Best Gkwcc Podcasts (2025)

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Behind the Business of KW Multicultural Centre (with Lucia Harrison) 30:08

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2M ago30:08

30:08

In this episode of Behind the Business, Ian McLean sits down with Lucia Harrison, CEO of the Kitchener-Waterloo Multicultural Centre, to explore what it takes to build a truly inclusive community. From her own immigrant story to her leadership at one of the region’s most impactful nonprofits, Lucia shares insights into the challenges newcomers face…

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Behind the Business of Spectrum (with Suzie Taka) 27:07

3M ago27:07

27:07

In this episode, our CEO Ian Mclean sits down with Suzie Taka is the Executive Director of Spectrum. She has been a dedicated community organizer and 2SLGBTQIA+ advocate in Waterloo Region for over a decade. She has extensive experience in the non-profit and public sectors, most recently as part of the Reconciliation and Equity, Diversity, and Incl…

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Behind the Business of Calming Tree (with Melissa Reid) 27:47

3M ago27:47

27:47

Melissa is a compassionate and experienced therapist who supports individuals and families through challenging times. She works with clients experiencing grief and loss, as well as those navigating symptoms or experiences of trauma. In addition to her clinical work, Melissa now provides supervision to therapists and students pursuing degrees in cou…

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Behind The Business of Rogers (with Robin Farrell) 33:25

3M ago33:25

33:25

In this episode our CEO Ian Mclean sits down with Robin Farrell who is an award-winning broadcaster with over 20 years of radio morning show experience. She currently hosts “Mornings with Robin & PJ” with Paul Johnson weekdays from 5:30-10am at Country 106.7 in Kitchener, and previously worked as a morning show host for 15 years in Victoria, BC. Ro…

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Behind the Business of AskEllyn (with Ellyn Winters) 32:57

4M ago32:57

32:57

This week, Ian McLean speaks with Ellyn Winters, Chief Marketing Officer, Ignition Communications Inc., and CEO of The Lyndall Project & AskEllyn. Learn about Ellyn's incredible career journey in marketing/communications, her courageous battle with breast cancer and why it led her to create the world's first conversational AI for individuals battli…

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Behind the Business of 570 CityNews with (Mike Farwell) 35:49

4M ago35:49

35:49

Get ready for an exciting edition of the Behind the Business Podcast as Ian McLean sits down with Mike Farwell, host of the Mike Farwell Show on 570 CityNews Mike Farwell has more than 20 years of radio and television broadcasting experience. Currently, he works with Rogers Radio in Kitchener as the host of the ‘The Mike Farwell Show’ and the play-…

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Behind the Business of KW Humane Society (with Victoria Baby) 20:13

4M ago20:13

20:13

Get ready for an exciting edition of the Behind the Business Podcast as Ian McLean sits down with Victoria Baby, CEO of KW Human Society. Baby has dedicated her career to supporting communities through work with a variety of provincial and national charities and has a passion for animals, their welfare, and the human-animal bond that resonates deep…

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Behind the Business of Waterloo Wellington Flight Centre (with Bob Connors) 20:15

5M ago20:15

20:15

Get ready for an exciting edition of the Behind the Business Podcast as Ian McLean sits down with Bob Connors, general manager of Waterloo Wellington Flight Centre Bob has been at WWFC since 17 years and has played a vital part in the smooth operations. Learn more about this journey and career insights in this episode. WWFC were also awarded with t…

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Behind the Business of GVCA/Champions for Charity (with Mandy Bujold) 30:21

5M ago30:21

30:21

Get ready for an exciting edition of the Behind the Business Podcast as Ian McLean sits down with Mandy Bujold, former Canadian Boxing Champion & gold medalist. She now works as a Manager of Industry/Community Partnerships at the Grand Valley Construction Association and is the Founder of Champions for Charity. Learn about Mandy's incredible career…

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Behind the Business of Ontario Teachers Insurance Plan (with Chris Floyd) 29:44

5M ago29:44

29:44

In this episode our CEO Ian McLean sits down with Chris Floyd - President of OTIP (Ontario Teachers Insurance Plan) Chris began his career in insurance as a claims adjustor at Gore Mutual Insurance in 1986. He joined OTIP in 1994 as a Service Manager, and advanced to the role of Vice-President shortly after. Chris has been serving as the President …

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Behind the Business of The Dessert Artist (with Rochelle Williams) 24:08

5M ago24:08

24:08

Black-owned businesses are very much a part of the food scene in Waterloo region. Specialty grocery stores, ice cream shops, restaurants where you can enjoy Ethiopian doro wot and Jamaican patties and local bakeries offer delicious dishes and flavours not found in other food businesses. Rochelle Williams started her baking and cake decorating busin…

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Behind the Business of Brentwood Livery (with Brent Ferguson) 27:36

5M ago27:36

27:36

Brentwood Livery, offering services in chauffeured-driven service, is proud to contribute to the best community in Canada, not only for work but for play. At Brentwood, “transforming transportation into an unforgettable life experience” is the underlying mission. The company’s success is strongly rooted in the value placed on relationships with gue…

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Behind the Business of Ascnd Media (with Sheldon Thompson) 28:17

6M ago28:17

28:17

Ascnd Media is a full-service production company offering dynamic cinematography and photography. Founded in 2019 by Sheldon Thompson, the purpose of Ascnd is to pursue creativity in every way possible while continuing to raise the bar. Sheldon explains their philosophy as a way of moving forward and to exceed expectations by going above and beyond…

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Behind the Business Special with Director of Physician Recruitment for the Region (with Jenna Petker) 25:52

6M ago25:52

25:52

Welcome to a very exciting edition of the Behind the Business Podcast hosted by Ian McLean, President/CEO of the KW Chamber. This week, Ian sits down with the Chamber's very own Jenna Petker, Director of Healthcare & Physician Recruitment on behalf of the community to the KW4 area. Jenna has been recruiting physicians to the community for over 9 ye…

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Behind the Business of Waterloo Region Community Foundation (with Eric Avner) 32:23

7M ago32:23

32:23

Eric leads Waterloo Region Community Foundation (WRCF), and works with the Board of Directors, committees, and team to further the vision of ensuring our communities are “equitable, connected, and sustainable; and people are thriving”. He has overall responsibility for the operations of the organization and collaborates with people locally, provinc…

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Special Episode: Canada Tariff Threats with host (Ian McLean) 25:06

7M ago25:06

25:06

Welcome to a very unique episode of the Behind the Business Podcast with Ian McLean. Today’s episode is going to be a bit different. Ian will not be joined by a business owner or community builder. Instead, he's using today’s episode to answer all your questions on the tariff threats by the United States, and how it could affect your business. He's…

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Behind the Business of Little Mushroom Catering (with Stephanie Soulis) 27:09

7M ago27:09

27:09

Stephanie Soulis is the President & CEO of Little Mushroom Catering. She created LMC in 2010 as a natural extension of her love for food and quality service. Stephanie was featured in a commercial for CTV in Libro’s Share the Future campaign. She is past Chair of the Board for the Kitchener Public Library, past Chair of the Board for Foodlink Water…

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Behind the Business of The Charcoal Group of Restaurants (with Jody Palubiski) 42:48

7M ago42:48

42:48

Jody Palubiski has been the CEO and managing partner of the Charcoal Group since 2003. Jody helped lead the Charcoal Group to developing the Wildcraft Grill Bar in 2007, The Bauer Kitchen in 2009 and Beertown Public House in 2012, with many of the restaurants having several locations around Ontario. Get a look Behind the Business in Waterloo Region…

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Behind the Business of Catalyst Capital Inc (with Amber French) 27:47

8M ago27:47

27:47

Amber French is Managing Partner at Catalyst Capital. Co-Founded with Kurtis McBride (Miovision, Catalyst 137), Catalyst Capital connects investors to early stage technology and tech-based commercial real estate opportunities in Waterloo Region. Amber is also co-founder of Catalyst Commons, an approximately 70000sqft coworking and corporate innovat…

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Behind the Business of Good Co. Productions (with Amit Mehta) 34:48

8M ago34:48

34:48

Good Company Productions is a hyperlocal music and event production company based in Waterloo Region. They specialize in creating intimate popup concert experiences in unusual spaces, featuring emerging musicians, designers, and unique local venues. Good Co.'s founder, Amit manages the day-to-day operations of the organization, partnerships, and co…

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Behind the Business of The Scented Market (with Kristy Lynn Miller) 28:39

8M ago28:39

28:39

The Scented Market began with a simple idea: to create a space where high-quality, thoughtfully crafted scents could bring comfort and joy to every home. Founded by Kristy Lynn Miller, The Scented Market has blossomed into a beloved destination for fragrance enthusiasts who value premium, sustainable products. With an eye for detail and a commitmen…

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Behind the Business of Sustainable Waterloo Region (with Tova Davidson) 30:16

9M ago30:16

30:16

Listen to Ian McLean as he interviews Tova Davidson, Executive Director of Sustainable Waterloo Region. Learn about Tova's extensive career journey which started in communications/marketing, and what led her into the environmental world for the past 10+ years. Get a look Behind the Business in Waterloo Region with Ian McLean, President & CEO of the…

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Behind the Business of KW Titans (with David Schooley) 25:13

9M ago25:13

25:13

In this episode our CEO Ian Mclean sits down with David Schooley who has 30+ years of entrepreneurial experience, 17 years in real estate and negotiation training from both Harvard Business School and Harvard Law, it’s no wonder David (aka “The Negotiator”) has been dubbed the Michael Jordan of real estate. As an award-winning Broker with RE/MAX Tw…

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Behind the Business of Boxing by Syd Vanderpool (with Syd Vanderpool) 32:22

9M ago32:22

32:22

Champion boxer (super middleweight) and certified coach and trainer, Syd “The Jewel” Vanderpool brings more than 13 years of professional boxing and training experience to his members. Syd has extensively trained with some of the world’s finest trainers including the legendary Emanuel Stewart, Goody Petronelli, John Davenport, Alrick Dougherty and …

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Behind the Business of Fo'Cheezy (with Sandor Dosman) 23:06

9M ago23:06

23:06

From East to West Chef Sandor has served up fine dining experiences to fast food and everything in between. His mom says he was a brat in high school and always worked in restaurants to save money for his cars. That motivation turned into a life's passion. If only they'd had a crystal ball to see that he would eventually combine both vehicles and f…

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Behind the Business of Smart Prosperity Institute (with Dr. Mike Mofatt) 44:46

9M ago44:46

44:46

Dr. Mike Moffatt is the Senior Director of Policy and Innovation at the Smart Prosperity Institute and an Assistant Professor in the Business, Economics and Public Policy group at Ivey Business School, Western University. Mike’s research at SPI focuses on the intersection of regional economic development, building child-friendly, climate-friendly h…

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Behind the Business of Sage Advisory Co. (with Lauren Roberts) 26:11

10M ago26:11

26:11

Sage Advisory Co. is in itself a Small Business that has found its niche helping other small business owners find the success in their industry that they’re after. They have 15 years of experience working in both local and nation-wide Canadian markets, as well as international markets such as the United States, Australia, UAE, and LATAM. Sage's exp…

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Behind the Business of Den1880 (with Jacklyn Warmington) 37:33

10M ago37:33

37:33

Den 1880 is a historic building with a modern spirit, located in the heart of Waterloo, Ontario. With community and collaboration at its core, it offers a vibrant setting where people feel inspired to work, connect, and feel at home, away from home. Mappedin is proud to have an office inside Den 1880. We mapped this office map to allow visitors and…

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Behind the Business of Worm Wrangler (with Amanda Hunter) 22:21

10M ago22:21

22:21

Worm Wrangler serves our community of students, hobbyists, enthusiasts, and fellow professionals in all things worms and vermicompost. They specialize in vermicomposting—composting using earthworms—to promote sustainable soil management. Since its inception, Worm Wrangler has grown to include breeding and selling various worm species, creating sust…

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BDC Small Business Week - Leigh Merswolke (LCM Property Services) 28:01

10M ago28:01

28:01

Leigh Merswolke is the Chief Executive Officer at LCM Property Services based in Waterloo, Ontario. LCM Property Services Inc. is an experienced building services provider, serving Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge, Guelph and the surrounding area. We specialize in providing Value Added Services, including professional cleaning services. Get a look Beh…

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BDC Small Business Week - Glen Smyth (Appleflats) 28:45

10M ago28:45

28:45

The Appleflats story began in the summer of 1993, when the parents of company founders Glen and Alex Smyth, along with an aunt and uncle, finished building a house on their newly purchased farmer's field and planted a crabapple tree in the front yeard to celebrate this milestone. A crabapple was chosen because of beautiful blossoms in the spring. O…

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BDC Small Business Week - Tracy Valko (Valko Financial) 31:00

10M ago31:00

31:00

Tracy is founder of Valko Financial, Chief Visionary Officer and a motivational speaker. She has been a pillar of service and inspiration to the finance and mortgage industry for more than twenty-five years. Her professional foundation has been built on heart-centred leadership, honesty, integrity, commitment and professionalism. Tracy has seen it …

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BDC Small Business Week - Adam Wright & Steve Zago (Lost Aviator Coffee Company) 32:31

10M ago32:31

32:31

Steve Zago and Adam Wright had made a career as airline pilots. Their mutual passion for aviation drove these two lifelong friends to become business partners and create the Lost Aviator Coffee Company. “There are few things that beat the beauty of soaring about the earth at 40,000 feet,” Steve said. “It gives you a different perspective of the nat…

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BDC Small Business Week - Pierre Cleroux (Chief Economist, BDC) 36:00

11M ago36:00

36:00

Pierre Cléroux was appointed Vice President, Research and Chief Economist at BDC in 2012. Pierre leads a team of experts who analyze economic data to identify business and sector trends impacting Canadian entrepreneurs. A seasoned speaker, he regularly travels across the country to help business owners understand the risks and opportunities present…

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Behind the Business of St. Mary's General Hospital Foundation (with Susan Dusick) 29:17

11M ago29:17

29:17

As President and CEO of President, St. Mary's General Hospital Foundation, Susan works with donors, partners, and community members to invest in best-in-class healthcare provided by St. Mary’s General Hospital. Located in the heart of Kitchener, the hospital has served the community since 1924 and is home to the Regional Cardiac Centre that provide…

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Behind the Business of Tepperman's (with Andrew Tepperman) 34:48

11M ago34:48

34:48

In this episode, our CEO Ian Mclean sits down with Andrew Tepperman, President of Tepperman’s. They discuss the long-standing history of this Ontario-based furniture retailer. Andrew outlines how the company leverages its heritage and decades of customer service experience, alongside modern brand and format innovations, to remain competitive in a h…

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Behind the Business of LiftOff By CCAWR (with Dr Trevor Charles) 27:57

11M ago27:57

27:57

Professor Charles is a microbiologist with expertise in bacterial molecular genetics. His research group studies the mechanisms of gene regulatory circuits that control the interactions of Rhizobiales bacteria such as Sinorhizobium meliloti with their eukaryal hosts. The group also develops methods for functional metagenomics using alternate surrog…

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Behind the Business of Coalition of Muslim Women KW (with Fauzia Mazhar) 26:36

11M ago26:36

26:36

Check out the latest episode of your Chamber's Behind the Business podcast. This week, Ian McLean is joined by Fauzia Mazhar, Executive Director at Coalition of Muslim Women of KW. Come listen to Fauzia's career journey, and learn about her passion to advocate on the behalf of Muslim women in Waterloo Region. Get a look Behind the Business in Water…

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Behind the Business of Kitchener Rangers Hockey (with Joe Birch) 25:09

12M ago25:09

25:09

Welcome to another exciting edition of your Chamber's Behind the Business podcast. This week Ian is joined by Joe Birch, Chief Operating Officer and Governor of the Kitchener Rangers. Come learn about Joe's interesting career journey that led him into the sports world, and much more! Get a look Behind the Business in Waterloo Region with Ian McLean…

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Behind the Business of Token Creative Services (with Mohsan Abdullah) 36:18

12M ago36:18

36:18

Get a look Behind the Business in Waterloo Region with Ian McLean, President & CEO of the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce.By Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce

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Behind the Business of Lazaridis School of Business and Economics (with Kyle Murray) 30:42

12M ago30:42

30:42

Dr. Murray is the Dean of the Lazaridis School of Business and Economics at Wilfrid Laurier University. He previously held faculty appointments at the University of Alberta, the Ivey School of Business, and Monash University (Australia), as well as visiting professorships at INSEAD (France) and TU Dublin (Ireland). Most recently he served as Acting…

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Episode 45: Ren Navarro 42:28

1y ago42:28

42:28

Welcome to another edition of our Behind the Business Podcast! This week, Ian is joined by Ren Navarro, Owner/Operator of B. Diversity. Group. The two talk about various topics that include Ren's interesting career journey in beer that has now transformed into much more. This is our last podcast episode before we break for the summer. please enjoy!…

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Episode 44: Brian Bazely 34:53

1y ago34:53

34:53

Welcome to another episode of our Behind the Business podcast! This week Ian is joined by Brian Bazely, Co-founder of Driverseat. The two speak on numerous topics including their shared history together, and Brian's very interesting career journey! Get a look Behind the Business in Waterloo Region with Ian McLean, President & CEO of the Greater Kit…

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Episode 43: Melissa Durrell 46:15

1y ago46:15

46:15

Welcome to another edition of our Behind the Business podcast! This week Ian is joined by Melissa Durrell, CEO of Durrell Communications. They speak on a variety of topics including their long history in the Region together, Melissa's career journey, and more! Get a look Behind the Business in Waterloo Region with Ian McLean, President & CEO of the…

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Episode 42: Neha Juwale 25:09

1y ago25:09

25:09

Welcome to another episode of our Behind the Business Podcast! This week Ian is joined by Neha Juwale, Owner of BookMyTherapy! She is the recent winner of Health & Wellness award at the 2024 KW Oktoberfest Rogers Women of the Year Awards! Come learn about her career journey as an immigrant from India to starting her own business! Get a look Behind …

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Episode 41 - Patti Berardi 29:09

1+ y ago29:09

29:09

Welcome to Episode 41 of our Behind the Business podcast! This week Ian is joined by Patti Berardi. For over 30 years, she has worked in community television holding a variety of roles. Currently, she is the Station Manager for Rogers TV covering the regions of Brantford, Cambridge, Guelph, Kitchener-Waterloo and Stratford. Get a look Behind the Bu…

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Episode 40 - Paul Eichinger 47:55

1+ y ago47:55

47:55

Welcome to episode 40 of our Behind the Business podcast! This week Ian is joined by Paul Eichinger, Vice President of MTE Consultants Inc. Paul has over 30 years of diverse experience in development, building construction, real estate, municipal engineering and economic development. He is fully versed in all aspects of property development, from r…

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Episode 39 - Tricia Mumby 27:35

1+ y ago27:35

27:35

Welcome to episode 38 of our Behind the Business podcast! This week Ian is joined by Tricia Mumby, co-founder of Mabel's Labels, a Canadian manufacturing & ecommerce success story. She and 3 friends boot-strapped the company from $0 to eight figures in 12 years. They sold the company to the world's largest label company and built a huge community o…

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Episode 38: Ajoa Mintah 30:44

1+ y ago30:44

30:44

Welcome to episode 38 of our Behind the Business podcast! This week Ian is joined by Ajoa Mintah, Owner/Founder of Four All Ice Cream. They speak on a multitude of topics including Ajoa's career journey, why she decided to open up an ice cream shop, much more!! Get a look Behind the Business in Waterloo Region with Ian McLean, President & CEO of th…

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Episode 37: Chloe Hamilton 31:24

1+ y ago31:24

31:24

Welcome back to a new episode of our Behind the Business Podcast! This week, Ian is joined by Chloe Hamilton, Founder of Warm Embrace Elder Care. Chloe is one of the Chamber Board of Directors since September 2023. She speaks on a variety of topics including her career journey, and the importance of elder care in our community. Get a look Behind th…