Canada’s Entrepreneur

Canada’s Entrepreneur

Canada’s #1 Community for Entrepreneurs by Entrepreneurs. We talk to the entrepreneurs who are making it happen throughout Canada.​ Finally, a national podcast company that creates an active online community for entrepreneurs by entrepreneurs so they can stay connected locally and to let the world know how Entrepreneurs in Canada make things happen. Check us out on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@CanadasEntrepreneur

  1. 36m ago

    Always deliver more than expected - Calgary - Canada's Entrepreneur

    President of Assurgo Enterprises, Gerry Robitaille is a highly regarded business executive and corporate finance advisor. Focused on a mix of leadership responsibilities, operations management, governance and corporate finance mandates related to acquisitions, management buy outs and infrastructure financings, Gerry has established himself as an effective leader and trusted advisor, representing a diverse portfolio of successful organizations. With a career spanning more than 25 years, Gerry was a business owner in the 1990’s. After selling his company in 1995 Gerry began his Investment Banking career for Foundation Group Mergers and Associations Ltd. Focused primarily on the buy-side, Gerry led transactions valued up to $100 MM securing such notable acquisition clients as PCL and Finning (Canada). In 2002 Gerry was recruited by BW Technologies / Honeywell Life Safety where he served as Vice President, Corporate Development. In this position he was responsible for growing sales, driving innovation with product development and full P&L responsibilities for the newly formed fixed division. Gerry was responsible to coordinate the process for the sale of BW to a UK supplier for $260,000,000, and ultimately it all became part of Honeywell Life Safety. In 2006 Gerry transitioned to Executive Consulting with Private Equity where he filled a variety of roles that included sourcing transactions as well as proposing equity and debt structures to acquire control of small and mid-sized entities and turning around underperforming investments. Gerry then joined Graham Construction as Director, Infrastructure Financing in 2009 where he developed public infrastructure, oversaw equity investments and acted as operation period Project Director and Governance Board Chair for an infrastructure consortium. In his role Gerry led a consortium to successfully finance, design, construct and maintain public schools (value over 30-year contract of $253 MM), successfully negotiated with the Province of Alberta to allow the Graham led consortium to be sole bidder on $556 MM project to finance, design, construct and maintain 19 schools and was Graham’s lead in a team to construction and operate of the Regina Wastewater Treatment plant. In 2014, through Assurgo Enterprises, Gerry became CEO of Unified Valve Group where he assumed responsibilities for all aspects of the company’s operations and financing, selectively investing capital to improve efficiency and expansion while instituting innovations in offerings that further reduced reliance on financing through working capital reduction. Graduating from the University of Alberta in Finance and Accounting, Gerry has since supplemented his education through various programs including International Business Brokers Association (Mergers & Acquisitions), Toronto Stock Exchange, Public Company Management and Rules, as well as The Canadian Institute of Chartered Business Valuators (CICBV – Business and Securities Valuation, Tax and Law). Stay Connected with #CanadasEntrepreneur! Join our growing community of entrepreneurs across Canada! Don't miss out on inspiring interviews, expert insights, and the latest business trends from the people shaping the future of our economy. 👉 Subscribe to our YouTube channel for full episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@CanadasEntrepreneur 🌐 Explore more on our website: https://canadasentrepreneur.com 💼 Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/canadas-entrepreneur 📸 Follow behind-the-scenes on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/canadasentrepreneur 👍 Stay in the loop on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/canadasentrepreneur 🐦 Join the conversation on X: https://x.com/CanadasPreneur 💡 Want exclusive updates on the latest #entrepreneur podcasts and news? Make sure to subscribe and never miss a beat! Your support helps us continue bringing you the best stories from Canada’s top business leaders.

    25 min
  2. Jun 23

    2:2:2 Beginners Formula for optimizing credit in Canada - Vancouver - Canada's Entrepreneur

    In this episode of Canada’s Entrepreneur, we sit down with Kim Strynadka — self-described "Fairy Godmother of Possibilities," real estate investor, private lender, and financial educator — to unpack the real-world lessons about credit, debt, investing, and financial freedom that most Canadians never learn in school. Kim shares practical insights, including: Her simple "2:2:2" beginner’s formula for optimizing credit in Canada How to find and understand your credit score What happens when you don’t have good credit — and how it can quietly limit your opportunities Why the financial decisions you make young can shape your entire future Kim’s own journey wasn’t traditional. She left college one semester before graduating to pursue a dream career in advertising, eventually pivoting into mortgages, private lending, and real estate. Starting as a single self-employed mom with limited income and plenty of mistakes along the way, she built a commercial real estate and lending portfolio that allowed her to retire in her 50s. Today, based in Nanaimo, Kim is focused on helping the next generation avoid the financial stress and hard lessons she experienced herself. Through her "Kids & Credit" initiative and work with the Nanaimo Ladysmith Schools Foundation, she’s helping students better understand money, credit, and opportunity before they step into adulthood. This episode is packed with honest stories, practical advice, and a refreshing conversation about building financial freedom with purpose. Stay Connected with #CanadasEntrepreneur! Join our growing community of entrepreneurs across Canada! Don't miss out on inspiring interviews, expert insights, and the latest business trends from the people shaping the future of our economy. 👉 Subscribe to our YouTube channel for full episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@CanadasEntrepreneur 🌐 Explore more on our website: https://canadasentrepreneur.com 💼 Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/canadas-entrepreneur 📸 Follow behind-the-scenes on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/canadasentrepreneur 👍 Stay in the loop on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/canadasentrepreneur 🐦 Join the conversation on X: https://x.com/CanadasPreneur 💡 Want exclusive updates on the latest #entrepreneur podcasts and news? Make sure to subscribe and never miss a beat! Your support helps us continue bringing you the best stories from Canada’s top business leaders.

    19 min
  3. Jun 19

    The Startup Fixing Awkward Networking - Calgary - Canada's Entrepreneur

    Melvin Adekanye is a Canadian entrepreneur pursuing JamSocial, an event tech venture that creates interactive networking icebreakers designed to help introverts start conversations at in-person events. Have you ever felt awkward starting a conversation with a stranger at a networking event? It turns out most people do, and that awkward feeling holds them back from approaching new people. As a result, they miss out on opportunities that could have happened, whether that’s business/career growth, or new friendships. JamSocial has been in business for about a year, and during that time it has scaled across 20+ countries helping introverts network without the awkwardness at corporate events, parties, classrooms, and churches. Stay Connected with #CanadasEntrepreneur! Join our growing community of entrepreneurs across Canada! Don't miss out on inspiring interviews, expert insights, and the latest business trends from the people shaping the future of our economy. 👉 Subscribe to our YouTube channel for full episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@CanadasEntrepreneur 🌐 Explore more on our website: https://canadasentrepreneur.com 💼 Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/canadas-entrepreneur 📸 Follow behind-the-scenes on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/canadasentrepreneur 👍 Stay in the loop on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/canadasentrepreneur 🐦 Join the conversation on X: https://x.com/CanadasPreneur 💡 Want exclusive updates on the latest #entrepreneur podcasts and news? Make sure to subscribe and never miss a beat! Your support helps us continue bringing you the best stories from Canada’s top business leaders.

    23 min
  4. Jun 18

    A global brand making simple, better substitutions without compromising taste or quality - Toronto Canada's Entrepreneur

    Jay Klein is the Founder & CEO of The PUR Company Inc. where he leads a global brand committed to making simple, better-for-you substitutions – without compromising taste or quality. PUR continues to disrupt the chewing gum industry and is the #1 selling aspartame-free gum globally. PUR has been recognized among Deloitte’s Best Managed Companies, Canada’s Most Admired Corporate Cultures, and ranked #1 in Manufacturing on Profit 500’s list of Canada’s Fastest Growing Companies. This year Jay joins CBC’s Dragon’s Den in its 20th season as a Dragon. Jay was named to Canada’s Top 40 Under 40 and awarded the E&Y Entrepreneur of the Year. He is a member of Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO) and Benefactor on the Canadian Olympic Committee. In his personal life, Jay enjoys family time, golfing, traveling, cooking, collecting Nike sneakers, and giving back to the community. Website: https://thepurcompany.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jay-klein-92b93319 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamjayklein/ Stay Connected with #CanadasEntrepreneur! Join our growing community of entrepreneurs across Canada! Don't miss out on inspiring interviews, expert insights, and the latest business trends from the people shaping the future of our economy. 👉 Subscribe to our YouTube channel for full episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@CanadasEntrepreneur 🌐 Explore more on our website: https://canadasentrepreneur.com 💼 Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/canadas-entrepreneur 📸 Follow behind-the-scenes on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/canadasentrepreneur 👍 Stay in the loop on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/canadasentrepreneur 🐦 Join the conversation on X: https://x.com/CanadasPreneur 💡 Want exclusive updates on the latest #entrepreneur podcasts and news? Make sure to subscribe and never miss a beat! Your support helps us continue bringing you the best stories from Canada’s top business leaders.

    30 min
  5. Jun 17

    Mistakes Built This 2,700-Store Brand - Guelph - Canada's Entrepreneur

    "It's okay to make a mistake as long as you're learning from it. I think the idea of waiting for things to be perfect is an illusion, it doesn't happen." Khalil Khamis, who is based in Guelph, has been instrumental in shaping Crafty Ramen’s growth since joining in 2018 and becoming CEO in 2021. Under his leadership, the company has evolved from a local ramen shop into a nationally recognized food brand, expanding its chef-crafted frozen ramen line to make restaurant-quality meals accessible in homes across Canada. Today, Crafty Ramen products are available in more than 2,700 retail locations, with continued expansion into new regions alongside its existing restaurant presence in Kitchener-Waterloo and Guelph. During this period of growth, the company has received multiple accolades, including Canada’s Top Growing Companies (2022, 2023), FoundersBeta’s Top Companies to Watch (2024, 2025), the Guelph Chamber of Commerce Innovation Award, and recognition from Sobeys, Loblaws, and the Retail Council of Canada. Beyond business, Khalil is deeply engaged in his community. He is the past Chair of The Foundation of Guelph General Hospital and serves on the advisory board of the University of Guelph’s J.F. Wood Centre. He was recently awarded the Frank Hasenfratz Award of Excellence for his leadership and entrepreneurial impact. He remains focused on successfully scaling Crafty Ramen into the US market while staying true to its roots in craft, community, and creativity. Stay Connected with #CanadasEntrepreneur! Join our growing community of entrepreneurs across Canada! Don't miss out on inspiring interviews, expert insights, and the latest business trends from the people shaping the future of our economy. 👉 Subscribe to our YouTube channel for full episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@CanadasEntrepreneur 🌐 Explore more on our website: https://canadasentrepreneur.com 💼 Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/canadas-entrepreneur 📸 Follow behind-the-scenes on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/canadasentrepreneur 👍 Stay in the loop on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/canadasentrepreneur 🐦 Join the conversation on X: https://x.com/CanadasPreneur 💡 Want exclusive updates on the latest #entrepreneur podcasts and news? Make sure to subscribe and never miss a beat! Your support helps us continue bringing you the best stories from Canada’s top business leaders.

    23 min
  6. Jun 15

    The Audit That Could Shut You Down Part 2

    CRA Audits Are Rising in Canada — What Every Entrepreneur Needs to Know (Audit Shield Explained) What would happen if the CRA audited your business tomorrow? In this episode of Canada’s Entrepreneur, Managing Editor Mario Taniguchi sits down with Jason Koenig of Audit Shield and Morgan Lock, Founder of Cedar CPA, to break down what Canadian entrepreneurs need to know about CRA audits, reviews, and rising scrutiny in today’s AI-driven tax environment. You’ll learn: Why CRA audits and reviews are becoming more common The biggest misconceptions business owners have about audits What triggers CRA attention (and what doesn’t) How much an audit can actually cost—even if you did nothing wrong Why having the right accountant matters more than ever How Audit Shield helps cover unexpected accounting fees If you’re a business owner in Canada, this is essential viewing to stay prepared, protected, and informed. Learn more about Audit Shield: auditshieldconnect.ca Speak to your CPA about whether Audit Shield is right for your business #CRAaudit #CanadianEntrepreneur #SmallBusinessCanada #AuditShield #TaxTipsCanada #BusinessAdvice #CPA #Entrepreneurship #CanadaBusiness #TaxAudit #FinancialProtection #BusinessTips #Accounting Stay Connected with #CanadasEntrepreneur! Join our growing community of entrepreneurs across Canada! Don't miss out on inspiring interviews, expert insights, and the latest business trends from the people shaping the future of our economy. 👉 Subscribe to our YouTube channel for full episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@CanadasEntrepreneur 🌐 Explore more on our website: https://canadasentrepreneur.com 💼 Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/canadas-entrepreneur 📸 Follow behind-the-scenes on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/canadasentrepreneur 👍 Stay in the loop on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/canadasentrepreneur 🐦 Join the conversation on X: https://x.com/CanadasPreneur 💡 Want exclusive updates on the latest #entrepreneur podcasts and news? Make sure to subscribe and never miss a beat! Your support helps us continue bringing you the best stories from Canada’s top business leaders.

    21 min
  7. Jun 9

    The Audit That Could Shut You Down Part 1 Toronto Canada's Entrepreneur

    CRA Audits Are Rising in Canada — What Every Business Owner Needs to Know (2026) Are CRA audits and reviews becoming more common in Canada? In this episode of Canada’s Entrepreneur, Managing Editor Mario Toneguzzi sits down with Jason Koenig of Audit Shield and Brock O’Reilly of O’Reilly CPA to break down what’s really happening behind the scenes. From increased automation and AI-driven tax enforcement to the growing frequency of audit letters, Canadian business owners are facing a new reality: more scrutiny, more often — even if you’ve done nothing wrong. In this episode, you’ll learn: • Why CRA audits and reviews are increasing • The biggest red flags that can trigger scrutiny • How AI and data analytics are changing tax enforcement • What types of businesses are being targeted • The real cost of responding to a CRA audit • What to do immediately if you receive a CRA notice • Why even compliant businesses are getting reviewed • Trends in GST/HST and payroll audits • How Audit Shield helps protect against unexpected accounting fees Whether you run a small business, side hustle, or growing company, this is essential insight to help you stay prepared and audit-ready. Don’t wait until you get “the letter” — understand the risks and protect your business now. #CRA #CanadaBusiness #EntrepreneurCanada #SmallBusinessCanada #TaxAudit #AuditShield #CanadianEntrepreneur #BusinessTips #TaxTips #CPA #GSTHST #Payroll #SideHustleCanada #AIinFinance #BusinessOwners ---- Stay Connected with #CanadasEntrepreneur! Join our growing community of entrepreneurs across Canada! Don't miss out on inspiring interviews, expert insights, and the latest business trends from the people shaping the future of our economy. 👉 Subscribe to our YouTube channel for full episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@CanadasEntrepreneur 🌐 Explore more on our website: https://canadasentrepreneur.com 💼 Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/canadas-entrepreneur 📸 Follow behind-the-scenes on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/canadasentrepreneur 👍 Stay in the loop on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/canadasentrepreneur 🐦 Join the conversation on X: https://x.com/CanadasPreneur 💡 Want exclusive updates on the latest #entrepreneur podcasts and news? Make sure to subscribe and never miss a beat! Your support helps us continue bringing you the best stories from Canada’s top business leaders.

    21 min
  8. Jun 3

    From Homeless to Calgary Real Estate Power Couple - Calgary - Canada's Entrepreneur

    Chris and Alice came from humble beginnings. Chris is the eldest of 11 and was often sent away because his parents could not pay rent. Chris studied for 10 years in the seminary to become a priest. In his teaching sabbatical, a friend introduced a gorgeous woman to him. The rest is history. They now have 2 beautiful kids. Both were scholars until their master’s education. They’re teachers by profession who became entrepreneurs. They’re just around 3 years in Calgary. They are real estate investors with around 30 rental units. They’re a team of realtor and mortgage broker. They’re with Remax Mountainview. Chris was rookie of the year in 2024 and became the number 1 realtor in 2025. Their goal is to become the number 1 team this 2026. They’re featured in omninews for 4 times. From being homeless before, they now help people find a place they can call home whether they’re selling, buying, or investing. They work hard and they pray hard. They believe that God is their ultimate CEO. 😇 Stay Connected with #CanadasEntrepreneur! Join our growing community of entrepreneurs across Canada! Don't miss out on inspiring interviews, expert insights, and the latest business trends from the people shaping the future of our economy. 👉 Subscribe to our YouTube channel for full episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@CanadasEntrepreneur 🌐 Explore more on our website: https://canadasentrepreneur.com 💼 Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/canadas-entrepreneur 📸 Follow behind-the-scenes on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/canadasentrepreneur 👍 Stay in the loop on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/canadasentrepreneur 🐦 Join the conversation on X: https://x.com/CanadasPreneur 💡 Want exclusive updates on the latest #entrepreneur podcasts and news? Make sure to subscribe and never miss a beat! Your support helps us continue bringing you the best stories from Canada’s top business leaders.

    26 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Canada’s #1 Community for Entrepreneurs by Entrepreneurs. We talk to the entrepreneurs who are making it happen throughout Canada.​ Finally, a national podcast company that creates an active online community for entrepreneurs by entrepreneurs so they can stay connected locally and to let the world know how Entrepreneurs in Canada make things happen. Check us out on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@CanadasEntrepreneur