Across the Yard Podcast

Dan White, CEO and co-founder of Gentian, and Haleigh Callison, founder and CEO of Takoda Consulting and team lead for Cedar Sales at Western Forest Products, join Across the Yard to explore how satellite imagery and AI are changing the way we understand and manage forests. From identifying tree species at scale to detecting pest infestations before they spread, this conversation is a crash course...

What if the secret to customer loyalty isn't going above and beyond, but simply doing exactly what you said you would? We sit down with Marc Gordon, an internationally recognized customer experience expert dubbed "Canada's customer service superstar" by the Oprah Winfrey Network, to break down what drives customer behaviour and why so much conventional wisdom on the subject is wrong. In this episo...

Alberta has one of the highest youth unemployment rates in the country, yet many building supply businesses are struggling to find their next generation of talent. In this episode, we sit down with Stefan Rutkowski, President & CEO of CAREERS: The Next Generation, and Claudio Quinteros, Regional Manager, to explore how paid, school-supported internships are bridging that gap. In this episode, they...

Building something new sounds exciting until the market shifts, regulations change, the plan stops working, and you have to start again. This one gets into what it actually takes to build a Canadian manufacturing business and keep it standing when everything around you changes. Jesse Watson and Ryan Cullen join Liz Kovach to share the story behind Quik-Therm's evolution, from identifying a gap in...

Every equipment decision your operation makes carries real cost. The shift to electric forklifts is one of the biggest ones you'll face, and making it without the right information can set you back. This episode gives you the full picture. Shaun Casement, Director of Business Development at HELI Canada, joins Liz to break down: - What the switch from propane to electric actually costs - Why lithiu...

Nav Singh left city life behind to buy and rebuild a struggling hardware store in Leader, Saskatchewan. This episode is about resilience, risk-taking, and what it really means to build both a business and a community from the ground up. In this episode, Nav sits down with Liz to share his journey from immigrating to Canada at 18, to working construction jobs across Western Canada before stepping i...

Marketing is louder, faster, and more measurable than ever, but does that actually make it better? This episode is about building a brand people feel something for, not just one that converts. In this episode, Stephen Bailey, Chief Marketing Officer at John Fluevog Shoes, sits down with Liz to unpack what it really takes to stand out in today’s crowded market. Drawing on more than 20 years with on...

After the sudden passing of their father in 2020, sisters Melissa Jensen, Marissa Wolfe and Kristie Mueller faced the challenge of stepping into a leadership role at their third-generation family-owned business. This episode is about growing through that transition and how it earned them a nomination for the Supply-Build Canada 135 Forge & Form Gala’s Women of Influence award. In this episode, you...

If you’re running a retail yard or building centre, you don’t have time for trends that don’t translate to the bottom line. This episode is about a model that has quietly delivered for nearly 50 years. Rob Forbes built Exchange-A-Blade Tool Company on a straightforward idea: contractors bring in used blades, get credit, and leave with remanufactured ones on the spot. No waiting. No landfill. Just...

This week’s episode is recommended for anyone interested in innovative ways to recycle and reduce waste in construction or using reclaimed wood. Have you ever wondered what happens to the wood from demolished homes? What if much of it could be recovered and put back into use? In this week’s episode of Across the Yard, Liz Kovach sits down with Jay Sanderson, President & Operations Lead at Northmar...

Long known as a male-dominated field, the lumber industry is undergoing meaningful change — but what does that transformation actually look like? Who is leading it, and how? In this week’s episode of Across the Yard, Liz Kovach sits down with Kaitlyn and Lauren Chimko, Lumber Traders, Partners at Dakeryn Industries, and recipients of the Women of Influence Award at the 135 Forge & Form Gala. Toget...

This episode is for anyone in the forestry and building materials industries who are interested in attracting more youth or general public into the industry, and how you can get involved in the effort. The industry is facing a significant skills gap due to a lack of youth interest and new hires, but people are taking action. So, what can we do about it? In this week’s episode of Across the Yard, L...

Today’s episode is a must-listen for anyone working in a lumberyard—or in sales of any kind. Have you ever stepped into your customers’ shoes to see your business from their point of view? In this week’s episode of Across the Yard, Liz Kovach sits down with Marc Atiyolil, designer, builder and co-host of The Marc & Mandy Show, to explore the pain points manufacturers are still facing today, the im...

Today’s episode is for anyone in sales or marketing, old school, new school, or somewhere in between, as well as anyone preparing to exhibit at a trade show. No matter your experience, you’ll walk away with something useful. Have you ever felt stagnant in your style of work or struggled to find success in it? In this week’s episode of Across the Yard, Liz Kovach sits down with returning guest R.M....

Today’s episode is recommended for anyone who aspires to lead or is ready to step up their game. Have you ever wondered what “real leadership” looks like in today’s workplaces? In this week’s episode of Across the Yard, Liz Kovach sits down with Eileen Dooley and Wahaj Awad, Principal & Coach and Consultant at Humance, to explore the latest shifts in leadership, with emotional intelligence taking...

Today’s episode is recommended for Retail leaders, managers, and business owners navigating change. Anyone who’s ever had to lead when confidence wavered or the path wasn’t clear. Have you ever had to navigate yourself in a high-stakes environment? In this week’s episode of Across the Yard, Liz Kovach sits down with Holly Stofa, a former CIA Operator to a High-Performance Leadership Coach, to expl...

Welcome to Supply-Build Canada’s first-ever Golf Confessional — a special Thanksgiving episode packed with laughter, stories, and a few surprises from this year’s golf tournaments. Whether it’s a secret swing tip, an unexpected victory, or a bit of on-course drama, we’ve gathered the best (and worst) golf moments from members and guests across Western Canada. Expect a mix of humor, honesty, and a...

In the building supply industry, travel comes with the territory. Whether you’re a sales associate visiting job sites or a manager attending conferences, you’re often on the move because this industry thrives on connection and relationships. But what happens when the unexpected strikes on the road? Lost baggage, flight delays, or a medical emergency abroad — travel insurance can save you more than...

No matter the size of your operation, manufacturers face significant risks. The impact of a serious loss can be greater than in almost any other industry—Are you confident your facility is properly insured? In this week’s episode of Across the Yard, Liz Kovach sits down with Alex Hawkins, Underwriting Director at Federated Insurance, to explore and break down the evolving risk landscape manufactur...

Leadership is a journey – are you ready to lead? In this week’s episode of Across the Yard, Liz Kovach sits down with Blake Wheeler, former captain of the Winnipeg Jets, and Cody Miller, Director of Novus Global Construction Services & Executive Coach. Together, they explore Blake’s leadership journey, the experiences that drive his "why," and how he’s now helping leaders in both sports and busine...

What is your communication style? In this week’s episode of Across the Yard, Liz Kovach sits down with Genny Sacco-Bak, An instructor at University of Winnipeg PACE and owner of Coffee with Genny B Media. Together, they explore the many “flavors” of communication: from body language and public speaking to crafting impactful introductions and learning self-awareness. Genny also shares her insights...

Ever wondered how your leadership style stacks up and how you can make it even better? In this week’s episode of Across the Yard, Liz Kovach sits down with R.M. Caligiuri, CEO, Lecturer, and Keynote Speaker at Caligiuri Leadership, to explore his unique approach to developing Conscious Intelligence (CQ) in leaders. R.M. shares his journey from a career in marketing and sales to coaching leaders ac...

What does it take to go from zero experience to leading a sales team? Season 4 of Across the Yard is back! In this week’s episode, Liz sits down with Eric Dalton, Director of Sales and Business Development at DFM West Distribution, to explore his sales journey and the resilience it took to succeed in door-to-door sales. Eric shares his story, starting with zero experience and the lessons he learne...

The future of Canada manufacturing has never been more unpredictable, so how are industry leaders adapting? In this week’s episode of Across the Yard, Liz sits down with Sid Tetz, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at CGC Inc. to explore how manufacturers are navigating today’s complex landscape. They dive into the realities of servicing different regions and rural communities across Canada, an...

Looking to transform your outdoor living space this season? In this week’s episode of Across the Yard, Liz sits down with Rob Mitchell, President and CEO of Vista Railing Systems Inc. And Rob Stewart, Office Manager of DeckRite Canada Sundecks Ltd. to discuss the latest trends in Canadian outdoor living. They explore regional preferences, underutilized products, and emerging trends in the industry...