Ideas and Stuff Calgary | A Local Calgary Podcast

Jeremy Clark is now in his 20th year in the financial advisory business.  He was born in Sarnia, Ontario and spent his childhood in Sarnia and Midland, Michigan (hence his slight midwestern twang).  Jeremy obtained his B.Sc. (Neuroscience) from McGill University in Montreal in 1998 and spent the remainder of 1998 and 1999 taking courses at the Canadian Securities Institute in Calgary. In late 1999, he joined the Calgary financial planning firm Waddell & Associates as an intern. Over the next several years, Jeremy worked in all areas of the Waddell enterprise, including personal and corporate tax, financial planning, estate planning, investment management, and the creation and marketing of private placement investment syndicates. In 2006, he became a Fellow of the Canadian Securities Institute.  In 2007, Jeremy and his former partner purchased Waddell & Associates from the previous owner and renamed it Clark Hetherington Financial Ltd.  Since then, the firm has grown to the point where it manages over $200 million in assets and has a large tax and financial advisory practice which serves many Canadian business leaders. In early 2019, Jeremy assumed majority ownership of the now-renamed CH Financial Ltd. Jeremy is passionate about giving back to the community. In 2014, he was named as Co-Chair of the Advisory Board of the McGill University Faculty of Science.  In 2014, he was named to the FundEX Investments National Advisor Council.  In 2017, he was elected Chair of the Council.  In addition, he is President of the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra Foundation and the Clark family is one of the founding families of the Calgary Police Foundation. In 2015, Jeremy created the Clark Science Executive Leadership Fund (SELF) at McGill University. This innovative program is a collaboration between the Faculties of Science and Management and allows scientists to receive practical business training in a structured format.  To date, more than 30 prominent professors and graduate students have completed this program and the reviews have been excellent. He is an avid athlete and enjoys tennis, cycling, and running.  He races several times a year, including the 5 Peaks Mountain Trail Running Series.  He is married to Elaine, who also works in the business, and is the proud Dad to daughters Keiko and Chloe.

Luke is a Co-founder of ICwhatUC an industry leading augmented reality virtual work platform that helps the mobile workforce execute remote work. Luke contributes regularly as a speaker, mentor and writer on the topic of workplace innovation and field work transformation.  Luke is a 4-time founder and active angel investor.  He launched his first venture in University and grew it for several years before exiting. Luke is a director of several for-profit and non-profit ventures and is an active advisor. Additionally Luke is a mentor for Founders Institute, a Startup Canada Expert Advisor, a judge for the BC New Ventures Competition and part of the Calgary Innovation Council.

Chef Dobranski found his passion for food as a short order cook in his uncle’s café. He attended culinary school earning his Red Seal at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology. Dobranski has spent time cooking around the world in Switzerland, Mexico, China, Mumbai and the United States. Currently in Calgary, Chef Dobranski opened and continues to operate three restaurants: Winebar Kensington, Eat Crow and Container Bar. Today, Dobranski has created his own modern simpler approach to cooking with an edge to his style that keeps people wondering what he is going to do next. As a serial entrepreneur, in 2006, he started Spirit Wares, a restaurant plateware importing and distribution company. His most recent endeavour, Medium Rare Chef Apparel, is breaking new ground designing and manufacturing kitchen and restaurant apparel that is fashionable, comfortable and made for the industry.

Neil Gruninger is the Co-Founder, President, and CPO of Kidoodle.TV, a safe SVOD service for children, which he co-created from the ground up. Neil is also a proud graduate of DevStudios (Diploma 2002) and of the University of Lethbridge (BFA 2006), where he majored in the country's first New Media degree program while minoring in computer science. Over the past decade, Neil has focused on web development, online user experience, and e-marketing. Previously, he worked as Interactive Creative Director at Worldplay Communications Inc. where he managed the deployment and delivery of streaming video to multiple devices, the integration of billing and DRM (PPV / SVOD business rules), and the development of front‐end user experiences for iPhone, iPad, Android (phone and tablets), STB, PC and Mac.  As President and CPO, he is keenly passionate about creating better digital experiences for young people. He believes that is passion stemmed from becoming an uncle at 16-years-old and growing up with grandparents who were both elementary school teachers. Neil has concluded that safe streaming comes from involving both the parents and kids in a conversation about what is appropriate in the home. The parental presence, as well as the ability to control the experience through monitoring systems and time limitations, have allowed Kidoodle.TV to make a significant impact in 140 countries around the world.  Learn more at Kidoodle.tv

After contracting shingles twice before the age of thirty, Victoria knew she needed to recalibrate her relationship to stress. Following her own wellness journey and becoming certified as a health and a life coach, Victoria now helps women to reduce their stress, live more fully and better perform in their daily lives. Through Stress Less Ladies Ltd, Victoria supports women in stress reduction through one-to-one coaching, group coaching, online programs, and is an experienced international public speaker. Her go-to motto? Life isn’t stressless, but we can stress less. If you want to start on your journey of stress reduction, join the free Stress Less Habits Challenge to build micro-habits to stress less now.    Stress Less Ladies Website http://stresslessladies.com Join the free Stress Less Habits Challenge at http://stresslesshabits.com Find the podcast at http://girltrieslife.com/podcast   Interview with Bryony Gordon: Mad Girl, Mental Health Mates and Prince Harry  https://www.girltrieslife.com/podcast/58    The Basics of Setting Boundaries https://www.girltrieslife.com/podcast/97

Ian knows the importance of being a steadfast partner. As the President and CEO of Alberta Central, an organization that serves Alberta credit unions, Ian understands that being proactive, responsive and committed to credit union system advancement goes without saying. That’s why he believes in ongoing collaboration to make sure that the strategic solutions Alberta Central provides to members truly make sense. He recognizes that when the Alberta Central executive team, employees and board work together, we can all achieve success. Ian joined Alberta Central in 2018 to encourage excellence in member service and engagement and is committed to always evolving and improving in his role. As President and CEO, Ian leads the organization in establishing current and long-range goals and works to ensure strategic objectives and operational targets are achieved. Previously, Ian served as CEO of the Alberta Real Estate Association (AREA), where he focused on revitalizing the mandate and direction of the association. He has more than twenty years of banking, retail finance, telecommunications and executive management experience across multiple highly regulated industries and has a strong portfolio of governance and regulatory work. Ian always strives to empower his team and encourage them to bring forward their ideas. Ian holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Calgary, a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of Regina as well as an Institute of Corporate Directors Designation from the Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto.   Alberta Central (https://albertacentral.com/)

Linna is the co-founder of a coaching company called Goal + Glow that she runs with her sister. Their mission is to help driven entrepreneurs and leaders grow in their career, business and personal life through Emotional Intelligence (EQ) assessments. She is a EQ certified practitioner and has helped over 50 leaders and individuals within different levels of an organization through assessments and leadership coaching.  She is passionate about coaching and loves seeing the transformations of her clients. When she's not coaching, she loves spending time with her family including 2 young rowdy boys! Reach out to Linna Website: www.goalandglow.com IG: Goalandglow IG: linna.hoang Facebook community: Goal + Glow  

Tom founded Deviate Design Inc. in 2020 to help bring new, creative designs to Calgary that depart from the usual. Deviate is a full-service architectural design and drafting studio specializing in infill developments, from single-family homes to rowhouses and backyard suites. Tom has 15 years of experience with Calgary’s housing market, along with extensive knowledge of local bylaws, building codes, and construction practices. He is passionate about helping shape the future of our City through design by bridging the gap between old & new: preserving existing neighbourhood character while meeting modern needs and tastes. Always looking to expand his knowledge, Tom continues his formal education at the University of Calgary where he studies Art, Urban Geography, and Architecture at the School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape; he also volunteers as the planning director for the East Village Neighbourhood Association. Outside of architecture, Tom can be found in the kitchen whipping up a fresh batch of gourmet waffles for his Instagram feed, @TomWaffles   www.DeviateDesign.ca Most Socials: @DV8dzn (Twitter: @DeviateDesign) Waffle Instagram: @TomWaffles

Byron Brooks is the co-founder of Brookwright Inc, a custom home building company focused on delivering on every cliche you can think of that would normally show up in a construction bio! Integrity, craftsmanship, quality, luxury (ewww)... all that stuff!  Where Brookwright has found success is through delivering on the industry expectations while also prioritizing the relationships that are formed along the way. To that end, Byron helped start a group called Builders and Brews. Inspired by the collaboration in the craft beer industry to get together in the construction and design world and be "better together"!   When he's not driving around doing builder things, Byron can be found running around in the hills around Calgary or spending time with his young family!   Brookwright: http://brookwright.ca/    IG: @brookwright_construction Builders and Brews: https://www.buildersandbrews.ca/    IG: @buildersandbrewsyyc Brighton Projects:  IG: @brightonprojectsyyc  Byron Brooks:  IG: @Byron__Brooks

Dan Burton is a pharmacist by training and resides in Calgary, AB. He completed his BSc in Pharmacy at the University of Alberta in 2016 and then went on to complete his Doctor of Pharmacy thereafter. His patients affectionately call him Dr. Dan. He is the founder of Healthcare Evolution which is an online behaviour based weight management clinic, with the mission to help as many people as possible live a happier and healthier life. Dan has a keen interest in obesity, diabetes, and mental health. This has led him to obtain further designations as a Certified Bariatric Educator (CBE) and a Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE). If he is not working with patients or learning another facet of business you can generally find in the mountains or at the gym! Learn more about Healthcare Evolution

Back by popular demand, our friend Kevin Wilhelm (previously on episode #37) has written a fantastic book and he is here to share some of the main concepts! Click: Transform Your Business Through Digital Marketing Since starting his career at Yellow Media, Kevin Wilhelm has seen the evolution of digital marketing first hand since 2008. He assisted the company transition from print to online before becoming the Director of Marketing for Canada’s largest childcare provider BrightPath Learning. Kevin now serves as the President of POD Marketing, a network of marketing agencies he co-founded in 2014. Kevin has grown the team from just a handful of professionals to over 30, and a client list from one to over 100, generating millions of dollars in revenue for his clients. Here is the link to the book Here is a page about the book

Jeff Jackson is the co-founder and Vice President of Enterprise Sales with Bōde Canada, a new online marketplace for home buyers and sellers, that launched in Alberta last fall. For well over a decade, Jeff has been involved in the real estate sector and owned a brokerage here in Calgary. He says "It's about time" the industry started to evolve and become more consumer-focused. Jeff is here to tell us why there's never been a better time to buy or sell your own home....without an agent. Welcome, Jeff. Bōde Canada https://www.bodecanada.com/

Corey Deacon is co-founder and Chief Science Officer of Neurvana Health. He is a Doctorate of Natural Medicine, Functional Medicine Practitioner, neuroscientist, passionate health consultant and detective. After struggling with health problems Corey now helps others overcome their own health challenges. He has mapped and analyzed thousands of brains over the years and specializes in connecting brain and body functioning for optimized health and wellness. Enjoy this chat with Corey Deacon! Learn more about Neurvana Health Book a free consultation: https://neurvanahealth.com/go

Did you know that Warren Buffett auctions a lunch every year to benefit a charity he supports? And the winning bid was $4.75M last year!!!   Why only Buffett? This is was the question that Robin asked himself, which later became the seed idea for the new social enterprise - Nicerr.   Nicerr is a unique meeting+giving platform that enables business leaders, subject matter experts & experienced professionals to share their knowledge & wisdom with others in exchange for small contributions to the charities they support. Since it's launch in September 2019, Nicerr has grown to feature over 85 carefully-screened professionals from a wide range of business & technology domains.   Getting advice, finding a mentor or meeting experts was never so impactful.   Check it out here: https://nicerr.ca   Robin lives in Calgary with his (much) better half, Jyoti and their daughter, Skyra. He is passionate about wildlife viewing and conservation, and can be found wandering the roads in Kananaskis Country looking for bears, cougars, wolves, moose, .. (this list never stops). If you want to know all the cool spots where the bears hang out, Robin's your man!

Bessie Box is connecting farmers to the end consumer (like you!) by cutting out the middlemen and offering premium beef without the premium markup. Founded in 2019, Bessie Box believes food is better together. Bessie works with honest and responsible farmers to get their food (and story!) directly to people. Making the choice to eat high quality food from local farmers should be easy—Bessie makes this choice simple. Customers pay just for their food. Farmers get rewarded for their effort. Bessie is now servicing Calgary, Okotoks, Airdrie, Cochrane, and Chestermere. We source our beef from a Neilson Signature Beef in Stettler, AB. Karyn and Lance Neilson are incredible partners. We couldn't do what we do without their hard work. About the Bessie Team Founder, Spencer Kerber: After graduating with a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Calgary, Spencer embarked on a successful career as a Consultant in Business Transformation before leaving IBM to follow his passion for food. Over the last year, he built Bessie in hopes of bridging the gap between farmers and consumers. Co-Founder, Shanika Abeysinghe: Graduating with a degree in Film Studies and a degree in Law & Society from the University of Calgary, Shanika has worked in non-profits throughout the city including the Marda Loop Justice Film Festival and the Calgary Drop-In Centre. After freelancing for a few months, Shanika joined Bessie. In this episode, you will hear all about Bessie and how Spencer and Shanika have been able to create this amazing service. You will learn about both of their backgrounds and some of the struggles they overcame to launch their service. Enjoy this podcast with Spencer and Shanika! Interested in trying Bessie? Use PROMO CODE: IDEASSTUFF15 Web: https://bessiebox.com/ Social: https://www.instagram.com/getbessiebox/ https://www.facebook.com/getbessiebox

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 GOAT Website (https://www.goatgeneration.com/) App Store Google Play GOAT

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.    Wednesday co. 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. https://www.swizzlesticks.com    

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.   Health Upwardly Mobile HUM on Facebook