferences and how freelancers network. Oct 30, 2018

What retailers value and how to deliver it without giving everything away. Phil talks about helping a brand be valuable to a retailer while still keeping profit in their pocket. Phil talks about Kenny's coffee and the duo talks about how freelancers network and work together.

Plugs this week to Vive Social and their founder Shnane Liem, a wonderful all round wonderful person.

The Linda Webb love fest continues. This week we catch up with the fabulous Laura Dunkley who tells us about her marketing and PR skills and the ONE Network Oct 23, 2018

The Linda Webb love fest continues. This week we catch up with the fabulous Laura Dunkley who tells us about her marketing and PR skills and the ONE Network, the Mississauga Business Enterprise Centre and free resources for up and coming entrepreneurs.

A walk down buyer-memory-lane. Kenny and Phil talk pricing, pitch decks and what makes a buyer cranky. Kenny celebrates freedom and they both wonder if having their faces on Youtube negates any SEO benefits Oct 16, 2018

A walk down buyer-memory-lane. Kenny and Phil talk pricing, pitch decks and what makes a buyer cranky. They reminisce the old days and the power of a good team. Kenny celebrates freedom and they both wonder if having their faces on Youtube negates any SEO benefits. Shout out this week to yellcanada.org

Old school trade shows, cricket powder, Youtube, and brand takeovers. Oct 09, 2018

Old school trade shows, cricket powder, Youtube, and brand takeovers. Phil talks about his experience at Pet Connections Expo, calls out some brands, and talks about crickets. Kenny is being strategic and ditches some roles to keep himself happy. Brand callouts to https://www.petconexpo.com, http://www.jiminys.com/, https://www.apetwithpaws.com/

Phil and Kenny start this episode salty. Phil and Kenny talk about winning the holidays and Phil's webinar with Intelocate on "Hacking the Holidays, Keep calm and retail on." Phil shares a pro tip for when to get great discounts to buy an item Oct 02, 2018

This episode starts rough. Phil pushes his luck, Kenny spends 20 minutes getting on the internet. Phil and Kenny talk about winning the holidays and Phil's webinar with Intelocate on "Hacking the Holidays, Keep calm and retail on." Phil shares a pro tip for when to get great discounts to buy an item.

Kenny tells a funny story about Black Friday Sales . Phil loves Linda Webb some more, and introduces Kenny's friend (Linda) to Kenny's friend (Shnane). Kenny's at the Gangzhou Fair, and Phil's going to Pet Connections Expo

Our first Youtube video on content creation and social media testing...Phil, Jim and Laurie go to M'eat, a big thank you to Linda for looking after Kenny. Sep 25, 2018

Our first Youtube video on content creation and social media testing...Phil, Jim and Laurie go to M'eat, a big thank you to Linda for looking after Kenny. Shout outs to Pro lab and Linda Webb, M'eat, Shopland Health podcast, Laura Dunkley, Intelocate, UpperCase and Openphone

Check out the content portion of our podcast here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4iYNxMUFJAY

Are marketers uncaring opportunists? Maybe, but we're really nice people. Really. Intricacies of a price increase, What A/B testing really means. Sep 18, 2018

Are marketers uncaring opportunists? Maybe, but we're really nice people. Really. Intricacies of a price increase, What A/B testing really means.

School gets started, Philly is looking for live test subjects. Basic PR steps for holiday season, webinar secrets and Philly and Ken reveal their GOT obsession Sep 11, 2018

School gets started, Philly is looking for live test subjects. Basic PR steps for holiday season, webinar secrets and Philly and Ken reveal their GOT obsession

Kenny forgets Phil. Phil gets ready for school, Cathy gets her house back. The importance of building the retail equation, Amazon buy box, seller central and buyer central Sep 04, 2018

Kenny forgets Phil. Phil gets ready for school, Cathy gets her house back. The importance of building the retail equation, Amazon buy box, seller central and buyer central

Seriously, wtf is content and how do we do it?? Kenny conquers the mic, Phil gives away his batch of Mama Vannucci's biscotti to Linda. Aug 28, 2018

Seriously, wtf is content and how do we do it?? Kenny conquers the mic, Phil gives away his batch of Mama Vannucci's biscotti to Linda. Building content involves following the data. Call outs: Jim and Laurie at Shopland Health (https://goo.gl/XE35if), Laura Dunkley @lauraldunkley, @jaykana that runs Modern Mississauga Magazine, and Diego Cortes @edge.

The podcast ditches Skype, we talk threesomes and Zoom, the anatomy of a sales deck, and ageism in the retail industry. Aug 21, 2018

The podcast ditches Skype, we talk threesomes and Zoom, the anatomy of a sales deck, and ageism in the retail industry.

Who wins? Kenny or the microphone? Content strategy and how to reach a wider audience. We go deep on promotional spend, and knowing when to jump in with your Customer Aug 14, 2018

Who wins? Kenny or the microphone? Content strategy and how to reach a wider audience. We go deep on promotional spend, and knowing when to jump in with your Customer.

Free plugs to Luciano Scatozza, Sandra Milligan, MBEC and Askuity....just for being wonderful people!

What tomato plants and retail have in common. PR - how to make it happen, what to do with it when it does. Private label, sangria and angry Italian men Aug 07, 2018

What tomato plants and retail have in common. PR - how to make it happen, what to do with it when it does. Private label, sangria and angry Italian men

What now? Where to drive traffic if Facebook isn't it. Always selling your brand? Keep doing it, the role of brokers. Shout out to the Mississauga Business Enterprise Center Jul 31, 2018

This is a packed episode.
What now? Where to drive traffic if Facebook isn't it - Phil talks about alternatives and how to take control of your impressions and reach.
Always selling your brand? Keep doing it, the role of brokers. Don't rely on anyone else to have your sell story. Phil talks about the importance of a sales deck, what a broker can and cannot do for you.
Shout out to the Mississauga Business Enterprise Center The folks at @MississaugaEDO doing good things for entrepreneurs. There's an SBEC near almost everybody in Canada. Go find them. Special shout out to @lauraldunkley for her unending job of teaching digital knowledge.

Retail price people! Phil interupts Kenny mid-rant. They talk retail pricing, distributors, direct to store door delivery, high/low and Every Day Low Price strategies. Jul 24, 2018

Retail price people! Phil interupts Kenny mid-rant. They talk retail pricing, distributors, direct to store door delivery, high/low and Every Day Low Price strategies.

Kenny wanders through Big Sky Country and gets a new sound. We talk small town businesses and the benefit of having someone with a different point of view. Phil gets excited about Flexday Jul 17, 2018

Kenny wanders through Big Sky Country and gets a new sound. We talk small town businesses and the benefit of having someone with a different point of view. Phil gets excited about Flexday

Mama Vannucci's biscotti, Phil gets paid, Kenny is on the road, doing what's right for the customer and what happens when buyers get together Jul 10, 2018

Mama Vannucci's biscotti, Phil gets paid, Kenny is on the road, doing what's right for the customer and what happens when buyers get together

Influencers and Microphones. Kenny is on point! Kenny ups his social game, Phil and Kenny talk cannabis, and three cool apps make the list this week Jul 03, 2018

Influencers and Microphones. Kenny is on point! Kenny ups his social game, Phil and Kenny talk cannabis, and three cool apps make the list this week.
They talk useful apps this week - TOGGL, Canva, Snapseed make their list, as does Google Alerts.

Kenny keeps his clothes on, Phil distracts Kenny with new apps that every entrepreneur needs. Wait for it...Phil plays Project Manager Jun 26, 2018

Kenny keeps his clothes on, Phil distracts Kenny with new apps that every entrepreneur needs. Wait for it...Phil plays Project Manager

Our guest, Kelly Ison talks about the importance of strategy and vision, and lessons learned. Kelly and Kenny pick on Phil's corporate ways. Jun 19, 2018

Our guest, Kelly Ison talks about the importance of strategy and vision, and lessons learned. Kelly and Kenny pick on Phil's corporate ways. They talk about Einstein Pet's success, and what's next. To find out more about Einstein Pet, head to https://www.einsteinpets.com/

Einstein Pets is proud to be a sponsored perk for "Pet Fooled 2.0", the “Pet Fooled” sequel. The campaign and fundraising perks for purchase can be found here: https://igg.me/at/Yu-X8hDTGFk/x/18621731

Penny Profit vs lowest price, Mary Meeker's Internet Report, the lonely life of an entrepreneur and Google's Adword review policies Jun 12, 2018

Phil and Kenny are all over the place this week. They talk Penny Profit vs lowest price, Mary Meeker's Internet Report, the lonely life of an entrepreneur and Google's Adword review policies.

Mary Meeker's Internet Trends Report can be found here. http://www.kpcb.com/internet-trends

Do you know the cost of your products? Phil left speechless by Kenny's story. Google Adwords driving traffic, but the right audience? We answer questions from last week. Jun 05, 2018

Do you know the cost of your products? Phil left speechless by Kenny's story. Google Adwords driving traffic, but the right audience? We answer questions from last week, the power you wield as the leader of your company.

How to beat the Amazon effect, the sports industry, and Einstein Pets. Phil and Kenny talk experiential and how small biz wins. May 29, 2018

How to beat the Amazon effect, the sports industry, and Einstein Pets. Phil and Kenny talk experiential and how small biz wins.

Kenny gets embarassed, Phil and Kenny explain the difference between markup and margin, and how to drive traffic to Kenny's website. Phil tells you where not to drop your drawers May 22, 2018

Kenny gets embarrassed, Phil and Kenny walk through the difference between markup and margin, Phil tells you where not to drop your drawers. The two walk through Google ads, how to drive traffic to Kenny's webiste.

Phil geeks out and gets excited about email marketing. Kenny and Phil talk about how important it is to be able to outsource things and to learn new things May 15, 2018

Phil geeks out and gets excited about email marketing. Kenny and Phil talk about how important it is to be able to outsource things and to learn new things

Kenny talks about being useless and Phil bestows him the title of 'Retail Badass' Kenny abolishes the term 'retail mark-up' and Phil talks about his crazy sleep patterns May 08, 2018

Kenny talks about being useless and Phil bestows him the title of 'Retail Badass' Kenny abolishes the term 'retail mark-up' and Phil talks about his crazy sleep patterns

Guest episode. In honor of #smallbusinessweek Kent comes on the show and Kenny and Phil get super excited about cash flow, out of stocks, assortment planning. May 01, 2018

Guest episode. In honor of #smallbusinessweek Kent comes on the show and Kenny and Phil get super excited about cash flow, out of stocks, assortment planning.

Kenny re-orders biscotti, Phil feels left out because his mom doesn't make him cookies. Both Kenny and Phil love Ikea's Omnichannel experience. They're also looking for their Japanese listeners. Apr 24, 2018

Kenny re-orders biscotti, Phil feels left out because his mom doesn't make him cookies, so he talks about his webinar with Askuity instead. Both Kenny and Phil love Ikea's Omnichannel experience. They're also looking for their Japanese listeners - if you're listening from Japan, you could get some of Nona Vannucci's biscotti.

It's Q&A episode, Kenny and Phil answer some listener questions on cash flow, and where to buy 420 grasshopper gourmet. Kenny and Phil decide they have faces made for radio. Apr 17, 2018

Kenny and Phil decide they have faces made for radio. Phil talks about meeting openphone and Kenny complains about Phil's cool friends. It's Q&A episode, Kenny and Phil answer some listener questions on cash flow, and where to buy 420 grasshopper gourmet.

Meeting Lia Ollo. We talk to a super smart guest with a bright future, who shares a little bit of her brain with us. We talk about Point of Sale systems, what small business owners need to worry about and how to choose a POS system. Apr 10, 2018

We talk to a super smart guest, Lia Ollo who shares a little bit of her brain with us. We talk about Point of Sale systems, what small business owners need to worry about and how to choose a POS system. Want the inside scoop on one of the biggest pain points in your retail space? Tune in here!

Facebook. The cost of personal data, #deleteFacebook. Kenny and Phil and special guest Lia Olla talk about Facebook's gaffes and what it means to them. Apr 06, 2018

Something a little bit different. We had this discussion at the end of recording the next podcast, so it seemed logical to put this out before the next podcast. (Make sense?) Facebook. The cost of personal data, #deleteFacebook. Kenny and Phil and special guest Lia Olla talk about Facebook's gaffes and what it means to them.

This episode is all about getting into the buyer's head, the secret dialogue they're having while you're presenting. Phil talks about getting yelled at, and Kenny confirms they have no feelings Apr 03, 2018

Kenny and Phil get into the secret dialogue buyer's have when brands present products. Phil talks about getting yelled by his buyer, and Kenny and Phil talk about the benefit of bringing your buyer into your plans early for a strategic advantage. Phil spends some time with Askuity, and Ecobee, and he's super impressed with both companies. Kenny is waiting for images so he can keep pushing Grasshopper forward.

Traveling podcasters. Phil is in Orlando at Global Pet Expo and Kenny is in Portland. Voodoo donuts, pet store owners, and how brands drive online traffic to their retailers Mar 27, 2018

Traveling podcasters. Phil is in Orlando at Global Pet Expo and Kenny is in Portland. Voodoo donuts, pet store owners, and how brands drive online traffic to their retailers. Kenny has a rant about boring retail.

Phil and Kenny talk about the anxiety of being small business owners. Phil talks about the lessons he's teaching at Global Pet Expo and being alone. Mar 20, 2018

Phil and Kenny talk about the anxiety of being small business owners. Phil talks about the lessons he's teaching at Global Pet Expo and being alone.
They talk about Ecommerce and what small business can do to in ecommerce that helps them grow their business. They also talk Google analytics, and how to get more data to be able to run the business.

Phil talks about leaving Hubba, explains what the heck omnichannel means, and Kenny confirms he's not dead. Mar 13, 2018

Phil talks about leaving Hubba, shifting to being a consultant and what that means and how he wants to help. Kenny and Phil talk about people losing jobs and how to approach the first six months. Phil explains what the heck omnichannel means, and Kenny confirms he's not dead.

Results from the Tradeshow, a community gathering at the coffeebar, what do to when you get listed? Mar 06, 2018

Kenny talks about results from the tradeshow, and retailers reaction to his new product launch. A plan to gather the community at the coffeebar - is this what small business needs? Last but not least, what do to when you get listed? (hint: Phil thinks you should stop celebrating and get back to work!)

New Format. 2 Things to think about. Paid loyalty and Trade Show season Feb 27, 2018

Phil and Kenny try a new format - they talk about an article written by the @RetailProphet on paid loyalty (article is here http://Thscommercelife.shortcm.li/HZdRqs) and how that could apply to small business. They also talk tradeshow season and what to think about, how to be ready.

Funny Story, Price Fixing, Facebook News Feed and how it affects your small business Feb 20, 2018

Phil tells the story about meeting a friend for lunch and the perils of perception. Kenny and Phil talk price fixing bread and the fine line between 'managing retails' and actually collusion and price fixing. They also talk about Facebook and the recent changes to the newsfeed and what it might mean to small businesses running Facebook ads.

Re-doing your brand story. (always) How small business is going to win against Amazon Feb 13, 2018

Kenny and Phil talk about keeping Kenny's coffee brand up to date and current, and they talk the future of retail. Phil talks about Hubba's latest whitepaper and how SMB's are going to win. They talk experiential and find out they both love Donald's market.

Check out Kenny's Commercial Drive Coffee Company here: https://www.facebook.com/thedrivecoffee/
Check out Hubba's whitepaper here: http://bit.ly/2GwfkPs
Visit Donald's Market: http://www.donaldsmarket.com/

Brokers...what are they? What can they do for you? Kenny and Phil and special guest Jim Shopland talk about brokers Feb 06, 2018

Brokers can be a key component of your sales strategy if you know when to use them. Jim Shopland from www.shoplandhealth.ca joins Kenny and Phil to talk brokers, when to engage them, and how they can help you gain an inside track to working with retailers. Find out the difference between brokers and distributors and more.

Complexities of launching a new brand. Kenny talks about launching his new brand. Jan 30, 2018

This episode talks about concept to creation. Kenny and Phil get into distribution strategy, pricing, minimum order quantities, case quantities, and the perils of success and failure. They talk about things like expiry dates, how fast a brand needs to move, and how excited they get about doing new things like this.

Small brands - You had a great idea...when is it time to call it quits? Jan 23, 2018

Phil and Kenny talk small business and knowing when to size up, and when to quit. They talk about two brands - one that's growing but too ambitious, and the other that's been working hard at it, but should probably choose another path.

Phil and Kenny are also looking for listeners to chime in. What do you want these two to talk about? Is there something you're working on?

Whole Foods return to Traditional Grocery, Explanation of Pay for Play Jan 16, 2018

Phil and Kenny talk Whole Foods and their move to "pay for play." They talk about promotional costs and how "pay for play" affects indie brands. They also take apart all the different costs associated for listing products in traditional grocery, store operations, and planograms. Funny story about Phil's first experience calling on a buyer.

Amazon and Walmart Jan 09, 2018

Phil and Kenny talk Walmart and Amazon and holiday shopping and what bricks and mortar can do to keep sales from going online completely. They share a laugh about going from being "against" Walmart for most of their careers to now celebrating some of Walmart's successes.

Retail Apocalypse, Sears and the Hip Dec 08, 2017

Phil and Kenny talk about retail apocalypse and what Sears employees bring to the marketplace. They also talk about the importance of meaningful relationships in commerce and even spend some time talking about the Hip.

So...about us...This Commerce Life Dec 07, 2017

Our first episode of This Commerce Life. Get to know Phil and Kenny and what we'll bring to your podcast life! Find out a little about us and what we can do to help your commerce life.

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