The simple truth is that we waste so much food, so why not repurpose the food in a meaningful way? Did you know about 1/3 of the food that's meant for human mouths ends up in the global trash heap? That means 1.3B tons of food go to waste each year (that's $680 billion worth)
GOAT is a unique app launched in Calgary that allows "donors" (who can be individuals, restaurants, grocers and more) to donate food to "buyers" who can be any individual looking to access food at a free or affordable price point.
Products are available for free with a max cap of 10 dollars, if a monetary amount is selected by the donor, these funds are donated to Leftovers Foundation or Brown Bagging for Calgary’s Kids. When members sign up as a food donor, GOAT sends them a start-up kit with biodegradable food containers that can be used for donations.
In this chat, Ivonne Gamboa, CEO of GOAT, discusses her app, how it works, and where her idea came from. Enjoy this chat witch Ivonne Gamboa.
Website
(https://www.goatgeneration.com/)
Meet James Trask and Tom Gayef, managing partners at LessThan3 and creators of the revolutionary app SkipTheDepot. Together, James and Tom have built an amazing application that is taking the friction out of going to the bottle depot. Instead of taking the time out of your day to return your bottles, cans, plastics and even old electronics and clothing, you can order a pick up with the click of a button. The funds from the bottle depot can be credited back or you can choose to donate the funds.
Items they currently accept:
Cans
Bottles (plastic, glass, aluminum, tetra brik, gable top, bi-metal, etc)
Old Electronics (computers, servers, TVs, printers, computer accessories, microwaves, etc)
Clothing & Items (clothing, luggage, shoes, bedding, accessories, draperies, etc)
In this episode, you will learn how James and Tom built their business and where their idea came from. Also, you will learn about the technology they are using to deploy their app. Finally, you will hear the story of where they met and what they do with their personal time.
Meet Joey Pomerleau, owner of Wednesday co., entrepreneur, speaker, and student. Wednesday co. is an online condom company that focuses on sexual wellness for all. His company is built on inclusivity and equality. Joey's company not only plans to do away with the barriers that have been built up during the industry’s heteronormative days, states the release, but to also provide a product marketed towards people of all races, ages, genders, body types, and sexual orientations.
In this episode, you will hear about how Joey has built Wednesday co. and some of the challenges of getting his product to market. You will also hear all about the mission of his company and how he is changing the condo industry for the better.
Instagram: @wed.co
Meet Brianna Hallet, CEO of Swizzlesticks SalonSpa in Kensington. SwizzleSticks is Calgary's leading day spa and full-service salon in the heart of Kensington Village, Calgary. On top of running an award-winning day sap, Brianna also houses a local urban bee farm in her own backyard.
What do bees and a hair salon have in common? In this episode, you will learn all about the connection between Swizzlesticks and bees. Also, you will learn how Brianna started and grew her local been farm. Also, Brianna shares the connection she has with her adopted bees and you will also hear her story of becoming the CEO of Swizzlesticks.
Enjoy this episode with Brianna Hallet, an inspiring and environmentally conscious local entrepreneur.
Meet Sue Newton and Mike Davies with Health Upwardly Mobile (HUM) in Calgary. HUM is an integrated health and wellness company helping those who are suffering from addiction, mental health challenges, and chronic pain.
In this discussion, Sue and Mike explain addiction and addictive thinking. They show how addictive thinking works and how it is not limited to one group of the population. They share some eye-opening statistics highlighting how common addiction is in our modern-day world and how we can all be more empathetic towards those that are struggling with it.
Also, they share some great strategies and first steps for those that are interested in the recovery journey. Finally, Sue and Mike share their personal stories and how they find balance.
Meet Mitch Jacobsen, CEO of Rviita Energy Tea. Mitch and his co-founders have created a new generation of energy drink built on an incredible set of values. Rviita is a low calorie, naturally caffeinated, refreshing beverage to fuel your productivity. Also, Mitch and his team have designed an innovative, low carbon footprint, recyclable package.
By trade, Mitch is an engineer and he has an amazing story of how Rviita came to be. They have built their company on an amazing set of values and Rviita very focused on personal development.
In this chat, you will learn about the Rviita story and Mitch provides some great advice for anyone looking to branch out and build a business.
Support Rviita through the ATB BoostR
Learn more about Rviita Energy Tea
Alexander Ford is the President and CEO of Measurable Genius, Calgary’s only polymathic services agency. Alexander has been pursuing his dream of helping entrepreneurs and business owners find their story, acquire new leads, and scaling their businesses since he first became an entrepreneur at age 12.
By combining strategic consulting, information technology, and marketing services, Alexander and his team convert challenges into opportunities other experts, specialists, consultants, or gurus have been unable or unwilling to solve.
Meet Stacey Foley! Stacey is a business and development coach for creatives with a focus on women, a personal brand strategist, professional speaker and educator. Stacey is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to business strategy and she also shines when it comes to personal growth.
In this episode, Stacey shares her powerful personal story and provides actionable steps for anyone looking to improve their business, brand, self-image, and overall life skills. Enjoy this discussion with Stacey Foley.
Meet Jennifer Lussier, founder of Eff Academy and the previous President of AnyQuip. If her name sounds familiar, it is because she is a returning guest. Jen was previously on Episode 20 when she was the CMO of AnyQuip.
Jen is an amazing Calgary entrepreneur who recently worked through closing the doors of AnyQuip. The business ran into some challenges over the last year and they were forced to make the difficult decision to shut down the business. In this real chat, Jen openly shares what happened with AnyQuip and the lessons she has pulled from this.
As a result of this, Jen opened the doors to Eff Academy. A cool business built on openly sharing your failures through badges that we can proudly wear.
Reach out to Jen Lussier
Meet Marie Paquin, the owner of Coast Bliss, a spa company that actually comes to you. In our current world, consumers are looking for on-demand services bought to them. From groceries, mechanics, vets, and more, we prefer these services to come to us. Coastal Bliss is bringing an extensive list of spa services right to your house or business.
Marie started this company as a single mother out of the back of an old Buick and has built the company into a rapidly expanding company in Calgary.
In this podcast episode, Marie tells the story of where her idea came from and shares how she built her company. Also, she shares some amazing life and business lessons for everyone.
Meet Brian Owens, the Artistic Director of the Calgary International Film Festival. The CIFF is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year and there are endless events around Calgary for everyone. Brian was most recently the Artistic Director of the Nashville Film Festival where he was able to double the size of the festival!
In this chat, Brian explains what can be expected at the CIFF and how to make the most of the exciting week. Also, you will learn how Brian found his way into film and a few of his favourite flicks!
Calgary International Film Festival
September 18-29, 2019
Reuben and the Dark is a Calgary-based IndieFolk band and the lead singer Reuben Bullock is going to be in Calgary between June 17 - 19. He can chat about how the band was recently chosen to contribute their musical talents to various soundtracks for some of TV’s most compelling high profile dramas (Handmaid’s Tale, Grey’s Anatomy, The Highwayman, etc. - see full list below). They also recently announced a new song, You and I and also just announced that they will be doing a special performance at the Coca Cola stage at the Stampede this year - for the first time ever they will be playing at the Stampede in their hometown - officially opening the Stampede music festivities on July 4th.
Amber Romaniuk is an Emotional Eating, Digestive and Hormone Expert who helps professional women achieve optimal health through mindful eating, self-care and overcoming self-sabotage with food. Her podcast “The No Sugarcoating Podcast” has over half a million downloads and she has appeared on local TV 50 times in the last three years alone.
Amber overcame her own emotional eating after gaining and losing more than 1000 lbs and spending over $50,000 on binge foods and spending 5 years balancing her hormones and digestion. Now she helps others achieve Body Freedom™ so they have the confidence and health to create amazing lives.
Reach out to Amber
Podcast "The No Sugarcoating Podcast" www.amberapproved.ca/podcast
Follow me on Instagram @amberromaniuk
Meet Jenny Malcolm and Vanessa Slobogian. These awesome Calgary entrepreneurs developed a topical wellness company specializing in hemp-derived Cannabidiol ("CBD") products. Their start-up story is something many Calgarians can relate to - (aging) fitness enthusiasts and small business owners always on the hunt for a way to boost mental and physical recovery in the most natural way possible. With years of expertise in the hemp industry, they knew the potential benefits that CBD could offer for athletes and for those wishing to balance the stresses of everyday life.
Their products offer a natural and effective way to optimize athletic recovery. Since the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) placed CBD on the ‘approved’ list for athletes in competition, we've been on a mission to share the benefits of CBD. Their goal is not only to share our products but also to provide education related to the potential benefits and applications of CBD for athletes and professionals alike.
This is not a topic that many people are able to find clear and concise information on, as every news or information channel seems to provide an overload of indecipherable information bogged down by scientific jargon.
Enjoy this chat with Jenny and Vanessa!
Shayleen McHugh is a female entrepreneur and owner of The Light Journey. Her goal is to provide women in Alberta with natural and therapeutic self-care that they can enjoy in the comfort and privacy of their own home.
Her company offers a variety of holistic products and services that encourage mindfulness and self-awareness which help women feel healthy, balanced and whole.
Shayleen McHugh has been a professional Reiki Practitioner since 2016 and has been working with women in the community of Calgary. Using a variety of relaxation techniques, guided intuition, and healing touch, it is Shayleen's goal to provide women with an alternative to conventional health and wellness practices.
In this episode, Shayleen shares her inspiring journey and provides a clear explanation of how Reiki works. She also provides a number of fantastic resources for everyone living a busy life. Enjoy this chat with Shayleen, a Calgary based female entrepreneur and all around amazing person!
Reach out to Shayleen
thelightjourney8@gmail.com
Salima Stanley Bhanji is the founder and CEO of Humainologie - an organization that uses art, including film, to spread empathy, increase inclusion, and reduce discrimination. They have just opened the Humainologie retail store (in the 17th Avenue district), which is an interactive space that promotes empathy and inclusion through a media gallery and local merchandise. All of the carried brands have a social conscience/initiative.
Be sure to join in on the fun at Empathy Week (June 1 -8, 2019)
To watch some of our films: humainologie.com/films
Instagram: @spreadempathyYYC
Facebook & Twitter: @humainologie
To see the full program of events for Empathy Week (June 1-7), go to humainologie.com/empathyweek
To volunteer with Humainologie, get in touch: hello@humainologie.com
Jen Carlson’s new 100% natural skincare line for teens, Thirsty Naturals, launches as her second business since Canada’s leading baby food brand, Baby Gourmet. Carlson’s entrepreneurial drive has grown with her children’s age - first ignited through her baby food brand when they were infants, and now through her teen-specific hygiene line today as they journey through adolescence.
Jen Carlson’s entrepreneurship began 13 years ago when she saw a gap in the market for healthy and flavourful baby food for her own daughter. Thus, Baby Gourmet was born - an organic, gourmet baby food line that helped develop the palate of little ones. As her children grew, so did Carlson’s recognition of the lack of quality products for their age and stage of life (see her blog post on this here). Her children are now young teens, and are the reason that Thirsty Naturals has come to fruition.
Jen is knowledgeable on talking about all things entrepreneur, raising children, and dealing with the often sensitive topic that is teen hygiene
Meet Calgary's JD Gagnon. After running several successful startups and businesses, JD founded Scotch and Ramen Media in 2017. With a background in digital, social, and commerce marketing, he saw there was a major gap in the market place for medium-sized companies who needed the in-house experience from an outside team. Passionate about processes, systems, and optimization, he is the champion of this carefully selected team of marketing and branding experts. In addition to being a successful entrepreneur, he is a husband, father of three and official “rainmaker” of Scotch & Ramen.
Sponsor:
Inventures 2019 (Use Code 19INVITE for 50% off your ticket)
Calling all entrepreneurs, start-ups, and investors! Don’t miss your chance to attend the premier conference of the year! Inventures 2019 is a tectonic shift in the innovation landscape – surfacing new opportunities that shape and create the future. Taking place June 5-7 at the Telus Convention Centre.
Meet Calgary’s Alex Putici, Founder of Work Nicer Coworking. Alex is an entrepreneur, community builder, charity group co-founder, investor, and advisor. Alex is an amazing Calgarian and he has built Alberta’s largest coworking space. Work Nicer has grown to 4 locations across Alberta, spanning both Calgary and Edmonton. Alex and the members of Work Nicer have created an environment that inspires entrepreneurs, builds community, and helps businesses grow. In this episode, you will learn all about the growth of Work Nicer Coworking and Alex provides some fantastic advice for those that are growing a business. Also, you will learn all about Alex’s other ventures as well as his thoughts on the future of coworking. Don’t miss this awesome chat with Alex Putici.
Meet Jason Smith - he is an entrepreneur and the founder of Bow Developments, a community-minded development company currently developing the first multi-family building in the historic and sought-after neighbourhood of Scarboro, Scarboro 17.
What you will learn from Jason Smith:
How he harnessed his entrepreneurial spirit and took the scary but necessary leap.
How he dealt with the fears and naysayers and make his passion his career.
How to choose a team wisely without letting one's ego get in the way.
How his negative experience with his original business partner led to a positive growth in his entrepreneurial spirit and drive.
The daily practices Jason uses to function at the efficient and effective level that his business demands.
Don't miss this chat with Jason Smith!
Twice beating cancer inspired tech CEO Bruce Fikowski to take a calculated leap of faith and launch Get Assist, Inc. GetAssist is the 100 percent private social network that connects individuals with one another and with local businesses to share information, advice, ideas and the sort of help that improves everyday life.
“We’re all a little tired of connecting for the sole purpose of connecting,” Bruce says. “These days online users want connections that lead to results. They could include private message boards among parents for youth hockey teams, professionals collaborating on projects or simply finding contractors to fix stuff around the house.”
He embodies all of the great qualities of true leaders, including empowering employees to solve problems, supporting failure, prioritizing family first, leading by example, paying staffers to volunteer in the community and providing financial assistance to associates when needed (even as far as buying a salesperson a car when her own broke down.)
In this Calgary podcast, you will meet Nathan Chan. Nathan is a proud single intended parent. He is a 33 year old single dad by choice via surrogacy and egg donation. It took him 8 years to finally meet his child Nanette who is 6 months old and was born via Nathan's 6th gestational surrogate.
In this episode, you will learn all about Nathan's journey to fatherhood and Nathan offers some great advice for anyone looking to embark on the journey to becoming a parent through surrogacy and egg donation.
Learn More:
- http://proudfertility.com
- http://proudfertility.com/2017/04/28/fulfilled-family-dreams-surrogacy/
- http://proudfertility.com/2018/11/29/the-best-things-about-being-a-single-dad-by-choice/
- http://proudfertility.com/in-the-news/
Follow Proud Fertility: @proudfertility
On this week's episode of Ideas and Stuff, you will meet Dave Byrns. Dave runs The Introverted Networker and he is a speaker, trainer, and author.
We all know the importance of networking in business and in life but what do we do if we are on the introverted side? In this chat, Dave Byrns provides some actionable strategies for you to start networking on your own terms.
You will also hear Dave's amazing story about how he founded The INtroverted Networker.
Learn more about Dave: