Best Mark Kondrat Entrepreneur & Podcast Host Podcasts (2025)

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Meet Rob Swiderski – Entrepreneur, Mushroom Innovator, and Family Man 1:14:00

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4h ago1:14:00

1:14:00

Meet Rob Swiderski – Entrepreneur, Mushroom Innovator, and Family Man Rob’s entrepreneurial path began with CRAFT Beer Market and has since evolved into purpose-driven ventures like NuCelium (formerly Mushröm) - a company that reflects his growing passion for health, healing, and holistic wellness. But behind the business journey is a deeply person…

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Meet Chelsea Tessier – Co-Founder, Head Brewer, and the Creative Force Behind Polyrhythm Brewing 44:39

7d ago44:39

44:39

Chelsea’s journey into brewing started with a science degree and a homebrew kit. After nearly a decade working in environmental labs, she shifted gears – winning national awards as a homebrewer before launching her own brewery. Today, as head brewer at Polyrhythm Brewing, Chelsea blends scientific precision with artistic flair to craft award-winnin…

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Meet Bill McKenzie – Brand Builder, Team Leader, and CEO of Foothills Creamery | CREATE - The Podcast 48:20

14d ago48:20

48:20

Bill brings over 30 years of experience in the beverage industry to his role at Foothills Creamery. From working on iconic campaigns like “I AM CANADIAN” to helping re-energize a legacy Alberta brand, he’s always been driven by people, purpose, and a good story. Since joining Foothills in 2021, Bill has tackled big challenges – culture shifts, supp…

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Meet Greg Zeschuk – Physician, Video Game Trailblazer, and Craft Beer Entrepreneur | CREATE - The Podcast 1:07:11

22d ago1:07:11

1:07:11

As co-founder of BioWare, Greg helped create some of the most iconic story-driven games of our time, including Baldur’s Gate, Mass Effect, and Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic. A trained medical doctor, he balanced family medicine with game development before fully committing to the studio—eventually leading it through its acquisition by Elec…

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Meet Jeff Meszaros – Artist, Storyteller, and Founder of JAM Bottle Cap Art | CREATE - The Podcast 59:37

29d ago59:37

59:37

Jeff’s creative journey began behind the bar, where he started collecting bottle caps simply because he couldn’t bring himself to throw them away. Eighteen years later, those caps have become the foundation of a thriving art career—transforming waste into bold, eye-catching mosaics. With over half a million caps repurposed, Jeff’s work now spans th…

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Meet Max Powers – Adventurer, Instructor, and Community-Minded Realtor | CREATE - The Podcast 52:33

1M ago52:33

52:33

Since 1994, Max has called the Columbia Valley home – a place that mirrors his passion for the outdoors, people, and possibility. His career has been anything but conventional: from building homes and launching early internet companies to founding flight schools and competing four times in the gruelling Red Bull X-Alps adventure race. Today, Max we…

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Meet Peter Keith – Chef, Entrepreneur, and Community Builder | CREATE - The Podcast 53:37

1M ago53:37

53:37

Peter started cooking at 14 and hasn’t looked back. His work has earned him the title of Canadian Chef of the Year in 2020 and a spot on Edmonton’s Top 40 Under 40 in 2022. With experience in some of Canada’s top kitchens, international competition wins, and degrees in both culinary arts and business, his career bridges the worlds of food, entrepre…

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Kelly Mandeville – Connector, Creator, and Co-Founder of Monster Sauce | CREATE - The Podcast 1:17:52

2M ago1:17:52

1:17:52

Meet Kelly Mandeville – Connector, Creator, and Co-Founder of Monster Sauce. With a background in film production, marketing, and brand storytelling, Kelly has spent her career building bridges between people, products, and purpose. After nearly a decade introducing Canadians to beloved craft breweries like Phillips and Beau’s, she co-founded Hop F…

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The Best Bavarian Hefeweizen in the World - Jochen Fahr | LMFAB 126 1:01:46

10M ago1:01:46

1:01:46

Meet Jochen Fahr, founder of Brauerei Fahr, the award-winning brewery celebrated for its authentic German beers. Born and raised in Ebringen, Germany, Jochen’s love for brewing started early, influenced by his father’s work at the historic Fürstenberg Brewery. Years later, Jochen’s passion and appreciation for local farming converged in Alberta, wh…

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How can we influence the culture, but work within it at the same time? - Christine & Roger | LMFAB 125 1:13:47

11M ago1:13:47

1:13:47

Meet Christine Sandford and Roger Létourneau—seasoned chefs and founders of Lessig Ferments and Vagabond Pop-Ups. Roger founded Lessig Ferments in 2021, blending his French and German heritage with a deep passion for fermentation. Christine joined him as co-owner in 2023, and with combined experience from top restaurants in Edmonton, Belgium, Denma…

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It’s not just about making a dollar, it’s about doing good in the community. - Matt Livingstone | LMFAB 124 41:21

12M ago41:21

41:21

Meet Matt Livingstone, Sales Director at Village Brewery. Matt’s career started at McDonald's, where he learned the values of hard work, customer service, and teamwork. These experiences sparked his passion for connecting with people and led him into the fast-paced world of food & beverage. From there, he spent several years selling imported beers,…

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When you can go do something you’re passionate about, it feels purposeful - Luke Butterworth | LMFAB 123 58:14

1y ago58:14

58:14

Meet Luke Butterworth, Cofounder of EPIC Market - Edmonton-based food hall, events and media company. Luke’s passion for innovation and entrepreneurship was sparked early, leading him down a diverse path in the startup world. While earning his Executive MBA from the University of Alberta, he co-founded three startups in Telehealth, Robotics, and AI…

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You've got to be comfortable with being uncomfortable - Steve McVicker | LMFAB 122 43:12

1y ago43:12

43:12

Meet Steve McVicker, co-founder and Chief Brand Officer of the iconic Canadian Caesar brand, Matt & Steve's. Matt & Steve’s journey began with a single goal: to make the classic Caesar even better. Growing up in a family of entrepreneurs, Steve’s entrepreneurial flame was ignited at a very young age. Alongside his best friend Matt, Steve set out to…

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Beer isn’t just a commodity - it brings people together - Eric Schrader | LMFAB 121 37:51

1y ago37:51

37:51

Meet Eric Schrader, beer captain and owner of Leduc Brewing Company. For three generations, the city of Leduc has been home to his family. Eric has always felt a deep connection to his community and a desire to give back. After the social isolation of the pandemic, Eric felt inspired to help build up the community in Leduc and bring people together…

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How do we create a sustainable food system?- Marc Wandler | LMFAB 120 1:32:08

1y ago1:32:08

1:32:08

Meet Marc Wandler - Co-founder and CEO of Susgrainable. An expert in the emerging circular economy, Marc has led his business from an idea to securing an offer on CBC Dragons’ Den (Season 18, Episode 14). Marc’s journey as a founder began with a class project at UBC while pursuing his MBA. Wanting to bring this project to life, Marc launched Susgra…

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I wanted to learn everything from the ground up - Ignacio Rodriguez | LMFAB 119 56:05

1y ago56:05

56:05

Meet Ignacio Rodriguez - Manager of Brewing Operations at Big Rock Brewery. Originally from Venezuela, Ignacio moved to Canada in 2015 and has been in the brewing industry for 7 years. Now in his third year at Big Rock, he oversees beer-making processes in Calgary and operations in BC and Ontario. A Chemical Engineer with brewing studies from Siebe…

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You can't define yourself by what you sell but how you sell it - Mark Hamilton | LMFAB 118 1:07:52

1y ago1:07:52

1:07:52

Meet Mark Hamilton, the Director of Sales & Marketing at Origin Malting & Brewing. With a long-standing career in the beverage alcohol industry, Mark has seen it all and still loves every moment of it. His experience in the On-Premise channel is unparalleled, having worked on iconic brands like Guinness, Bacardi, Grey Goose, Crown Royal, and Jack D…

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Adventurous Brewing in the Barley Belt - Alex Horner | LMFAB 117 42:48

1y ago42:48

42:48

Meet Alex Horner - outdoor adventurer, craft beer enthusiast, and co-founder of Banded Peak Brewing. Located in the heart of the Barley Belt in Calgary, Banded Peak brews adventurous beer for adventurous people. Alex started the company with his two childhood friends in 2016 after experimenting with homebrewing, and was quickly acquired by Labatt i…

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Remembering Abi Moore | LMFAB 116 49:07

1y ago49:07

49:07

This is a special episode of the Let’s Meet For a Beer Podcast. Abi Moore, a very special part of our community, recently passed away in a tragic accident. I was fortunate to connect with Abi a few years ago to record a podcast, and I want to re-share our conversation again today. A little bit about Abi… Abi was a huge part of the Fernie Brewing Fa…

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The only thing I can do is be me - hopefully that inspires others - Wilson Wong | LMFAB 115 43:51

1y ago43:51

43:51

Meet Wilson Wong - sales professional, author, co-owner of three businesses, and passionate community builder. An expert in direct sales, Wilson began his career in 2008 selling Cutco knives, specializing in business appreciation and closing gifts. Beyond sales, Wilson is the co-owner of CRW Orient Coffee Company, Van Loc Vietnamese Sandwiches, and…

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"If you’re always trying, pushing, and working it will always get better.” - Tay Odynski | LMFAB 114 1:01:54

1+ y ago1:01:54

1:01:54

Meet Tay Odynski, aka Taytayski! Tay’s passion for art started early – she’s even still got her childhood sketchbooks. Over the past eight years, she’s carved out a unique niche in the art community, both online and at home in Calgary. Her artistic process is driven by spontaneity, allowing the paint to dictate the direction of each piece. This res…

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I’m a procrastinator – I work really well under pressure - Nicole Gomes | LMFAB 113 48:47

1+ y ago48:47

48:47

Chef Nicole Gomes wears many hats: TV personality, top chef, and chief chicken officer. If you've ever indulged in the tantalizing flavours of Cluck n’ Cleaver or cheered on a Top Chef: Canada showdown, you're already familiar with Nicole's culinary wizardry. But her story is more than just accomplishments — it's a testament to passion, perseveranc…

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Be true to yourself; just be who you are - Vikram Vij | LMFAB 112 59:21

1+ y ago59:21

59:21

You may recognize Vikram Vij from a number of places – as a famed Canadian chef, or as the owner of Vij’s in Vancouver. Maybe you watched him as a fiery entrepreneur on CBC’s Dragons Den, or as a judge on Chopped Canada. Whatever the case, one thing is certain: his vibrant spirit is bound to leave a lasting impression. In this episode, we delve int…

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Celebrate your wins as massive victories and recognize your losses - Anthony Lynch | LMFAB 111 48:36

1+ y ago48:36

48:36

Hang around the Alberta craft beer industry long enough, and you're bound to cross paths with Anthony Lynch. With an array of experience across the hospitality and brewing sectors, Anthony has left his mark on numerous local craft breweries, from Wild Rose to Broken Barrel, Citizen Brewing, and now, Alley Kat Brewing. Join us for an enlightening di…

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You Gotta Fill That Glass Up With Life - JP Pedhirney | LMFAB 110 1:07:17

1+ y ago1:07:17

1:07:17

Meet JP Pedhirney, born and raised in Calgary, he’s earned his spot as a prominent figure in the city's culinary scene. With leadership over a diverse portfolio of over a dozen acclaimed restaurants, he's played a pivotal role in elevating Calgary's status as a premier dining destination. In his role as Vice President of Culinary Operations at Conc…

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What we’re going through solidifies our place in the future - Graham Sherman | LMFAB 109 39:01

1+ y ago39:01

39:01

Meet Graham Sherman: self-proclaimed "high-level geek" turned entrepreneur. With nominations for Canadian Entrepreneur of the Year and recognition as one of Calgary's "Top 40 Under 40," Graham's story is nothing short of inspiring. Join us as we uncover the latest news from Tool Shed, detailing their restructuring to address financial challenges. E…

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Create work so interesting you actually want to do it! - Paul Wilson | LMFAB 108 1:17:28

1+ y ago1:17:28

1:17:28

Meet Paul Wilson, a seasoned Albertan with an impressive history of leadership roles in companies like Marks Work Wearhouse, Canadian Tire, Princess Auto, and Spence Diamonds. Today, he's shifting gears toward the cannabis industry through his latest venture, Decibel Cannabis. Join us on this week's episode as Paul drops his wisdom on growth strate…

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The Idea is That it’s a Place You Come to be Yourself - Tim Truax | LMFAB 107 1:08:07

1+ y ago1:08:07

1:08:07

Meet Tim Truax, the self-proclaimed super nerd, community innovator, and podcast extraordinaire. With a passion for all things nerdy and a knack for fostering meaningful connections, Tim's journey into the world of podcasting began in 2015 when he took the helm as the host of the acclaimed Nerd Room podcast. Since then, he has been on a mission to …

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Being a Small Business Doesn't Mean We Can't Have a Big Impact - Connor Curran | LMFAB 106 1:01:56

1+ y ago1:01:56

1:01:56

This week, we chatted with Connor Curran, the founder and co-owner of Local Laundry, a Canadian clothing brand known for its dedication to social impact. Connor's entrepreneurial journey began in 2015, sparked by a fateful encounter with his washing machine. Since then, Local Laundry has become a local pioneer, emphasizing community support, partne…

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There’s an Abundance of Opportunities Out There - Jacqueline Jacek | LMFAB 105 47:09

1+ y ago47:09

47:09

Who doesn't love chocolate? Certainly not Jacqueline Jacek, a visionary chocolatier with a heart as sweet as her creations. With a brilliant idea, unwavering support from her loving family, a solid education in the art of chocolate making, and an innate passion for fashion, Jacqueline embarked on her journey by establishing JACEK Chocolate Couture …

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It's My Responsibility to Share and Represent My Culture - Elia Herrera | LMFAB 104

1+ y ago

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Meet Elia Herrera, a third-generation Mexican Chef with a story as impressive as her culinary skills. She's not only been a contestant on both Top Chef Canada and Top Chef Mexico but is a classically trained pastry chef with experience in some of the world's top restaurants in Spain, France, Italy, and Belgium. Originally from Cordoba, Veracruz-Mex…

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Why Not Build a True Community With Like-Minded People? - Jeff Humphreys | LMFAB 103 1:05:36

1+ y ago1:05:36

1:05:36

Jeff Humphreys, a born and raised Calgarian, began his digital journey in 1995 while sitting in a computer lab at Mount Royal University. Over the years, his endeavors have culminated in the creation of The Calgary Sessions, a community-based podcast that highlights the stories of athletes, artists, and entrepreneurs in Calgary. Jeff has also succe…

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Heavy Burdens are Light when Many Hands Lift - Rob Swiderski | LMFAB 102 1:04:52

2y ago1:04:52

1:04:52

Discover the inspiring journey of Rob Swiderski, a business owner, serial entrepreneur, mushroom innovator, and, at his core, a devoted father and husband. Rob advocates for the importance of community, shares his family’s health journey, and discusses the role of religion in his life – all while reflecting on the pivotal experiences that shaped hi…

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If You Like Sports We Can Immediately Take Down a Wall - Ryan Pinder | LMFAB 101 58:42

2y ago58:42

58:42

Meet Ryan Pinder: self-proclaimed sports nerd, seasoned Calgarian, sports broadcaster and your go-to-guy for hockey banter. Tune in for a slapshot discussion about building a career in the broadcasting world, how sports talk and media have transformed over the years, and his dynamic with his long-time co-hosts. Get an update on his current projects…

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Episode #100 - Bill Robinson & Peter Bishop, Founders of Tastely 49:05

2y ago49:05

49:05

Host: Mark Kondrat Owner & CEO of Alberta Beer Festivals and ‘Let’s Meet for a Beer’ Podcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-kond... Instagram: https://instagram.com/m.kondrat?igshi... ABF Website: https://albertabeerfestivals.com LMFAB Website: https://letsmeetforabeer.com Guests: Bill Robinson President of Alberta Beer Festivals Websit…

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Episode #99 - Chris Schoengut, Vice President at Trixstar LIVE 48:13

2y ago48:13

48:13

Host: Mark Kondrat Owner & CEO of Alberta Beer Festivals and ‘Let’s Meet for a Beer’ Podcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-kondrat-aab92444 Instagram: https://instagram.com/m.kondrat?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y= ABF Website: https://albertabeerfestivals.com LMFAB Website: https://letsmeetforabeer.com Guest: Chris Schoengut Vice President of Tri…

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Episode #98 with William Whiting, Head Brewer of Rapid Ascent Brewing 36:32

2+ y ago36:32

36:32

Host: Mark Kondrat Owner & CEO of Alberta Beer Festivals and ‘Let’s Meet for a Beer’ Podcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-kondrat-aab92444 Instagram: https://instagram.com/m.kondrat?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y= ABF Website: https://albertabeerfestivals.com LMFAB Website: https://letsmeetforabeer.com Guest: William Whiting Head Brewer of Rapid …

1
Luke Butterworth, COO of EPIC & Peter Keith, Owner of Meuwly's 58:23

2+ y ago58:23

58:23

Host: Mark Kondrat Owner & CEO of Alberta Beer Festivals and ‘Let’s Meet for a Beer’ Podcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-kondrat-aab92444 Instagram: https://instagram.com/m.kondrat?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y= ABF Website: https://albertabeerfestivals.com LMFAB Website: https://letsmeetforabeer.com Guests: Luke Butterworth COO and Co-Founder …

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Episode #96 - Scott & Nick Bell, Owners of Dark Woods Brewing 41:15

2+ y ago41:15

41:15

Host: Mark Kondrat Owner & CEO of Alberta Beer Festivals and ‘Let’s Meet for a Beer’ Podcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-kondrat-aab92444 Instagram: https://instagram.com/m.kondrat?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y= ABF Website: https://albertabeerfestivals.com LMFAB Website: https://letsmeetforabeer.com Guests: Nick Bell: https://www.linkedin.com/…

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Jim Button Special #2 with Mark Kondrat, Jeff Popiel, Sarah Geddes & Fraser Abbott 48:51

2+ y ago48:51

48:51

Jim Button, co-founder of Village Brewery, husband, father, builder, and maker of friends, passed away on January 19, 2023. Throughout Jim’s life, he made a huge impact on the craft beer community in Alberta, and touched many individuals. The lessons that he taught are shared, celebrated and maintained every day. In dedication to Jim’s memory, Mark…

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Episode #95 - Jeff A. Meszaros, Owner/Artist of JAM Bottle Cap Art 40:46

2+ y ago40:46

40:46

Host: Mark Kondrat Owner & CEO of Alberta Beer Festivals and ‘Let’s Meet for a Beer’ Podcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-kondrat-aab92444 Instagram: https://instagram.com/m.kondrat?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y= ABF Website: https://albertabeerfestivals.com LMFAB Website: https://letsmeetforabeer.com Guest: Jeff A. Meszaros Best Bottle Cap Arti…

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Episode #94 - Darren Scott, COO of GNU Spirits 1:16:58

2+ y ago1:16:58

1:16:58

Host: Mark Kondrat Owner & CEO of Alberta Beer Festivals and 'Let's Meet for a Beer' Podcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-kondrat-aab92444 Instagram: https://instagram.com/m.kondrat?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y= ABF Website: https://albertabeerfestivals.com LMFAB Website: https://letsmeetforabeer.com Guest: Darren Scott COO of GNU Craft Spirits…

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Jim Button Special with Mark Kondrat, Julie Van Rosendaal, Avnish Mehta & Terry Andryo 39:34

2+ y ago39:34

39:34

Jim Button, co-founder of Village Brewery, husband, father, builder, and maker of friends, passed away on January 19, 2023. Throughout Jim’s life, he made a huge impact on the craft beer community in Alberta, and touched many individuals. The lessons that he taught are shared, celebrated and maintained every day. In dedication to Jim’s memory, Mark…

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Episode #93 - Brent Malysh, Co-Owner & CEO of Backroads Brewing Company 50:45

2+ y ago50:45

50:45

Host: Mark Kondrat Owner & CEO of Alberta Beer Festivals and 'Let's Meet for a Beer' Podcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-kondrat-aab92444 Instagram: https://instagram.com/m.kondrat?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y= ABF Website: https://albertabeerfestivals.com LMFAB Website: https://letsmeetforabeer.com Guest: Brent Malysh Co-Owner & CEO of Backro…

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Episode #92 - Jeff Demaniuk, Operations Manager at Fernie Brewing Co. 44:28

2+ y ago44:28

44:28

Host: Mark Kondrat Owner & CEO of Alberta Beer Festivals and 'Let's Meet for a Beer' Podcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-kondrat-aab92444 Instagram: https://instagram.com/m.kondrat?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y= ABF Website: https://albertabeerfestivals.com LMFAB Website: https://letsmeetforabeer.com Guest: Jeff Demaniuk Brewery Operations Mana…

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Episode #91 - Craig Wood, Founder and Co-Owner of Wild North Brewing Co. 51:32

2+ y ago51:32

51:32

Host: Mark Kondrat Owner & CEO of Alberta Beer Festivals and 'Let's Meet for a Beer' Podcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-kondrat-aab92444 Instagram: https://instagram.com/m.kondrat?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y= ABF Website: https://albertabeerfestivals.com LMFAB Website: https://letsmeetforabeer.com Guest: Craig Wood Founder and Co-Owner of Wi…

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Episode #90 - Matthew Hendriks, Owner of ByHendo 24:55

2+ y ago24:55

24:55

Host: Mark Kondrat Owner & CEO of Alberta Beer Festivals and 'Let's Meet for a Beer' Podcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-kondrat-aab92444 Instagram: https://instagram.com/m.kondrat?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y= ABF Website: https://albertabeerfestivals.com LMFAB Website: https://letsmeetforabeer.com Guest: Matthew Hendriks Owner of ByHendo Lin…

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Episode #89 - Scott Hergott, Executive Chef for Pursuit 35:38

2+ y ago35:38

35:38

Host: Mark Kondrat Owner & CEO of Alberta Beer Festivals and 'Let's Meet for a Beer' Podcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-kondrat-aab92444 Instagram: https://instagram.com/m.kondrat?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y= ABF Website: https://albertabeerfestivals.com LMFAB Website: https://letsmeetforabeer.com Guest: Scott Hergott Executive Chef for Purs…

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Episode #88 - Dave Maess, Marketing Manager of Big Rock Brewery 44:54

2+ y ago44:54

44:54

Meet Dave, the dedicated marketing manager of Big Rock Brewery. Having been with Big Rock for 8 years, Dave primarily roles are partnerships, sponsorships and events. One of Dave's favourite events is the Big Rock Barn Burner, an annual summer concert held right at their brewery! Prior to Big Rock, Dave worked with a funky hat company, evolving fro…

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Episode #87 - Sean Pronger, Former NHL Player 59:13

2+ y ago59:13

59:13

Meet Sean Pronger, Canadian former professional ice hockey player from Dryden, Ontario. Sean played in the NHL for the Mighty Ducks, Penguins, Rangers, Kings, Bruins, Blue Jackets and Canucks. Tune in to the full podcast for endless hilarious stories about his experience in the NHL and his brother, former NHL player Chris Pronger. Sean is also the …