Atlantic Ambition

Barrett Macdonald
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Welcome to the Atlantic Ambition podcast - the home of entrepreneurs changing the game in Canada. From business successes, to challenges, and how they're growing their businesses for generations to come, we cover all on our weekly episodes! Hit that subscribe button so you don't miss any. I hope you enjoy! Barrett

  1. Jun 26

    FLEXIBLE WORK SCHEDULES TRANSFORMED THIS SERVICE BUSINESS | Layla Crouse | Atlantic Ambition Podcast

    From stay at home mom scrubbing houses on the side to winning government contracts and leading a rural Nova Scotia cleaning empire, Layla Crouse of Salty Swabbers is proving that the most underestimated women in the smallest towns are building the most unstoppable service businesses of this generation.🏛 The Rural Empire Blueprint: Flexible team building without burning anyone out💼 The Eight VA Revolution: The delegation shift that multiplied output overnight📋 David Beats Goliath: How a small cleaning company won a government tender🧠 ADHD to CEO Clarity: Why slowing down became her fastest growth move If you are a property owner, Airbnb host, municipality, senior in need of support or a mother looking for flexible meaningful work in Nova Scotia, Salty Swabbers was built for you. You can get in touch with Layla Crouse here on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/layla-crouse/Website: https://www.saltyswabbers.ca/ #businessessentials #advice #podcast #businessowner #businesstips #growth #businessgrowth #businesslesson #businessessentials #howtostartabusiness #businessstrategy #businesspodcast #motivation  #success

  2. May 19

    FOUNDERS ARE REPLACING SALARIES WITH OWNERSHIP | Christopher Gourley | Atlantic Ambition Podcast

    In an industry most people completely misunderstand, Christopher Gourley reveals the uncomfortable reality behind airport parking and vehicle storage, exposing how an overlooked asset class, outdated parking models, and broken service systems are being replaced by a new era of 24 hour hospitality driven parking platforms that most investors are still ignoring. From family legacy agriculture roots to scaling a high growth airport infrastructure business, this is the hidden playbook behind one of the fastest evolving local services industries. Christopher Gourley is the Founder & President of Summit Airport Parking & Summit Vehicle Storage, a rapidly expanding platform redefining airport parking through premium service, operational excellence, and customer first thinking. In this episode of Business Spotlight, he shares how a 10 unit idea evolved into a 500 vehicle operation and a scalable airport ecosystem. We explore how disciplined execution, community trust, and hands on leadership created consistent growth, alongside bold insights on airport infrastructure, real estate backed parking assets, and service innovation. Christopher also breaks down why human connection still outperforms digital marketing in local markets and how community integration becomes a powerful growth engine for expansion. This conversation uncovers how family business foundations, calculated risk taking, and long term thinking combine to build durable companies in competitive industries.  #podcast #businessowner #businesstips #growth #businessgrowth #businesslesson #businessessentials #howtostartabusiness #businessstrategy #businesspodcast #motivation  #success

  3. Mar 2

    NAVIGATING THE ICE: FROM PROFESSIONAL PLAYER TO PRESIDENT | Joey Haddad | Atlantic Ambition Podcast

    In this episode of the Atlantic Ambition podcast, host Barrett McDonald sits down with Joey Haddad, President of the Cape Breton Eagles, to unpack his remarkable journey from pro hockey player to running one of the QMJHL’s most community‑driven franchises. Joey shares how: Growing up in Cape Breton and playing in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) shaped his careerA 13‑year pro career in AHL, ECHL, and Europe (UK) and earning his MBA prepared him for life after hockeyHe built a successful home inspection business and coached U18 AAA before returning to the EaglesA sales role offer turned into a roadmap to President & GM of Business OperationsThe Eagles rebuilt sponsorships, season tickets, and attendance and “won back” the communityThe organization is modernizing its operations and arena, Centre 200, as a true island‑wide events hubThey’re positioning for a future Memorial Cup bid (2028 or 2031)You’ll also hear Joey break down: How he hires and builds his front‑office “business team”Why energy, enthusiasm, and love of the game matter more than a perfect résuméWhat a full year of business operations looks like for a junior hockey club—from draft and sales to playoffs and off‑season planningHow community partnerships, fan experience, and on‑ice performance all connectIf you’re interested in sports business, leadership, or community‑driven organizations, this conversation is full of practical insight and real‑world examples from inside a modern junior hockey franchise. Suggested Chapters (Adjust times once edited)0:00 – Welcome & introduction to Joey Haddad0:40 – Joey’s junior career and pro hockey journey2:00 – Playing in Europe and earning an MBA4:00 – Transitioning out of hockey and starting a home inspection business6:00 – Coaching U18 AAA and first approach from the Eagles7:30 – Negotiating a bigger role and roadmap with new ownership9:00 – Rebuilding the business: sales, sponsorships, and community trust11:30 – The playoff run that signaled “the Eagles are back”13:30 – Arena modernization and Centre 200 as Cape Breton’s epicenter15:30 – Building a front‑office team & what Joey looks for in hires19:00 – A year in the life of the Eagles’ business operations Enjoy the episode?👍 Like, 💬 comment with your favorite insight, and 🔔 subscribe for more conversations with leaders making an impact in business and community. #CapeBretonEagles #JoeyHaddad #QMJHL #HockeyBusiness #SportsBusiness #CapeBreton #JuniorHockey #Leadership #BusinessSpotlightSeries#business #advice #podcast #businessowner #businesstips #growth #businessgrowth #businesslesson #businessessentials #howtostartabusiness #businessstrategy #businesspodcast #motivation  #success

  4. 11/08/2024

    THE REWARDS OF RUNNING MULTIPLE VENTURES | With Richard Landzaat | Atlantic Ambition Podcast

    Join us for the latest Spotlight interview with Richard Landzaat, President and CEO of SUMA Financial Services. Tune in to hear Richard’s journey in entrepreneurship, from his dual roles in accounting and real estate to his insights on navigating the demands of business ownership. Don’t miss this discussion on the challenges, strategies, and rewards of running multiple ventures successfully. If you're an aspiring business owner, Richard’s advice is invaluable—stay persistent, learn from failures, and seek professional guidance. #business #advice #podcast #businessowner #businesstips #growth #businessgrowth #businesslesson #businessessentials #howtostartabusiness #businessstrategy #businesspodcast #motivation  #success

  5. 11/08/2024

    STRATEGIES FOR BUILDING A CLIENT-CENTERED BUSINESS | Ashley MacInnis | Atlantic Ambition Podcast

    Join us for an insightful conversation with Ashley MacInnis, founder and owner of amPR, as she shares her journey of launching her business from the ground up after a career pivot. In this episode, Ashley opens up about the reality of entrepreneurship—from the unexpected challenges to the rewarding flexibility it brings—and offers a candid look at balancing a young family with the demands of growing a PR agency. Tune in to discover her strategies for building a client-centered business, fostering a supportive team culture, and the importance of community in Atlantic Canada’s tight-knit business landscape. Don’t miss Ashley’s practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs navigating their own journey! #business #advice #podcast #businessowner #businesstips #growth #businessgrowth #businesslesson #businessessentials #howtostartabusiness #businessstrategy #businesspodcast #motivation  #success

  6. 11/08/2024

    KEEP UP YOUR MOMENTUM FOR BUSINESS SUCCESS | With Baylee Hood | Atlantic Ambition Podcast

    Join us for an inspiring interview in the Business Spotlight series as we sit down with Baylee Hood, Partner and Director of Operations and Training at Harvest Clean Eats. Baylee discusses her entrepreneurial journey, sharing insights on managing a growing business, balancing personal and professional life, and the importance of hiring motivated team members. Tune in to hear about the Harvest Clean Eats growth strategy, leadership principles, and Baylee's advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. Don’t miss this valuable conversation on persistence and the power of a people-focused business approach. #businessstrategist  #advice #podcast #businessowner #businesstips #growth #businessgrowth #businesslesson #businessessentials #howtostartabusiness #businessstrategy #businesspodcast #motivation  #success

  7. 09/10/2024

    MAKE SURE YOUR MINDSET IS IN CHECK FOR BUSINESS | With Taylor McMaster and Barrett MacDonald | Atlantic Ambition Podcast

    Meet Taylor McMaster, founder of DOT & Company, the first and only agency providing fractional account management services for marketing agencies. Taylor shares her entrepreneurial journey and the unique path that led her to create a business focused on optimizing client experiences and supporting agency owners. With valuable lessons on hiring, fostering a positive work environment, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance, Taylor offers insights into the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship. Discover how her innovative approach and laser-focused vision have driven DOT & Company's success, and get inspired by her advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. Don't miss this engaging conversation with a trailblazer in the marketing industry.  #business  #advice #podcast #businessowner #businesstips #growth #businessgrowth #businesslesson #businessessentials #howtostartabusiness #businessstrategy #businesspodcast #motivation  #success

  8. 09/09/2024

    EVALUATE YOURSELF BEFORE STARTING A BUSINESS | With Samuel Daviau and Barrett MacDonald | Atlantic Ambition Podcast

    Meet Sam Daviau, co-founder and CEO of UpBeing, a company dedicated to improving social well-being through its innovative application. In this interview, Sam shares his journey from Toronto to Halifax, the inspiration behind UpBeing, and his mission to combat the loneliness epidemic affecting many today. Over the past few years, Sam has learned valuable lessons about leadership, hiring, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Discover how UpBeing is making a positive impact and get inspired by Sam's insights into entrepreneurship, building trust within a team, and fostering a supportive work environment. Join us for an engaging conversation with a visionary leader in the behavioral health sector. #business  #advice #podcast #businessowner #businesstips #growth #businessgrowth #businesslesson #businessessentials #howtostartabusiness #businessstrategy #businesspodcast #motivation  #success

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About

Welcome to the Atlantic Ambition podcast - the home of entrepreneurs changing the game in Canada. From business successes, to challenges, and how they're growing their businesses for generations to come, we cover all on our weekly episodes! Hit that subscribe button so you don't miss any. I hope you enjoy! Barrett

Information

  • Creator
    Barrett Macdonald
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    22
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Barrett Macdonald