Early Days

Hosted by Prowse Barrette LLP

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Jul 2025

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About the show

Join Jackie Rae Greening as she chats with special guests about the inspiring 'Early Days' of their companies and their careers.

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36 recent

July 24, 2025Episode 3527 min

Reviving Baseball in Edmonton: How Dr. Randy Gregg Built the Riverhawks Around Community

Dr. Randy Gregg has worn many hats: five-time Stanley Cup champion, Olympic athlete, family physician—and now, community builder through baseball. In this episode, he shares how his love for the game and belief in accessibility sparked the revival of Remax Field and the creation of the Edmonton Riverhawks. From $3 hot dogs to leadership lessons from Wayne Gretzky, it’s a story about building something bigger than sport: a place that belongs to everyone.The "Early Days" podcast provides insights and tips for business owners and entrepreneurs as it relates to their early days. This includes the actual start of their business and the successes and challenges. "Early Days" also explores the highlighted businesses in terms of new offerings, services, team growth, expansion to new locations, and more. Proudly presented by Prowse Barrette LLP.This series is proudly produced by the team at Road 55. Located in Edmonton, Alberta. Road 55 creates content that connects! For more information, please visit: www.road55.ca

June 18, 2025Episode 3427 min

Building Results: Jeff Tetz on Leadership, Learning, and Long-Term Success

After a turning point in his real estate job, Jeff Tetz took a leap into the unknown—and never looked back. Now the CEO of Results, he helps leadership teams across Canada build trust, structure, and lasting impact. From launching a shuttle bus service in grade nine to creating Alberta’s BEx Summit, Jeff shares powerful stories of resilience, reinvention, and leadership.Discover how vulnerability, curiosity, and a commitment to growth can build better teams and businesses.The "Early Days" podcast provides insights and tips for business owners and entrepreneurs as it relates to their early days. This includes the actual start of their business and the successes and challenges. "Early Days" also explores the highlighted businesses in terms of new offerings, services, team growth, expansion to new locations, and more. Proudly presented by Prowse Barrette LLP.This series is proudly produced by the team at Road 55. Located in Edmonton, Alberta. Road 55 creates content that connects! For more information, please visit: www.road55.ca

April 16, 2025Episode 3320 min

Breaking the Mold: Mikayla Balfour on Reimagining Women’s Snow Gear

Mikayla Balfour is changing the landscape of snow sports with Nexarina, a brand built to serve women who’ve long been overlooked in the outerwear industry. What started as a personal struggle to find snow pants that actually fit evolved into a mission-driven business centred on inclusivity, community, and performance.Through hands-on research, pitch competitions, and three seasons of prototyping, Mikayla has turned a simple idea into a growing brand with real traction. Her focus on smart design, customer feedback, and authentic storytelling has helped Nexarina stand out in a crowded market—proving that when you build for people who’ve been left out, they show up.The "Early Days" podcast provides insights and tips for business owners and entrepreneurs as it relates to their early days. This includes the actual start of their business, the successes and challenges. "Early Days" also explores the highlighted businesses in terms of new offerings, services, team growth, expansion to new locations, and more. Proudly presented by Prowse Barrette LLP. This series is proudly produced by the team at Road 55. Located in Edmonton, Alberta. Road 55 creates content that connects! For more information, please visit: www.road55.ca

March 20, 2025Episode 3224 min

Building a Winning Culture: Chris Morris on Leadership & the Business of the Edmonton Elks

In this episode of Early Days, host Jackie Rae speaks with Chris Morris, the new President and CEO of the Edmonton Elks, about the early days of his leadership role, the challenges of rebuilding a historic franchise, and the key strategies he's implementing to create long-term success.Chris discusses the importance of continuity in leadership, how a strong business strategy supports on-field performance, and what it takes to keep a professional sports team relevant in today’s fast-paced digital world. He also shares valuable lessons on leadership, decision-making, and culture-building that apply far beyond football.In this episode, you’ll learn:What Chris identified as immediate priorities when stepping into the CEO roleThe impact of stability and continuity on both the business and football operationsHow professional sports teams must adapt their marketing and fan engagement strategiesThe challenges of keeping fans engaged outside of game daysKey leadership insights on building a winning culture and long-term organizational successListen now to hear how Chris Morris is working to reshape the Edmonton Elks for a sustainable and successful future. The "Early Days" podcast provides insights and tips for business owners and entrepreneurs as it relates to their early days. This includes the actual start of their business, the successes and challenges. "Early Days" also explores the highlighted businesses in terms of new offerings, services, team growth, expansion to new locations, and more. Proudly presented by Prowse Barrette LLP. This series is proudly produced by the team at Road 55. Located in Edmonton, Alberta. Road 55 creates content that connects! For more information, please visit: www.road55.ca

February 12, 2025Episode 3123 min

Curtains Up: Aimée Beaudoin on Reimagining Dinner Theater

In this episode of Early Days, we explore the world of Aimée Beaudoin, co-founder of Spotlight Cabaret in Edmonton’s Old Strathcona. Spotlight Cabaret is a one-of-a-kind venue featuring dinner theater, burlesque, drag, comedy, live music, and more, all with a 1920s vibe. Aimée shares how she and her partner, Jeff Halaby, turned their creative vision into a successful business.From finding the right location and dealing with licensing challenges to embracing diversity and managing seasonal changes, Aimée talks about the ups and downs of building such a unique space. She also shares how Spotlight Cabaret handled early shutdowns, learned from COVID, and continues to create unforgettable experiences. Aimée’s honest and funny insights highlight the mix of creativity, hard work, and determination behind the business.The "Early Days" podcast provides insights and tips for business owners and entrepreneurs as it relates to their early days. This includes the actual start of their business, the successes and challenges. "Early Days" also explores the highlighted businesses in terms of new offerings, services, team growth, expansion to new locations, and more. This series is proudly produced by the team at Road 55. Located in Edmonton, Alberta. Road 55 creates content that connects! For more information, please visit: www.road55.ca

January 16, 2025Episode 3023 min

Building the Future: Bruce Alton on Venture Capital, Robotics and Entrepreneurship

With over three decades of experience, Bruce Alton has built a career at the forefront of innovation, blending technology and traditional industries. As the founder of A-Partners Ventures Inc, Bruce focuses on solving real-world problems, mentoring startups, and driving growth through strategic investments and product development.Through ventures like RoBIM Technologies, which applies robotics to Alberta’s construction challenges, Bruce demonstrates the transformative potential of local talent and cutting-edge solutions. His work highlights the power of pairing innovation with a deep understanding of community and industry needs to create global impact.The "Early Days" podcast presented by Prowse Barrette LLP provides insights and tips for business owners and entrepreneurs as it relates to their early days. This includes the actual start of their business, the successes and challenges. "Early Days" also explores the highlighted businesses in terms of new offerings, services, team growth, expansion to new locations, and more.This series is proudly produced by the team at Road 55. Located in Edmonton, Alberta. Road 55 creates content that connects! For more information, please visit: www.road55.ca

December 12, 2024Episode 2924 min

Building Laughter: How Mike Anderson Revolutionized Comedy Festivals

Laughs and insight with Mike Anderson, founder of Trixstar and the visionary behind The Great Outdoors Comedy Festival. From his early days climbing the ranks at Big Valley Jamboree to creating a unique comedy festival experience that spans Canada and beyond, Mike shares the lessons, challenges, and triumphs of building an event empire.Discover how a late-night inspiration led to a groundbreaking comedy festival, how innovation during COVID reshaped the event industry, and why laughter truly is the best business. With behind-the-scenes insights and anecdotes from some of the world’s biggest comedians, this episode is a must-listen for event enthusiasts and aspiring entrepreneurs alike.Featuring stories of resilience, creativity, and the art of making people laugh—one city at a time.The "Early Days" podcast presented by Prowse Chowne LLP provides insights and tips for business owners and entrepreneurs as it relates to their early days. This includes the actual start of their business, the successes and challenges. "Early Days" also explores the highlighted businesses in terms of new offerings, services, team growth, expansion to new locations, and more.This series is proudly produced by the team at Road 55. Located in Edmonton, Alberta. Road 55 creates content that connects! For more information, please visit: www.road55.ca

November 13, 2024Episode 2826 min

From Espresso Truck to Coffee Brand: Shawn Kaminski on Building Lui Chi’s

In this episode of Early Days, we sit down with Shawn Kaminski, founder of Lui Chi’s Coffee, an Edmonton-based coffee offering known for its unique wood-roasted and whiskey barrel-aged beans. Shawn shares his journey from the early days as a barista at Starbucks to launching Lui Chi’s as a mobile espresso truck on Jasper Avenue. Discover how a love for coffee, a passion for community, and a drive to support dog rescues shaped the Lui Chi’s brand. Shawn’s insights on overcoming entrepreneurial fears, building community connections, and navigating unexpected opportunities offer valuable lessons for any aspiring entrepreneur. Grab a cup and enjoy the story of a business rooted in coffee, community, and compassion.The "Early Days" podcast presented by Prowse Chowne LLP provides insights and tips for business owners and entrepreneurs as it relates to their early days. This includes the actual start of their business, the successes and challenges. "Early Days" also explores the highlighted businesses in terms of new offerings, services, team growth, expansion to new locations, and more. This series is proudly produced by the team at Road 55. Located in Edmonton, Alberta. Road 55 creates content that connects! For more information, please visit: www.road55.ca

October 23, 2024Episode 2725 min

Strategic Growth and Community Impact with Ted Kouri of Incite

In this episode of Early Days, Ted Kouri, founder and president of Incite, shares his entrepreneurial journey from co-founding the marketing services agency to transforming it into a strategic consulting firm. He discusses the challenges of starting young, the importance of strategic focus, and how his firm's evolution has aligned with Edmonton's business landscape. Ted also highlights key lessons in business growth, the power of partnerships, and his commitment to community involvement through the Edmonton Community Foundation.The "Early Days" podcast provides insights and tips for business owners and entrepreneurs as it relates to their early days. This includes the actual start of their business, the successes and challenges. Proudly presented by Prowse Chowne LLP, tune in for insights on marketing, business strategy, and philanthropy.This series is proudly produced by the team at Road 55. Located in Edmonton, Alberta. Road 55 creates content that connects! For more information, please visit: www.road55.ca

October 9, 2024Episode 2623 min

The Journey to Success: Joe Ammar on Building River City Events

In this episode of Early Days, we sit down with Joe Ammar, President and CEO of River City Events. Joe shares his entrepreneurial journey, from his early work experiences inspired by his father's grocery store to launching River City Events in 2007. He reflects on the challenges of growing the business, acquiring Big Top Tent Rentals, and navigating the impact of COVID-19. Joe also emphasizes the importance of community, philanthropy, and supporting local nonprofits as central to his company’s mission.Welcome to "Early Days," presented by Prowse Chowne, your guide to entrepreneurship, business beginnings and beyond. The "Early Days" podcast provides insights and tips for business owners and entrepreneurs as it relates to their early days. This includes the actual start of their business, the successes and challenges. "Early Days" also explores the highlighted businesses in terms of new offerings, services, team growth, expansion to new locations, and more. This series is proudly produced by the team at Road 55. Located in Edmonton, Alberta. Road 55 creates content that connects! For more information, please visit: www.road55.ca