Local Grit

Nrinder Nana's website Social Feeds https://www.instagram.com/ward3hamilton Nrinder Nann on small business red tape, commercial rent pressure, and designing the LRT to support Main Streets Hamilton Ward 3 Councillor Nrinder Nann joins Alex Hobcraft to discuss what City Hall can do for small businesses, especially those trying to survive in brick-and-mortar spaces. They discuss inspections, permits...

In this episode, Hamilton City Councillor Tammy Hwang shares insights on balancing small business needs with city regulations, improving traffic safety, and attracting investment to Hamilton. She discusses her experience as a small business owner, her approach to city governance, and her perspectives on data centers and urban development. Hamilton, small business, city council, traffic safety, inv...

Astrid Hepner on building the Hamilton Music Collective and getting music into kids’ hands Astrid Hepner shares how her career took her from Blue Note Records in New York to founding the Hamilton Music Collective in Hamilton. The conversation covers how the organization grew from a small idea into a citywide music education hub, why jazz and improvisation matter for young people, and how the colle...

Where to Find Chris NO VIDEO. Chris was unable to be on camera, but his message is still there! https://demeloforcouncil.ca/ https://www.instagram.com/demelo4councillor https://x.com/Demelo_ward3 Chris De Mello on Ward 3, small business, and fixing Hamilton’s slowest systems Chris De Mello, a custodian and maintenance worker with the Peel District School Board and longtime union leader, lays out h...

Meredith MacLeod, the director and publisher of Hamilton City Magazine, shares the story of the magazine's inception, the challenges of print media in the digital age, the content and distribution strategy, the role of the magazine in the community, and the business challenges related to advertising and sustainability. The conversation covers the urbanization of Hamilton, the impact of urban devel...

Summary In this episode, architect Bill Curran shares his journey from early career to founding CAI, emphasizing the importance of design, relationship building, and continuous learning in architecture and real estate development. Keywords architecture, real estate, design, Hamilton, community development, entrepreneurship, creativity, travel, education, sustainability key topics Bill Curran's car...

Gather Canada website Summary: Season two of Local Grit kicks off with a conversation with Sara Auld from gathercanada.com, an event space. Sara shares her journey from a career in bond insurance to becoming a lawyer and eventually starting Gather Canada. The space is designed to bring nature indoors and foster real conversations and relationships. The business model, pricing, and the importance o...

Title: Navigating Entrepreneurial Disruptions: From Burnout to Support with Jody Laking In this episode, Jody Laking shares her personal and professional journey through life-disrupting events and how they shaped her latest business pivot to focus on supporting entrepreneurs in crisis. Discover practical tools, unique frameworks, and AI solutions for entrepreneurs managing overload, burnout, or ma...

Building Community and Innovation: The Entrepreneurial Journey of Alex Hogcraft Discover how Alex Hogcraft transformed setbacks into opportunities, blending music education with digital marketing and AI technology to support small businesses in Hamilton. This episode explores resilience, community engagement, and leveraging technology to adapt in challenging times. In this episode: Alex's early ca...

Title: Building Restaurants and Brands With Purpose Join Erin Dunham as she discusses her journey from corporate life to hospitality entrepreneurship, focusing on innovative branding and community engagement. Highlights: Transition from corporate to hospitality Crowdfunding The Mule restaurant Communication skills from an English degree Lessons from opening and scaling businesses Unique branding a...

Business management in specialty food (chocolate and culinary experience), balancing creation and systems, customer experience, staff hiring, and seasonal challenges Mastering a Niche Business: Insights from the Founder of Chocolate Tales David’s journey from restaurant work to chocolate entrepreneurship Managing multiple business components—studio classes, online sales, corporate events The impor...

Building Community and Brands: Insights from Ryan Moran's Entrepreneurial Journey in Hamilton This episode features Ryan Moran, a Hamilton-based serial entrepreneur, sharing his insights into building businesses rooted in community, storytelling, and authenticity. From dynamic marketing campaigns at Niagara Parks to launching a watch brand during the pandemic, Ryan offers valuable lessons in resil...

Katherine Yager and Callum Pinsky pilotsolutions.ca localgrit.ca Summary In this engaging interview, Catherine and Callum from Pilot Solutions share their journey from political science to running a successful web design, SEM, and SEO firm. They discuss the importance of strategy over tactics, client relationship management, and the future of digital marketing, including AI search. A must-listen f...

Katherine Yager and Callum Pinsky pilotsolutions.ca localgrit.ca Summary In this engaging interview, Catherine and Callum from Pilot Solutions share their journey from political science to running a successful web design, SEM, and SEO firm. They discuss the importance of strategy over tactics, client relationship management, and the future of digital marketing, including AI search. A must-listen f...

www.mysticramen.ca localgrit.ca One of the best interviews I've had for this podcast as I introduce Heather and Noah. Mystic Ramen, Hamilton, Japanese cuisine, community, inclusive dining, restaurant industry, financial stability, ramen tradition, culinary innovation, small business Summary In this engaging conversation, Heather and Noah, the founders of Mystic Ramen, share their journey from culi...

Click here to visit Locke St Dental Visit Local Grit here - Local Grit Summary In this engaging conversation, Dr. Shahab Tabesh, a dentist at Locke Street Dental, shares his unique journey into dentistry, shaped by his childhood experiences and serendipitous encounters. He discusses the importance of building relationships with patients, especially in alleviating their fears and anxieties about de...

See Bernadette's website @_28MUSIC Summary In this engaging conversation, Alex Hobcraft speaks with musician Bernadette Connors about the multifaceted nature of a music career. They explore the business side of music, the importance of valuing one's worth, and the challenges faced in the gig economy. Bernadette shares her journey of finding her voice, the significance of building relationships in...

https://staircasehamilton.com/ Keywords Staircase Theatre, Hamilton arts, improv, comedy, community engagement, event hosting, arts funding, local culture Summary In this conversation, Alex Hobcraft interviews Matthew Serena from The Staircase Theatre, discussing its history, evolution, and role in Hamilton's arts scene. They explore the challenges of hosting events, community engagement, marketin...

Suzanne Zandbergen Click here to hire the Generator. New platforms, shifting algorithms, and constant noise—Suzanne breaks down how business owners can navigate social media without burning out or chasing every trend. What You’ll Learn in This Episode In this conversation, Suzanne and Alex explore: How platforms like Threads and Blue Sky differ from traditional social media Why sustainable content...

Visit Emily's site https://www.compasscontent.ca/ Keywords AI, digital marketing, ethical AI, small business, AI training, marketing strategy, AI policy, environmental impact, AI tools, productivity Takeaways AI is fundamentally changing the digital marketing landscape. Ethical considerations are crucial in AI implementation. Small businesses need guidance to navigate AI effectively. AI can enhanc...

Eric's Website: https://gtmdelta.com/ Keywords:  tech marketing, customer experience, branding, entrepreneurship, engagement, storytelling, marketing strategies, audience understanding, innovation, continuous learning Summary In this engaging conversation, Alex Hobcraft and Eric Wright explore the journey of Eric from a cobbler to a successful tech marketer. They discuss the importance of customer...

Work Smart Canada Keywords entrepreneurship, coaching, trades, business blueprint, self-employment, support systems, productivity, exit strategies, community, success stories Summary In this conversation, Jody Laking, a coach and entrepreneur from WorkSmart Canada, discusses the importance of entrepreneurship, particularly in the trades industry. She introduces her Start Smart Trades and Business...

Art Revival Website Keywords Revival Art Store, Creative Disruptors, Art Community, Entrepreneurship, Art Supplies, Cafe, Life Drawing, Paint and Sip, Sustainable Art, Business Strategy Summary In this conversation, Jerrold Hewson shares the inspiring journey of establishing the Revival Art Store, a creative hub that combines art supplies, a cafe, and community workshops. After a life-altering acc...

Listen to more episodes! https://localgrit.ca/episodes www.instagram.com/localgrit www.facebook.com/localgrit www.youtube.com/localgrit Summary In this engaging conversation, Alex Hobcraft interviews Matt Diamante, an SEO and digital marketing expert, about his journey in building a successful agency, Hey Tony. They discuss the importance of transparency, giving away valuable information for free,...

Alan Richter is the owner and operator of Revive Health on Dundurn in Hamilton. We discuss his unique approach to physiotherapy, exercise, and movement, which is more forward-thinking. Localgrit.ca