Podcast – Business Insights With John Racine

Please Join me for my conversation with David Elliott, owner of Elliott Insurance Services in downtown Port Hope. David shares the story behind joining the family business, what he really learned while completing his MBA, what consumers should consider when purchasing insurance and selecting a broker & why generations of staff have proven to be their competitive edge. 

for my conversation with Robert Keyes, retired business owner. Rob has over forty years of management and marketing experience in consumer, commercial and industrial businesses. His successes as an employee provided him the opportunity to purchase the business he worked for, which Robert sold years later, after successfully turning the company around.

Please listen into my conversation with Lucy Hillman, owner of Raw Animal Diet Inc. RAW 101 in downtown Cobourg. Lucy's efforts to troubleshoot her dog's health issues lead her to creating her own raw dog food. After great results, Lucy shared the product with friends & began to attract customers, eventually launching a home-based raw dog food business. Fast forward & the business now operates from a retail location in downtown Cobourg, with plans for more expansion. Lucy's story is a must-listen for anyone interested in starting or growing a small business, and of course, also features lots of great advice for dog lovers.

Luke is an Illustrator by training, and graphic designer by trade. Luke has recently transitioned into the world of landscape painting. He draws inspiration from the varied landscapes both natural and artificial in his home region of Northumberland County. Luke’s expressive brushwork captures the fleeting light and movement of everyday scenes we might otherwise take for granted. This episode will be of interest to anyone who is looking for a career or attending higher education in graphic design or art. 

This week’s guest is David Tsubouchi, author & former Solicitor-General of Ontario. David and I discuss growing up as Japanese-Canadian & his family's experience with internment camps, his introduction to business & politics, why he feels volunteering is important and his tips to assembling effective Boards of Directors. David's storied career has included time as a lawyer, city councillor and Member of Provincial Parliament, including serving as Ontario's Solicitor-General. David has also sat on many high-level business & non-profit Boards. David's story is outlined in his book, ‘Gambatte' is available on Amazon at https://www.amazon.ca/Gambatte-Generations-Per…/…/1770411313.

This week’s guest is Mike Barry, co-owner of Comfort Zone Heating & Air Conditioning. Mike was working at a local gas company after college when an opportunity for a new role opened. The opportunity led Mike to discover his passion for sales. Mike's sales acumen and ambitious nature took his work all over Canada, eventually inspiring him to start his own heating and cooling business in Cobourg. Mike's story is a great listen not just for homeowners seeking advice about his expertise, but to entrepreneurs who are interested in starting or growing a business.

My Guest this week is David Smith, Owner of Pillar To Post Home Inspectors Quinte-Hastings-Northumberland.  David spent much of his career with Home Hardware, starting as a teenager at the Port Hope store and working his way up to a corporate job at head office. David also owned a Home Hardware in Brooklin, Ontario, which he eventually sold to open his Pillar to Post franchise.  This is an enlightening conversation that would be of interest not just to prospective & existing homeowners, but to anyone interested in exploring entrepreneurship through a franchise model.

Please join me this week for my guest Adrian Szamreta, owner of Old Smoke Clothing Co. After high school, Adrian was awarded a baseball scholarship which led him to upstate New York to pursue his studies. Just down the road from where he went to school was the famous horse racing track, Saratoga Race Course and this is when Adrian fell in love with horse racing. It wasn’t until years later when contemplating a career change that Adrian discovered that there was a huge gap in the market for horse racing apparel. After several conversations with a good friend of his he decided to take the plunge and start his own clothing company. This episode will be of interest to anyone who is looking to start an e-commerce business and really emphasizes the importance of finding your niche. In a short period of time Adrian and his business partner have experience great success. Episode 28: Adrian Szamreta

I’d like to introduce my guest this week, Summer Bellamy, Ambassador with Rodan + Fields, a global leader in the skincare industry.  Summer took an alternative path, opting not to attend college or university after high school, instead finding a passion for the hospitality industry. Her career growth lead to a transition to working with a high-end women’s club, where she really began to investigate & develop her entrepreneurial spirit. We also learn how Summer’s desire to find a good balance between work, family & self lead her to her current success in business. Episode 27: Summer Bellamy  

I would like to introduce my guest this week, Thalita Murray, owner of The Learner Observer. She is an interior designer, blogger & influencer. Join us for our conversation to hear how Thalita turned blogging as a creative outlet into a business. Hear how buying a home & moving to Cobourg took her influencing to the next level. Thalita also offers great advice to families who want a kid-friendly & stylish home. This is a great episode for anyone interested in blogging, interior design & e-commerce. Episode 26: Thalita Murray

I would like to introduce my guest this week, Nicole Beatty Nic Bea. She is the owner of NicBea & Co. Nicole is a great example of someone who turned her passions into a career. She moved back to Cobourg 6 years ago to create an advisory business for not-for-profits. Nicole has had a large impact in our community helping charities and not-for-profits develop and excel. Episode 25: Nicole Beatty

My guest in this episode is Anna Mastin, owner of Anna Mastin – Vocalist and Teacher.  Anna has a Bachelor of Music in Jazz performance from the University of Toronto. She was the only signer accepted to this prestigious program in 2002. Anna is currently a faculty member at Metalworks Institute in Mississauga and has her own recording/teaching studio at her home in Cobourg. She teaches private lessons, classes and workshops at all levels. Anna and I had a great conversation about her career path, and we were able to learn a ton about this profession. I hope you enjoy! www.annamastin.com Episode 24: Anna Mastin

My guest this week is Bill Bickle, owner of Fordelm, a business consulting firm. Bill has an interesting path. He was a career employee at RBC, moving up the corporate ladder while building his knowledge & skills, eventually leading him to starting his own consulting firm. Bill specializes in helping businesses & organisations ‘get healthy’ and shares valuable advice that should not just resonate with business owners, but assist with the professional development of employees & volunteers as well. https://fordelm.com/ Hope you enjoy the show! Episode 23: Bill Bickle

Please join me for to my conversation with Oliver Steins, Owner of Ganaraska Art & Framing. In this episode of Business Insights, we get to know Oliver both professionally and personally. We start with his journey in school and early career, then his eventual migration out to Northumberland County where he started a new chapter in his life, raising a family and ultimately becoming a business owner. Oliver also opens up about his recent struggle with ALS and what that means for him & what he has done to make sure his business continues. I hope you enjoy the show! Episode 22: Oliver Steins

This week I had the opportunity to interview MuchMusic Hall of Famer Rob Quartly. We talked about how a weekend at the Montreal Grand Prix led to a career in film making. Rob also discusses how he found himself at the birth of music videos and the impact this had on his path. Rob’s current project is Grief Stories (www.griefstories.org). “Helping grief make sense one story at a time.” Episode 21: Rob Quartly

Heather Norris is the Executive Director of the Northumberland United Way. Heather discusses her career before getting into non-profit work, her move to Northumberland, working with Cornerstone & the Hospital Foundation, her growth into leadership at the United Way and her overall impressions of charity & non-profit work in this community. Episode 20: Heather Norris

Todd is the owner and founder of Different Matters. Todd is a strategic Coach who has worked with many companies to help integrate positive change in their organizations. Please check out his website https://differentmatters.com/ Episode 19: Todd Attridge

Matthew is the retired owner of Acero Stainless. I particularly like this episode as Matt discussed his journey from musician to owner and operator of a steel fabrication company. Matt demonstrates how perseverance and attention to detail proved essential in his success. He also high-lighted how he was able to redefine his path several different times. Episode 18: Matthew Clayton

In this episode of business insights with John Racine my guest Kathryn Harrison and I discuss her journey to becoming an author, illustrator and publisher. Kathryn Harrison is author of Weeds in Nana’s Garden, I Smile for Grandpa and owner of Flipturn Publishing. Kathryn takes us on a journey from completing her undergraduate degree at Queen’s University, her MBA at DeGroote School of Business – McMaster University, pursuing a career in advertising and marketing to subsequently exploring the artistic world, earning a diploma of fine art at the Toronto School of Art. Episode 17: Kathryn Harrison

In this episode of business insights with John Racine my guest Bob Clark and I discuss urban and rural planning. Bob is the owner of Clark Consulting Services in downtown Port Hope with over 40 years experience in his field and is a leader in the field of Agricultural planning in Ontario. During this interview we discussed how Bob excelled in his field and subsequently decided to start his own consulting business. Episode 16: Bob Clark

Please check out my special edition of Business Insights with John Racine. In this episode you will hear insights from season 1 of my show. These include local business owners Jade Calver (Calver & Associates Canadian Immigration Services), Giorgos Kallonakis (Olympus Burger), Hank Vandermeer (Vandermeer Toyota), Blake Holton (Holton Flowers), Stacy Vermeire (Stacy Vermeire RE/MAX Lakeshore Realty Inc. Brokerage), Katy Spiewak (PetChiro.ca), Kim Rudd (MP and Entrepreneur), Mike Woods (The Northumberland Rock and Roll Experience / Log Jam Studio, Darren Johns (Mercury Chocolates & Gelateria), Mike McCann (Bromley Steel Fabricators Inc, Kendra Simmons (Antiques on Queen), Ian Sculthorpe (South Fifty Farms) Special thanks to my production team, Jeff Caine and Matthew McCreadie Episode 15: Season 1 Roundup

In this episode of business insights with John Racine my guest Mike McCann and I discuss his journey as an entrepreneur. Mike is the retired owner of Bromley Steel Fabricators located in Wesleyville, just west of Port Hope. It was a privilege to be able to interview Mike on the show as I’ve know Mike all of my life and have admired how he has created a very successful company. We discuss Mike’s upbringing in Manchester in the 40’s and 50’s and how he entered the Royal Air force at the age of 15. We talk about making the move to Canada and ultimately to Port Hope. We gain great insights from Mike as he discusses both the risk and reward of owning your own business. Episode 14: Mike McCann I hope you enjoy the show!

In this episode of business insights with John Racine my guest Ian Sculthorpe and I discuss all things farming.  Ian is the owner and operator of South 50 farms. We talk about Ian’s decision to enroll into Guelph University’s agriculture program, travel to New Zealand on a farm exchange and how Ian ultimately started a grass fed beef operation just west of Port Hope. If you have any interest in understanding a bit more about farming and in particular beef farming I encourage you to listen in. Episode 13: Ian Sculthorpe I hope you enjoy the show!

In this episode of Business Insights with John Racine my guest Darren Johns and I discuss the art and joy of chocolate. Darren takes us on a journey of truly appreciating the skill and quality of the ingredients that it takes to offer the best products to his customers. His products range from coffee, gelato, hand crafted chocolates and most recently his own take on the traditional Yule log. We delve further into Darren’s passion for all things Italian and discussed how he was inspired to start a Tuscany food and wine tour. Episode 12: Darren Johns I hope you enjoy the Show

In this episode of Business Insights my guest Kim Rudd and I discuss how she was able to start her adventure into entrepreneurship through a form of job sharing. A big part of Kim’s business and personal growth came from the decision to make advocacy a part of her business foundation. We were able to get great insights of what it takes to buy a business and put your own personal touch on it. Kim gives lots of credit to professionals who were able to tell you the truth and not sugar coat the advice, “you need someone who will say.. no” Episode 11: Kim Rudd I hope you enjoy the show.  

In this episode, Mike and I discuss how he was introduced to music and how the impact from a high school teacher help set Mike up for his future. We uncover how difficult it is to make a career in the music business and how Mike and his wife have set up several different ventures that have allowed them to reach a larger audience. You will want to listen right to the end where Mike is able to provide great insights on the commitment and mindset that will help you prepare for life as an entrepreneur. Episode 10: Mike Woods

In this episode my  95 year old grandfather, Gordon Woods tell us a few stories of his time on the HMCS Fennel during World War 2. Please check out the ships Wikipedia page here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HMCS_Fennel Bump as he is know affectionately by our family, bravely crossed the North Atlantic many times during the war protecting convoys from German U-Boats. Episode 9: Gordon Woods

Kendra Simmons of Antiques on Queen located in downtown Port Hope. Kendra’s story includes her decision to locate in Port Hope, her education, and her wonderful employees and much more! Episode 8: Kendra Simmons

Pet Chiropractor Dr. Katy Spiewak, owner of PetChiro.ca in Northumberland County Katy’s story includes her love of animals, her introduction to chiropractic work, her education, starting her business, treating different kinds of animals, juggling family and a business, and much more! Episode 7: Katy Spiewak Enjoy the Show!

Stacy Vermeire, realtor with Stacy Vermeire RE/MAX Lakeshore Realty Inc. Brokerage in Cobourg, Ontario. Stacy’s story includes balancing her education with motherhood, her introduction to the real estate business, mentorship, growing her business, making yourself referable, working with her Mom, family and much more! Episode 6: Stacy Vermeire Enjoy the Show!

Episode 5 of Business Insights w/ John Racine features Bill Patchett, local philanthropist and grocery store entrepreneur in Cobourg, Ontario. To listen to the podcast, please follow the link below: Episode 5: Bill Patchett Enjoy the show!

Episode 4 of Business Insights w/ John Racine features Blake Holton, co-owner of Holton Flowers in Port Hope, Ontario. To listen to the podcast, please follow the link below: Episode 4: Blake Holton Enjoy the show!

Episode 3 of Business Insights w/ John Racine features Hank Vandermeer, owner of Vandermeer Toyota in Cobourg, Ontario. I would like to especially highlight Hank’s business advice during the 3rd segment of this interview as it is very valuable for entrepreneurs. To listen to the podcast, please follow the link below: Episode 3: Hank Vandermeer Enjoy the show!

Episode 2 of Business Insights w/ John Racine features Giorgos Kallonakis, owner-operator of Olympus Burger in Port Hope, Ontario. To listen to the podcast, please follow the link below: Episode 2: Giorgos Kallonakis Enjoy the show!

The premiere episode of my radio show Business Insights w/ John Racine features Jade Calver, of Calver & Associates Canadian Immigration Services. To listen to the podcast, please follow the link below: Enjoy the show! Episode 1: Jade Calver