Podcast appearances and mentions of lee valley tools

On today's show: this month, fasting periods for three religions overlap in a rare convergence. We talk about this holy period with members of the Islamic, Baha'i and Roman Catholic faiths; CBC's Kyle Bakx joins us from CERAWeek in Houston to put a wrap on a funky few days in the energy industry; how tariffs and counter tariffs are impacting prices and availability of products at Lee Valley Tools.

Welcome to the The Voice of Retail, I'm your host Michael LeBlanc, and this podcast is brought to you in conjunction with Retail Council of Canada and with the support of omNovos, Canada's digital customer engagement company. omNovos make Personalization EASY by helping you engage the right customer, with the right content, at the right time. Find out how you can get started quickly and affordably so you can focus on doing what matters most--driving revenue and margin growth at www.realcustomerengagement.comThe Voice of Retail is also supported by Raange.  Raange helps brick and mortar brands turn store visitors into digital customers. Learn how Raange added 1 million new subscribers to a retailer's CRM in just 6 months by texting “Data” to 55055 and unlock the strategy to massive database growth.In this episode I'm in Ottawa talking with Lee Valley Tools President & CEO Robin Lee and Jason Tassé, Chief Operating Officer about the rich heritage of this Canadian retailer, their unique retail format and adapting to the COVID-19 crisis with innovations such as the new Contactless Shopping Capability for Stores Across Canada   Next, veteran urban planner and author Joe Berridge talks about what makes our cities great, the current and potential impacts on cities with the massive changes happening today brought on by the COVID-19 crisis, and all about his recent book, Perfect City.But first, let's hear from Robin and Jason******Thanks to Robin, Jason and Joe for being my guests,  plus omNovos and Raange for their support on this episode.  If you liked this podcast please subscribe on Apple, Spotify or your favourite podcast platform,  rate and review, and be sure and recommend to a friend or colleague in the retail industry.  I'm Michael LeBlanc, Founder and President of M.E. LeBlanc and Company Inc. and you can learn more about me on www.meleblanc.co or of course on LinkedInUntil next time, have a safe week!

Lee Valley is known not just for their reliable and innovative products, but for how they do business. Founder Leonard Lee's son Robin talks ethical capitalism, the value of manual work, and how a medical tool ended up in kitchens across the country. Follow Pamela Wallin on Social Media:https://twitter.com/NoNonsensePWhttps://twitter.com/SenatorWallinhttps://www.facebook.com/SenPamelaWallin/Lee Valley Online:https://twitter.com/LeeValleyToolshttps://www.leevalley.com/en-caMusic in this podcast is used under a Creative Commons CC BY-NC3.0 Licensehttps://freemusicarchive.org/music/Chad_Crouch/Motion/Life_And_Timeshttps://www.soundofpicture.com/

There are two parts to every company: the mechanics and the soul. How does a leader achieve both in a time of retail disruption? Since joining Lee Valley Tools at the age of 22, Jason Tassé has embarked on an experience and inspiring journey of growth and leadership, recently becoming the COO of the celebrated Canadian business. From detailing his definition of leadership to insightful reflections about management succession at Lee Valley – which was established in 1978 – Jason's comprehensive discussion with Gair Maxwell provides an inspiring look at the mindset of a leader who was tasked with guiding the future of one Canada's most iconic catalog companies.

Welcome to the Voice of Retail for the week of June 11th, 2019 I'm your host Michael LeBlanc and this podcast is brought to you in conjunction with Retail Council of Canada and sponsored by Purolator, Canada's Shipping Company for courier and freight, learn more at www.purolator.com In this episode two exclusive feature interviews both recorded live in person at the Purolator Podcasting Studio at RCC's #STORE2019. First, I chat with Kaileen Millard-Ruff, Vice President of Retail for Ottawa-based international retailer Lee Valley Tools. We talk about Kaileen's rich background in retail, the unique culture and history of the brand, their differentiating merchandising and in-store experience. Next one of Canada's premier retail statesman, industry advocate and thought leaders Willy Kruh, Global Retail Lead for KPMG and Retail Council of Canada's 2019 inductee into the Retail Hall of Fame. Based here in Toronto with KPMG for 36 years, Canadian retail lead for the past 20 and global lead for the past 15, we chat about Willy's start on sales floor with Harry Rosen, through to Willy's reflections on the state of modern retail, and the work still to be done, particularly in Canada, by retailers to effectively compete in modern retail. Last but not least I'll cover off Retail This Week including Hudson's Bay going private, rare full length video interview with Amazon worldwide consumer chief, Fjallraven's Swedish adventures in Canada, a harmonized approach to single-use plastics, Tokyo Smoke's cross-Canada retail expansion, Walmart's overall of jet.com, tough lessons from Tim Horton's, Loblaw “pears” up with Toronto startup flash food and Metro launched e-grocery in Toronto. But first, let's listen in to my interview with Kaileen from Lee Valley Tools Thanks to Kaileen and Willy for being my special guests for this episode, stay tuned for more interviews from the Purolator Podcasting Studio in episodes to come. Now let's hit the highlights from Retail This Week eNewsletter, biggest retail weekly in Canada and you can subscribe on www.retailcouncil.org for free. That's a wrap on this edition of The Voice of Retail, if you liked this podcast you can subscribe on iTunes or your favourite podcast platform, and be sure and recommend to a friend or colleague in the retail industry. You can also ask your favourite home devices, Amazon Echo, Google home to play the most recent edition. I'm Michael LeBlanc, Founder and President of M.E. LeBlanc and Company Inc. and you can learn more about me on www.meleblanc.co or of course on LinkedIn Until next time, have a great week!

Today on the show… we have a who shares my love for making big pieces of wood into smaller ones and takes some Canadian sense of humor into his teaching and work at Lee Valley Tools, Vic Tesolin. He's a veteran of the Canadian Army where he served with pride for 14 yrs in the Royal Canadian Horse Artillery. After his honorable discharge, he was a student at Rosewood Studio where he studied furniture design and making under the guidance of some of North America's top furniture makers. He ran my own studio furniture business designing and crafting furniture by commission while working at Rosewood as a part-time instructor and craftsman in residence. He realized that making the type of furniture he liked to make didn't make me much money so he went in search for a real job and took the helm at Canadian Woodworking magazine as editor. Currently, he's the Technical Advisor at Lee Valley Tools. When he's not there he's in the shop building furniture or in front of my computer writing articles for various publications. He's the author of The Minimalist Woodworker, a book that encourages people who can't run machines because of noise, dust, lack of space or budget, to woodwork with hand tools. With a few more books in the hopper I should manage to stay out of trouble for awhile ... or not. Today we talk about the adventure of making things with your hands… using real tools! And how to inspire our kids to do the same, and guide them into adults who know how to fix and build things for themselves. You can find more about Vic here: http://victesolin.com/ Vic's book: http://victesolin.com/store/minimalist-woodworker-signed-copy Here's the spokeshaves Vic mentions on the episode: http://www.leevalley.com/us/hardware/page.aspx?cat=1&p=50230

On this week's FJ Podcast, we're joined by Joey Landreth of the Bros. Landreth. We talk guitars (including his Alexander Sorokin-built instrument), coffee, career choices and more.  This episode is sponsored by Retrofret, Lowden Guitars and Lee Valley Tools. 

This week, we’re joined by Folkway Music founder Mark Stutman. Over the years, Stutman has earned accolades from guitar collectors around the world as one of the finest vintage acoustic repairmen around, especially when it comes to Gibson guitars from the '30s and '40s. But he didn't start out wanting to fix 70 year old guitars: He originally wanted to build instruments just for left-handed players.   During our podcast, we also discuss what it takes to run an independent guitar store in 2018 (and beyond), the mentors he’s found along the way, the unique quirks found only in Golden Era-Gibson guitars and some of his favorite instruments that have crossed his bench.  This episode is sponsored by Retrofret Vintage Guitars, Lowden Guitars and Lee Valley Tools. Want to sponsor the Fretboard Journal Podcast? Drop us a line at fretboardjournal@gmail.com.   

Episode Notes:In this episode, we speak with Deviant Ollam, a Physical Pen Tester. But while ball-points aren't necessarily absent, his job is much more interesting. Deviant and his team asses and consult on all manners of security, and in this case, physical security. Deviant's work is somewhere between 21st-century-espionage-fieldcraft-expert and wild-west-safecracker. In this conversation, we talk about what security means, how physical security enters our lives, what it's like to test security for a living, and some practical tips for everyone to be just a little bit better informed about an often overlooked part of life.The Switch on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/switch_podcastTwitter: @DeviantOllamDeviant's Website: http://deviating.net/The CORE Group: http://enterthecore.net/Mentioned in episode:Tactics of a Physical Pen Tester talk: https://youtu.be/rnmcRTnTNC8Super-Grip Lock: https://www.amazon.com/Super-Grip-Lock-Deadbolt-Accessory/dp/B008YGQSOOVeritas Travellers Doorstop by Lee Valley Tools: http://www.leevalley.com/en/gifts/page.aspx?p=40812Liverstrong talk: https://youtu.be/M_kGkYyqWvsMemphis Meats: http://www.memphismeats.com/The Burning of the Green Witch: https://youtu.be/u79DG1vxN9gJade Liqueurs: http://bestabsinthe.com/

A lot of acoustic guitarists have a favorite pickup that they install on their instruments. Singer-songwriter/guitarist David Wilcox has more like ten…and he uses them all at the same time. On this week's podcast, we talk to David about his very unique method for amplifying and recording his guitars, including the numerous pickups and mics he installs (Joe Mills, Sunrise, McIntyre Acoustic Featherand others!). We also talk about his signature model RainSong guitar and his forthcoming order with acclaimed luthier Jason Kostal. Beyond all the gear talk, David walks us through his Custom Songs program (where he takes commissions from fans to write songs specifically about their lives), the fateful moment that inspired him to take up the guitar and a lot more. This episode is sponsored by Lowden Guitars, Lee Valley Tools and Retrofret Vintage Guitars. 

John McEuen joins us on this week's Fretboard Journal Podcast to talk about the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, learning from Doug Dillard, the creation of his solo album, Made in Brooklyn (and the unique way it was recorded), plus a lot more. Check out the Fretboard Journal website to watch McEuen perform "Brooklyn Crossing."  This week's episode is sponsored by Lee Valley Tools, Retrofret Vintage Guitars and Lowden Guitars. 

Jazz icon John Pizzarelli joins us to talk about Nat King Cole, his dad (Bucky Pizzarelli), his Radio Deluxe show and much more! This episode is sponsored by Lee Valley Tools and Retrofret Vintage Guitars. Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal magazine here: https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/collections/all/products/fretboard-journal-subscription-no-auto-renew

On today's Fretboard Journal Guitar Podcast, we're talking to YouTube sensation Ryan “Fluff” Bruce. With his Riffs, Beards & Gear channel, Fluff has conducted deep dives into all sorts of gear questions, unboxed the cheapest guitars imaginable on Amazon and, most importantly, had a ton of fun. Along the way, he's garnered over 250,000 YouTube subscribers. We talk to Fluff about the unlikely career of a professional YouTuber (including the even more unlikely training he received as an editor of adult films!), his band Rest, Repose, and his signature model guitar built by Balaguer Guitars. Plus a lot more… Use the coupon code PODCAST when you check out at fretboardjournal.com and receive $5 off your order. This week's episode is sponsored by Lee Valley Tools and Retrofret Vintage Guitars.  

It’s Christmas Season once again and George and Jeremy are back to discuss gift ideas for your workbench!  This week, we’re joined by previous guests Nick KN6NK, Rod VA3ON, and Smitty KR6ZY.  This discussion will give inspire you with plenty of tools, test equipment, supplies, and stocking stuffers to add to your holiday workbench wishlist! Twitter Workbench Picture Thread - https://twitter.com/smittyhalibut/status/931740952690958336 Double Cross Antenna - http://w7dbo.net/MARTES_Double_Cross_Antenna.pdf Mount Panavise Jr. to an Arm!  - https://twitter.com/CyberQueenMara/status/931560219125063680 Hand Tools Weller ML100 Magna-Lite Micro Torch $10 https://www.amazon.com/Weller-ML100-Magna-Lite-Micro-Refillable/dp/B000KL2CGO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1510007582&sr=8-1&keywords=weller+torch Hakko CHP 170 Diagonal Micro Cutters $6 - https://smile.amazon.com/Hakko-CHP-170-Stand-off-Construction-21-Degree/dp/B076M3ZHBV/ref=sr_1_1?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1510971882&sr=1-1&keywords=chp170 Stainless tweezers (curved, straight) $25 each, or super cheap set ($9) Slotted head ceramic driver/adjustment set ($14) - for tweaking trimpots without shorting stuff out iFixit 64-bit screwdriver kit ($30) Hakko flush cutters ($5) PowerPole crimper ($50) Wiha System 4 Precision Modular screwdrivers https://www.wihatools.com/tech-tools/system-4-precision Knipex mini Pliers set Of two  with Parallel jaws Knipex Tools 00 20 72 V01 Mini Pliers in Belt Pouch, Red, 2-Piece Soldering Tools and Accessories Aoyue soldering iron and  hot air rework station $150 http://www.aoyue.eu/aoyue-int899a-smd-rework-hot-air-soldering-station-with-turbine-engine.html Entry Level Hot Air Rework $75 - http://www.newark.com/tenma/21-11424/temperature-controlled-hot-air/dp/25AC4940 Aven Circuit Board Holder $12 - https://www.amazon.com/Aven-17010-Adjustable-Circuit-Holder/dp/B00Q2TTQEE/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1510976355&sr=8-3&keywords=board+holder PanaVise Jr $27 -  https://www.amazon.com/PanaVise-Model-201-Junior-Miniature/dp/B000B61D22 MetCal Soldering PS2E $175 USED - https://www.ebay.com/itm/222692052462 MetCal Soldering MX500 $250 - https://www.ebay.com/itm/272921431841 How the MetCal works - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S9Wmqc9O24w WES-51 or FX-888 soldering iron ($100) TS100 portable iron (requires external DC power) ($50-$80) Hackaday review  Video review Hot-air reflow station ($60) Controleo toaster reflow controller ($109) Tiny desk fan ($20) and solder fume extractor ($25-$50) Solder reel stand ($10-$20) Ceramic floor tile (12”x12” or larger), $1-$2 Workbench Accessories Pluggable USB Microscope $35 - https://www.amazon.com/Plugable-Microscope-Flexible-Observation-Magnification/dp/B00XNYXQHE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1510971418&sr=8-1&keywords=plugable+microscope Stereo microscope ($190) with 5x/10x, 10x/15x, or 10x/20x Prusa i3 MK3 3D Printer $999 Assembled - https://shop.prusa3d.com/en/17-3d-printers CNC router ($400+) MillRight CNC Router Kits - https://www.millrightcnc.com/ Laser cutter ($500ish) Storage and Organization Organization/storage tool rack  $11 Global Industrial storage boxes (~$30-$70 per 100 boxes, mine are 4”W x 12”D x 4.5”H) Lift-N-Lok tool box (seem to not be available anymore) Veto Pro Pac Tool bag https://www.vetopropac.com/product/tech-mct Mechanics tool drawers (with organizers and Ptouch labels for the OCD crowd) DYMO LabelManager 160 Label Maker $15 - https://www.amazon.com/DYMO-LabelManager-Handheld-Label-1790415/dp/B005X9VZ70/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1511114832&sr=8-3&keywords=label+maker AKRO MILS - https://akro-mils.com/ AKRO-MILS Small Parts Bins $30 - https://www.amazon.com/Akro-Mils-10164-Plastic-Storage-Hardware/dp/B000LDH3JC/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1511115094&sr=8-3&keywords=akro+mils AKRO-MILS Mixed Parts Bins $30 - https://www.amazon.com/Akro-Mils-10144-20-Inch-16-Inch-Hardware/dp/B003P2UOCO/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1511115094&sr=8-4&keywords=akro+mils AKRO-MILS Large Parts Bins $30 - https://www.amazon.com/Akro-Mils-10124-Plastic-Hardware-6-5-Inch/dp/B003TV3NL0/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1511115094&sr=8-5&keywords=akro+mils Consumables and Supplies Bag of powerpole connectors - 10 pairs for $9.99 free shipping https://www.ebay.com/itm/ANDERSON-POWERPOLE-Sermos-AC-DC-Connectors-30-Amp-10-Pair/192363652204?hash=item2cc9c4646c:g:ZvAAAOSwTM5YxtBX Hatchbox 3D Printing Filament - https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_2?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=hatchbox Box o’ Resistors!  $7 - https://www.amazon.com/Cutequeen-750-Values-Resistor-25pcs/dp/B016NXK6QK/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1510972481&sr=8-3&keywords=resistors USB Cables!  Especially Anker Powerline for anything that is doing power RF Adapters (You use one for a project, and it lives with that project forever.) Snap-on RF Chokes Wire for signals hookup, power transmission RF Coax Cable - LMR400, LMR240, LMR195, etc Lifetime supply of 63/37 solder ($33) (get a smaller spool of thicker solder if doing power connectors Solder braid - https://www.amazon.com/NTE-Electronics-SW02-10-No-Clean-Solder/dp/B0195UVWJ8/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1511115385&sr=8-3&keywords=solder+braid Heatshrink tubing Glue-lined heatshrink ($12) SMD practice board ($1) Test and Measurement Equipment Elecraft XG3 Signal Generator( Sweep Gen, Beacon CW and RTTY, Foxhunt Tx) - http://www.elecraft.com/XG3/xg3.htm Digilent Analog Discovery II  $279 (www.digilent.com / www.digikey.com ) http://store.digilentinc.com/digital-discovery-portable-logic-analyzer-and-digital-pattern-generator/ Airspy HF+/Airspy R2/Airspy Mini $99-$199 - https://v3.airspy.us/ Siglent SDS-1202X-E Oscilloscope - http://www.saelig.com/product/sds1202x-e.htm Non-contact thermometer ($19) Non-contact voltage probe ($19) Socket tester ($9) Component tester ($15) LC meter ($25) Frequency counter ($17) Bus Pirate ($28) 8ch 24MHz logic analyzer, works with Sigrok ($14) Saleae mixed-signal analyzers, ($110-$600) Rigol DS1054Z Oscilloscope ($400) Bench Power Supply - Generic unit, many options, $50-$100, may need to swap pots out for 10-turn Bench Power Supply eez-h24005, $400, but unknown when next manufacturing run Bench Power Supply Rigol (1-channel $300, 3-channel $475) Bench Power Supply Siglent (basic 3ch $270, or fancy 3ch $370) Spectrum analyzer - SSA3021X, ($1600) SDR dongle ($21), noise source ($12), directional coupler Fluke Mulitmeters - 87V $370 - https://www.amazon.com/Fluke-FLUKE-87-V-Digital-Multimeter/dp/B00T3LZLFG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1511115922&sr=8-1&keywords=fluke+87v EEVBlog Bryman 235 Digital Multimeter $125 - https://www.amazon.com/EEVblog-BM235-Brymen-Multimeter/dp/B01JZ1ADCO/ref=sr_1_1?s=industrial&ie=UTF8&qid=1511115964&sr=1-1&keywords=eevblog Siglent SDM3000 Series Benchtop Multimeters - http://www.saelig.com/category/siglent-dmm.htm?Screen=CTGY&Category_code=siglent-sdm-multimeters Stocking Stuffers Wago 221 Lever-Nut Assortment Pocket Pack $19.95 https://www.amazon.com/Wago-Lever-Nut-Assortment-Pocket-Pack/dp/B01N0LRTXZ/ref=sr_1_1?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1510008024&sr=1-1&keywords=WAGO+WIRE+NUTS&dpID=41fWIAdO%252BDL&preST=_SY300_QL70_&dpSrc=src Airspy Mini $99 - https://v3.airspy.us/product/a-airspy-mini/ QRP Labs CW QCX Transceiver - https://www.qrp-labs.com/qcx.html BITX40 40M QRP SSB Transceiver - http://www.hfsigs.com/ Assorted jumper wires ($8) Breadboard + jumper wire kit ($12) Breadboard power supply ($6, 3-pack $8, 6-pack $11) FTDI USB/TTL adapter: 3.3v, 5v ($15) (avoid eBay, lots of FTDI counterfeits) Lady ada toolkit $100 https://www.adafruit.com/product/136 Leatherman Squirt electricians edition (ES4)  $32 Allen wrench handles (Lee Valley Tools) http://www.leevalley.com/us/wood/page.aspx?p=75480&cat=1,70373,70375. $15 Membership for a Makerspace https://spaces.makerspace.com/directory/  

Erin Blaskie shares marketing lessons straight from the Lee Valley Tools catalogue. Episode 153: 3 Marketing Lessons I Learned from the Lee Valley Tools Catalogue by Erin Blaskie (Product Design). Erin Blaskie has helped numerous businesses come online, establish their web presence and create community. Erin’s primary expertise is in creating solid systems and processes for businesses but she also leads clients to leverage the power of the Internet to nurture community, create culture and inspire change. She is a TEDx speaker and a Google Certified Speaker and speaks all around the world. The original post is located here:   & in ! and This episode is brought to you by SendPro from Pitney Bowes. SendPro has three times the features of Stamps.com at one-third the price… Visit to learn more and try it FREE for 90 days.

Erin Blaskie shares marketing lessons straight from the Lee Valley Tools catalogue. Episode 153: 3 Marketing Lessons I Learned from the Lee Valley Tools Catalogue by Erin Blaskie (Product Design). Erin Blaskie has helped numerous businesses come online, establish their web presence and create community. Erin’s primary expertise is in creating solid systems and processes for businesses but she also leads clients to leverage the power of the Internet to nurture community, create culture and inspire change. She is a TEDx speaker and a Google Certified Speaker and speaks all around the world. The original post is located here:   & in ! and This episode is brought to you by SendPro from Pitney Bowes. SendPro has three times the features of Stamps.com at one-third the price… Visit to learn more and try it FREE for 90 days.

Long before the summer hiatus this year you might remember our last project build was a Maple Child's Dresser for a client and family friend. It was one of four pieces I was asked to build for their daughter's room. Today we're getting started with the first of a four part series that covers the construction of the next two pieces, a pair of matching Maple Bookcases with adjustable shelves. The construction is straight forward and the design is loosely based on a Shaker "style" bookcase. Clean lines, strong materials and soft edges were what I had in mind when I sat down to work up the final construction notes and drawings based on the pictures of similar bookcases they showed me. In today's episode we'll construct the sides of the bookcase and route a pair of grooves in each side panel that will house the adjustable shelving hardware I chose to use. We'll then follow up the construction portion of the video with a look at some of our shelving hardware options and even some jigs we can use to install the hardware. IN FACT...I'm digging up an old homemade jig plan that was submitted several years ago by Don Garner. To check out the plans for Don's Jig "right click and save as..." on THIS LINK. Huge thanks to Lee Valley Tools for loaning us a Veritas Cabinet 32 Cabinetmaking System and some hardware examples for today's show.

Long before the summer hiatus this year you might remember our last project build was a Maple Child's Dresser for a client and family friend. It was one of four pieces I was asked to build for their daughter's room. Today we're getting started with the first of a four part series that covers the construction of the next two pieces, a pair of matching Maple Bookcases with adjustable shelves. The construction is straight forward and the design is loosely based on a Shaker "style" bookcase. Clean lines, strong materials and soft edges were what I had in mind when I sat down to work up the final construction notes and drawings based on the pictures of similar bookcases they showed me. In today's episode we'll construct the sides of the bookcase and route a pair of grooves in each side panel that will house the adjustable shelving hardware I chose to use. We'll then follow up the construction portion of the video with a look at some of our shelving hardware options and even some jigs we can use to install the hardware. IN FACT...I'm digging up an old homemade jig plan that was submitted several years ago by Don Garner. To check out the plans for Don's Jig "right click and save as..." on THIS LINK. Huge thanks to Lee Valley Tools for loaning us a Veritas Cabinet 32 Cabinetmaking System and some hardware examples for today's show.