Ottawa Business Podcast

Hosted by Paul Poggione

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Jul 2025

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About the show

Welcome to the Ottawa Business Podcast. On this podcast we bring you interviews with business owners, executives and key players operating in and around the Ottawa region to gain their insights on business, marketing, leadership and motivation.

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37 recent

July 3, 20251 hr 38 min

Kim Vincent & Josée Martel - Ability Hive

In this episode we sit down with Kim Vincent & Josée Martel of Ability Hive. They tell the remarkable story of dealing with the diagnosis of autism for their daughter Sage and how their passion for helping her turned into a thriving business. They provide some practical tips on dealing with a child that has autism, dealing with an autism diagnosis and the resources available to families.Timestamps:(3:45): How Kim and Josée met.(8:15): Kim and Josée's backgrounds.(14:20): Early signs of autism - Sage's story.(19:15): Coming to grips with the diagnosis of autism.(26:00): How to deal with a diagnosis of autism.(28:50): Resources available to deal with autism.(36:00): The Ability Hive creation story.(41:00): What is Ability Hive and who do they help?(46:30): The big event that led to Ability Hive.(52:20): The meaning behind the name Ability Hive.(56:00): What does the future look like at Ability Hive?(1:00:00): Advice for parents dealing with a diagnosis of autism.(1:11:05): Most popular products that they sell to help deal with autism.(1:14:45): Kim and Josée's hobbies and interests.For more information about Ability Hive:You can find them on the web at: www.abilityhive.caYou can reach them toll-free at: 1-833-857-1200You can reach by e-mail at: hello@abilityhive.caAbility Hive on Instagram.Ability Hive on Facebook.Ability Hive on TikTok.Ability Hive on YouTube.Ability Hive on LinkedIn.As mentioned in the episode to reach the graphic designer that helped them with their logo, you can reach them at: www.lennykuiper.com.

July 2, 20251 hr 19 min

Michael David Reid - MDR Capital

In this episode we speak with Michael David Reid, a young, successful and vibrant entrepreneur from Ottawa and heard about the various businesses that he either started or purchased. He shares some incredible tips on what it takes to start a business and also shares from experience what is required when taking over a business. Michael shares his background with us and gives some shoutouts to important people and businesses that have helped in his success.Timestamps:(2:30): Upbringing and roots(5:00): High school years(8:50): Background in sports and the role it played(16:25): University years(19:50): Launch of Strongback Property Management(31:50): Launch of Premier Property Services(38:55): The unique story behind the purchase of Canlok Stone(50:35): How the purchase of SOS Power Sales happened(52:30): Advice for business owners(1:06:40): Hobbies & Interests(1:10:00): Shoutouts For more information about MDR Capital:You can find them on the web at: www.mdrcapital.caYou can reach them locally at: 613-882-4186You can reach my e-mail: info@mdrcapital.caMDR Capital on FacebookMDR Capital on InstagramMDR Capital on LinkedIn

May 5, 20251 hr 24 min

Daniel Badre - Badre Law

In this episode we sit down with Daniel Badre one of Canada’s best Personal Injury Lawyers. Daniel recounts his upbringing, adversity and struggles that he had to overcome to start his own firm with his family name on the door.Daniel shares some valuable advice for entrepreneurs, business owners and even budding lawyers that you don’t want to miss.Timestamps:(7:55): Early years and discipline of hardworking(12:30): University studies and the seeds of Badre Law(23:00): Why personal injury law(26:25): What sets Badre Law apart(28:55): Example of how Badre Law can help(34:15): Daniel’s humorous story of his first day in court(41:20): Advice for entrepreneurs and business owners(59:50): What you need to know if you are thinking about becoming a lawyer(1:03:00): Mentors that have helped Daniel(1:05:00): Get to know the lighter side of Daniel Badre(1:14:20): Daniel gives some shoutouts (Arete Syndicate)(1:20:09): The legacy that Daniel wants to leaveFor more information about Badre Law:You can find them on the web: https://badrelaw.comYou can reach them locally at: 613-695-4443Badre Law on FacebookBadre Law on InstagramBadre Law on TikTokBadre Law on XBadre Law on LinkedInArete Syndicate

August 17, 20242 hr 18 min

Jordi Wills - Wills Transfer Limited

In this episode we are joined by Jordi Wills the President of Wills Transfer. Jordi tells us the origin story of this great local business, outlines his unique story and how he was able to take over the business from his father Terry becoming the 4th generation leader of Wills Transfer. If you are a business owner that is interested in expanding your business or passing it on to the next generation this is an episode you don't want to miss.Timestamps:(3:30): How Wills Transfer was started.(6:40): Historical outline of Wills Transfer by decade.(14:30): What does Wills Transfer do today.(20:00): Terry Wills influence on Jordi and qualities of great leadership.(43:55): Jordi's journey after high school.(1:06:30): Jordi starts exploring working at Wills Transfer.(1:30:45): How Wills Transfer works today and an example of a client.(1:46:45): Wills Transfer becomes food certified (SQF) and what that means.(1:50:15): Jordi shares advice for those in business.(2:01:20): Jordi outlines his hobbies and interests.For more information about Wills Transfer:You can find them on the web: www.willstransfer.comYou can reach them locally at: 613-704-7549Wills Transfer Facebook Page Wills Transfer Twitter PageWills Transfer LinkedIn Page

May 1, 20241 hr 14 min

Steve Read - CHEO Foundation

On this episode of the podcast we are joined by the President & CEO of the CHEO Foundation Steve Read. With CHEO (Children's Hospital Of Eastern Ontario) is celebrating it's 50 year anniversary in 2024 and Steve joins us to share some insights on: The history of CHEO and it's origins.Some key developments over the years of CHEO.How the catchment area has grown.Some of the more popular fundraisers for Cheo.What the future of CHEO will look like with the One Door For Care Facility being built.Fundraising and what is necessary for success.Timestamps:(3:00): How CHEO started.(5:43): History of children's hospitals in Ottawa.(8:33): The current catchment area and how that has changed since 1974.(11:00): Who the inter-related organizations of CHEO are.(12:20): How CHEO Foundation plays a tangible role in hospital operation.(14:55): Funding model that is based on community support.(17:25): Examples of the role CHEO plays in the community.(19:10): Synergies between CHEO and other pediatric hospital foundations - Canada's Children's Hospitals Foundation.(23:10): What sets CHEO apart making it truly unique.(25:00): Significant additions to CHEO over the years and introduction to the One Door For Care integrated Treatment Centre.(27:50): Introduction to the CHEO Research Institute and Dr. Berman's Lab.(33:09): Challenges facing CHEO today.(40:10): Different types of fundraising events at CHEO and the role the Children's Miracle Network plays.(46:20): How donor's can earmark donations to a specific cause.(47:50): Steve's background and his journey to CHEO.(51:36): Advice for those looking to raise funds and the keys to running a successful cmpaign.(58:16): Getting to know Steve Read.For more information about CHEO & CHEO Foundation:CHEO WebsiteCHEO Foundation WebsiteTEL: 1-800-561-5638 or local in the Ottawa area: 613-737-2780E-Mail: info@cheofoundation.comCHEO Facebook PageCHEO Instagram PageCHEO Foundation LinkedIn PageCHEO Twitter PageCHEO YouTube Page

January 26, 20241 hr 34 min

George Darouze - City Of Ottawa Councillor

In this episode we speak with City of Ottawa Councillor George Darouze, to tell his story growing up in Beirut Lebanon, living through the civil war, fleeing his homeland, coming to Canada and how he was able to start a new life in Ottawa. From his humble beginnings with just $200 in his pocket to starting a business, becoming a leader in the telecommunications sector to running for City Council, it is a great story about heartbreak, perseverance, determination and hard work. George also shares some advice for those thinking about going into politics. For more information about George Darouze:www.georgedarouze.caTel: 613-580-2490Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GeorgeDarouzeLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/gdarouze/

August 23, 202351 min

Ken Hoca - Koza IT Cyber Security

In this episode we welcome Ken Hoca to the studio and shares with us about his journey to Canada, his early work in IT Security and then the founding of his company Koza IT Cyber Security. Ken offers some advice for those in business along with some Cyber Security tips for the audience along with some beer recommendations.Contact information for Ken Hoca, Koza IT Cyber Security:www.kozait.caTel: 613-212-5050 XT.1E-Mail: cyberteam@kozait.comLinkedIn: @kozaitservicesFacebook: @kozaitservices

April 14, 20231 hr 55 min

Jim Cummings - Inside Track Business Coaching

In this episode of the show we speak with serial entrepreneur, business owner, investor and professor Jim Cummings. Jim brings a wealth of business experience, insights and wisdom for business owners and entrepreneurs alike. He also shares some key insights from his current work as a business coach, you don't want to miss this episode.Contact details for Jim Cummings:www.insidetrackcoaching.comE-Mail: jim@insidetrackcoaching.comTEL: 613-797-8350Facebook: @insidetrackcoachingInstagram: @insidetrackcoachingTwitter: @_gettherefasterLinkedIn: Jim CummingsThe Business Tune-Up with Candice & Jim Podcast on SpotifyThe Business Tune-Up with Candice & Jim Podcast on Apple Podcast.

January 21, 202321 min

Mike Wlotzki & Rob Howell - Playing It Forward For Wishes

In this episode we speak with Mike Wlotzki and Rob Howell both committee members from the charity Playing It Forward For Wishes. We discuss the origins of this great charity, how it came about and how it has grown. They also share some advice for those in fundraising looking to raise some money for charity.Contact Information for Playing It Forward For Wishes:www.playingitforwardforwishes.com E-Mail: info@playingitforwardforwishes.comFacebook: @playingitforwardforwishesInstagram: @playitforwardforwishes

January 19, 20231 hr 38 min

Sean Sisk - Sean Sisk Photography

In this episode we welcome Sean Sisk to the studio where he shares with us his journey as a photographer while providing some great advice for those business owners, entrepreneurs and creatives. Sean also shares the background story of his famous Gord Downie photo.Contact information for Sean Sisk, Sean Sisk Photography:www.siskphoto.comTel: 613-294-0604E-Mail: hello@siskphoto.comTwitter: @siskphotoInstagram: @siskphoto