In Conversation With Bruce W. Cole

In this episode, host Bruce Cole sits down with Randy Whitteker, a foundational figure in the Canadian natural health industry who recently retired after a remarkable 38-year career. Whitteker shares his unique journey from a suburban upbringing to becoming a leader in the cooperative movement, eventually transforming the Ontario Natural Food Company (ONFC) from a $1.5 million distributor into a $...

In this episode, Mid-Day Squares co-founder and "Chief Rainmaker" Jake Karls explores how storytelling serves as a vital competitive advantage in the modern business landscape. Jake details the brand's "build out loud" strategy, which involves documenting every aspect of their entrepreneurial journey, including the "good, the bad, and the ugly" to foster deep hum...

Like so many across our industry, we were deeply saddened by the passing of Deane Parkes. But as we reflected on his life, one thing became abundantly clear, Deane meant something different to everyone he touched. He was a mentor, a teacher, a marketer, a leader, and above all, a friend. He had a remarkable gift for sharing his ideas, wisdom, and encouragement so generously with others. To honour...

In this special edition of In Conversation With , Bruce Cole is joined by Lorrie Ingram for a look back at some of the people, events, and moments that have shaped the natural health industry over the past several weeks. The conversation begins with highlights from the Health First Network Annual General Meeting in Whistler, British Columbia, where retailers and vendors came together for networkin...

In this episode, Bruce sits down with Alice Chung, founder and owner of Alive Health Centre, for a remarkable conversation about nearly five decades in the natural health industry. From a single 700-square-foot store to a network of 21 locations across British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario, Alice reflects on the decisions, values, and relationships that helped shape one of Canada's most resp...

In this episode of "In Conversation with," host Bruce Cole welcomes Davide Viola, President and CEO of the Health First Network, to discuss the organization's mission and its evolving role in the natural health industry. Davide describes Health First as a mission-driven, non-profit support organization dedicated to empowering nearly 120 independent retailers, representing approximat...

In this episode of In Conversation With , host Bruce Cole speaks with Stephanie Skalic, the Senior Merchandising Manager for Nature's Treasure at Fortinos Supermarket Limited. Stephanie shares her inspiring transition from a career in finance to becoming a leader in the natural health industry, a journey sparked by her own health challenges and the encouragement of a "guardian angel&quot...

In this episode of In Conversation With , host Bruce Cole sits down with Julie Drapeau, Senior VP of the Wellness Division at Purity Life Health Products. Julie shares her unconventional career journey, transitioning from the "dark side" of non-natural beauty brands to becoming a powerhouse leader in the natural health industry. She discusses her early experiences managing major stores f...

In this episode of In Conversation With, host Bruce Cole sits down with Sanjiv Jagota, the visionary founder and president behind Nature’s Source and Nature’s Signature. With over 28 years of experience in the retail health sector, Sanjiv shares his unique journey from a career in pharmaceutical quality control and sales to becoming a leader in the natural health industry. He discusses the initial...

This episode explores the 39-year legacy of Neal Brothers, tracing its evolution from a small kitchen operation in Aurora making croutons to a national leader in the natural food industry. Peter Neal shares the grit required to build a distribution network from scratch when traditional distributors wouldn't take a chance on a small brand. Peter discusses the strategic 2023 merger with Jon Luc...

In this episode, Jason Sebeslav, owner of the Peanut Mill Natural Health Food Store in St. Catharines, Ontario, discusses the remarkable 50-year journey of his family business. Originally founded by his mother in 1976 and supported by his grandmother, the store grew from a "fringe" counterculture shop into a community staple. Jason shares his personal transition from a background in Engl...

In this episode, Matt LeBeau , the President of Lebeau Excel , shares his extensive journey through the Canadian grocery and natural health sectors. Matt provides a breakdown of the vital role a broker plays as a "bolt-on sales department" for small to medium-sized enterprises, allowing them to establish a national presence at a fraction of the cost of an internal team. He also discusses...

This episode features Nadiya Raphael, General Manager and Vice President of New Chapter Canada, sharing the unprecedented business story of how a leading natural health brand voluntarily "paused" its entire Canadian operation. In November 2022, despite experiencing record growth, the company halted distribution to address regulatory documentation requirements with Health Canada. Nadiya d...

In this episode of In Conversation , host Bruce Cole speaks with Vicky Hachey, a registered holistic nutritionist and the owner of Good Health Mart in Hamilton, Ontario. Vicky shares her transition from a concerned parent navigating her son's dietary needs to becoming a dedicated natural health retailer. She discusses her three primary business goals which involve becoming a known presence in...

This episode features a discussion between host Bruce Cole and guest Pierre Martineau, President and Publisher of Vitalité Québec Magazine regarding the 30-year evolution of the natural health industry in Quebec. Pierre organizes an annual golf tournament in Longueuil, Quebec, which is specifically designed to bring together the various sectors of the natural health industry. Held in mid-week to a...

In this episode, Bruce Cole sits down with Lynsey Walker, Vice President of Marketing and Communications at the Canadian Health Food Association (CHFA) , to explore the rapidly shifting landscape of Canada’s natural, organic, and wellness industry. Celebrating five years with the association, Lynsey Walker shares her journey from a specialized academic background in functional foods to her pivotal...

In this episode, host Bruce Cole sits down with Cristina Guglielmi, the Director of National Sales for Health Food at CanPrev , to discuss the evolving landscape of the natural health industry. With 61% to 68% of Canadians still choosing to shop for supplements at physical health food stores, the conversation centers on how these retailers can maintain their edge against growing online competition...

In this instalment of "In Conversation With," host Bruce Cole is joined by Tracy Creighton, the National Director of Sales for A.Vogel at Bioforce Canada. With a career spanning over two decades, Tracy offers deep insights into the natural health industry’s unique culture of collaboration and the personal qualities that drive long-term success. Tracy shares her professional origin story,...

In this episode of In Conversation with Bruce W. Cole , Bruce sits down with Matthew James, President and CEO of Purity Life Health Products , for a thoughtful conversation about distribution, innovation, and the evolving landscape of the natural health products industry in Canada. Matthew discusses Purity Life’s recent expansion following the acquisition of PSC, ONFC, and Horizon Distribution. Th...

In this episode of In Conversation with Bruce W. Cole , Bruce sits down with Deane Parkes, a Canadian Health Food Association Hall of Famer and one of the most respected voices in the natural health products industry. Deane reflects on a remarkable career that spans retail, distribution, consulting, and brand building. From owning early health food stores in North Vancouver to founding Preferred N...

In this episode of In Conversation with Bruce W. Cole , Bruce sits down with Marc Curcio, Chief Business Development Officer at BioSteel Sports, for a candid conversation about sales, brand building, and the remarkable journey of one of Canada’s most recognizable sports nutrition companies. Marc reflects on his early career in retail, where he first learned that great salespeople succeed by listen...

Episode 3 of In Conversation With Bruce W. Cole turns its focus to the operational realities shaping independent health food retail today: margins, freight, rising costs, and the resilience required to compete. Our Friend of the Pod, Deb Larocque, National Sales Manager at Assure Natural Distribution, opens the episode with a heartfelt and insightful conversation on the critical role field represe...

The inaugural episode of In Conversation with Bruce W. Cole sets the stage for a podcast dedicated to connecting retailers, brands, and leaders across Canada’s natural health industry. Bruce welcomes Aaron Skelton, President and CEO of the Canadian Health Food Association, for a timely discussion focused on the upcoming CHFA Vancouver 2026 show. Together, they explore what retailers should anticip...

Episode 2 of In Conversation With Bruce W. Cole explores one of the most powerful competitive advantages independent health food stores have today: education. Our Friend of the Pod this week, Christina Barrett, Medical Director Orange Naturals / Sales Director FDM and Online, opens the conversation with a compelling perspective on why independent retailers are better positioned than food, drug, an...