Good Neighbor Podcast: Mississauga

Alanja Simmons
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Connecting Mississauga Businesses and Neighbors! The Good Neighbor Podcast, hosted by Alanja Simmons, bridges the gap between Mississauga residents and the incredible local business owners in the Mississauga area. Discover the stories behind your favorite local businesses—because they're not just owners; they're your neighbors! Proud to be the #1 Mississauga Podcast. Are you a business serving the Mississauga  area? Let’s showcase your story! Visit gnpMississauga.com to schedule your free interview today. 

Episodes

  1. NOV 18

    Basements, Budgets, And Better Renovations

    Renovation can feel like a gamble ,deposits, delays, and promises that fade when the drywall dust settles. Our conversation with Jerome Sammy, owner of Finnish Basement Inc., shows what it looks like when a contractor replaces uncertainty with structure, clarity, and a steady hand. With more than 40 years of service in the GTA, Jerome brings a musician’s ear for timing to the building world, coordinating trades in a tight, week-by-week rhythm that keeps projects moving and homeowners informed. We unpack the company’s signature approach to basement remodels, where speed doesn’t mean shortcuts. Jerome walks through a clean sequence demolition, framing, insulation, electrical, plumbing, drywall, and finishes so each crew hits the site at the right moment. He speaks plainly about industry myths, from disappearing contractors to inflated expertise, and explains how clear scopes, documented changes, and honest pricing build confidence. If you’ve ever wondered why timelines slip, his answer is simple and actionable: protect the sequence and treat change orders with rigor. Marketing and momentum get real, too. Jerome outlines who they serve homeowners with stable income who value reliability and how a mix of website portfolios, Facebook, Instagram, and Google Ads fuels demand. A standout chapter traces their TV work on Income Property with Scott McGillivray and the surprising long tail of reruns that still send leads years later. Beyond the job site, Jerome shares how music, family, and grandkids keep him grounded, and why he’s considering launching a podcast to teach more people how to renovate with confidence. If you care about results you can measure and a crew that shows up when they say they will, you’ll find practical takeaways you can use on your next project: how to vet a contractor, how to read a schedule, and how to keep budget and scope aligned. Enjoy the story, take the notes, and if this helped, subscribe, share it with a friend planning a reno, and leave a quick review so more homeowners can find it.

    7 min

  2. OCT 27

    From Agency Veteran To Founder: Why Ethical Recruiting Still Matters

    Ever wonder what truly separates a great recruiting partner from a resume mill? We sit down with founder Zag Dutton of Career Connections Canada to unpack how a boutique firm delivers consistent results for pharmaceutical manufacturing and third‑party logistics teams and why trust, clarity, and relentless questions are the real edge. Zag traces her journey from launching branches at a national agency to building her own company for greater autonomy and higher standards. We explore the crucial differences between permanent recruitment and temporary staffing, including the day-to-day realities of serving as employer of record, handling sick calls and time issues, and designing systems that keep operations compliant and smooth. Her process starts with defining outcomes: why the role exists, what must improve in 90 days, and what team dynamics shape success. With precise inputs, sourcing shifts from keyword matching to culture and performance fit, boosting retention and saving hiring managers time. We also take on industry myths that mislead candidates. Agencies can’t “manufacture” jobs; they fill specific roles that clients request. And candidates should never pay an agency fees belong on the employer side, full stop. Zag shares how her team coaches candidates on resumes and interviews, helps them tell measurable stories, and encourages thoughtful questions that reveal whether the work is right for them. On the client front, she highlights why pharma and 3PL needs align, how referrals fuel growth, and how consistent delivery earns an invitation when leaders change companies. If you’re hiring, expect better outcomes when you share honest constraints and answer your recruiter’s questions thoroughly. If you’re job seeking, protect your wallet, refine your narrative, and pursue roles where you can deliver impact. Subscribe for more candid conversations with local leaders, and if this helped, share it with a friend and leave a review to support the show. Zag Dutton Career Connections Canada Inc. +19052813538 https://www.careerconnectionsinc.com Connecting Great People with Great Companies Since 1995 At Career Connections Canada Inc., we specialize in permanent, contract, and temporary recruitment solutions that drive organizational success. For over 30 years, we’ve built a reputation for excellence—delivering top-tier candidates and personalized service that sets us apart. Our mission goes beyond filling positions. We identify professionals who not only meet your immediate needs but also become long-term contributors to your growth. With deep industry expertise and a commitment to quality, Career Connections is your trusted partner in building strong, sustainable teams. Discover the difference. Let’s connect today.

    12 min

  3. OCT 23

    From Corporate To Clippers: How Pooches N Pals Became A Trusted Mississauga Groomer

    A quiet salon, a steady hand, and a plan built around your dog’s comfort can turn grooming from a chore into genuine care. We sit with Tanya Ellis, owner of  Pooches N' Pals  in Port Credit, to explore why one-on-one appointments, quick turnarounds, and close attention to detail can change a pet’s health journey for the better. Tanya shares how she left corporate life to take over a local grooming shop and build it into a trusted Mississauga staple over thirteen years. We talk through the practical side of grooming that pet parents rarely see: tracking coat and skin changes over time, noticing new lumps or sensitivity around joints, and communicating clearly with veterinarians when something seems off. While groomers aren’t vets, the best ones act as early spotters and stress reducers, creating a calmer experience that helps dogs return happily. Tanya explains her low-stress model, from one-on-one sessions to a quick pickup call, often within minutes of finishing, to keep anxiety low and trust high. We also get explore the breadth of services beyond dogs, including nail trims for cats, rabbits, and guinea pigs, as well as into the breadth of services beyond dogs, including nail trims for cats, rabbits, and guinea pigs, plus how mindset and routines outside of work shape the way a team cares for animals. Tanya opens up about her upcoming online grooming course, designed for aspiring professionals seeking practical techniques, safety protocols, canine body language, and Client communication all in one place. For locals looking for a groomer in Mississauga or Port Credit, and for anyone curious about what excellent grooming really means, this conversation offers a clear, human look at care, craft, and community. If this story helped you rethink pet care, follow the show, share it with a fellow pet parent, and leave a review to tell us what resonated most.how one-on-one appointments, quick turnarounds, and close attention to detail can improve a pet’s health journey Tanya Ellis Pooches N' Pals +19052782275 www.poochesnpalsinc.com "We are a pet grooming salon services dogs and cats, small animals such as Rabbits and guinea pigs. We focus on one on one with each pet in our care. Safety is of utmost importance and is the main focus, we make sure your pet has a safe grooming experience. We also want to make sure the pet parents experience is calm and felt cared for. We love every pooch and pet parent that we meet who let's us ensure their pet has the best experience for their needs!"

    6 min

  4. OCT 17

    Your Toothbrush Isn’t A Jackhammer

    What if your dentist knew your name, your story, and your smile’s history and you saw the same trusted face every time? We sit down with Dr. Monica Sierraalta of Apple Day Dental in Mississauga to explore how a solo-practice model delivers something big clinics struggle to match: personal, consistent care grounded in genuine relationships.  Dr.  Dr. Sierraalta   opens up about building a family focused practice where prevention comes first and every treatment plan is explained without pressure or jargon. She walks us through modern general dentistry, covering everything from cleanings and checkups to root canals and extractions, highlighting how digital x-rays, intra-oral scanners, and a thoughtful referral network improve accuracy, comfort, and outcomes. Along the way, we tackle stubborn myths: why “no pain” doesn’t mean “no problem,” how Dr. Sierraalta keeps x-ray exposure low while enabling early diagnosis, and why brushing harder can actually harm your gums. Practical takeaways abound for parents, busy professionals, and anyone overdue for a checkup. Community is the heartbeat here. Dr. Sierraalta shares how local involvement, nonprofit work with the Cleft Lip and Palate Foundation, and open conversations turn neighbours into patients who feel welcome before they ever sit in the chair. We also step outside the clinic to hear how paddling Ontario’s lakes, hiking, and a weekly dance class keep her grounded, habits that translate into a calmer, more attentive experience for patients. If you value accessible care, flexible hours, and a team that greets you like a person, not a number, this conversation offers both reassurance and actionable guidance. Ready to rethink your next appointment? Follow and share the show, leave a quick review to help others find it, and tell us: what dental myth should we bust next? Dr.Monica Sierraalta Apple Day Dental +19057853439 www.appledaydental.ca Dr. Monica Sierraalta's Family General Dental Practice located in Mississauga. We speak English, Spanish and Portuguese. We accept patients of all ages. All insurances accepted. Relaxed environment. Friendly staff. Caring dentist to help you achieve a confident smile. Digital x rays and oral scans

    10 min

  5. OCT 10

    From Cottage Dreams to City Blocks: Greg Reuter’s Architecture That Listens

    Ever wonder what really happens between a bright idea and a building you can walk through? We sit down with architect Greg Reuter of Reuter Architecture to trace that path, listening to clients, shaping concepts, navigating zoning and building code, and delivering construction documents and contracts that keep projects on budget and on schedule. Greg’s boutique practice focuses on small apartment buildings under six stories, retirement living, commercial spaces, and thoughtfully detailed cottages—projects where constraints are tight, stakes are high, and service matters. Greg’s career reads like a world tour in design. From a formative exchange in France to studio time in Holland, high-rise and transit work in Boston, and award-winning projects in Toronto and Italy, he’s learned how to move gracefully between big-vision thinking and technical precision. He explains why architects are more than “pretty drawings,” how schematic design evolves into specifications and bid sets, and where cost clarity comes from: details that remove ambiguity before a contractor ever steps on site. We dig into committee of adjustment strategy, early test fits that help developers decide whether to buy a property, and the way a single extra structural bay can change the pro forma. The conversation ranges from wayfinding pet peeves (if you need a giant “entrance” sign, something’s wrong) to the quiet beauty of brutalism and the industrial poetry of the Welland Canal. Greg also shares how wineries use architecture as brand, drawing on his Amsterdam experience in three-dimensional communication for global companies. And for creative fuel, he heads out to race a 35-foot sailboat on Lake Ontario, where distance and wind reset perspective and sharpen decisions. If you care about design that listens, buildings that work, and a process that respects time and money, you’ll find practical insights you can use on your next project residential, commercial, or mixed-use. Explore Greg’s process-focused blog, see in-progress models and renderings, and connect directly to sense-check a site before you buy. If you enjoyed this conversation, subscribe, share it with a friend who loves architecture, and leave a quick review to help more people find the show. Gregory Reuter Reuter Architecture +16472618052 www.rdcabuild.com "Reuter Architecture, OAA, is a seasoned practice that delivers creative solutions in residential, heritage and commercial development in Toronto and the surrounding Cottage Country. Our extensive experience in the Construction Industry enables us to successfully envision broad development schemes & concepts, while constraining project costs and technical hurdles. At Reuter's Architecture firm we strive to provide our clients with the design they desire, at a price that will fit their budget."

    19 min

  6. OCT 10

    Why oral surgeons aren’t “just dentists” and how CVOS raises the bar for patient care

    Think oral surgeons are just dentists with a few extra tools? Gavin from CVOS Oral Surgery pulls back the curtain on what genuine specialty care looks like and why training, volume, and culture can transform a stressful procedure into a confident, well-supported experience. We trace CVOS from its Credit Valley roots to a network serving Halton, Peel, Hamilton, and Niagara, then dive into the clinical and human factors that set outcomes apart: multi‑year hospital residencies, evidence‑based techniques, and a team built to greet anxiety with empathy. We walk through the services patients ask about most, wisdom teeth removal, complex extractions, and dental implants and unpack how advanced imaging, minimally invasive approaches, and clear pre‑ and post‑op guidance reduce pain and recovery time. Gavin explains the nuanced world of referral-based care, where marketing must inspire patient trust without sidelining the vital role of family dentists and orthodontists. He also shares how strict regulatory and privacy standards shape what healthcare teams can say publicly, and why CVOS favours educational content and measured claims over hype. What stands out is the end-to-end patient journey: fast first contact after referral, compassionate front-desk support, surgeons who translate complexity into plain language, and follow‑ups that make recovery feel supported rather than solitary. Along the way, we meet the person behind the process a leader who channels stress into exercise and martial arts with his kids, and who believes that a thriving team is the fastest route to excellent care. If you’re considering implants, facing wisdom teeth removal, or guiding a patient toward specialty care, this conversation offers a clear checklist: look for deep training, high surgical volume, respectful referral relationships, and a culture that treats kindness as clinical practice. Enjoyed the conversation? Follow the show, share it with a friend who might be weighing oral surgery, and leave a quick review to help others find thoughtful local stories like this one. Gavin Rouble CVOS Oral Surgery +19053360303 cvosoralsurgery.com "Since 1979, CVOS Oral Surgery has consistently provided expert oral and maxillofacial treatment to patients throughout the Halton, Peel, Hamilton, and Niagara regions. CVOS works in partnership with thousands of area dentists, orthodontists, and other healthcare professionals to improve the quality of life of patients by performing both simple and complex oral surgeries - including tooth/wisdom tooth extractions, dental implants, and both corrective and restorative surgery - carried out by extensively trained and experienced oral surgeons using the latest and most effective techniques and technologies available."

    13 min

  7. SEP 30

    Thrift Store Prices Walked In; SafetyNet Said, “Nope”

    What if the help your neighbours need is as close as your closet? We sit down with Bill Shields, founder of SafetyNet Charities, to explore a rare model that keeps essentials truly free for families: clothing, diapers, housewares, and furniture while offering one-to-one tutoring that helps stop poverty from passing to the next generation. With more than 9,000 families served and 100–150 new families added each month, Bill shares what demand looks like on the ground and why generosity, paired with smart systems, can scale without losing heart. We dig into a stubborn local myth that affluent areas like Oakville don’t face hardship and counter it with data: over 40% of SafetyNet’s families come from Oakville, and 12–15 people experiencing homelessness visit daily. Bill explains how clients discover support through referrals and search, why donors choose SafetyNet to keep their items free to families, and how 2,000–2,500 pounds of clothing flow in each day without turning into a thrift store. Nothing goes to landfill; unusable items are recycled, making this a practical, community-driven loop that reduces waste and increases dignity. You’ll hear the story behind a social worker’s decision to build a zero-cost service hub, the impact of targeted tutoring on confidence and graduation paths, and the simple steps to get involved donate clothing, furniture, and new diapers; volunteer; or spread the word so families can find help fast. If you’ve ever wondered whether your extra coat, crib, or Saturday afternoon could change a neighbour’s week, this conversation shows exactly how. If this resonated, share it with a friend, subscribe for more local stories that matter, and leave a review to help others find us. Want to pitch in today? Visit SafetyNet Services to donate, volunteer, or learn more.

    6 min

  8. SEP 26

    Beats, Rhymes & PSPs: The Fun Side of a Local Songwriter

    Meet Moreno Zulu, a local songwriter whose creative journey began in 2013 with a friend's suggestion to try rapping. What started as casual basement recordings quickly blossomed when his first YouTube upload generated unexpected enthusiasm from his peers. Moreno's story exemplifies how passion, discipline, and being in "the right place at the right time" can create remarkable opportunities. One defining moment came when 15-year-old Moreno participated in the Freedom Project music education program. Alongside his classmates, he helped bring Wu-Tang Clan's Jiza to Toronto for a university lecture. Sitting beside a hip-hop legend in a packed auditorium left an indelible impression that continues to influence his artistic development to this day. This early exposure to music industry success showed Moreno what was possible through dedication to his craft. As a versatile artist working across hip-hop, pop, and R&B, Moreno has cultivated a core audience within the urban community while maintaining broad appeal. He challenges prevailing misconceptions about the music industry, asserting that despite high-profile scandals, many good people work in music with artists' best interests at heart. Beyond his professional pursuits, Moreno reveals himself as someone who "doesn't take life too seriously," enjoying social activities, new experiences, and even collecting vintage gaming systems. With hundreds of videos on YouTube and an active Instagram presence, Moreno invites listeners to discover more about his music and personality. As he puts it before signing off: "Stay tuned because there's more coming."

    8 min

  9. SEP 26

    From Street Ministry to Serving 2,000 Weekly: Garth Soso's Mission

    What happens when faith meets food security? Garth Soso answers this question through his remarkable journey with Soso World Ministries. This organization has transformed from serving 30 people to supporting 2,000 weekly clients across 14 food banks in the Greater Toronto Area. The conversation shatters common misconceptions about food bank users. "The demographics have changed," Garth reveals, explaining how employed people with mortgages and cars now rely on food banks to offset inflation and rising living costs. This shift highlights a growing reality - food insecurity touches many more lives than we might expect. With the money saved on groceries, these families can better manage their mounting bills and expenses. So, with over 110,000 residents, many of whom rely on the organization, targets explicitly Toronto Community Housing residents - Canada's largest property ownership group, with over 110,000 residents, many relying on government assistance programs that often run dry after the first week of each month. Behind this operation stands a team of 130 dedicated volunteers who embody Soso's faith-based approach of serving "with a loving heart." His mission began during street ministry in downtown Toronto, where he recognized that many people requiring support weren't homeless but rather housing residents needing additional resources. Looking to make a difference in your community? Soso World Ministries welcomes volunteers of all backgrounds, including high school students seeking community hours and retirees wanting to give back. Visit sosoworldministries.com or find them on Instagram to learn how you can join their mission of bringing food security to those who need it most in the spirit of humility and compassion.

    8 min

  10. SEP 26

    Gray Hair Wisdom: Why Experience Matters in Home Renovation

    Ever wondered what separates a true builder from a contractor? In this enlightening conversation with Andrew Parker, third-generation master carpenter and owner of Partex Design Build, we uncover the essential differences that could save your next home renovation project from disaster. Andrew shares his family's deep roots in construction, dating back to his grandfather and father before him, explaining how this generational knowledge shapes his approach to design-build projects today. With characteristic candour, he reveals why many contractors fail their clients - often due to a lack of business training, proper documentation skills, and transparency - and how  Partex Design Build  has maintained its stellar reputation since 1981 by avoiding these common pitfalls. From second-floor additions to in-law suites for aging parents, Andrew walks us through how  Partex Design Build helps homeowners maximize their living spaces while navigating complex permit processes and neighbourhood relations. His advice is refreshingly straightforward: "Hire the guy with the gray hair. He's already made most of the mistakes with other people's money, and you get what you pay for." Beyond his professional insights, we glimpse Andrew's personal passions as a competitive pilot and sailor who balances work with adventure. Ready to transform your home with confidence? Visit PARTEX.ca to explore Client testimonials and Andrew's educational YouTube channel that demystifies the renovation journey.

    6 min

  11. SEP 26

    The Path to Your Highest Self

    Have you ever wondered if there's more to personal development than just becoming a better version of yourself? What if your growth could impact not just your life, but the entire universe? Meet Morgan O. Smith, a meditation practitioner of 22 years whose transformative experiences led him to create multiple ventures dedicated to human potential. As founder of Bodhi Mental Care and Wellness, co-founder of Kmore for innovative development, creator of the Unergy meditation program, and author of "Bodhi in the Brain," Morgan approaches business not as his primary goal but as a vehicle for genuine self-expression and service. During our conversation, Morgan clarifies one of the biggest misconceptions about meditation: it doesn't eliminate emotions like anger. Rather, "meditation makes you more authentically human," allowing practitioners to experience the full spectrum of emotions while learning to express them appropriately. This refreshing perspective challenges the notion that spiritual practice means transcending our humanity—instead, it means embracing it more fully. What truly sets Morgan apart is his conviction that every person can reach an extraordinary peak that fundamentally changes their life trajectory. This isn't just personal—he believes these individual transformations ripple outward to affect "all life, all time, all ages, everything." His life's work centers on helping others discover this potential within themselves, using various modalities including his 13-level brainwave entrainment program used by practitioners across nearly 20 countries. Ready to explore your own extraordinary potential? Search "Morgan O. Smith" or "Bodhi in the Brain" to discover resources that might just change your understanding of what's possible in your personal development journey. What peak might you reach that could transform not just your life, but contribute to the evolution of consciousness itself?

    12 min

  12. SEP 26

    Why Not Live Your Dream Life? A DJ's Perspective

    What does it take to transform passion into purpose? DJ Akeem answers this question with refreshing honesty as he shares his journey from timid beginner to confident music entrepreneur on this episode of the Good Neighbour Podcast. Since November 2012, DJ Akeem has been bringing communities together through music, though he admits the path wasn't always smooth. "For the first half of the years, I was really more timid, wasn't really believing in myself, but I was always delivering," he reflects. With guidance from his mentor DJ Eloquence, he learned to balance community service with business acumen, creating a sustainable model for his passion. DJ Akeem expertly debunks common industry misconceptions – that DJ's can't make money, that breaking into the business is impossible, or that the workload is overwhelming. His secret? "It's more of putting yourself out there because the more you put yourself out there is the more you're gonna continue to grow." Specializing in nostalgic sounds from the 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s, while incorporating fresh elements, he has created a unique niche that resonates with audiences seeking both familiarity and novelty. Beyond the turntables, we discover an anime enthusiast (Demon Slayer fans, you're not alone!), a gamer, a reader, and a philosophy sharer. His powerful parting message encapsulates his approach to life and business: "One hundred years from now, no one's gonna remember you. And if they're not gonna remember you, then why not live the dream, your dream life?" It's this authentic perspective that makes DJ Akeem not just a talented entertainer but a great neighbour.

    6 min
  • 12 Episodes

About

Connecting Mississauga Businesses and Neighbors! The Good Neighbor Podcast, hosted by Alanja Simmons, bridges the gap between Mississauga residents and the incredible local business owners in the Mississauga area. Discover the stories behind your favorite local businesses—because they're not just owners; they're your neighbors! Proud to be the #1 Mississauga Podcast. Are you a business serving the Mississauga  area? Let’s showcase your story! Visit gnpMississauga.com to schedule your free interview today. 

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