Marc Whitmore is the CEO and owner of Dennis Horseradish, Canada's only horseradish producer. A former Senior Partner and global leader at Deloitte, Marc walked away from corporate life in his 50s to become a food entrepreneur — and ended up finding his business for sale on MLS.ca like a cottage listing.

In this episode, Marc shares the full journey: the failed hops venture that came first, why he bought a brand with no active customers, how Dennis went from zero to 1,000+ stores across four countries, and what growing 25% looks like when you're still reinvesting every dollar back into the business.

We also dig into the realities of Canadian food entrepreneurship — why you need to "get in the flow" to find deals, how to think about exporting before you've even figured out your own backyard, and why Marc says the best reason to build a business is for Canada itself.
 

Check out Dennis Horseradish here: https://dennishorseradish.com/

If you're a brand and you need help to scale, or you know a brand that needs help - send them to us! www.thiscommercelife.com
 

This one hits different. If you've ever wondered what separates the retailers that champion small brands from the ones that don't — this is the conversation.

From launching a vegan hemp skincare brand in Toronto (with zero ability to advertise on any major digital platform), to doing 40+ trade shows in a single year, to getting acquired by a public company in 2019, to co-creating Surge — North America's first clear vegan protein in a can — Melissa's entrepreneurial journey is one of the most honest and energizing stories we've told on this podcast.

And if that wasn't enough? She also opened a café and retail storefront on Vancouver's Seawall. Because why not.

In this episode, we get into:

• How Melissa and her partner Eden bootstrapped and sold their first CPG company with no science background
• The challenge of advertising a hemp-based product when the internet thought you were selling drugs
• What it actually feels like to go through an acquisition and work for the acquiring company for a year
• The origin story of Vegain and why they launched with one of the most niche SKUs possible — a vegan mass gainer
• The accidental innovation behind Surge — and why they pitched it at CHFA Launchpad before the product even existed
• Why they opened a café (and what it taught them about food service, staff culture, and community)
• The retail expansion push and what's next for Vegain

Connect with Vegain: 🌐 vegain.ca 📍 Find them on the Vancouver Seawall

Connect with This Commerce Life: 🌐 thiscommercelife.com 📱 Follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube

After 460+ episodes and eight years in, Phil and Kenny reflect on a pivotal shift: This Commerce Life was never just a podcast — it was always an education platform, and they're now building it that way. From a refreshed website and updated brand positioning to formal curricula, national accelerator programs, and a growing roster of food association partnerships, TCL is levelling up.

In this episode:

• Why TCL is repositioning as a retail education platform — not just a podcast
• The honest truth about how most CPG brands fail (and what to do about it)
• Why brokers and distributors should be sending unready brands their way
• TCL's plans to bring retail fundamentals workshops to Ontario, the Maritimes, and Newfoundland
• Partnerships with BC Food & Beverage, Food & Beverage Manitoba, and beyond
• Their upcoming trip to Expo Antad & Alimentaria in Guadalajara, Mexico (May 19–21) — why Canadian brands can't ignore the Mexican market
• Why SIAL Paris is next on the radar — and what European trade intelligence means for Canadian exporters
• The loneliness of running a food brand — and why community is the underrated competitive advantage
• TCL's real download numbers (15,000 in a week — yes, really), and why Kenny still doesn't believe it

Whether you're a food entrepreneur just getting started, a broker looking for retail-ready brands, or a food association supporting Canadian CPG — this episode is your invitation to work with Phil and Kenny.

🌐 Visit: www.thiscommercelife.com 📩 Reach out if you're a brand under $1M trying to grow, or a food association looking for a teaching partner.

In this episode of This Commerce Life, Phil and Kenny sit down with Jesse Wiebe, Community Development Manager and key figure at Startup TNT — an Edmonton-based angel investing syndicate that's democratizing early-stage investment across Canada.

Jesse shares his unconventional path: from growing up on a Saskatchewan farm to working in Gordon Ramsay's kitchen, bartending through an economics degree at York University, and eventually returning home after COVID wiped out his job, his apartment (fire above his unit), and his relationship — all at once. Out of that reset came a mission to activate Canadian capital and build a real startup ecosystem outside of Toronto.

In this episode:

✅ What Startup TNT is and how their stage-gate investment model works

✅ Why Canada is losing its best founders to the U.S. — and what to do about it

✅ How CPG industry veterans can put their retail skills to work as angel investors

✅ The difference between VC, angel investing, and family offices (explained simply)

✅ How early-stage food and beverage brands can apply for funding

✅ Why "playing Moneyball" is the right strategy for Canadian startups

✅ Portfolio companies to watch: Vegain, Seven Summit Snacks, Toothpod, Scription, and more

If you work in Canadian CPG, retail buying, or food and beverage — this episode is your introduction to a funding model that could change how brands you love get built.

🎙️ Guest: Jesse Wiebe | Startup TNT | Saskatoon, SK

🎙️ Hosts: Phil Chang & Kenny Vannucci | This Commerce Life

📩 Interested in investing or applying for funding?

Connect with Jesse on LinkedIn or visit startuptnt.com

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🔔 Subscribe for weekly conversations with Canadian food, retail, and CPG industry leaders.

🎧 Also available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you listen.

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In this episode of This Commerce Life, Phil Chang and Kenny Vannucci sit down with Matt Ratuski, fourth-generation owner of Floating Leaf Fine Foods, whose family has been harvesting Canadian wild rice since 1935. From his great-grandfather trading fish with First Nations communities in Keewatin, Ontario, to building one of Canada's first wild rice processing facilities, Matt's story is equal parts frontier history and modern food entrepreneurship.

We dig into how Canadian wild rice is still harvested the old-fashioned way — in remote rivers, streams, and bogs across northern Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Ontario — and why that makes it fundamentally different from the cultivated rice grown in the U.S. We also cover the deep, multi-generational relationships with First Nations harvesters, the wild crop's two-to-three-week harvest window, and why Europe discovered this superfood long before Canadians did.

Plus: why innovation in food always requires education, what it takes to build a Canadian food brand with global reach, and why Phil is about to start cooking wild rice on camera.

check out Floating Leaf here: https://eatwildrice.ca/

In this episode, Diana walks us through her unlikely journey — from office worker dreaming of a sustainable farm, to opening Callister Brewing in Vancouver in 2015, to hand-capping bottles and hand-seaming cans as her natural soda line quietly took on a life of its own. She shares the hard lessons of navigating supply chain chaos, a craft beer market in decline, and a rent increase that tripled over a decade — and how a perfectly timed facility opportunity in Port Coquitlam gave Callister Soda the home it needed to grow. If you're a food or beverage founder wondering whether to follow the momentum or stay the course, Diana's story is one you'll want to hear.

Check out Callister here: https://callistersoda.com/

In this episode, Kenny and Phil sit down with Arda, the founder of Hummzies — a hummus-based, chickpea snack that's quickly gaining traction across Canadian retail shelves. Arda shares his remarkable journey from growing up in Istanbul, where a bombing near his high school prompted his family to send him to Canada at just 16 years old, to studying political science at the University of Toronto, and eventually finding his passion in the food industry. 

He talks about how his mentor Eyub at Red Crown Pomegranate Juice gave him the foundation to learn the business, how honest advice from distributor Ratan at Jiva led him to his current partnership with Star Marketing, and why doing your own demos and treating your distributor like a true partner — not just a service provider — is the key to building a brand the right way. Whether you're a new CPG founder trying to figure out distribution or just love a great immigrant entrepreneur story, this one's packed with real talk and practical lessons.

check out Hummzies at https://www.hummzies.com/

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

What started as a mom's mission to feed her allergy-prone, hockey-playing son healthy meals turned into a full-fledged CPG brand now landing on shelves across British Columbia and beyond.

In this episode, Natasha shares the real journey: the R&D nightmare of scaling from 10 litres to 300 (when her sauce turned into dessert), the pivot from glass bottles to shelf-stable pouches for e-commerce, and the hard lesson that getting into a store is only half the battle — you still have to sell it.

Kenny and Phil also dig into the practical side of growing a food brand the right way: why training your distributor matters, how to pace your retail pipeline so you don't outgrow your co-packer, and the power of collaboration with complementary brands.

Whether you're just starting out or scaling up, this conversation is packed with real talk about what it actually takes to get a sauce from your kitchen to the shelf.

🔗 Check out Greens & Beans: https://greensandbeans.ca/ 📍 

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

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/

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/

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/

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/

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/

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/

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/

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/

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/

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/

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/

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/

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/

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/

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/

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/

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/

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 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/

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.

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/

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/

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/

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/

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/

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 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/

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/

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/

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

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/

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/

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/

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. 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/

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/

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 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/

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/

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/

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/

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/ 

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/

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/

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

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/

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/

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

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

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

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

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

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/

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/

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

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!

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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/

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/ 

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/

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

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

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

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

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

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/

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/

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

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

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

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

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

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

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/

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/

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

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/
 

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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/

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/

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/

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/

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

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

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. A fascinating take on a childhood past time that has grown into something for grown-ups

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

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. 

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!

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!!

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/

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/

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/

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/

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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/

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/

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

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

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

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

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 - 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/

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

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

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/

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

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

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/

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

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

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

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

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

Shop Cedar Valley here: 

check out https://bysweetness.com/

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

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

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

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

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/

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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/

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

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

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

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/

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/

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/

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

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

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

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

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

Check out Myca Farms here: https://mycafarms.ca/

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

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

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

To find Dean: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dean-yachison-63497315/

to subscribe to our newsletter: www.thiscommercelife.com

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. 

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

Get in touch with Arif here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hwmarif/

Sign up and subscribe to our newsletter at www.thiscommercelife.com

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

To read more about Peter: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/kelowna-grocery-store-recognized-for-hiring-new-canadians-1.4018591

To talk to Peter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-boyd-b6b733ba/

Talk to Nicholas here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholas-gonzalez-biagi-7b3193101/

Shop for Dyana's Aji Sauces here: https://www.ajigourmetproducts.com/

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/

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/

Contact Paul here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pkleinschmidt/

Shop Yeshi here: https://www.yeshifoods.com/

Find Ken here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ken-anderson-188a8b17/

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

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

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

 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

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

Find Dean here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dean-blignaut-7779a3210/

Shop TMRW foods here: https://tmrwfoods.com/

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/

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! 

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/

Find Kurt here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kurt-astle-22343a170/

Shop Organic Grocer here: https://theorganicgrocer.ca/

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/

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/

Find Marc here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcwandler/

Check out Susgrainable here: https://susgrainable.com/

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/

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

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

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

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. 

You can find Cristina here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cristinabardorf/

Shop Lyre's here:  https://lyres.ca/

Check out Star Marketing here:   https://starmarketingcanada.com/

Find Kyle here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyle-leslie-45b17b21/

Check out Filsinger's here: http://www.filsingersorganic.com/

Find Shaun here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaun-becker-56935295/