WTC Winnipeg's Podcast - BDC Small Business Week
93 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 2 years ago -The World Trade Centre (WTC) Winnipeg is celebrating BDC Small Business Week with a limited podcast series! Over seven episodes, WTC Winnipeg President and CEO Mariette Mulaire and her guests share their success stories while focusing on issues that will be key to maintaining growth in these uncertain times: innovation, inclusion, and sustainability.
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Episodes
“If you have a strong team, empower them.” | Interview with Rafiq Punjani
June 10, 2020 20:00 - 9 minutes - 6.21 MBIn this episode, Rafiq Punjani, owner of Anago Cleaning Systems and Right At Home Canada, speaks with Mariette Mulaire about how both his companies came to be and the unique ways both were able to serve the community during the pandemic. Through Anago, they were able to provide Covid-19 protocol cleaning services to places where people had contracted the virus. And through Right At Home, they were able to take care of seniors, offer them support and improve their qualify of life when their o...
"On était capable d’aider les manitobains à être ‘sauf’" | Entrevue avec Jean-Marc et Arthur Roy
June 05, 2020 20:00 - 9 minutes - 6.37 MBDans cet épisode, Jean-Marc Roy, propriétaire de MacMor Industries et Arthur Roy, président de MacMor Industries, discutent avec Mariette Mulaire de l’historique de leur entreprise et de leurs opérations durant la pandémie. Ils ont eu à rapidement trouver de nouveaux fournisseurs pour répondre à la demande d’équipements de protection individuelle (EPI) de leurs clients fidèles. Le tout n’a pas été évident car leurs plus grands fournisseurs étaient 3M et Honeywell. MacMor Industries est un ...
"Unfortunately, we’re in the right business for catastrophes" | Interview with Jean-Marc and Arthur Roy
June 05, 2020 16:00 - 9 minutes - 6.47 MBIn this episode, Jean-Marc Roy, owner of MacMor Industries and Arthur Roy, president of MacMor Industries, discuss with Mariette Mulaire and Chuck Davidson about needing to build new relationships with suppliers in order to source an increase in demand for their PPE products. Although they were able to maintain their company objectives, they were required to shift their focus to different product lines in order to ensure stocked inventory and remain dedicated to their loyal clients which are...
"When it shut down, we actually had zero work " | Interview with John Wardrope
June 05, 2020 15:00 - 7 minutes - 5.31 MBIn this episode, John Wardrope, owner and president of Acryl Designs, speaks with Mariette Mulaire and Chuck Davidson about his history of pivoting operations over the last few decades and how that has ensured his company’s continued success. The last few months have been no different! John explains how at the beginning of the pandemic the work had just about disappeared, but then they quickly adapted and began manufacturing protective guards to supply grocery stores during the pandemic. A...
"Not only is your home your castle, but also your island" | Interview with Andrea Kraj
June 01, 2020 23:00 - 10 minutes - 7.19 MBIn this episode, Andrea Kraj, CEO of CORE Renewable Energy, speaks with Mariette Mulaire about her entrepreneurial journey and how her company came to be. She explains the importance behind helping rural farming communities develop their own energy projects at a utility scale – something that set a precedence in Manitoba as it was never done before. Andrea also brings another very important perspective as a mother of 2 and the ways she’s approached new responsibilities such as homeschooling....
"Notre première responsabilité est d’avoir une place sécuritaire pour nos employés " | Entrevue avec Butch Bouchard
May 29, 2020 19:00 - 6 minutes - 4.81 MBDans cet épisode, Butch Bouchard, président d’Arne’s Welding, discute avec Mariette Mulaire de son entreprise et des marchés dans lesquels elle opère. Avec plus de 65 ans d’expérience, l’entreprise était bien placée pour s’adapter rapidement à la situation en prenant une approche uniforme dans l’ajout de nouveaux protocoles de nettoyage, de masques, de distanciation sociale pour s’assurer d’offrir un environnement sûr pour ses employés. Ceci a permis à ses opérations de continuer sans trop d...
"Sales have started moving again" | Interview with Butch Bouchard
May 29, 2020 17:00 - 8 minutes - 6.16 MBIn this episode, Butch Bouchard, president of Arne’s Welding, discusses with Mariette Mulaire and Chuck Davidson about the fluctuation in sales that his company has seen during the pandemic. His company has taken a corporate approach to implementing cleaning protocols and such during this time which has allowed them to continue operations. With clients from coast to coast, Butch speaks about the increase in business and in positivity he has been feeling from clients in the last few weeks, in...
"The world is changing - people want their things at their door and they want it now" | Interview with John Sparrow
May 26, 2020 21:00 - 6 minutes - 4.27 MBIn this episode, John Sparrow, founder and CEO of Go Oil Canada, explains how his company was established following his participation in the 55-hour pitch competition led by North Forge and quickly flourished into a Canada-wide business. He discusses with Mariette Mulaire and Chuck Davidson about his contactless business model and how it has served him well during this pandemic as this new normal is arising. In fact, this past April, John notes that they broke a new record for oil changes. T...
"By nature, business owners are an entrepreneurial bunch" | Interview with Ryan Rawluk
May 26, 2020 02:00 - 6 minutes - 4.74 MBIn this episode, Ryan Rawluk, Partner at Rawluk & Ryan Chartered Professional Accountants, discusses with Mariette Mulaire how impressed he is with the innovative ways his clients (small business owners) have adapted during the pandemic across various industries. He addresses the tax extension that was announced by the Canada Revenue Agency and how they’ve been diligently staying on top of the government programs to properly address their clients’ needs. Rawluk & Ryan Chartered Professional...
"What we thought would take years is now going to take months" I Interview with Jason Leibert
May 25, 2020 17:00 - 5 minutes - 4.07 MBIn this episode, Jason Leibert, VP of Business Development at MSPrebiotic, chats with Mariette Mulaire and Chuck Davidson about the world’s best supplement grade resistant starch prebiotic fibre produced from potatoes – theirs! He also speaks about the growth pattern for the business and the interesting way COVID has impacted that growth, especially since immunity is a hot topic right now. In fact, MSPrebiotic has been running human clinical studies in and outside of Manitoba to learn its pr...
"La boulangerie est encore ouverte" | Entrevue avec Sue Leclair
May 25, 2020 15:00 - 5 minutes - 3.7 MBDans cet épisode, Sue Leclair, propriétaire de Pretzel Place et A Baker’s Story, raconte à Mariette Mulaire les défis associés à la pandémie et l’effet que celle-ci a eu sur ses entreprises et ses clients, dont plusieurs habitent dans des résidences pour les gens aînés. Cela dit, Sue discute d’une belle et unique opportunité qu’elle a eu au mois de janvier après avoir été choisie comme une de seulement 20 femmes entrepreneures canadiennes à participer à une mission économique exploratoire en...
"COVID is just another way of pivoting" | Interview with Sue Leclair
May 15, 2020 17:00 - 6 minutes - 4.42 MBIn this episode, Sue Leclair, owner of Pretzel Place and A Baker’s Story, chats with Mariette Mulaire and Chuck Davidson about the challenges and effects the pandemic has had on her business. She has had to pivot by offering contactless deliveries – of which a daily record of 103 deliveries recently took place. Sue also speaks about her recent experience in Europe as part of a business exploratory mission to France. She was chosen as one of only 20 Canadian women entrepreneurs to take part i...
"On avait des bouteilles de surplus qu'on a donné aux distilleries" | Entrevue avec Guy Chartier
May 15, 2020 15:00 - 6 minutes - 4.5 MBDans cet épisode, Guy Chartier, PDG de BeeMaid Honey, explique à Mariette Mulaire que son entreprise a pu donner ses bouteilles de plastique en ourson à deux distilleries en Alberta qui ont pivoté leur production de bière à une production de désinfectant. Guy informe aussi sur les défis associés à la transportation d'employés étrangers ainsi que des reines provenant de régions telles que l'Hawaii et l'Australie. BeeMaid Honey est le plus grand producteur de miel au Canada. L'entreprise a de...
"For some reason, people are stocking up on honey as well" | Interview with Guy Chartier
May 15, 2020 15:00 - 7 minutes - 5.35 MBIn this episode, Guy Chartier, CEO of BeeMaid Honey, discusses with Mariette Mulaire and Chuck Davidson about the rise in demand for honey during the COVID-19 pandemic. Guy speaks about some of the social distancing measures they've implemented in their packing facilities as well as challenges their beekeepers have had with bringing in experienced foreign workers who usually arrive in Manitoba this time of year to begin the season. Interestingly enough as well, Guy chats about difficulties r...
"L'équipe a dû virer à 180 degrés" | Entrevue avec Julie Michaud
May 14, 2020 22:00 - 7 minutes - 5.36 MBDans cet épisode, Julie Michaud, présidente et propriétaire de Portia Ella, explique la vitesse à laquelle son équipe a dû pivoter afin d'apporter les changements nécessaires pour faire avancer le tout en vue de la pandémie. Julie informe Mariette Mulaire qu'elle a eu à embaucher une agence de marketing, à déplacer tout son inventaire des magasins à Kelowna et à Winnipeg dans un entrepôt privé, et a acquis une nouvelle entreprise basée à Vancouver. Portia Ella fabrique des produits de beaut...
"It was a complete 180" | Interview with Julie Michaud
May 11, 2020 14:00 - 10 minutes - 7.52 MBIn this episode, Julie Michaud, CEO and Founder of Portia Ella, explains how quickly her team pivoted to the required changes needed to move forward during the pandemic. Julie informs Mariette Mulaire and Chuck Davidson about hiring a marketing agency to adapt their online strategy, moving the company's inventory from their retail stores in Winnipeg and Kelowna to a private warehouse and developing a new alliance with a Vancouver-based company. Portia Ella is a top ethical retail beauty sto...
"It was a complete 180" | Interview with Julie Michaud
May 11, 2020 14:00 - 10 minutes - 7.52 MBIn this episode, Julie Michaud, CEO and Founder of Portia Ella, explains how quickly her team pivoted to the required changes needed to move forward during the pandemic. Julie informs Mariette Mulaire and Chuck Davidson about hiring a marketing agency to adapt their online strategy, moving the company's inventory from their retail stores in Winnipeg and Kelowna to a private warehouse and developing a new alliance with a Vancouver-based company. Portia Ella is a top ethical retail beauty sto...
"We are leaders in what we do" | Interview with Jack Maendel
May 07, 2020 17:00 - 6 minutes - 4.16 MBIn this episode, Jack Maendel, CEO of EcoPoxy, discusses with Mariette Mulaire and Chuck Davidson how his company is developing epoxies made from annually renewable resources and sells to clients all over the world. Jack touches base on the importance of being a leader in his industry and that although competitors are inevitable, it is a compliment to be copied. EcoPoxy is a Manitoba farmer-based company that is one of the most exciting and fastest growing epoxy companies in the world. The...
"We've done more business during COVID than in the history of the company" | Interview with Daniel Blair
May 06, 2020 23:00 - 5 minutes - 4.01 MBIn this episode, Daniel Blair, owner and CEO of Bit Space Development, chats with Mariette Mulaire about the interesting impact that COVID-19 has had on his business. The company's innovative technology is in high demand for things such as simulated training and classroom education. Daniel speaks about experimenting with different hand and eye tracking technologies and how his company has been able to practice with their own team what they've been preaching to their clients. Bit Space Devel...
"On track for a banner year" | Interview with Kevin Klaassen
May 05, 2020 15:00 - 3 minutes - 2.68 MBThe WTC Winnipeg podcast welcomes Chuck Davidson, president and CEO of the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce, to join Mariette Mulaire in chatting with Manitoba businesses. In this episode, Kevin Klaassen, co-owner of SK2 Custom Homes, explains that his company is in fact busier than ever. He touches on the diversity of their target markets, the normality of working with clients remotely and how they've taken advantage of this time to double up on their digital marketing efforts to reach new p...
"We looked for everyone's voice" | Interview with Ed Dornn and Tilda Fortier
May 05, 2020 15:00 - 8 minutes - 5.64 MBIn this episode, Ed Dornn and Tilda Fortier of Greenstone Building Products, discuss with Mariette Mulaire and Chuck Davidson about the changes they implemented in their manufacturing facility due to COVID-19 such as a two-shift approach. An approach that has been working very well and will most likely be considered going forward. They also touch on the importance of listening to their team members and recognizing their input in offering solutions during this time. Greenstone Building Prod...
"We've never worked this hard in our entire careers" | Interview with Brian Scharfstein
April 29, 2020 17:00 - 6 minutes - 4.76 MBIn this episode, Brian Scharfstein, owner and president of Canadian Footwear, discusses with Mariette Mulaire how they've recreated their marketing to offer a new door to door delivery service at no extra cost for customers. The company has been busy delivering to hospitals, clinics, trucking companies, grocery stores and care homes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Canadian Footwear is a family owned business based in Winnipeg since the 1930s. The business consists of a retail footwear line a...
"There's always a message in the mess" | Interview with Colleen Dyck
April 29, 2020 15:00 - 5 minutes - 4.04 MBIn this episode, Colleen Dyck, owner of GORP, reveals to Mariette Mulaire the personal approach that her company has taken to help boost online sales. The company began offering personal notes and messages in their packages that customers could then send to their loved ones across Canada. GORP produces a clean, all natural energy bar made on the Canadian Prairies. They distribute their products in just about 2,000 stores across Canada. GORP also exports to the United States, China and most...
"It's our duty to keep the economy going" | Interview with Mark Myrowich
April 28, 2020 16:00 - 6 minutes - 4.33 MBIn this episode, Mark Myrowich, owner and CEO of ECBVerdyol, explains to Mariette Mulaire how they have taken a new SBA approach with their team amid the COVID-19 pandemic - Safety, Belonging and Accolades. He touches on the duty that companies have to work with governments to do the right thing and keep the economy going for the future. ECBVerdyol manufactures products such as erosion control blankets for the construction industry. They have two locations in Riverton and Steinbach. Their ...
"C'était un apprentissage rapide pour nous" | Entrevue avec Jardins St-Léon
April 24, 2020 17:00 - 6 minutes - 4.7 MBDans cet épisode, Mariette Mulaire jase avec 3 des 4 entrepreneurs du Jardin St-Léon, Janelle, Luc et Colin Remillard. Ils discutent de l'évolution de l'entreprise et de son plan d'expansion. De plus, ils notent aussi les changements qu'ils entreprennent pour assurer la sécurité des employés et des clients en vue de leur ouverture le 1e mai. Jardin St-Léon est une entreprise familiale de deuxième génération qui vend des épiceries, des plantes et des produits jardiniers d'origine locale. L'...
"Hoping to have a very good year amid this pandemic" | Interview with St-Léon Gardens
April 24, 2020 16:00 - 7 minutes - 4.89 MBIn this episode, Mariette Mulaire discusses with 3 of the 4 owners of St-Léon Gardens - Janelle, Luc and Colin Remillard. Fortunately for the company, they had recently tested a small online ecommerce store this past fall. This gave them a bit of a head's up on what expanding the sale of their products online would entail. They are also exploring curb side pickup in addition to online orders for their official opening this spring. St-Léon Gardens is a second generation family owned busines...
"More business than usual" | Interview with Catherine Metrycki
April 24, 2020 14:00 - 5 minutes - 3.75 MBIn this episode, Catherine Metrycki, founder of Callia Flowers, explains that from a process perspective her business has been busier than usual. She speaks with Mariette Mulaire about the challenges associated to managing customer expectations by ensuring consistency and quality which is proving difficult amid the pandemic. Catherine has had to find new sources of flowers to continue that trusted customer experience. Callia Flowers is a Winnipeg-based tech company that started up a few yea...
"Continuing to nourish the heart and soul" | Interview with Carly Minish
April 23, 2020 20:00 - 5 minutes - 3.55 MBIn this episode, Carly Minish, president and founder of Smak Dab Gourmet Mustard, expresses the importance of cooking for comfort during this challenging time. She discusses with Mariette Mulaire how her company which has 200 retail locations across Canada has been forced to focus on the e-commerce side of their business. She speaks about the strong approach they've taken towards social media and marketing to ensure value is given to their customers. Smak Dab is a western Canadian company t...
"It affected us at a critical time" | Interview with Amanda Buhse
April 23, 2020 19:00 - 7 minutes - 5.18 MBIn this episode, Amanda Buhse, owner and art director of Coal and Canary, shares the creative approach her company has taken to continue engaging with their customers through a new VIP program. She tells Mariette Mulaire how COVID-19 affected them at a very critical time with the spring trade show season which was already underway. Coal and Canary makes fun, cheeky candles for playful personalities. The candles crackle like a fireplace when lit, have very unique smells and are marketed in ...
"With great change brings great opportunity" | Interview with Neil Krovats
April 22, 2020 18:00 - 6 minutes - 4.69 MBIn this episode, Neil Krovats, president of Clearline Technologies, notes that his company has been moving forward with the 3Rs - Rethinking, Retracting, Right Sizing. He discusses with Mariette Mulaire about the unavoidable effects that the pandemic will have on industries and that now is the time to analyse and pivot your business or else you might find yourself left in the dust. Clearline Technologies stems from the invention of a rooftop equipment support system made from recycled rubb...
'We've had to come up with a strategy to get through this weird time" | Interview with Heidi Reimer-Epp
April 22, 2020 17:00 - 5 minutes - 3.86 MBIn this episode, Heidi Remer-Epp, CEO and Co-Founder of Botanical Paperworks, shares the impact of COVID-19 on her business and how they have adapted their strategy to get through this challenging time. Heidi shares with Mariette Mulaire what she calls the 2s and 4c strategy - Safety, Sales, Cash, Create, Cleanup, and Communicate. Botanical Paperworks manufactures special eco-friendly paper made from paper waste which is embedded with seeds. The paper is meant to be planted as it is entirel...
Finding opportunity amid a pandemic | Interview with David Dandeneau
April 22, 2020 17:00 - 3 minutes - 2.55 MBIn this episode, David Dandeneau of the fashion brand Anne Mulaire, reveals how the Métis fashion house and boutique pivoted to design and manufacture face masks to help protect the community. David discusses with Mariette Mulaire how the influx of requests for the masks might allow them to rehire some of their sewers. Anne Mulaire is a Métis fashion house based in Winnipeg, Manitoba. They design durable, beautiful, eco-friendly clothing for women with bamboo as its core fabric.
"Il y a eu une tempête de demandes pour les masques" | Entrevue avec David Dandeneau
April 22, 2020 17:00 - 5 minutes - 3.78 MBDans cet épisode, David Dandeneau, co-créateur et responsable de la stratégie et du développement d'affaires chez Anne Mulaire, explique à Mariette Mulaire comment la maison de mode métis a rapidement saisie sa nouvelle réalité pour fabriquer des masques de protection. Suite à un afflux de demandes, la maison de mode pourra potentiellement embaucher à nouveau ses couturières. Anne Mulaire est une maison de mode métis située à Winnipeg au Manitoba qui produit des beaux vêtements durables et...
"If the internet is out for 90 seconds, we get a call right away" | Interview with Bryan King
April 16, 2020 22:00 - 4 minutes - 3.08 MBIn this episode, Bryan King, president of High Speed Crow, explains to Mariette Mulaire how their internet service has become even more significant during this challenging time. Rural Manitobans depend on his services in order to continue working and keep up with home schooling among other needs. Bryan also notes that he is fortunate for the upgrades that were recently completed in his company just before the beginning of the pandemic. High Speed Crow provides high speed wireless and fire i...
"Way ahead of the game" | Interview with Fiona Webster-Mourant
April 16, 2020 21:00 - 6 minutes - 4.5 MBIn this episode, Fiona Webster-Mourant, president of Manrex Limited, discusses with Mariette Mulaire about the importance of being prepared and to not forget the lessons we're currently learning. She explains that going forward we have to be willing to learn to invest more to ensure that we support Canadian businesses. Ms. Mourant was part of the business pandemic planning task force with the International Centre for Disease Control (CDC) during the earlier 2000s H1N1 pandemic. Manrex Limit...
"Everything you knew about change management goes out the window" | Interview with Judy Murphy
April 15, 2020 15:00 - 4 minutes - 3.15 MBIn this episode, Judy Murphy, president and CEO of Safety Services Manitoba, explains how the COVID-19 pandemic has really turned their world upside down. She discusses with Mariette Mulaire the quick and unexpected changes that needed to take place to continue offering their safety training services to employers. She touches on what Judy likes to call the RUN analysis - Reinvent, Urgent, Near term and how they have converted their courses to a live remote training. Safety Services Manitoba...
"It's always easier in person" | Interview with Allan Friesen
April 15, 2020 14:00 - 6 minutes - 4.15 MBIn this episode, Allan Friesen, International Business Development Manager for K-Tec Earthmovers, discusses with Mariette Mulaire about the changes in structure that they have been required to make on their manufacturing side. Allan explains how the Federal Government's 75% wage subsidy has been a big factor to allow them to keep going with projects such as one they currently have in Egypt which has challenged them to become innovative in their approach. K-Tec Earthmovers designs and manufa...
"A win-win for customers and businesses" | Interview with Tyler Ibrahim
April 09, 2020 21:00 - 5 minutes - 3.73 MBIn this episode, Tyler Ibrahim of Protegra discusses with Mariette Mulaire how the newly launched Local Futures platform is a great way for Manitobans to support their favourite local businesses. This not-for-profit initiative will allow businesses to gain access to capital in the short term to support operations and ensure they will be there for Manitobans in the long term. Protegra is a software development company that helps businesses solve problems by offering customization at an ente...
"Keep on trucking with your marketing" | Interview with Laura LaPalme
April 09, 2020 21:00 - 6 minutes - 4.5 MBIn this episode, Laura LaPalme, owner of L2 Marketing, discusses with Mariette Mulaire about the importance of remembering to promote positivity and continuing to move forward with your business' social media strategies in the current situation. Laura also addresses her love and appreciation for the trucking industry. L2 Marketing offers custom marketing solutions for medium to large-sized businesses.
Exploring digital options | Interview with Todd Burns
April 09, 2020 18:00 - 5 minutes - 3.51 MBIn this episode, Todd Burns, president of Cypher Environmental, discusses with Mariette Mulaire about how his company is still operating full force during the pandemic all while maintaining safety measures. The company has started exploring digital options to service its overseas clients during the travel ban. Cypher Environmental provides environmentally friendly dust control, soil stabilization, and wastewater treatment products.
We'll keep doing what we do best | Interview with Rob Read
April 09, 2020 17:00 - 4 minutes - 3.37 MBIn this episode, Rob Read, president of Bison Fire Protection, discusses with Mariette Mulaire about how his company continues to operate during the pandemic as an essential service but on reduced staff due to slower business activities. Bison Fire Protection provides fire safety and fire prevention.
Travailler "sur" votre entreprise aujourd'hui pour l'avenir | Entrevue avec Carole Freynet-Gagné
April 06, 2020 16:00 - 8 minutes - 5.66 MBDans cet épisode, Carole Freynet-Gagné, propriétaire de l'entreprise Apprentissage Illimité, discute avec Mariette Mulaire au sujet de la façon dont son entreprise utilise cette période de ralentissement due au Covid-19 pour faire de la planification et de l'apprentissage aprofondi.
Working "on" your business today for the future | Interview with Carole Freynet-Gagné
April 01, 2020 20:00 - 6 minutes - 4.61 MBIn this episode, Carole Freynet-Gagné, owner of Apprentissage Illimité, discusses with Mariette Mulaire about how her business is using this slower period during Covid-19 to do some self-learning and planning. Apprentissage Illimité is a publisher of educational resources and fun and interactive materials (in print and digital formats) for children.