Built By Me Podcast

Google searches are declining, and AI tools like ChatGPT are becoming the go-to source for answers. In this Built By Me Short, Taina and Mo dive into the future of search, how AI is changing the way people find businesses, and why optimizing for AI is no longer optional. We break down: Why Google traffic is dropping 📉 How AI tools pull business data 📊 What business owners must do to stay visible...

In this episode of the Built By Me Podcast , Taina sits down with Danny Kerr, co-founder of Breakthrough Academy and host of Contractor Evolution . With over a decade of experience helping hundreds of trades businesses scale, Danny shares why most contractors fail at hiring, how to attract and keep A-players in a competitive market, and why your online reputation matters just as much for employees...

In this short yet packed episode of Built By Me, Taina and Mo sit down, just the two of them, to discuss something every modern entrepreneur needs to hear: why founders need to show up for their team and on social media. Gone are the days where your intern handles all the social content while leadership hides behind the scenes. Your audience wants to know who's behind the brand — not just wha...

In this episode of the Built By Me Podcast, Taina and Mo sit down with David Lafleur, SVP at Cluster POS and a true veteran in the restaurant POS space with over two decades of experience. David shares insights from his journey from building and exiting his first POS business, Volos, to joining Cluster POS and how he's solving real-world restaurant problems with modern, customizable technolog...

In this episode of the Built By Me Podcast, Taina and Mo sit down with Andreanne Rondeau, founder of StratLX and a leading expert in loyalty marketing with over 20 years of experience designing and launching successful loyalty programs across retail, hospitality, telecom, and more. Andreanne shares her insights on the significant shifts in loyalty marketing over the past two decades, from technolo...

In this episode of the Built By Me Podcast, Taina and Mo sit down with Johnny Alfonso and Adriano Fiore, the innovative minds behind Reliable Robots. This Canadian company is revolutionizing how businesses handle repetitive tasks through automation, allowing staff to focus on what truly matters—human connection and customer experience. Johnny and Adriano, friends since high school drama class, sha...

In this episode of the Built By Me Podcast, Taina and Mo sit down with Richard Schenker, the mastermind behind Shoppers Optimum and a leading expert in customer engagement. With decades of experience designing and managing top loyalty programs, Richard shares invaluable insights into what truly drives customer loyalty beyond discounts and points. Richard takes us through his journey from being rec...

In this episode of the Built By Me Podcast, Taina and Mo sit down with Red Boswell, President of IFPG (International Franchise Professionals Group), the largest franchise broker network in the world. With over 30 years of entrepreneurial experience and 25 years in franchising, Red brings invaluable insights into what makes franchising work, and what doesn't. Red shares his remarkable journey...

In this episode of the Built By Me Podcast, Taina and Mo sit down with David Nadezhdin, founder of MYR (Master Your Rush), a cloud-based mobile-first POS system designed specifically for quick service restaurants. David brings a wealth of knowledge on streamlining operations, adapting to industry shifts, and how technology can empower fast-moving restaurants to work smarter. David shares his philo...

In this episode of the Built By Me Podcast , we're joined by Hans Laroche , one of Canada’s top experts in relationship marketing and loyalty. With 35+ years of experience advising brands like Air Miles, Nespresso, Metro, and Loblaws , Hans shares hard truths and fresh strategies for creating loyalty that actually lasts. We dig into: The evolution of loyalty: From points to personalized exper...

Thinking about buying a franchise? 🤔 Franchise consultant Lisa Linkowsky (@MilestoneFranchising) joins the Built By Me Podcast to spill the tea on the REAL world of franchising. In this episode (Ep. 2), Taina and Mo dive deep with Lisa, covering everything from surprising franchise industries (pet waste disposal?! 🤯) and the actual costs involved ($50K to $3.5M+) to the hard truths about whether...

In this episode, hosts Taina and Mo introduce the second season of the Built By Me Podcast. They share exciting updates, including an increase in episode count to 25, a mix of in-person and virtual interviews, and a broader range of topics such as customer-driven growth, AI, and more. They express gratitude to their listeners and invite audience participation for future content ideas. Follow them...

In this special end-of-season episode, Taina and Mo look back on the incredible first year of the Built By Me Podcast. It's been an exciting ride from launching the show to featuring 21 amazing guests and reaching 700 downloads! They share some memorable moments, thank the guests for their insights, and express heartfelt gratitude to the listeners and community for their support. As a token o...

In this episode of the Built By Me Podcast , hosts Taina and Mo are joined by Sid Graef , owner of Spectrum Window Cleaning and host of The Huge Convention. Sid shares his incredible journey from starting a business with minimal resources to building a thriving company centred on leadership, community, and automation. Learn his strategies for scaling a business, building a solid team, and overcomi...

In this episode of the Built By Me Podcast , hosts Taina and Mo sit down with Daniel Myers , Director of Field Operations at FieldPulse. Daniel shares his journey from working in the trades to helping businesses transform through technology and automation. With over 20 years of hands-on experience, Daniel offers insights into how automation is reshaping field service businesses and improving opera...

In this insightful episode of the Built By Me Podcast , we sit down with Angela Schroeder, founder and CEO of Unique Genius Virtual Assistance. Angela shares her entrepreneurial journey from running a dance studio to creating a thriving VA agency that empowers entrepreneurs to focus on what they do best by delegating the rest. Here’s what you can expect: Angela’s Journey: Learn how Angela’s passio...

In this episode of the Built By Me Podcast , we sit down with Ryan Englin, CEO of Core Matters, to discuss the biggest challenges in hiring and retaining hourly employees. Ryan shares insights on building a winning company culture, designing a recruiting system that works, and why attracting employees is just like marketing to customers. 🎯 Key Takeaways: Recruiting is a marketing activity: Craft...

In this episode of the Built By Me Podcast, we welcome entrepreneur and home service expert Colin DeHaan (Cowboy Colin) who shares valuable insights into scaling home service businesses. With over 2,000 applications for his Gutter Launch program, Colin discusses the importance of selflessness in leadership, overcoming pride, and the nuances between coaching and program sales. Dive into this episod...

In this episode of the Built By Me Podcast, we sit down with Curt Kempton, founder of ResponsiBid, to talk about the ups, downs, and everything in between when it comes to running a seasonal business. Curt shares how he went from window cleaning to creating a software platform that’s helping home service businesses everywhere scale and succeed.   From embracing the challenges of seasonality to usi...

In this inspiring episode of Built By Me , hosts Mo and Taina visit Terra Nova Nordic Spa in Woodstock, Ontario, and sit down with Jodi Pendry, founder and visionary behind the wellness retreat. Jodi’s journey from a life of farming and competitive horseback riding to creating a serene, nature-inspired spa is filled with perseverance, resourcefulness, and community support. Tune in as she shares h...

In this episode of Built By Me , we welcome Lia Grimberg, founder of Radicle Loyalty, who shares her expert insights into creating effective and engaging loyalty programs. With a career spanning over 20 years working with Canada’s top brands like PC Optimum, Air Miles, and Hudson’s Bay, Lia dives into how businesses—big or small—can leverage loyalty programs to drive growth and foster lasting cust...

In this episode of the Built By Me Podcast , we sit down with Caleb Wininger, founder of Lake State Cleaning and business coach at CONQUER, to discuss how Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) can transform a business. Caleb shares his journey from starting as an "accidental entrepreneur" to building multiple businesses and achieving time freedom through delegation and systems. We explore...

 In this episode of the Built By Me Podcast, hosts Taina and Mo are joined by special guest Meaghan Likes, a CPA from Northern California with a unique focus on the home services industry. Meaghan shares her journey into accounting, explaining how she found her niche in helping home service businesses achieve financial clarity and success. The conversation takes a personal turn as Meaghan recounts...

In this episode of the Built By Me Podcast , we sit down with Bernie, the head of partnerships at 1SEO, a specialized marketing agency dedicated to service-based businesses. Bernie takes us deep into the world of Search Engine Optimization (SEO), sharing invaluable insights on how businesses can boost their organic online visibility and drive more qualified traffic. Here's what we cover: The...

In this episode, we’re joined by Ross McDaniel, a growth marketer and founder of Fencepost, a marketing agency dedicated to helping home service businesses—like roofers, electricians, and lawn care professionals—generate high-quality leads and five-star reviews. Ross shares his insights on the importance of digital marketing, SEO, and maintaining an online presence, especially for businesses that...