Bragg N' Bout Business Podcast

Bragg N' Bout Business Podcast
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Welcome to Bragg N’ Bout Business, the podcast that shines a spotlight on incredible entrepreneurs and business owners in and around Bragg Creek, Alberta. Each week we pull back the curtain on local storefronts, fantastic restaurants, skilled tradespeople, and dedicated service providers—giving them the chance to share their inspiring stories of resilience and success. You'll connect with the faces behind the businesses you love, discover some hidden gems, and be reminded how your support makes a remarkable difference in our communities.

  1. Jun 16

    From Aussie Mines to Alberta Hotshots — Kiara Ellis, Kodiak Transport

    Kiara Ellis was operating heavy equipment in an Australian mine when she saw an Instagram post, dropped her number, and booked a flight to Canada the next day. Now she co-runs Kodiak Transport, a Calgary-based hotshot and industrial freight company serving the construction industry and manufacturers across Alberta and Western Canada. She joins Gregg Hinton to talk about the leap that brought her here, the first-year fears nobody warns you about, and the hidden costs of small-truck freight — $4,000/month insurance, $2.50/litre diesel, and a –35°C job where they chained a frozen tractor to two trucks rather than leave a seller stranded. Honest, funny, and full of "%$#! around and find out" wisdom on starting something of your own. Find Kodiak Transport at kodiakls.ca, or search "Kodiak Transport" on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. More at bnbb.ca

    26 min

  2. Jun 9

    Brigitte Legault – Inside Kananaskis Campground Services: Running 20 Campgrounds, Two Stores & a Seasonal Business

    Brigitte Legault and her husband Dylan run Kananaskis Campground Services, managing nearly 20 campgrounds, two stores, a gas station, and 45 day-use areas across the Elbow Valley, Sheep River Valley, and Highwood. In this episode, she tells Gregg Hinton what it's like to operate a high-intensity seasonal business where Alberta Parks is the only customer and demand is never the problem. We get into the real cost of cleaning up after campers and why Leave No Trace matters, the underrated campgrounds most people never find (Beaver Flats, Blue Rock, Etherington, Cataract Creek), close calls with wildlife, and the transformation of the McLean Creek store into a community hub—ice cream, dirty sodas, local goods and Cowboy Trail Brewery's non-alcoholic Trail Ale included. A great listen for anyone who camps in K-Country, runs a seasonal or small business, or loves the Bragg Creek and Kananaskis community. Visit kananaskiscampgroundservices.com · Book through shop.albertaparks.ca · Grab your Kananaskis Conservation Pass before you go. 00:00 – Intro (and the all-important Bigfoot question)01:30 – How Kananaskis Campground Services started02:30 – The scale: 20 campgrounds, 2 stores, 45 day-use areas, 28 staff04:00 – From Calgary tech consulting to the woods06:30 – Why Alberta Parks is the only customer08:00 – Leave No Trace, rates, and cleaning up after humanity11:00 – Different user groups: OHV, mountain bikers, hikers, birders13:00 – Best-kept-secret campgrounds: Beaver Flats, Blue Rock, Etherington & Cataract Creek15:30 – Where KCS sees itself in 5 years17:00 – Seasonal staffing and the travel-in-winter lifestyle20:00 – Wildlife encounters (bears, and one aggressive owl)23:00 – Building roots in the Bragg Creek community25:00 – Inside the McLean Creek store: ice cream, dirty sodas & Trail Ale29:00 – Rapid-fire: childhood dreams, first jobs & worst jobs33:00 – How to book & visit Kananaskis this season

    29 min

  3. Apr 28

    Kevin Den Hoed on Why "Helping People" is the Ultimate Business Model

    "You’re going to help way more people as a mechanic than you will as a cop." 🚑🚔 That’s the advice that changed everything for Kevin Den Hoed. In this episode, Kevin joins Gregg Hinton to discuss his 30-year journey from a "joking dream" at an A&W to running a thriving family-run shop in Bragg Creek. Kevin breaks down the transition from teaching at SAIT to full-time entrepreneurship, his unique approach to staff mentorship, and why he’s choosing to be "whole-assed" in his commitment to the local community. Topics Covered: Moving from an employee mindset to an owner mindset. The importance of "PR" (Public Relations) over just "visiting" with customers. Why the internet makes us informed but not always smarter diagnosticians. The power of a multi-generational legacy in a small town. Follow the show for more interviews with the practitioners moving the needle in Alberta. ⏳ Episode Timestamps 00:00 – Intro: Kevin Den Hoed & the CAT Automotive Origin Story02:30 – From A&W Jokes to a 30-Year Reality: Naming the Business07:45 – The COVID Pivot: How a Crisis Became a Blessing for KAT12:15 – Why Bragg Creek? Being the Local Mechanic & Giving Back16:30 – The "Circle of Life" Business Model: Win-Win Pricing21:00 – PR vs. Visiting: The Art of Customer Connection26:45 – Supporting the Core: Why Local Entrepreneurs Get a Discount31:30 – Leading Gen Z: Mentoring the Next Generation of Technicians36:45 – Work-Life Integration: Why "Work" is Therapeutic41:00 – Multi-Generational Legacy: The 50-Year History of the Property46:30 – The Recruitment Story: Why Kevin Chose Wrenching Over Policing51:15 – RAPID FIRE: How Often Do You Actually Need an Oil Change?56:45 – Check Engine Lights: When to Worry and When to Stop01:01:00 – The Truth About Brakes: Why They Squeak in 202601:05:30 – The Bigfoot Question & Kevin’s Philosophy on Life01:08:45 – Closing Thoughts: How to Support Local in Bragg Creek #BraggCreek #SupportLocal #KATAutomotive #Practitioner #SmallBizAlberta #CommunityMoat #BusinessLeadership #PodcastCommunity

    58 min

  4. Apr 21

    Grizzly Bears, Big Business, and the 2027 Election: The Sarah Elmeligi Masterclass

    Stop playing small. Sarah Elmeligi isn’t just the MLA for Banff-Kananaskis; she’s a PhD biologist who spent 20 years looking into the eyes of 600lb grizzlies before she ever looked at a ballot box. In this episode of Bragg N' Bout Business, we’re going deep on the "Human Dimension" of leadership. We talk about the "dirt" that makes our region the best in the province and why "balance" is a lie when it comes to the environment vs. development. Sarah gets real about the struggle of walking away from her own small business, Sarah E Consulting, to serve the public, and why she’s officially intending to seek the nomination for the 2027 run. If you’re an entrepreneur in Alberta trying to survive the "masses descending" on your community, this is the resilience training you didn't know you needed. #BraggCreek #AlbertaBusiness #SarahElmeligi #GrizzlyBears #SmallBusinessSuccess #BanffKananaskis #2027Election #EntrepreneurMindset #AlbertaPolitics #Resilience #WhatBearsTeachUsTime Stamps: 0:00 – Intro: Why Banff-Kananaskis has the "Best Dirt" in Alberta. 03:45 – The Trigger: From Grizzly Bear Scientist to MLA. 06:20 – Small Business Hustle: The Freedom of Running Sarah E Consulting. 10:15 – The "Balance" Myth: Why a Healthy Environment is the Economy. 14:40 – The Australia Winter: Escaping Hibernation and Living the PhD Life. 19:12 – Lessons from "The Boss": What 60-Grizzlies Can Teach You About People. 24:30 – What Bears Teach Us: Patience, Resilience, and Knowing When to Walk Away. 29:50 – Personal Lightning Round: Vet Clinics, Australia Backpacking, and Bigfoot. 34:10 – The 2027 Run: New Riding Boundaries and the Future of Banff-Kananaskis. 37:20 – The Bragg Creek Egress: Real Talk on Safety and Local Advocacy

    45 min

  5. Apr 7

    Untamed Luxury: Navigating the 2026 Bragg Creek Real Estate Market with Elise Lalonde

    What does "luxury" actually mean in 2026?. In this episode of Bragg N' Bout Business, we sit down with Elise Lalonde of the Rare Group (Real Broker) to talk about the shift toward "untamed luxury" in the Alberta foothills. Elise shares her unique journey from farm life and international flight attending to high-end couture design and, eventually, real estate. We dig into why Bragg Creek is a market like no other, the "Bragg Creek Unique" quirks you need to know before buying an acreage, and how to maximize your home's value without a massive renovation. Key Takeaways: Defining Untamed Luxury: Why space and peace are the new status symbols in 2026. The "Bragg Creek Unique" Factor: Navigating weird property lines, septic systems, and the "cone lickers" of the hamlet. High-ROI Seller Tips: Why cleaning and maintenance beat out "crappy renos" every time. 2026 Market Shifts: Insights on interest rates, amortization rules, and the return of "clean offers". Real Estate as Relationships: Managing the emotional side of difficult deals and estate sales. Timestamps: 0:00 – Welcome Elise Lalonde to Bragg N' Bout Business 2:45 – What is "Untamed Luxury" in 2026? 8:15 – From Flight Attendant to Couture Designer to Realtor 14:30 – Common misconceptions about moving to Bragg Creek 21:10 – How to increase your home's value immediately 28:50 – Bigfoot, Tinder success stories, and local life #BraggCreek #AlbertaRealEstate #UntamedLuxury #BraggNBoutBusiness #EliseLalonde #RareGroup #RealEstate2026

    36 min

  6. Mar 31

    Why Niche Retail Wins: BBQ, Bigfoot, and Building a Destination Business

    Stop trying to be Home Depot. In this episode, I sit down with Leslie from Whisky and Woodsmoke Mercantile to talk about how she turned a "wild welcome" in Bragg Creek into a world-class destination for BBQ fanatics and outdoor enthusiasts. We’re diving deep into the 2nd Annual Hot Wings Challenge (yes, the legit Hot Ones sauces) and why Leslie chooses to stock the "notorious" stuff you can't find at Safeway. If you want to know how to pivot from a gift shop to an outfitting powerhouse while supporting the Veteran Association Food Bank, this is the blueprint. In this episode, we cover: Marketing Strategy: Why humor and "inappropriate" products build a loyal fanbase. Spice Science: Why your grocery store pepper makes you sneeze (and why Township 27 doesn't). Funding Realities: The truth about banks and the "thick skin" required to self-fund a dream. Bigfoot in Alberta? First-hand accounts of sightings near Bragg Creek. Support the Cause:Whisky and Woodsmoke collects for the Veteran Association Food Bank year-round—they’ve already raised nearly $2,000! Timestamps (The "Retention" Blueprint) 0:00 – The Hot Wings Challenge: Testing the "Battery Acid" sauce. 2:32 – The "Wild Welcome": Why Leslie signed a lease before she knew what to sell. 5:15 – Gauging the Audience: The motorcycle show trick for retail success. 7:45 – Pivoting: Listening to the community to become a BBQ mecca. 10:12 – The Science of Spices: Microplastics and low pH garlic. 13:40 – Local Legends: Why Township 27 and Craddyshack are must-haves. 16:20 – The "Wiener Warmer" and why your business needs to be funny. 19:05 – Hard Truths: Why banks won't help you and how to survive anyway. 22:15 – Bigfoot Sightings: Is the beast crossing White Abbey?. 25:40 – Leslie’s "Worst Job": Lessons from a chicken slaughterhouse. 29:10 – The Future: Archery, Paddleboards, and Outdoor Outfitting. #BraggCreek #AlbertaBusiness #SmallBusinessTips #BBQLife #HotOnesChallenge #EntrepreneurMindset #WhiskyAndWoodsmoke #LocalAlberta #NicheRetail

    30 min

  7. Mar 24

    The Conversation Everyone Is Avoiding (But Shouldn’t) | Julie Handrahan

    Stop scrolling and listen. We’re talking about the one thing 100% of us are going to face, but nobody wants to discuss. Julie Handrahan is a Death Doula and the founder of Transition Well, and she’s here to change the narrative. In this episode of Bragg N' Bout Business, we’re stripping away the fear and the "taboo" of end-of-life support. Julie brings a lighthearted, incredibly human perspective to a topic that usually feels heavy. If you care about legacy, empathy, and actually supporting your loved ones (and yourself), this is the most important hour of your week. What we’re diving into: What the heck is a Death Doula anyway? How to make "the end" a lot less scary for everyone involved. The business of empathy and human connection. Why a lighthearted approach is the best way to handle the heavy stuff. (0:00) Intro: Stop running, start living. This isn't a dark conversation; it’s the ultimate life hack for intention.(2:15) The Stigma vs. The Reality: What the heck is a "Death Doula" anyway? Breaking down the fear.(4:30) "Magic’s" Story: The human side of being an end-of-life worker.(8:12) It’s About Legacy, Not Just Loss: How planning for the end changes how you show up today.(11:05) "Transition Well": The mission to normalize the hardest conversation you’ll ever have.(14:55) Practical Empathy: How to actually support a loved one through the final chapter.(18:30) The Business of Humanity: Navigating entrepreneurship in a "taboo" industry.(22:45) Lightning Round / "Outro": Final thoughts on life, death, and not taking yourself too seriously. Follow Julie Handrahan & Transition Well:www.transitionwell.ca julie@transitionwell.ca

    45 min

  8. Mar 3

    How This Mom Sold Out Her Business in 24 Hours: The Power of Ritual with Lucy McMurray ☕✨

    What happens when a holistic nutritionist decides to fix her son's bedtime routine? She accidentally builds a thriving business. In this episode of Bragg N' Bout Business, host Gregg Hinton sits down with Lucy McMurray, founder of Ritual Wellness Collective, to discuss how she turned a personal need into a best-selling line of adaptogenic lattes. From navigating the "administrative nightmare" of a startup to securing "bucket list" retail partners, Lucy shares the raw, grassroots journey of building a brand in Bragg Creek. We dive deep into the science of adaptogens like Reishi and Ashwagandha, the challenge of sourcing high-quality Matcha, and why "intimate" local markets can outperform high-traffic events. Guest Info: Guest: Lucy McMurray Business: Ritual Wellness Collective Instagram: @ritualwellness.co Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro: From the Bragg Creek Christmas Market to Podcast Guest 01:41 – Why Market Volume Doesn't Equal Sales Volume 02:35 – What are Adaptogens? Bringing the Nervous System into Regulation 03:32 – Product Breakdown: Mellow Mood Cacao vs. Golden Moon Milk 05:07 – The "Aha!" Moment: Making Hot Chocolate for a 4-Year-Old 07:23 – Glow Up Matcha: Skincare in a Mug & Sourcing Challenges 08:44 – Relocating to Bragg Creek: Chasing Alignment Over City Life 13:24 – The Launch: Selling Out 100 Bags in 24 Hours 15:37 – Winning the "Bucket List" Client: The Light Cellar Partnership 16:34 – The Hardest Part: Compliance, Packaging, and Administration 18:13 – Sourcing Integrity: Organic Mushrooms from New Earth Organics 21:35 – Setting Ritual Apart: Small Batches vs. Mass Production 23:54 – Growth Through Community: The Power of Word-of-Mouth 27:13 – Looking Ahead: Expanding Cafes and Streamlining Manufacturing 34:49 – Entrepreneurial Lessons: Handling Rejection and Maintaining Ego 38:04 – Lucy’s Top Tip: Identify Your Non-Negotiables #Entrepreneurship #WellnessBusiness #Adaptogens #BraggCreek #SmallBusinessGrowth #HolisticNutrition #RitualWellness #PodcastInterviews #LocalBusinessAlberta

    37 min
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About

Welcome to Bragg N’ Bout Business, the podcast that shines a spotlight on incredible entrepreneurs and business owners in and around Bragg Creek, Alberta. Each week we pull back the curtain on local storefronts, fantastic restaurants, skilled tradespeople, and dedicated service providers—giving them the chance to share their inspiring stories of resilience and success. You'll connect with the faces behind the businesses you love, discover some hidden gems, and be reminded how your support makes a remarkable difference in our communities.

Information

  • Creator
    Bragg N' Bout Business Podcast
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    42
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Bragg N' Bout Business Podcast
  • Show Website
    Bragg N' Bout Business Podcast