Join Phil and Kenny as they hit the road with Simran Kaur, Sales Manager for Western Canada at Chiba Organics, for an unfiltered conversation about navigating the Canadian CPG and retail landscape.From her start handling national accounts for McDonald's and Starbucks at Zomato in Delhi to building relationships with independent grocers across Western Canada, Simran shares hard-earned wisdom about what it really takes to succeed in this business. Recorded on a marathon road trip, this episode dives into the realities of selling into retail: managing out-of-stocks honestly, building authentic store relationships, understanding that it's never about you—it's about helping stores serve their customers better, and why owning your mistakes is non-negotiable.Whether you're breaking into the industry, managing accounts, or just trying to understand how products make it onto shelves, this conversation delivers practical insights and real talk about the challenges and rewards of life in Canadian retail and CPG.You can find Simran here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaur-mansimran/In case you're interested in working with Jiva Organics: https://www.jivaorganics.ca/Thank you to Field Agent Canada for supporting the podcast https://www.fieldagentcanada.com/
What if your makeup routine is secretly harming your eye health? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Nieka Sabeti, a practicing optometrist and founder of CHESHMA, a groundbreaking line of eye-friendly cosmetics. After countless patients broke down in her exam room—struggling with dry eye disease caused by cosmetics and feeling they had to choose between their appearance and their eye health—Dr. Neeka had a middle-of-the-night revelation that changed everything.Discover why most cosmetics aren't as eye-safe as you'd think, how proper makeup removal can dramatically improve eye health, and what drove this optometrist to become an entrepreneur. Dr. Neeka shares her journey from chemistry undergrad to eye doctor to beauty brand founder, including why she drove labs crazy with her extensive testing requirements (way beyond Health Canada's standards).We dive deep into the connection between cosmetics and dry eye disease, the importance of proper eye hygiene, and why education is at the core of changing both consumer behavior and industry standards. Plus, hear the co-hosts debate the challenges of building awareness for health-focused beauty products in a market where convenience often trumps wellness.Whether you're a makeup lover, deal with dry eyes, or are curious about the intersection of healthcare and beauty innovation, this conversation will open your eyes (pun intended) to what you're really putting on your face. Check out Cheshma Beauty here: https://cheshmabeauty.ca/Thank you to Field Agent Canada for supporting the show: https://www.fieldagentcanada.com/
The Knuckleheads talk to each other. Two retail veterans with a combined 50+ years of experience sit down for honest conversations about Canadian business, brands, and the challenges facing small and medium-sized companies. We talk to each other about where we come from and how we got here. Kenny, it turns out, was always pretty linear. Phil, has nothing linear about his career at all. Thank you to Field Agent Canada for sponsoring our podcast. https://www.fieldagentcanada.com/
When Nana Daniels returned from a trip to Ghana in 2016, she experienced a severe lupus flare-up that left her skin severely burned. What happened next changed her life forever.After seven hours in the emergency room with no real solution, Nana turned to her Ghanaian roots and created her own remedy using raw shea butter, vitamin E, and essential oils. The results were so remarkable that friends started asking for their own supply—and Honam Naturals was born.In this inspiring episode, Nana shares:Her 25-year journey living with lupus and sclerodermaHow a medical crisis became an unexpected business opportunityThe cultural wisdom behind shea butter and African black soapSelling out her first product batch in one hour and making $1,000Winning a mentorship with Dragons' Den's Manjit MinhasLanding products in Winners, Walmart (US and Canada), and Amazon—all while battling imposter syndromeThe challenges of scaling from kitchen countertop to big box retailWhy she chose aluminum containers and eco-friendly packagingHer vision for getting into more natural health stores across CanadaFrom Ajax, Ontario, Nana has built a thriving skincare and haircare brand that honors traditional African ingredients while meeting modern clean beauty standards. Her story proves that sometimes the best solutions come from going back to basics—and that a little bit of courage can turn adversity into opportunity.Products discussed: Body butters, African black soap, hair care for tight curls and chemically-treated hair, home fragrances, and men's groomingConnect with Honam Naturals: http://honamnaturals.com/collectionsThank you to Field Agent Canada for sponsoring the podcast: https://www.fieldagentcanada.com/
From Auto Mechanic to Artisan Sausage Maker: D-Original Sausage Haus StoryJoin us as we sit down with Clint from D-Original Sausage Haus in Steveston, BC, who shares his unconventional journey from automotive mechanic to box manufacturing to crafting premium German-style cured meats. Clint discusses the challenges of running a brick-and-mortar deli in a post-COVID world, the art of making authentic salamis and pepperoni with BC pork and natural casings, and the frustrations of navigating Canada's inter-provincial trade regulations. From consignment deals with craft breweries to building relationships with loyal customers, Clint reveals what it takes to grow a premium, artisanal meat business while staying true to traditional recipes and quality ingredients. Plus, we debate the merits of truffle pepperoni and why sometimes the best things in life come in irregular shapes. Check out Clint's online store here: https://www.doriginalsausagehaus.com/Thank you to Field Agent Canada for sponsoring the podcast: https://www.fieldagentcanada.com/
From Cologne to Canada: What We Learned Walking 10 Football Fields at AnugaPhil and Kenny take the podcast on the road to Anuga, one of the world's largest food trade shows in Cologne, Germany. Recording their raw observations while navigating German parking lots and autobahns, they share what surprised them most: Bulgaria's emerging food innovation, the surprising absence of crowds at the Chinese pavilion, and how geopolitical tensions are reshaping international food trade.The episode features candid conversations with Matt and Kim Lebeau from Lebeau Excel and Luca Felicetti from the fifth-generation Italian pasta maker. They discuss practical strategies for attending massive trade shows, the protein trend's different evolution in Europe versus North America, and why Canadian brands should consider looking east instead of south. Topics range from edible utensils and shelf-stable kombucha to the 106% tariff on Italian pasta and why Americans are apologizing for being American.Our first take on Anuga Cologne. Kenny and I talk about what's happening in Cologne, and we catch up with Matt and Kim LeBeau, Luca Felicetti. Thank you to Luca and the team at Felicetti for making us feel welcome in your lovely booth. If you're still at the show, head to Hall 10.2, B080If you're not, head to https://www.felicetti.it/enYou can find Luca here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luca-felicetti-b27b3a279/ Thanks to Matt and Kim for jumping in on the podcast - we love you guys. Check out Lebeau Excel here: https://lebeauexcel.com/ Thank you to Fieldagent Canada for sponsoring the podcast https://www.fieldagentcanada.com/
Join us for an inspiring conversation with Shauna Fidler, founder of Design Farm and producer of the Basin Food Summit, as she takes us deep into British Columbia's Kootenay region—a place where local food culture thrives and producers connect directly with buyers who care.Shauna shares her journey from running a cookie shop in Calgary to pioneering gluten-free baking before it was mainstream, and eventually finding her home in the Kootenays where she now supports food producers through branding, packaging design, and the annual Basin Food Summit.Event Details: Basin Food Summit, November 6-8, 2025, Nelson, BC | www.basinfood.caWarning: This episode may cause extreme hunger and an irresistible urge to book a trip to the Kootenays.You can find Shauna here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shauna-fidler-25226b241/Thank you to Field Agent Canada for sponsoring the podcast https://www.fieldagentcanada.com/
From Ice Cream Cart to National Brand - The Hazel's Ice Cream StoryIn this episode, hosts Kenny and Phil sit down with Sam Vermeulen, co-founder of Hazel's Ice Cream, to discuss the remarkable journey from a COVID-era ice cream cart idea to a growing national frozen novelty brand.Sam shares how what started as a father-son dream of running an ice cream shop evolved into handcrafted premium ice cream bars. Born out of necessity during the pandemic, Hazel's pivoted from scooped ice cream to bars when traditional retail wasn't an option - a decision that accidentally filled a market gap in Victoria's frozen novelty scene.
Scaling CPG Brands with Roadmap CPG's Michelle Prychidny and Koreann WebsterIn this episode of This Commerce Life, hosts Phil and Kenny welcome the dynamic duo behind Roadmap CPG - Michelle Prychidny and Koreann Webster. Together, these industry veterans share their combined decades of experience helping emerging CPG brands navigate the treacherous waters of retail scaling.From their early days at Vega and their rocket ship journey with SmartSweets to launching their own consultancy, Michelle and Koreann break down the critical foundational pieces that make or break growing brands. They dive deep into the most common pitfalls they see repeatedly: cash flow nightmares, pricing disasters, and the fundamental disconnect between profit and loss versus actual cash in the bank. check out Roadmap CPG here: https://www.roadmapcpg.com/Find Koreann here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/koreann-webster-42b43160/Find Michelle here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-mckay-prychidny-b6b0492/Thank you to Field Agent Canada for sponsoring the podcast. https://www.fieldagentcanada.com/
We sit down with Sanaz Bahrami, founder of Melts Infusions, who shares her remarkable journey from aspiring surgeon to herbal wellness entrepreneur. After nerve damage derailed her medical career dreams, Sanaz discovered the power of adaptogenic herbs during a challenging period in graduate school studying biomedical engineering.What started as brewing "peace tea" in her apartment to manage anxiety and depression has evolved into a thriving business with over 500,000 TikTok followers and a loyal customer base. Sanaz opens up about her early struggles with mental health, the limitations she found with traditional pharmaceutical approaches, and how a lab mate's suggestion to try herbal remedies changed her life. Check out Melts Infusions here: https://meltsinfusion.com/Find Sanaz here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sanaz-bahrami-7a067014a/Sanaz's Tiktok page is here: https://www.tiktok.com/@meltsinfusions Thank you to Field Agent Canada for sponsoring the podcast: https://www.fieldagentcanada.com/
From Stadium Cleaner to Craft Brewer - The Latina Beer StoryPhil and Kenny sit down with Carlos Castro, the Venezuelan-Canadian founder of Latina Beer, for an inspiring conversation about entrepreneurship, immigration, and following your passion.Carlos shares his remarkable journey from cleaning Rogers Stadium as an entry-level job to building his own craft brewery in St. Catharines, Ontario. What started as a casual conversation with a coworker during a break led to an eight-year adventure in the beer industry - all beginning with a napkin, a homebrew recipe, and $1,500.check out Latina beer at https://www.latina.beer/ and @latinabeer Thank you to Field Agent Canada for sponsoring the podcast https://www.fieldagentcanada.com/
The Kristina Farrell Episode: Fighting for Canada's Food System from the InsideIn this episode, hosts Phil and Kenny sit down with Kristina Farrell, CEO of Food & Beverage Canada, to explore the complex world of Canadian food manufacturing policy. Christina, who represents domestic food and beverage manufacturers across the country, breaks down the critical distinction between companies that actually make products in Canada versus those that simply sell here.From her team-of-two operation in Ottawa, Kristina tackles massive challenges including inter-provincial trade barriers, labor shortages, and the ongoing work on Bill C-5. The conversation reveals how 92% of Canada's food manufacturing companies have fewer than 100 employees, yet the industry remains the country's largest manufacturing sector—a fact that often gets overlooked in policy discussions.Kristina shares her journey from government bureaucracy to lobbying, explaining how she became the central coordinator between six provincial food and beverage associations and federal policymakers. The discussion touches on everything from why you've probably had more USDA beef than Alberta beef, to the surprising complexities of calling something "recyclable" under new Competition Act provisions.The hosts and Kristina dig into Canada's tendency to overcomplicate systems that should be straightforward, from food safety standards that vary by province to the challenges of getting recognition for an industry that feeds everyone but struggles to get the political attention given to "sexier" sectors like automotive or mining.Key topics covered:The difference between food manufacturers and CPG companiesInter-provincial trade barriers and Bill C-5Labor challenges in food manufacturingWhy Canada's food system is simultaneously world-class and poorly understood by CanadiansThe role of provincial food and beverage associationsSustainability challenges and greenwashing regulationsThis episode offers an inside look at the people working behind the scenes to keep Canada's food system running, and why understanding these complexities matters for everyone who eats.Find Kristina here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristina-farrell-b09ba549/Thank you to Field Agent Canada for sponsoring the podcast: https://www.fieldagentcanada.com/
CHFA Now Toronto 2025 Preview with Aaron Skelton & Lynsey WalkerJoin Phil and Kenny as they chat with Aaron Skelton (CEO) and Lynsey Walker (Chief Marketing Officer) from the Canadian Health Food Association for an exciting preview of CHFA Now Toronto 2025, happening September 19 - 21, 2025What's New This Year:BDC & Be Local Thursday Night Event - Special networking event at BDC Square (37th floor of CIBC Tower) with stunning lake viewsEnhanced Conference Programming - Friday's packed agenda includes a new Quebec session called "Bonjour-Hi" and the highly anticipated data & insights presentation on women's healthRevamped Industry Awards - Saturday's awards ceremony promises to be the biggest yet, with upgraded entertainment and a green carpet experienceSunday Fun Run - 3km charity run supporting Second Harvest, plus Incubator Alley pitch sessionsKey Dates:Online registration closes August 31stVIP retailer perks include free parking, Uber discounts, and food vouchersShow runs September 6-8 at the CNE Automotive Building (formerly Beanfield)Whether you're a longtime industry veteran or newcomer to the natural health space, this episode captures why CHFA has become the must-attend event that people plan their entire year around. As Phil notes, it's transformed from "Are you going?" to "When we get to CHFA, let's..."Don't miss the advocacy update where Aaron explains how grassroots efforts led to real regulatory wins - proving that when the industry comes together, change is possible.Sign up for CHFA here: https://www.chfanow.ca/toronto/Thank you to Field Agent Canada for sponsoring the podcast: https://www.fieldagentcanada.com/
From Bartending Tips to 24 Locations: The Foxy Box StoryIn this episode of This Commerce Life, we sit down with Kyla, the bold founder and CEO of Foxy Box Laser & Wax Bars, who turned bar tips and brazilian waxes in her dining room into a 24-location franchise empire across Canada.Starting 12 years ago in her dining room (yes, you read that right), Kyla used her bartending tips to fund her venture into the hair removal industry. What began as giving customers shots of tequila while learning to perfect Brazilian waxes has evolved into a franchise system employing over 250 staff across four provinces. you can find Kyla here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyla-dufresne-295867149/check out Foxy box here: https://foxyboxwaxbar.com/Thank you to Field Agent Canada for sponsoring the podcast https://www.fieldagentcanada.com/
A celebration of success. Re-sharing Caitlyn Vanderhaeghe's episode from 2022 on the evolution of Kidstar. In light of her announcement last week of getting National distribution, we thought it'd be a good time to re-share Caitlin's journey with Kidstar. A small Canadian company, that put in a lot of work to get here! Congrats Caitlyn and the Kidstar team!! Check out Kidstar here: https://kidstarnutrients.com/Thank you to Field Agent Canada for sponsoring the podcast https://www.fieldagentcanada.com/
Mid-Summer Update - Road Trips, Trade Shows, and What's NextPhil and Kenny reconnect for a candid mid-summer update on what's been keeping them busy and what's coming up for This Commerce Life. After spending five hours together booking travel (and learning they should have let Keelin handle it), the duo shares their exciting plans for the fall.In This Episode:Anuga 2025: The hosts are headed to Germany's massive food trade show (October 4-8) to bring back marketplace intelligenceOntario Road Trip: Kenny's coming to Toronto in late September/early October for filming across Central Ontario - from London to Barrie, or potentially east to the Belleville-Kingston areaBehind the Scenes: Meet Keelin, their "not-so-secret weapon" who keeps them organized, and why they're crystallizing their three core focusesThe Unsexy Fundamentals: Why they keep returning to the same crucial topics - cost of goods, margins, cash flow - that aren't glamorous but are essential for Canadian retail successRetail Stories: Their passion for independent Canadian retailers, from Brian Pilau's stores to Peter at Kelowna Your Independent Grocer, and their dream to visit North West Company's Arctic Circle operationsLooking Ahead: BC Food & Bev accelerator program, Manitoba webinars, a mystery Interior BC conference, and their ongoing mission to showcase Canadian retailThank you to Field Agent Canada for sponsoring the podcast https://www.fieldagentcanada.com/
Amy Rempel - From Third-Generation Grocery to Pioneering Kids' SkincareIn this episode, we sit down with Amy Rempel, owner of Elevation Brands and founder of Fresh Faces Skincare, Canada's first skincare line specifically designed for kids. Amy brings a unique perspective to the natural products industry as a third-generation grocery professional whose great-grandfather helped bring Metro stores to Ontario.What You'll Learn:How Amy identified a dangerous TikTok trend of kids using adult skincare products and turned it into a business opportunityThe reality of working with brokers vs. distributors and what brands need to know before making the callWhy Amy created a consulting package to bridge the gap between direct-to-consumer and retail-ready brandsThe importance of having distribution, funding, and production capacity in place before approaching brokersMajor Announcement: Amy shares her exciting news about receiving a Golden Ticket and getting Fresh Faces Skincare into Walmart stores nationwide starting February 2025 - and how she's already thinking strategically about execution rather than just celebrating the win.Key Takeaways:The difference between wants vs. needs in emerging categoriesHow to position new products in conventional retail (hint: clear shelf signage is everything)Why understanding your retailer's customer base is crucial for successThe evolution of brand partnerships and when it's time to level upAmy's pragmatic approach to business development and her deep industry knowledge make this a must-listen for anyone looking to scale their brand or work with brokers effectively.Check out Fresh faces here: https://freshfacesco.com/Find Amy Rempel here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-rempel/
Trading Cards to Facebook Fame: How One Collector Built a Digital EmpireJoin Phil and Kenny as they dive deep into the fascinating world of modern card collecting with special guest Anthony from Red Light Sports. What started as a COVID hobby digging through childhood collections has evolved into a thriving Facebook Live business that's redefining how collectors buy and sell.Anthony takes us behind the scenes of his innovative approach to card sales - from mystery bags that guarantee value to live auctions that keep hundreds of viewers engaged for hours. Discover how he built a community of 1,400+ members, created custom entertainment elements (yes, there's a theme song!), and turned what could be mundane transactions into must-watch events.In This Episode:The psychology behind mystery pulls and why "the first one's free"How to pivot from daily auction management to streamlined live showsBuilding customer loyalty through entertainment and guaranteed valueThe challenges of going live for 5-6 hours twice a weekWhy Anthony's girlfriend's AI skills became a game-changerPhil's continued resistance to card collecting (spoiler: 2,000 cards is apparently "nothing")Kenny's potential future as a guest auctioneerWhether you're into cards, curious about Facebook Live selling, or fascinated by how hobbies become businesses, this episode offers insights into community building, digital entrepreneurship, and the passion that drives collectors.Plus: Plans for an epic Vancouver ice cream tour featuring 218 flavors at La Casa Gelato - because apparently that's how card people network. Find Anthony at https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CqUYjddbr/Check out La Casa Gelato here: https://www.instagram.com/lacasagelato?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==Thank you to Field Agent Canada for sponsoring the podcast: www.fieldagentcanada.com
Burgoo Restaurant's Justin Joyce on 24 Years of Comfort Food & Vancouver's Evolving Food SceneWe had an amazing conversation with Justin, owner of the four Burgoo restaurant locations in Vancouver, who joined us despite dealing with a power outage and a sick dog. What started as a discussion about his restaurants quickly evolved into a deep dive about the challenges facing independent operators in today's market.The Burgoo StoryWe learned how Justin's path to restaurants began with a detour from university. Originally headed to study English literature at the University of Alberta, he stopped in Calgary and met a mentor who offered to lend him money to open a restaurant in Vancouver. At 21, with no stress and plenty of optimism, he made the leap and opened the Funky Armadillo in the early '90s before eventually developing the Burgoo concept in 2001.What struck us was how Burgoo started as purely comfort food - originally serving only soups and stews in two sizes: "giant and enormous." They didn't even have plates when they first opened, serving everything in bowls. No sandwiches, no appetizers, just 10 soups and 15 stews. The menu has evolved dramatically over 24 years, finally adding french fries just this past year after resisting for over two decades. Check out Burgoo here: https://www.burgoo.ca/Thank you to Field Agent Canada for sponsoring the podcast: https://www.fieldagentcanada.com/
Food Fraud and Authenticity Testing with Deleo De Leonardis, CEO of Purity IQIn this eye-opening conversation, Kenny and Phil sit down with Deleo De Leonardis, CEO and co-founder of Purity IQ, to discuss a critical issue that affects every consumer: food fraud and adulteration.Deleo shares her unexpected journey from 20 years in retail (including VP of Private Label at Sobeys) to becoming an entrepreneur in the science-based world of authenticity testing. Despite not being a scientist herself, she and her co-founders identified a massive gap in the industry - while labs routinely test for identity (is echinacea actually present?), they often miss adulteration, dilution, and substitution.Key Topics Covered:Why standard identity testing isn't enough to catch food fraudThe difference between targeted vs. untargeted testing methodsReal examples of adulteration in honey, olive oil, spices, and supplementsHow economic pressures and supply chain disruptions create opportunities for fraudstersThe shocking reality that less than 1% of imported products are actually inspectedWhy "Product of Italy" doesn't guarantee authentic olive oilThe innovative QR-enabled certification system that educates consumers in real-timeSobering Statistics:Some botanical supplements contain over 80% maltodextrin filler instead of active ingredientsFood fraud has existed since ancient Rome and flourishes during economic uncertaintyMost labs focus on facility audits (GMP) rather than actual product testingThis conversation will change how you think about the products on grocery store shelves and highlights why consumers, brands, and retailers need to ask better questions about authenticity testing. As Deleo puts it: "You may think you're doing all the right things - you're missing a really big component." Find Purity IQ here: https://purity-iq.com/Find Deleo here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/delsue28/Thank you to Field Agent Canada for sponsoring the podcast: https://www.fieldagentcanada.com/