Behind the Business

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 city building, exploring what drives his vision for...

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 entrepreneurs to break through their barriers and excel...

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, multi-faceted destination, offering waterparks, l...

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 sales from $800,000,000 to $2 Billion over five years....

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 to launch H.O.P.E., and how mindfulness, leadershi...

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, the importance of community placemaking, and...

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 Inclusion team at the Region of Waterloo. Suzie brings...

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 counselling or social work. Her approach is warm, emp...

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.  Robin has always had a great passion for gettin...

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 battling breast cancer. Get a look Behind...

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-by-play voice of the Kitchener Rangers on 570 New...

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 deeply with the Humane Society’s mission and values....

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 the Environment & Sustainability Award at the...

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 journey, her life after boxing, and wh...

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 of Individual Insurance Services since 2004, over...

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 business in late 2020. Her website explains "the B...

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 guests, employees and the community as a whole. Since...

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 with every one of their projects. From the collab...

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 years and has played an integral role in h...

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, provincially, and nationally to develop innovative ways t...

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 gathered the most commonly asked quest...

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 Waterloo Region, and was a Director with the Greate...

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 with Ian McLean, President & CEO of the Great...

Amber French is Managing Partner at Catalyst Capital. Co-Founded with Kurtis McBride (Miovision, Catalyst 137), Catalyst Capital connects investors to early stage technology and tech-based commercial real estate opportunities in Waterloo Region. Amber is also co-founder of Catalyst Commons, an approximately 70000sqft coworking and corporate innovation space debuting Spring 2020 inside Catalyst 137...

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