Turning a passion into a viable and very satisfying career

Calgary artist Paul Van Ginkel has been a full-time painter for 42 years. With over 2200 paintings created so far in his career, his work can be found in private and corporate collections around the world. After recently turning 65 he has no plans to retire and strongly feels his best work is ahead of him. While being pleased with his artistic abilities, he’s most proud of the fact that he’s able to turn his passion into a viable and very satisfying career. This has been achieved by his focus on the business side of his profession.

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Helping create businesses that are not only profitable but truly impactful

September 16, 2025 0:16:16

Shawn Freeman is the founder of Impactful MSP, a coaching business dedicated to helping Managed Service Providers scale, lead, and grow beyond seven figures. After building and successfully exiting his own MSP and then partnering to build a second one, Shawn now coaches other MSP owners to create businesses that are not only profitable but also truly impactful. He believes an exceptional MSP business empowers its owner, uplifts its team, delivers real value to clients, and strengthens the community it serves. With deep experience in technology, leadership, mentorship and entrepreneurship, Shawn provides the strategic insight MSPs need to shift from overwhelmed operator to confident, visionary leader.

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Shifting organizational culture through human-centred design

September 10, 2025 0:19:39

Jocelyne Holland brings nearly two decades of experience to her role as Partner at Holland Licensed Interior Design. With a wealth of knowledge and experience across a range of industries, including wellness, hospitality, medical, residential, and corporate interiors, she is a highly sought-after resource within the industry for her diverse expertise and focus on human-centred design. Jocelyne’s impressive portfolio speaks volumes, showcasing an extensive list of loyal, repeat clients who have entrusted their projects to her unparalleled skills. A native of Alberta, she holds a Bachelor of Arts in Interior Design from Mount Royal University.

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Creating unique but not too unique beverages

September 2, 2025 0:18:11

John Eresman is a Co-Founder and Director of Brand at Gradient Beverages, a Calgary-based beverage company pioneering bartender-grade drinks and innovative beverages, including their award-winning Inversion Nitro Cocktail range. Prior to founding Gradient, John worked in advertising and marketing for more than a decade. He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing from the University of Calgary.

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Brewing up some entrepreneurial success

August 29, 2025 0:21:27

Andrew Bullied is the Co-Founder and Co-Owner of Annex Ale & Soda Mfg. in Calgary, Alberta. Andrew has been brewing since 2008, when he was making wine as a means to save money on drinking during university. In 2010, Andrew attended Niagara College’s brewing program in its inaugural year – and was proudly the first drop-out, leaving to start work in Calgary’s budding craft beer industry. Andrew would go on to spend 5 years brewing in Calgary before opening Annex with co-founder, Erica O’Gorman, in 2016.

Over the years, Andrew has been resolute in his approach to brewing. Viewing nothing as sacred and everything as a candidate for improvement, his unwavering pursuit of quality and constant refinement have earned Annex Beers and Sodas critical acclaim and a cult-like following. His approach has also shaped brewing culture in Calgary; not just through innovation, but through intentional collaboration. Today, Annex is recognized for its role in elevating craft culture and building community through partner brews and non-profit advocacy. Through his work, Andrew has positioned Annex as a standard-bearer for quality and innovation in Calgary’s craft beverage scene, while his dedication to community continues to elevate the experience for everyone who walks through Annex’s doors.

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Juggling careers in automotive and fashion

August 13, 2025 0:17:33

Malika Rajani is Founder and Creative Director of Malika Rajani, a Leather and Outerwear store primarily online with pop-up locations. She is also the General Manager of High River Toyota, a family-operated business. She is an emerging womenswear fashion designer based out of the Calgary area. Her namesake clothing line MALIKA creates clothing for conscious, modern women. The label has gained popularity for its Soft, luxurious lambskin leather Jackets, Dresses and Pants. The label’s philosophy lies in the appreciation of high style, quality of finish, and luxury of fabric.

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How 2% Realty Disrupted Canada’s Market

August 11, 2025 0:23:50

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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An entrepreneur juggling two different businesses

August 8, 2025 0:21:54

Cynthia Navarrete is the founder of Jacarandaeco, a slow fashion brand rooted in sustainability, ethical production, and comfort — built entirely without paid ads. With a background in environmental engineering from the University of Calgary, she transitioned into entrepreneurship to build a life that aligned with her values, especially after becoming a mother.

Alongside Jacaranda, Cynthia runs a digital marketing practice that helps Canadian businesses grow through SEO, AI integration, and Generative Engine Optimization (GEO). She specializes in helping founders, consultants, and teams increase their discoverability across search engines and AI platforms like ChatGPT and Perplexity — without burning out, relying on constant posting, or paying for ads.

She recently launched her new course, The Visibility System: SEO + AI + GEO, a practical framework for growth-minded professionals who want to scale their online presence in the AI era. It’s available now at a special launch price for Canada Month.

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PR Powerhouse Shares 20 Years of Wins

August 4, 2025 0:19:55

Shauna MacDonald is a PR powerhouse. When she announced she was opening her own firm, the consistent response was “It’s about time!” Known for her unique approach and breadth of experience, Shauna provides strategic public relations expertise to companies of all sizes throughout North America.

Prior to starting Brookline, Shauna was Vice President and Managing Director of Western Canada for an international public relations firm, as well as the Marketing Communications Practice Leader for its Canadian operations. Shauna has been at Brookline’s helm for 20 years and has cultivated long-standing client relationships and developed game-changing campaigns across all major business sectors.

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Building a hospitality empire

July 31, 2025 0:19:39

Sky McLean is a Canadian entrepreneur building a hospitality empire with her company Basecamp Resorts, the fastest growing hospitality brand in Western Canada. Born and raised in Ontario, she earned an MBA in real estate at the Schulich School of Business at York University. Her appreciation of the outdoors and winter sports led her to Calgary after graduation, where she worked for a local real estate developer. At age 29, Sky bought her first property, a condominium in Canmore, and rented it out on AirBnB. She instantly fell in love with the business model, and since then has successfully owned and operated 8 modern boutique hotels in mountain towns across Alberta and British Columbia under the Basecamp Resorts brand. An outdoor enthusiast, Sky is an avid downhill skier, Nordic skier, snowmobiler and mountain biker. She lives in Canmore, AB with her husband and two children.

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