Canada’s Entrepreneur

Chynna Winter is the Chief Executive Officer, Managing Broker, and Licensed Partner of Engel & Völkers Calgary . She has been an active member of the business community in Calgary for over two decades, previously holding executive management positions in the Oil & Gas industry. Chynna’s business background coupled with her passion for real estate have resulted in a long track record of suc...

Nancy Goemans is the founder and co-owner of Pie Junkie , a Calgary artisan pie shop she established in 2015. Prior to launching the business, she spent more than 25 years running a boutique marketing and design agency focused on the hospitality and food industries—building brands, developing menus, styling cookbooks, and shaping food-centric experiences. The inspiration for Pie Junkie was deeply...

Sweet Bella is one of Calgary’s top chocolatiers, known for its bold, adventurous approach to flavour. Pastry Chef Kevin Conniff founded Sweet Bella as a labour of love, turning a personal passion into a thriving business with products now available in over 20 locations across Western Canada, as well as in Connecticut, Texas, and Colorado. The name Sweet Bella means "the sweet beautiful"—a concept...

Amanda Schmidt is the heart behind Purely Inspired Living . The 28-year-old's own path to wellness began with a lot of frustration and self-doubt. She spent years investing time, energy, money, and resources into her health but still felt stuck — constantly fatigued and holding so much grief of not feeling well. That’s when she discovered ONDAMED®️, and everything shifted. As Calgary’s only certif...

Chris Micetich is a serial entrepreneur and investor who is a Founder of seven companies across three industries. Experienced Chief Executive Officer with a proven track record of success including closing the largest licensing deal in Canadian biotech history. Skilled in Pharmaceutical Research and Development (R&D), Biotechnology, Contract Research Organizations (CRO’s) and Life Sciences. Ex...

If you own land in a growing Canadian town or rural market, you need to meet Max Picton. He’s the entrepreneur behind Canada’s first fully automated modular storage facility — turning raw land into cash-flowing assets in just 90 days. Through his company, Modular Storage Solutions, and the My Storage Spot brand, Max is helping landowners unlock income and community value faster than traditional re...

Dan Pantaleo , is President/ CEO of CanGuard Security & Investigations Inc. Dan founded CanGuard in 2005. The company is a full service security corporation with a core business of On -line Training, Background checks, guards and private investigators. For Dan personally its not being the biggest or the best but about being as integral and helpful as possible in this convoluted world of securi...

For more than two decades, Robert Mithcell has been helping Ontario business owners navigate one of the most important decisions of their lives—selling their business. As the founder and lead advisor at Premium Mergers & Acquisitions , based in Guelph, he work hands-on with every client to maximize value, protect their legacy, and guide them through a confidential, stress-free process. His jou...

In this episode of Canada’s Entrepreneur, we highlight a rare chance to acquire a 53-acre greenfield site in Vulcan, Alberta—strategically located midway between Calgary (pop. 1.68M) and Lethbridge (pop. 111K). With Direct Control zoning and a pre-approved structure plan, this property is development-ready for a mix of residential, commercial, retail, hospitality, and wellness-focused uses. Key hi...

Jason Morais is the co-founder and President of Covehead Bay Capital and Franchisee for Two Men and a Truck Halifax. Born and raised in PEI, he graduated from UPEI with a Business Degree and then obtained a law degree from Bond University in Australia. I returned home to PEI where I practiced at a Charlottetown firm for 3.5 years before jumping into the entrepreneurial world. I always had a passio...

Chris Tutty is a local boy, born and raised in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. His love of the arts could be observed in every school he attended: poetry books, yearbook covers, coloring contests, large murals, paintings, and his participation in various school productions and talent shows. After high school Chris stopped painting and drawing all together to pursue a Geology degree. It seemed more pract...

Ryan Blackwell is a Calgary chef and restaurateur known for concept-driven menus and polished, approachable cooking. Raised in Cochrane and trained at SAIT, Blackwell sharpened his craft in Vancouver’s restaurant scene, including a turn as chef de cuisine at the acclaimed Bin 941, before returning home to open Elbow Room in Britannia in 2017 with partner Josh Brennand. The restaurant earned quick...

Sharon Hapton , a successful Calgary-based businesswoman and mother of two, is the founder and CEO of Soup Sisters and Hug in a Bowl Enterprises . In 2008-2009, leading up to her 50th birthday, Sharon channeled her belief in the healing power of homemade soup into founding Soup Sisters, a grassroots organization. Recognized nationally and regionally for her work, Sharon has led the movement that h...

Calgary artist Paul Van Ginkel has been a full-time painter for 42 years. With over 2200 paintings created so far in his career, his work can be found in private and corporate collections around the world. After recently turning 65 he has no plans to retire and strongly feels his best work is ahead of him. While being pleased with his artistic abilities, he’s most proud of the fact that he’s able...

Shawn Freeman is the founder of Impactful MSP , a coaching business dedicated to helping Managed Service Providers scale, lead, and grow beyond seven figures. After building and successfully exiting his own MSP and then partnering to build a second one, Shawn now coaches other MSP owners to create businesses that are not only profitable but also truly impactful. He believes an exceptional MSP busi...

Michael Crooks is a hospitality professional who is always interested in new challenges. He has achieved success in all aspects of the hospitality service industry. Three years ago he decided to move over to entrepreneurship and his journey and success are really insightful for those thinking of making the break to independence. Stay Connected with #CanadasEntrepreneur! Join our growing community...

Jocelyne Holland brings nearly two decades of experience to her role as Partner at Holland Licensed Interior Design . With a wealth of knowledge and experience across a range of industries, including wellness, hospitality, medical, residential, and corporate interiors, she is a highly sought-after resource within the industry for her diverse expertise and focus on human-centred design. Jocelyne's...

Dan Swayze is a seasoned executive leader with over 20 years of experience driving growth, innovation, and transformation in high-tech companies. Renowned for defining and executing technical strategies that enable cloud migration, automation, and data-driven decision-making. Adept at aligning business and technology goals to deliver scalable, secure, and high-performing solutions. Dan is passiona...

John Eresman is a Co-Founder and Director of Brand at Gradient Beverages, a Calgary-based beverage company pioneering bartender-grade drinks and innovative beverages, including their award-winning Inversion Nitro Cocktail range. Prior to founding Gradient, John worked in advertising and marketing for more than a decade. He has a Bachelor's Degree in Marketing from the University of Calgary. Stay C...

Andrew Bullied is the Co-Founder and Co-Owner of Annex Ale & Soda Mfg . in Calgary, Alberta. Andrew has been brewing since 2008, when he was making wine as a means to save money on drinking during university. In 2010, Andrew attended Niagara College’s brewing program in its inaugural year – and was proudly the first drop-out, leaving to start work in Calgary’s budding craft beer industry. Andr...

Doug Will, one of the co-owners of Rawhides Bistro & Saloon in Stenen, Saskatchewan, grew up on the family farm just north of Tisdale, where he farmed with his dad and brothers for a few years. In 1980 he moved to farm north of Star City, a town just east of Melfort, where he and his wife raised three sons. In 2000 he bought a farm just north of Stenen, as well as the Alfalfa Mill at Norquay,...

Sameer Dhar is a serial entrepreneur and healthcare innovator passionate about using technology to create social impact. He is the CEO and Co-Founder of NiaHealth , Canada’s leading proactive health platform, helping people live longer, healthier lives by combining advanced biomarker testing, personalized clinical insights, and expert guidance. Sameer’s entrepreneurial journey began in high school...

Stephan and Kimberley Lafreniere are growth-oriented and insight driven senior executive with a track record of success in developing and implementing strategies and tactics to drive profits in the retail sectors. Stephan has held progressively senior roles within the planning, merchandising, and branding disciplines at iconic Canadian retailers including Canadian Tire Corporation, Hudson’s Bay Co...

Joe Blanchard is a results-oriented Senior Executive. He runs VeCATS to assist Soldiers and Veterans transition into Corporate Canada with the right skills to be successful. VeCATS provides a 4 Step Process for veterans 1. Soft-Skills, 2. Hard Skills, 3. Internship, 4. Job Placement. And his primary focus today is to help Veterans move into the entrepreneurial sector successfully. Joe is a former...

Malika Rajani is Founder and Creative Director of Malika Rajani , a Leather and Outerwear store primarily online with pop-up locations. She is also the General Manager of High River Toyota, a family-operated business. She is an emerging womenswear fashion designer based out of the Calgary area. Her namesake clothing line MALIKA creates clothing for conscious, modern women. The label has gained pop...