An award-winning monthly podcast with a focus on helping Canadian entrepreneurs and small business owners navigate the ever-changing business landscape. The podcast delivers interviews with business leaders and industry experts offering advice and commentary on current events and business trends, with a focus on informing and educating Canadian businesses.
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Forces in Fintech is a bi-weekly podcast produced by REPAY, a leader in integrated payment solutions since 2006. We’re dedicated to revealing what’s behind the digital transformation of fintech and commerce. In season 1 of the podcast, we’re talking with industry experts to discuss modern technologies and how they influence market trends.
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Interesting interviews with innkeepers and lodging experts, aimed to improve the challenging life of the independent innkeeper and lodging professional.
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Rondi exposes what the banks, credit bureaus and collection companies don’t want you to know about your credit report, and how important your credit score actually is, on his radio show "Your Credit Matters" - Rondi Lambeth is a Certified FICO Credit Professional, Speaker and Author. He is one of the most sought after speakers because of his depth of experience and knowledge in financial and credit matters. In addition to the daily talk show, Rondi also can be heard on multiple stations acro ...
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AppStar Financial provides an array of transaction processing services, including credit, debit, EBT, checks, and gift cards for small to medium-sized retail, home, and internet merchants. Appstar is a leader in point-of-sale technology solutions for small businesses and entrepreneurs. We offer our customers the highest quality programs and POS systems including credit and debit card processing, E-Commerce solutions, gift cards, rewards and loyalty programs,s and business management tools.
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The AFT podcast: At the Forefront of Transactions | Previously known as Fundraising Radio.
Konstantin Dubovitskiy
The AFT podcast (At the Forefront of Transactions) - previously known as Fundraising Radio, is a continuation of our efforts to bring in-depth knowledge of the payments space. Do you know how credit cards work? How banks communicate transactions between each other? How the tap to pay works? How funds get disbursed by government agencies? You'll learn about topics in the payment space that you didn't even know existed. If you are in the fintech/payments space or just a curious mind - hop on!
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Welcome to The Spend Advantage™ Podcast by Varisource, the Savings For Your Business. Get access to discounts, rebates, benchmark, savings for renewals and new purchases for 100+ spend categories automatically for your company We interview amazing people, companies, and solutions, that will help you 10X your bottom line savings and top line growth for your business --- https://www.varisource.com
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Welcome to The Swypit Show, where we take a hands-on approach with our clients AND their businesses. Starring the Founder and Owner of Swypit, Kevin Hodes, our show highlights the credit card processing industry and how you can win by utilizing a proven company, bringing over 20 years of industry experience, like Swypit! Kevin brings honesty and integrity to what he considers, the "slimy world of credit card processing." A former chef aboard luxury yachts, his craft brought him into contact ...
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How do credit card points work? By Troy Dennis
40:28
40:28
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40:28It's exactly how it sounds like - read the title:) Here are some of the specific questions we've covered during the interview: - Travel cards, let's start with the definition here - what is it and how is it different from a regular credit card? - How do the reward points work? Who offers them and why? - What actually happens when you click "redeem …
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Chief Economist Douglas Porter Discusses Canadian Economy: Trade War, Inflation, and Economic Outlook
23:08
23:08
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23:08Al welcomes Douglas Porter, Chief Economist at the Bank of Montreal, to the podcast to discuss Canada’s current economic landscape. They delve into topics such as Canada's economic performance in the first quarter of 2025 and the effects of trade wars with the U.S. on Canadian businesses and consumers. Porter shares valuable advice for small busine…
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080: Achieving Work-Life Balance with Rebecca Gallagher, Founder of hozperity
34:29
34:29
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34:29For many innkeepers, work-life balance can feel out of reach. Long hours, endless to-do lists, and the pressure of wearing all the hats takes a toll on both business performance and personal wellbeing. That’s why simplifying operations isn’t just good business – it’s essential to building a more fulfilling life. In this episode, Rebecca Gallagher, …
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Welcome to The Spend Advantage™ Podcast by Varisource, the Savings For Your Business. Get access to discounts, rebates, benchmark, savings for renewals and new purchases for 100+ spend categories automatically for your company We interview amazing people, companies, and solutions, that will help you 10X your bottom line savings and top line growth …
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Stock voting rights and fund settlement for buying stocks. By Spencer Hurst of MercuryVote
59:15
59:15
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59:15Spencer Hurst, Founder of MercuryVote in this episode explains how stock voting rights operate, how they can be bought and sold (rented) and how the funds flow when a stock or a share of a mutual fund is purchased. Brace yourselves for a deep dive into the confusing space of STONKS. Spencer's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencerhhurst/ Mer…
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079: Local Love: Travelers are Shifting Toward Unique, Family-Owned Stays
37:01
37:01
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37:01The quiet luxury trend that took off in 2024, where travelers sought more meaningful and authentic experiences, is shifting in 2025. This year, guests are choosing family-owned lodging for the warmth, connection, and comfort it offers. Family-owned, independent properties are in a perfect position to meet this demand by creating stays that feel lik…
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Welcome to The Spend Advantage™ Podcast by Varisource, the savings for your business. Get access to discounts, rebates, benchmark and renewal savings for 100+ spend categories automatically for your company We interview amazing people, companies, and solutions, that will help you 10X your bottom line savings and top line growth for your business --…
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What Are the Biggest Challenges Faced by Restaurants in Canada Today?
35:51
35:51
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35:51Rising costs, labour shortages, sustainability, and yes, tariffs, these are just a few of the challenges facing the food service industry in Canada. What is being done about it? Al sits down with Max Roy, VP of Federal and Quebec at Restaurants Canada to talk about it. Also, we all know how important trust is in business, but how do you measure tru…
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Credit Unions explained. By Wesley Walton
46:10
46:10
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46:10Wesley Walton - CEO of Glendale Area Schools Credit Union [GASCU] in this episode takes a deep dive into the structure and operations of credit unions. GASCU's website: https://gascu.org/ Our substack: https://aftfinance.substack.com/ Our website: https://www.aft.finance/ How do credit unions make decisions, what are the key differences between com…
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How does Card processing work? With Marshall Greenwald, Founder of Ionia
38:04
38:04
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38:04Marshall Greenwald, the Founder of Ionia in this episode digs deep into the souls (backend) of card processing. Marshall's LinkedIn for those who don't know how to use hyperlinks: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marshall-greenwald-9480351/ Ionia's website: https://www.ioniapay.com/ AFT's Substack: https://aftfinance.substack.com/ AFT's website: https:/…
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078: Increase Margins Through Direct Bookings
42:39
42:39
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42:39For independent lodging operators, direct bookings are the ultimate goal. Yet, many struggle with optimizing their online presence to achieve this. Tarun Goyal, Founder & CEO of Simplotel, discusses how their Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solutions are helping over 3,000 hotels worldwide improve their booking processes and maximize direct reservatio…
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How Are Canadian Grocers Responding To The Tariff Threats And The Growing ‘Buy Canadian’ Movement?
30:58
30:58
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30:58It’s March, and the #1 topic on the minds of most Canadians is tariffs. How will this affect purchasing decisions moving forward? Al welcomes Gary Sands, Senior VP @ Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers (CFIG) to the podcast. They talk about how independent Canadian grocers are already preparing for the imminent tariffs and what this could me…
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077: What to Do (and Not Do) Marketing-Wise When Selling a Property
41:19
41:19
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41:19Many owners dream of selling their properties for maximum value down the line. While operational efficiency is key, one critical aspect is often overlooked -- marketing. Chris Kelly, a seasoned consultant at White Stone Brokers, shares invaluable insights on why regularly auditing and optimizing marketing strategies is essential. Not only can this …
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Was The Tax Holiday In Canada Worth It For Canadian Businesses?
8:46
8:46
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8:46This month, Al welcomes back Sean McCormick, VP Business Development at Moneris Data Services to talk about consumer spending data in the first half of the tax holiday in Canada. Was it worth it for Canadians? Obviously every bit of savings helps. But what about Canadian Businesses? Did it change anyone’s shopping behaviour? Listen now to find out.…
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076: Louisville Awaits: A Sneak Peek at the 2025 ALP Conference with Sarah Gazi, CEO
28:23
28:23
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28:23What do the Kentucky Derby, hand-crafted bourbon, southern charm, a vibrant culture of arts, cuisine, and independent lodging all have in common? Louisville, Kentucky -- the host city of the 2025 ALP Conference & Marketplace taking place March 24–27. Sarah Gazi, ALP CEO, provides a preview of what to expect at this year’s conference, which will hos…
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What Was The Busiest Shopping Day This Past Holiday Season?
10:02
10:02
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10:02In the first episode of 2025, Allan welcomes back Sean McCormick, VP of Business Development at Moneris' Data Services, to discuss holiday spending trends from 2024 and their implications for 2025. They touch on the significance of Black Friday sales, regional differences in consumer spending, and predictions for economic recovery. Subscribe now! I…
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075: Peeling Back the Layers for Better Marketing Decisions
42:49
42:49
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42:49Centralized online marketing tools are increasingly essential for independent lodging professionals, allowing innkeepers to focus more on their daily operations. Data Bing consolidates all marketing efforts and provides robust insights to make better decisions that drive more bookings. Matt Cooke, CEO of Data Bing, shares how this solution can opti…
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Top Tips for Choosing the Right Financial Services Company - Appstar Financial
4:53
4:53
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4:53Appstar is a leader in point of sale technology solutions for small businesses and entrepreneurs. We offer our customers the highest quality programs and POS systems including credit and debit card processing, E-Commerce solutions, gift cards, rewards and loyalty programs and business management tools.…
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How to save 20%+ on credit card processing fees
21:20
21:20
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21:20Welcome to The Spend Advantage™ Podcast by Varisource, the competitive advantage for your spend. Get access to discounts, rebates, benchmark and renewal savings for 100+ spend categories automatically for your company We interview amazing people, companies, and solutions, that will help you 10X your bottom line savings and top line growth for your …
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How Ronald McDonald House Is Helping Canadian Families Heal
23:50
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23:50In this episode, Kate Horton, President and CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities Canada (RMHC), pays Al a visit to discuss the organization's mission to support families with critically ill children. She shares insights into the history and impact of RMHC, including the challenges faced by families and their need for support. Kate also highlights…
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074: Protecting Transactions: Essential Payment and Cybersecurity Practices for Credit Card Processing
43:56
43:56
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43:56Data breaches and cyberattacks are growing challenges for the independent lodging sector, highlighting the need for property owners to safeguard their data. The right payment processing solutions can help innkeepers save money, streamline operations, and protect sensitive information. Wynn Salisch, Founder of Casablanca Payments, shares insights on…
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How To Bridge The Cashless Gap In In-Person Charitable Giving
29:04
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29:04One of the victims of moving to a more cashless society in the past has been charitable organizations that rely on people’s generosity during in-person donation opportunities. There are many people who simply just don’t like carrying cash with them. For the past few years, we’ve been following the progress of Canadian startup tiptap as they’ve grow…
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073: Coming to Iowa: MWInns 2024 Conference & Trade Show Preview with Kerri Thiel and Randy Bangs
34:59
34:59
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34:59As the newly rebranded Midwest Association of Independent Inns (MWInns) continues to expand in the region and provide marketing value for its members, the organization is about to kick off its annual conference. Taking place December 3rd to 5th in Cedar Falls, Iowa, the Midwest Association of Independent Inns Conference & Trade Show will gather ind…
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Welcome to The Spend Advantage™ Podcast by Varisource, the competitive advantage for your spend. Get access to discounts, rebates, benchmark and renewal savings for 100+ spend categories automatically for your company We interview amazing people, companies, and solutions, that will help you 10X your bottom line savings and top line growth for your …
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072: Perseverance in Action: From Navigating Cease-and-Desist Orders to Successful Urban Property
32:35
32:35
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32:35In 2004, when Julie McAferty and her husband Blayne purchased a 1920s-era home in Seattle, WA they did not anticipate the obstacles that they would encounter. From facing cease-and-desist orders to navigating changes in local laws, their perseverance and advocacy for the lodging industry were key to their triumphs. Overcoming these obstacles early …
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071: Simplify, Connect, Grow: One B&B Owner’s Secret to Success
38:09
38:09
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38:09The challenges of independent lodging professionals can be overwhelming. Sometimes innkeepers need to be reminded to simplify their approach and connect more effectively with guests in order to grow. Jan Smith, owner of Maple Cove Bed & Breakfast and the August House, shares how she has transformed her business by improving the experience of her gu…
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How To Successfully Apply For A Business Grant
24:10
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24:10Over the past few months we’ve talked a lot about grants and programs, both from the government and corporations, but how do you apply for these grants? This month, Al speaks with “Grant Angel” Stephanie Sang, Founder at Granted Consulting. As her nickname implies, Stephanie knows all about grants and shares her expertise with us. Also in this epis…
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How to recover revenue on payment errors to vendors
43:12
43:12
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43:12Welcome to The Spend Advantage™ Podcast by Varisource, the competitive advantage for your spend. Get access to discounts, rebates, benchmark and renewal savings for 100+ spend categories automatically for your company We interview amazing people, companies, and solutions, that will help you 10X your bottom line savings and top line growth for your …
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1
How To Better Align Your Brick and Mortar Store With Your Online Store
33:23
33:23
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33:23What came first? Your brick and mortar business or your ecommerce business? Whichever one you chose, one thing is almost certain, if you have a brick and mortar location, you most likely have a way to sell your product or service online as well. You may have noticed some challenges with keeping both channels synchronised, whether its with inventory…
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070: Protect Your Lodging Business - Insurance Essentials
44:59
44:59
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44:59In today’s uncertain world, the need for lodging insurance has become more critical for property owners. Though, lodging insurance is not always black and white. There are many often-unknown liabilities to consider. Thankfully, Mitch Pies of the Mitchell J. Pies Insurance Agency, which is part of Leavitt Recreation & Hospitality, can provide the ri…
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069: Top Strategies to Boost Your Property's Value
49:34
49:34
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49:34Whether you just bought a property or are looking to sell one, innkeepers should always focus on enhancing the value of their properties. Enhancing value is a critical component of any business strategy for independent lodging owners – and it is a continual process, as highlighted by Marilyn Bushnell and Chuck Anderson of Marilyn Bushnell & Associa…
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What Are Examples of Corporate Support For Small Business In Canada?
26:19
26:19
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26:19We’ve taken a look at government support for small business in Canada, but what about corporate support? Al is visited by Gerardo Welter, Vice President – Marketing & Business Insights Canada and Latin America at American Express. They talk about Amex’s Shop Small campaign, and they also share some promising trends for shopping small in Canada base…
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How to Find The Right Government Programs To Assist Your Business
16:12
16:12
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16:12As an entrepreneur in this country you may not be aware of all the help available to your business, and frankly, who has time to research? In this special bonus episode of Just Good Business we do the work for you. James Hicks, President and CEO of Moneris has a sit-down with the Honourable Rechie Valdez, Federal Minister of Small Business to talk …
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Al meets with 4 members of Team Moneris. All of them have represented Canada in international competition, all of them elite athletes, and all of them are part of Moneris’ sales team. What is it about sales that attracted them to a career in sales? What is it about their pursuit of athletic excellence that makes them good sales professionals? How c…
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068: Richard Aday, CEO of ThinkReservations
46:20
46:20
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46:20ThinkReservations, led by CEO Richard Aday, acquired Acorn Marketing in April 2024, and proceeded to launch its latest major offering, ThinkWeb, soon thereafter. Making a major acquisition and launching a new product around the same time required strong leadership to help ensure its success. Richard discusses the Acorn acquisition, ThinkWeb launch,…
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067: State/Regional Spotlight: Midwest Association of Independent Inns
44:28
44:28
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44:28For state independent lodging associations to thrive, there’s a need to be nimble and continually provide value to their members. The Wisconsin Bed & Breakfast Association recently rebranded itself as the Midwest Association of Independent Inns (MWInns) to expand its market to 13 Midwest states. MWInns also focuses more on marketing the region and …
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Welcome to The Spend Advantage™ Podcast by Varisource, the competitive advantage for your spend. Get access to discounts, rebates, benchmark and renewal savings for 100+ spend categories automatically for your company We interview amazing people, companies, and solutions, that will help you 10X your bottom line savings and top line growth for your …
…
continue reading
Welcome to The Spend Advantage™ Podcast by Varisource, the competitive advantage for your spend. Get access to discounts, rebates, benchmark and renewal savings for 100+ spend categories automatically for your company We interview amazing people, companies, and solutions, that will help you 10X your bottom line savings and top line growth for your …
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1
What Support Is Available for Indigenous Entrepreneurs In Canada?
18:51
18:51
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18:51June is National Indigenous History Month and to celebrate, we’re talking about Indigenous business development in Canada. Al welcomes Hosna Kadary, National Market Leader Zero Barriers to Business at BMO to talk about the support programs available for Indigenous Entrepreneurs in Canada and to share some of their success stories. Also in this epis…
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Welcome to The Spend Advantage™ Podcast by Varisource, the competitive advantage for your spend. Get access to discounts, rebates, benchmark and renewal savings for 100+ spend categories automatically for your company We interview amazing people, companies, and solutions, that will help you 10X your bottom line savings and top line growth for your …
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066: From Anthropology to High-Quality American Made Bedding and Linens
33:28
33:28
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33:28Providing high-quality bedding and linens is a critical part of elevating the guest experience to ensure a dream-worthy stay. With a storied history in U.S.-based manufacturing since 1889, American Blossom Linens, a brand of bedding made by Thomaston Mills, is a pioneer in providing American-made bedding and linens for independent lodging. We are v…
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Benefits for Your Employer's Financial Wellness - Appstar Financial
3:07
3:07
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3:07Appstar is a leader in point-of-sale technology solutions for small businesses and entrepreneurs. We offer our customers the highest quality programs and POS systems including credit and debit card processing, E-Commerce solutions, gift cards, rewards and loyalty programs, and business management tools. Thousands of business owners nationwide have …
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What Can Your Business Expect From 2024 Tourist Season in Canada?
36:41
36:41
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36:41It’s May, and while in many parts of Canada we had a milder than usual winter, it seems Spring is taking its time getting started, but it’s here now. That means the start of tourist season. So how can your business take full advantage of this year’s tourist season? What can we expect after a few years of rising numbers out of the pandemic? Is there…
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Benefits for Your Employer's Financial Wellness - Appstar Financial
4:32
4:32
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4:32Appstar Financial is a leader in point-of-sale technology solutions for small businesses and entrepreneurs. We offer our customers the highest quality programs and POS systems including credit and debit card processing, E-Commerce solutions, gift cards, rewards and loyalty programs, and business management tools.…
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1
How to Optimize Application Performance and Cloud Savings
25:24
25:24
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25:24Welcome to The Spend Advantage™ Podcast by Varisource, the competitive advantage for your spend. Get access to discounts, rebates, benchmark and renewal savings for 100+ spend categories automatically for your company We interview amazing people, companies, and solutions, that will help you 10X your bottom line savings and top line growth for your …
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065: Designing Your Property to Maximize the Guest Experience with James Kuester of Küster Design
40:24
40:24
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40:24Often overlooked, having a professionally designed interior can make your property truly stand out, reflect your brand and maximize the guest experience. Starting out as a designer of home furnishings, James Kuester of Küster Design, transitioned his business to focus on interior design for the independent lodging sector. His firm’s focus is on int…
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How To Get The Most From This Year’s Restaurants Canada Show
28:09
28:09
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28:09This month we’re talking about the RC Show by Restaurants Canada. It’s Canada’s leading foodservice & hospitality expo. Al talks to Anna Pham, Director of Content & Programming at Restaurants Canada about what to expect at this year’s show and how you can make the most of your visit. Al is also joined by Maryam Saeed, Chief Risk Officer at Visa Can…
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How To Find and Hire The Right Technical Talents
39:09
39:09
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39:09Welcome to The Spend Advantage™ Podcast by Varisource, the competitive advantage for your spend. Get access to discounts, rebates, benchmark and renewal savings for 100+ spend categories automatically for your company We interview amazing people, companies, and solutions, that will help you 10X your bottom line savings and top line growth for your …
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064: Elevate the Coffee Experience for Your Guests with Small Batch Roasting
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35:04When it comes to elevating the guest experience, serving high-quality coffee can really make a difference. When Ann Brownell and Jeff Raybourn purchased the Cozy Cup Coffee Company in 2023, they had a vision of expanding their small batch roasted coffee beyond the walls of their coffee shop and into the innkeeping arena. They now have a customized …
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How Do Large Sporting Events Affect Your Business?
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21:15This month’s episode is going to have a sport theme, but if you don’t follow sports you may want to listen anyway because it’s about how sporting events affect your business. Last month a couple of major sporting events took place. One, we cannot legally mention—it involves American football, Taylor Swift and Usher. The other big event was the NHL …
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