Early Days

Dr. Randy Gregg has worn many hats: five-time Stanley Cup champion, Olympic athlete, family physician—and now, community builder through baseball. In this episode, he shares how his love for the game and belief in accessibility sparked the revival of Remax Field and the creation of the Edmonton Riverhawks . From $3 hot dogs to leadership lessons from Wayne Gretzky, it’s a story about building some...

After a turning point in his real estate job, Jeff Tetz took a leap into the unknown—and never looked back. Now the CEO of Results , he helps leadership teams across Canada build trust, structure, and lasting impact. From launching a shuttle bus service in grade nine to creating Alberta’s BEx Summit, Jeff shares powerful stories of resilience, reinvention, and leadership. Discover how vulnerabilit...

Mikayla Balfour is changing the landscape of snow sports with Nexarina , a brand built to serve women who’ve long been overlooked in the outerwear industry. What started as a personal struggle to find snow pants that actually fit evolved into a mission-driven business centred on inclusivity, community, and performance. Through hands-on research, pitch competitions, and three seasons of prototyping...

In this episode of Early Days, host Jackie Rae speaks with Chris Morris, the new President and CEO of the Edmonton Elks , about the early days of his leadership role, the challenges of rebuilding a historic franchise, and the key strategies he's implementing to create long-term success. Chris discusses the importance of continuity in leadership, how a strong business strategy supports on-field per...

In this episode of Early Days, we explore the world of Aimée Beaudoin, co-founder of Spotlight Cabaret in Edmonton’s Old Strathcona. Spotlight Cabaret is a one-of-a-kind venue featuring dinner theater, burlesque, drag, comedy, live music, and more, all with a 1920s vibe. Aimée shares how she and her partner, Jeff Halaby, turned their creative vision into a successful business. From finding the rig...

With over three decades of experience, Bruce Alton has built a career at the forefront of innovation, blending technology and traditional industries. As the founder of A-Partners Ventures Inc , Bruce focuses on solving real-world problems, mentoring startups, and driving growth through strategic investments and product development. Through ventures like RoBIM Technologies , which applies robotics...

Laughs and insight with Mike Anderson, founder of Trixstar and the visionary behind The Great Outdoors Comedy Festival. From his early days climbing the ranks at Big Valley Jamboree to creating a unique comedy festival experience that spans Canada and beyond, Mike shares the lessons, challenges, and triumphs of building an event empire. Discover how a late-night inspiration led to a groundbreaking...

In this episode of Early Days, we sit down with Shawn Kaminski, founder of Lui Chi’s Coffee , an Edmonton-based coffee offering known for its unique wood-roasted and whiskey barrel-aged beans. Shawn shares his journey from the early days as a barista at Starbucks to launching Lui Chi’s as a mobile espresso truck on Jasper Avenue. Discover how a love for coffee, a passion for community, and a drive...

In this episode of Early Days, Ted Kouri, founder and president of Incite , shares his entrepreneurial journey from co-founding the marketing services agency to transforming it into a strategic consulting firm. He discusses the challenges of starting young, the importance of strategic focus, and how his firm's evolution has aligned with Edmonton's business landscape. Ted also highlights key lesson...

In this episode of Early Days , we sit down with Joe Ammar, President and CEO of River City Events . Joe shares his entrepreneurial journey, from his early work experiences inspired by his father's grocery store to launching River City Events in 2007. He reflects on the challenges of growing the business, acquiring Big Top Tent Rentals, and navigating the impact of COVID-19. Joe also emphasizes th...

In this episode of Early Days , we speak with Catherine Vu , owner of Proactive IT . Catherine shares her incredible journey from immigrating to Canada from Vietnam as a child to becoming a successful entrepreneur in the male-dominated tech industry. She reflects on how her early experiences shaped her resilience, her accidental start in IT, and the importance of mentorship and community in growin...

In this episode of Early Days, Janice Krissa Moore, founder of DON'YA Ukraine's Kitchen, shares her inspiring journey from working with Junior Achievement to her humanitarian efforts supporting Ukrainian newcomers. She discusses the free store model that helped thousands of Ukrainians restart their lives in Canada and the creation of DON'YA Ukraine's Kitchen, a business rooted in culture and commu...

In this episode of Early Days, we sit down with Collin Prince of Prince and Associates , a wealth management expert with over 25 years of experience. Collin shares his unique journey from a small town in Saskatchewan to leading his own financial planning firm. He delves into his philosophy of simplifying financial complexities, the importance of emotional intelligence in wealth management, and his...

In this episode of Early Days, host Jackie Rae interviews Jason Gregor , a well-known radio personality and entrepreneur, as he shares his journey from the oil fields to the radio waves. Jason opens up about the pivotal moments that led him to pursue a career in broadcasting, the challenges of running his own radio show, and the importance of giving back to the community through his Gregor Foundat...

From humble beginnings in the trophy business to leading a thriving promotional company, Elite Promotional Marketing , Drew Schamehorn shares his journey of growth, innovation, and community building. Discover insights on expanding a family business, the impact of sports on business, and the future of Elite Promotional Marketing, including their new ventures in the U.S. Welcome to "Early Days," pr...

Join us for an insightful episode of Early Days, where we sit down with Brian Menges, CEO of Caplink Financial Corporation and his new brand, SoBankable . Discover how Brian’s journey from Alberta to Mexico has shaped his approach to private mortgage lending. Learn about the innovative strategies that led Caplink to thrive in new markets, the importance of patience and perseverance in navigating r...

Join host Jackie Rae Greening as she chats with Mike Mack , founder of X5 Management , about his journey from banking to entrepreneurship, the challenges he faced, and his insights on leadership and employee retention. Tune in for an inspiring episode filled with practical advice and personal anecdotes. Early Days with Mike Mack , founder and CEO of X5 Management . Mike shares his journey from a s...

Discover Ashif Mawji's incredible journey from Kenya to Canada, his entrepreneurial success, and his dedication to philanthropy. Gain valuable insights and inspiration from his story on Early Days with Ashif Mawji . Early Days with Ashif Mawji features the extraordinary journey of Ashif Mawji , managing partner of ScaleGood Fund . Ashif shares his story of moving from Kenya for safety, his early e...

Join us on Early Days in part two of this discussion as Mike Calverley shares his journey from transforming the food industry at Kitchen Partners to helping businesses achieve sales excellence at Propellerant Consulting . Gain practical insights and inspiration from his innovative strategies and relentless commitment to excellence. Meet Mike Calverley, the innovative business leader behind Kitchen...

Join us on Early Days as Mike Calverley shares his journey from his early days in the beer industry to transforming the restaurant category at Kitchen Partners . Gain practical insights and inspiration from his innovative strategies and relentless commitment to excellence on Early Days presented by Prowse Chowne . Meet Mike Calverley, the innovative business leader behind Kitchen Partners and Prop...

Join us on Early Days as we explore the sweet success of Jacqueline Jacek , founder of Jacek Chocolate Couture . Discover how her unique blend of fashion and chocolate crafting has created a pioneering brand that delights and inspires. Meet Jacqueline Jacek , the visionary chocolatier behind Jacek Chocolate Couture , on the next episode of Early Days . Jacqueline has artfully combined her passion...

A beverage filled entrepreneurial journey is on tap in this episode! Join host Jackie Rae Greening on this captivating episode of Early Days as she delves into the conversation with local entrepreneur David Owens of Sherbrooke Liquor . David Owens has enjoyed an entrepreneurial journey of ups and downs that has led him to where he is today. In this episode he shares where he came from, the work th...

Join host Jackie Rae Greening in a captivating episode of Early Days as she engages with Rosanna Fischer , the dynamic Co-owner/Vice President of KDM Management Inc. and Co-Owner of three RE/MAX River City brokerages. Discover Rosanna's unwavering commitment to excellence in the workplace and her profound dedication to philanthropy, as she shares insights into her illustrious career in real estate...

Join host Jackie Rae Greening on this captivating episode of Early Days as she delves into the rich history and promising future of the sign industry with esteemed guests, Daryl and Taylor Blanchett . Daryl Blanchett , a stalwart figure in the sign industry, shares his journey from being born into the legacy of Blanchett Neon to assuming the role of president in 1999. With his roots entrenched in...

In this episode of the Early Days podcast , host Jackie Rae-Greening sits down with Grant Fedoruk , a tenacious physiotherapist and community leader renowned for his unwavering commitment to overcoming challenges. Tune in as Grant shares insights into his remarkable journey from a competitive athlete to a dedicated healer, discussing his diverse certifications, community activism, and the recognit...