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Investment

Investing in a franchise does reduce entrepreneurial risk but it does not guarantee success

Stephan and Kimberley Lafreniere are growth-oriented and insight driven senior executive with a track record of success in developing and implementing strategies and tactics to drive profits in the retail sectors.

Stephan has held progressively senior roles within the planning, merchandising, and branding disciplines at iconic Canadian retailers including Canadian Tire Corporation, Hudson’s Bay Company, Loblaw Companies Ltd., and Sears Canada Inc. Kimberley has an equally impressive retail career after working for iconic brands like Sears, HBC, and Sobeys, loving what I do every day. Building that new program and watching the guests fall in love with it is a thrill.

In 2021 Stephan and Kimberley invested in a Schooley Mitchell franchise. Schooley Mitchell is the largest independent cost reduction consulting firm in North America, with offices from coast-to-coast in the United States and Canada. On average, they reduce essential business service expenses by 28% and have delivered over $540 million in documented savings to our clients to date.

Stephan and Kim are passionate about saving money for their clients and helping them grow their business. Schooley Mitchell delivers expertise to companies of all sizes from all industries, offering a broad range of services aimed at reducing costs and

All Schooley Mitchell fees are self-funded from the savings generated. If savings aren’t found, our clients don’t pay – a truly risk-free and mutually beneficial model.


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How 2% Realty Disrupted Canada’s Market

Roy Almog is a Calgary‑based entrepreneur, real estate broker, and innovator. He launched his career in the telecom industry while investing in residential properties, purchasing, renovating, and renting in the Edmonton area. Frustrated by conventional real estate commissions, Roy founded 2% Realty in May 2007, offering full-service representation with a low‑flat 2 % commission. Under his leadership, the brand rapidly expanded across Canada helping other agents adopt his low‑cost, tech‑savvy, full‑service approach.

Roy is known for his hands‑on style, answering his office phones personally and staying deeply involved in day‑to‑day client needs. He actively monitors the real estate markets and leads his team in delivering high‑touch service at competitive rates.


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Embracing an adaptive leadership style

Julie Lemieux brings 25 years of strategic business experience to Triple Point, where she is building a high-performing team and positioning the Fischells Salt Dome as central to Newfoundland’s Clean Energy Hub. She has led organizations through financial restructuring, public market transitions and complex stakeholder environments, with deep expertise in governance, investment and regulation for small-cap companies.


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Local real estate expertise with a global reach

David Wallach began his career in Canadian commercial real estate. He was later invited to join a group of senior negotiators who bought Torode real estate brokerage in 2001.

In 2003, David assumed the leadership role of President, and in 2004, the brokerage was rebranded under the name Barclay Street Real Estate. He is also President and Founder of Triumph Real Estate Investment Fund.

In a few short years, David has made strides in growing Barclay Street locally and internationally. In 2007, David added Property Management to Barclay Street’s portfolio of services and the division has grown dramatically in the last few years with properties throughout Alberta, managing today about 5 million Sq. Ft. To expand Barclay Street’s national and global reach, David formed a partnership in 2011 with TCN Worldwide, a real estate services organisation that serves more than 200 markets globally.

As a member of TCN Worldwide, Barclay Street has the ability to service their customers on a local and international level through a network of over 1200 commercial real estate firms. Between 2012 and 2019, David served as a board member with TCN Worldwide, bringing his commercial real estate knowledge to the international stage. After a short break, he re-joined TCN Worldwide as a board member in September 2022.


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The entrepreneurial spirit is in her blood

Christine Buhr is a Calgary-based entrepreneur and community builder dedicated to creating innovative wellness and entertainment experiences. As the Calgary franchisee for FS8, a next-generation fitness concept, Christine is focused on expanding its unique blend of movement, mindfulness, and community across the city. She’s also preparing to bring Vaura Pilates to market in the future.

]With over 15 years in the family entertainment and retail industries, including operating Shakers Family Fun Centre and working with brands like The Body Shop, Christine has launched and scaled multiple ventures. She previously hosted The 3rd Degree Podcast and The Weekly LBX Show, spotlighting trends and leaders in the experience economy. Her work has been featured in Maclean’s, The Calgary Herald, Business in Calgary, and Fun World. Christine earned her Entrepreneurial Masters Certificate at MIT’s Endicott House and believes that experiences, whether in wellness, business, or community are the true currency of the future.


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How a group of misfits is changing the financial industry in Canada

Colin White has been committed to transforming the financial services industry since 1992. A graduate of St. Mary’s University with a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting, Colin holds the designations of Chartered Professional Accountant®️️️ (CPA), Certified Financial Planner®️️️ (CFP®️️️), and Chartered Investment Manager®️️️ (CIM®️️️).

Colin’s entrepreneurial journey took off in 2014, and over the past decade, he and his co-founder have grown their business from a team of three with less than $50 million in assets under management to 45 employees and just under $1 billion in assets under management.

As the co-founder of Verecan, along with Daniel LeBlanc, Colin has helped build a company designed to eliminate the conflicts of interest that are prevalent in the financial services industry. Although a newer firm, Verecan is rapidly gaining a reputation for its honesty, authenticity, and client-centric approach, setting a new standard for financial advice.

Colin and the integrity-driven team at Verecan combine extensive credentials, experience, and perspective to help clients achieve their financial goals.

Josh Sheluk, CFA, CFP®️️, CIM®️️, is the Chief Investment Officer at Verecan, where his approach to investment is grounded in a thoughtful understanding of the market’s complexities. Believing in a strategy that values long-term growth and stability, Josh guides our investment philosophy with a focus on ethical practices and client interests first.

His insights, drawn from a deep commitment to understanding financial trends, have found their way to discussions in notable media outlets as BNN, The Wall Street Journal, The Globe & Mail, Reuters, and the Financial Post. Through these platforms, Josh contributes to the broader dialogue. Josh’s role in shaping Verecan’s strategies is a testament to the collective effort of our team, aiming to align financial goals with principled, informed decisions.

For those looking to understand the intricacies of investment and to explore strategies that align with their financial goals, connecting with Josh offers a gateway to informed, ethical investment decisions.


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Serial Entrepreneur’s Secrets: From $500K to $45M Revenue!

Graeme Barlow is CEO of Iversoft. He’s co-founded 4 companies, including a digital currency company in the early 2000s that was later acquired by WoWMine in 2006. In 2010, he co-founded RocketOwl Inc, a social gaming company that achieved significant growth on Facebook and was ultimately acquired by Keshet Technologies in 2014. In 2014, he co-founded ProPetSoftware, an industry-leading business management platform for the pet industry. Today ProPet Software remains privately held and is one of the leading solutions serving over 5 million customers. In 2016 he joined Iversoft to help build a world-class software development agency that specializes in mobile and emerging technologies. Since joining the company they have moved from $500k in annual services revenue to generating more than $45 Million in lifetime services revenue. As a serial entrepreneur for two decades, his ventures have spanned multiple industries, employing hundreds of people globally, and garnering multi-seven-figure annual revenues. Graeme is also a seasoned investor and advisor, with a presence in business publications such as Business Insider, Venture Beat, and more.


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Make sure to set up your anti-goals

Paul Atherton is the CEO and Co-Founder of Highspire, a premier learning experience for construction company owners, complemented by a powerful venture capital division. With a wealth of experience as a seasoned business coach and professional engineer, Paul has been guiding businesses toward success since 2017. His expertise is deeply rooted in the construction industry, where he has made significant contributions across North America and China, working with clients in key sectors such as onshore/offshore oil and gas, mining, and manufacturing.

Beyond his leadership at Highspire, Paul is a long-time advisor in the construction sector, known for his strategic insight and ability to drive growth and innovation. His commitment to excellence, coupled with his industry-spanning experience, has established him as a trusted figure in helping companies navigate complex challenges and achieve their strategic goals.


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Bringing the entrepreneurial spirit into a career as a realtor

Renata Reid, a seasoned Sales Associate and Senior Vice President of Sales with 20+ years in Calgary’s real estate scene. She is a Certified Luxury Home Marketing Professional and Global Real Estate Advisor. She seamlessly blends marketing prowess with senior sales savvy.

A Calgary resident for 21+ years, Renata brings an intimate grasp of the local market. Her commitment to excellence, coupled with a straightforward and sophisticated humor, sets her apart. Renata excels in tailored marketing and exceptional negotiation, making her the go-to for condos, residences, or luxury properties.

Her approach combines thoughtful advice, honest opinions, and unwavering integrity. A top-performing senior agent, Renata fosters trust with her approachable personality.

Committed to the community, she supports local organizations like The Calgary Emergency Women’s Shelter, Canadian Christian Outreach, Rotary Club, Calgary Food Bank, and Mustard Seed.

Renata’s passion for unique open houses with live music and special guests adds flair to her real estate expertise. Strategic pricing and a touch of wit make her the ideal choice for those selling their homes.

Active in running, kayaking, and cross-country skiing, Renata mirrors her enthusiasm for the communities she serves. Choosing Renata means a seasoned professional with a dash of wit for an enjoyable real estate journey.


Entrepreneurs are the backbone of Canada’s economy. To support Canada’s businesses, subscribe to our YouTube channel and follow us on FacebookInstagramLinkedIn and Twitter.

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