Best Manulife Podcasts (2025)

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From Nursing to Cuisine: Vanessa Simon’s Recipe for Business Through Care 27:55

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16h ago27:55

27:55

Vanessa Simon is the founder of Vanessa’s Cuisine. She made a bold career change from nursing to entrepreneurship, creating a Caribbean-rooted food brand that’s now featured on store shelves across Waterloo Region. Along the way, Vanessa has built strong community connections, earned the 2025 Exceptional Small Business of the Year Award (community-…

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BDC Small Business Week: The Story Behind Gladiator Pro Wash 26:22

7d ago26:22

26:22

Today’s episode is sponsored by BDC – the bank for Canadian entrepreneurs, as we celebrate BDC Small Business Week, from October 19-25. Each day, we’re spotlighting a different small business owner from our community — the people who power our local economy, create jobs, and bring innovation to life. We’re also excited to have this year’s theme foc…

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BDC Small Business Week: The Story Behind Silver Cross Kitchener 25:14

8d ago25:14

25:14

Today’s episode is sponsored by BDC – the bank for Canadian entrepreneurs, as we celebrate BDC Small Business Week, from October 19-25. Each day, we’re spotlighting a different small business owner from our community — the people who power our local economy, create jobs, and bring innovation to life. We’re also excited to have this year’s theme foc…

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Flipping the switch on energy: Emily Heitman of Schneider Electric Canada 25:52

9d ago25:52

25:52

Canada as a country is energy rich, but is it making full use of the energy, especially the electricity, it produces? In this episode, Goldy Hyder sits down with Emily Heitman, Country President of Schneider Electric Canada, to unpack one of Canada’s biggest challenges: energy capacity. “We know we have a shortage of power in the country, yet we're…

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BDC Small Business Week: The Story Behind FoodZen 41:17

9d ago41:17

41:17

Today’s episode is sponsored by BDC – the bank for Canadian entrepreneurs, as we celebrate BDC Small Business Week, from October 19-25. Each day, we’re spotlighting a different small business owner from our community — the people who power our local economy, create jobs, and bring innovation to life. We’re also excited to have this year’s theme foc…

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BDC Small Business Week: The Behind The WAR Room Baseball Training Centre 36:45

10d ago36:45

36:45

Today’s episode is sponsored by BDC – the bank for Canadian entrepreneurs, as we celebrate BDC Small Business Week, from October 19-25. Each day, we’re spotlighting a different small business owner from our community — the people who power our local economy, create jobs, and bring innovation to life. We’re also excited to have this year’s theme foc…

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BDC Small Business Week: The Story Behind Atum Financial Services 29:27

11d ago29:27

29:27

As we celebrate BDC Small Business Week, from October 19-25. Each day, we’re spotlighting a different small business owner from our community — the people who power our local economy, create jobs, and bring innovation to life. We’re also excited to have this year’s theme focus on the economic revolution and getting your business ready. Today, we’re…

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Building the Future of Kitchener: A Conversation with Mayor Berry Vrbanovic 51:07

11d ago51:07

51:07

Born in Croatia and raised right here in Kitchener, Mayor Berry Vrbanovic has dedicated over three decades to public service. First, as a city councillor, and now serving his third term as Mayor. His leadership has helped shape Kitchener into the dynamic, innovative, and inclusive city it is today. In this episode, we’ll go behind the business of c…

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Empathy, Energy, and Executive Coaching: The Amy Ballantyne Way 29:40

22d ago29:40

29:40

Amy Ballantyne is a multiple TEDx Speaker, Executive Life Coach, Workplace Wellness & Emotional Intelligence Trainer, Certified Trainer of Neuro Linguistic Programing, and Hypnosis, author of “Celebrate Yourself” and host of the podcast: Power to the People Pleasers. Her whole-person coaching approach serves executives, professionals and entreprene…

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Canadian company, international impact: Kevin Strain of Sun Life Financial 36:24

29d ago36:24

36:24

Kevin Strain never planned on a career in insurance. But an early job as an auditor led to his introduction to the insurance industry, culminating in his current position as president and CEO of Sun Life Financial. In this episode of Speaking of Business, Kevin shares how Sun Life grew from a Canadian insurer into a global financial services and as…

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Reinventing Fun and Function : A Deep Dive with Mark Bingeman 33:27

30d ago33:27

33:27

Mark Bingeman is the President and CEO of Bingemans, a family-owned entertainment, hospitality, and event destination in Waterloo Region. After studying hospitality internationally and gaining experience with major hotel brands, Mark returned to lead the business founded by his grandfather. Under his leadership, Bingemans has evolved into a modern,…

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Episode 111 | Recession risks, tariffs, and market disparities: a candid view from behind the scenes 34:05

1M ago34:05

34:05

Episode overview In this special episode, hosts and Co-Chief Investment Strategists Kevin Headland and Macan Nia welcome Nathan William Thooft, Chief Investment Officer for Multi Assets and Equities at Manulife Investments. Nate shares his global perspective on markets, asset allocation, and the evolving investment landscape, with insights tailored…

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From BlackBerry to Danby: Jim Estill’s Playbook for Entrepreneurial Leadership 45:18

1M ago45:18

45:18

Jim Estill of Danby Appliances is a Canadian technology entrepreneur, executive, and philanthropist. Jim started a computer distribution business from the trunk of his car while in university. He turned that modest business into a company doing $350,000,000 in sales before selling to SYNNEX in 2004. He then became CEO of SYNNEX Canada and grew sale…

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From Sri Lanka to Elmira: Cultivating Community and Inclusion with Abby Cooper 30:31

1M ago30:31

30:31

Abby Cooper is the Founder of Hearts Open For Everyone (H.O.P.E.). Abby immigrated as a young child from Sri Lanka and, after spending some time in Toronto, she settled in Elmira, where she launched H.O.P.E. Her work blends mindfulness, community engagement, DEI education, and grassroots activism. On this episode, she talks about what inspired her …

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Risk, resilience and reward: Richard Abboud, Forum Asset Management 24:08

2M ago24:08

24:08

Richard Abboud's entrepreneurial journey started early. As a kid, he took a gamble on silver. A win-then-loss that taught him to embrace risk, learn from failure, and invest in ideas that might not make sense at first glance. Those lessons have shaped not only his career but his vision for the country’s future: one where Canada takes bigger swings,…

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Episode 110 | Back to school, back to business 37:18

2M ago37:18

37:18

We’re just weeks away from yet another school year—but not before Macan heads out on a last-minute vacation. Will Kevin be forced to deal with a market fallout in his absence? Join our dynamic co-chief investment strategists as they joke about the market’s tendency to correct when Macan is out of office. Listen in as they weigh the balance of risks…

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Impact through innovation: Wendy Andrushko, DuPont Canada 36:10

2M ago36:10

36:10

In the latest episode of Speaking of Business, Wendy Andrushko, President of DuPont Canada, takes host Goldy Hyder on an insider’s tour of the Kingston Technology Centre, a facility that’s quietly shaping the future of electronics, sustainability, and advanced materials. From semiconductor research to green chemistry breakthroughs, the Kingston, On…

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Episode 109 | Behind the headlines: a deep dive into the latest stories 33:15

3M ago33:15

33:15

Summer has officially kicked into high gear, and many of us are looking to wind down and bask in the heat. Yet, headlines continue to pour in—making it important to stay on top of market developments. Join our dynamic Co-Chief Investment Strategists Kevin Headland, CIM, and Macan Nia, CFA, as they weigh in on some of the latest news stories, includ…

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Seizing the moment: Mark Collett, Crosbie Group 32:37

4M ago32:37

32:37

Mark Collett remembers a time when many Newfoundlanders and Labradorians left the province in search of work, including himself. But today, as the CEO of St.John’s-based Crosbie Group, he sees a different story unfolding. “Certainly for the first 30 years of my life, I think we were probably hanging our head a little bit low,” he tells Goldy Hyder …

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Episode 108: Half-year outlook—all eyes on the second half of 2025 33:42

4M ago33:42

33:42

Warmer days are on the horizon, and while many of us are planning our next vacation spots, others are looking back at the half year and recalibrating their portfolios for what lies ahead. What happened to markets in the first half of the year? What can we expect as we move into the year’s final stretch?Tune in to our new podcast episode as our Co-C…

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

4M 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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Leading through uncertainty: Laurent Ferreira, National Bank 26:03

5M ago26:03

26:03

Laurent Ferreira is blunt when he assesses the state of Canada’s economic trouble. “The status of our economy is red,” he said in a June 9 conversation with Goldy Hyder at the Conférence de Montréal. The president and CEO of National Bank of Canada stressed the urgency for Canada to strengthen its economy in light of geopolitical uncertainty. But h…

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

5M 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

5M 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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Episode 107: The future of the U.S. dollar: dissecting the Mar-a-Lago Accord 33:22

5M ago33:22

33:22

Is the greenback currently at an inflection point? Listen in as our Capital Markets Strategy Teamweighs in on the U.S. administration’s proposed economic and trade initiatives, including theMar-a-Lago Accord—a modern echo of the 1985 Plaza Accord.Explore the implications of devaluing the U.S. dollar in today’s global economy and learn moreabout tra…

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

5M 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

6M 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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“Humbled by the opportunity”: Roy Gori of Manulife 29:52

6M ago29:52

29:52

Roy Gori started his first job – a paper route – at age eight. At ten, he was delivering medications to seniors for a local pharmacy. He got a job with Citibank straight out of high school at 17 and has been working full time ever since. So it’s perhaps not surprising that, at age 56, he’s decided to try something new. In early May, he retired as P…

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

6M 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

6M 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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Episode 106: U.S. trade policy in review—how “Liberation Day” tariffs roiled markets 41:47

6M ago41:47

41:47

The magnitude of the U.S. administration’s “Liberation Day” tariffs surely caught investors off guard. How did markets react to the news? Will U.S. trade policy reshape global trade dynamics?Join our Co-Chief Investment Strategists Kevin Headland and Macan Nia as they discuss the market’s strong reaction to President Trump’s announcement on April 2…

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From Assembly Line to C-Suite: Scott Balfour of Emera 31:41

7M ago31:41

31:41

Scott Balfour has some simple career advice for his three sons: stay humble, work hard and be kind. It’s what he learned from his mother and grandmother and he maintains those “fundamental skills” have been the most important throughout his career. Born and raised in Oakville, Ontario, Balfour spent a year working on the assembly line at the local …

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

7M 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

7M 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

7M 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

7M 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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Episode 105: Europe front and center—is capital beginning to flow overseas? 30:21

7M ago30:21

30:21

European equities have recently outpaced their U.S. counterparts, setting the stage for a potential resurgence in overseas markets. Is this the start of a significant rotation into European equities? Join our Co-Chief Investment Strategists, Kevin Headland and Macan Nia, as they underscore the current momentum driving European equities and discuss …

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

8M 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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The energy optimist: Dean Setoguchi of Keyera 30:44

8M ago30:44

30:44

When Dean Setoguchi thinks about Canada’s energy industry, he sees a bright future, and it’s partly due to tariff threats from the United States. “I’m an optimist,” he tells Goldy Hyder on the Speaking of Business podcast. “I feel like there’s a recognition by Canadians that our national resources are our treasure, and I don’t think that recognitio…

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Episode 104: Navigating tariffs, policy and Canada-U.S. trade tensions 50:42

8M ago50:42

50:42

Rising tensions, evolving trade policies, and potential tariffs have sparked widespread discussions—even going as far as rallying hockey fans on both sides of the Canada-US border. Are these policies merely a negotiation tactic, or do they signal a shift in North American trade dynamics?Join our Co-Chief Investment Strategists, Kevin Headland and M…

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

8M 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

8M 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

9M 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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Fareed Zakaria on power, politics and populism 43:52

9M ago43:52

43:52

What can we expect from a second Trump presidency and how should countries like Canada respond? Those are some of the themes Goldy Hyder explores with bestselling author, columnist and CNN host Fareed Zakaria in a conversation recorded on January 13th – one week before the presidential inauguration. Zakaria discusses his latest book Age of Revoluti…

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4Ps in a Pod - TEASER EPISODE 28:28

9M ago28:28

28:28

Trying to break into a Marketing career is tough. It’s a mix of awkward networking circles, unnoticed LinkedIn requests, and a sea of stereotypes (no, marketing is not just advertising!).To get a real look into the world of Marketing and the people who are shaping it - listen to 4Ps in a Pod. In every episode, Jeevs & JP (two CPG marketers) have a …

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

9M 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

9M 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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Episode 103: 2025 at a glance—what’s in store for investors? 32:45

9M ago32:45

32:45

2025 is in full swing! What can we expect from equity and fixed income markets as the year gradually unfolds?Our first podcast episode of 2025 is an absolute must-listen. Hear from our Co-Chief Investment Strategists Kevin Headland and Macan Nia, as they delve into the opportunities and challenges shaping the market landscape this year. Can we expe…

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Fostering innovation: Éric Martel of Bombardier 33:56

9M ago33:56

33:56

Éric Martel understands the transformative power of innovation. The President and CEO of Bombardier says it “has always been in the DNA” of the company – from the invention of the snowmobile 80 years ago, to the development of cutting-edge aerospace technology today. In an interview with Goldy Hyder on the Speaking of Business podcast, Martel discu…

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

9M 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…