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Ed Crain is the President and CEO of Kingstar Direct and Kingstar Media, which is recognized as Canada’s top performance marketing agency. With over 25 years of industry experience, Ed has played a crucial role in the company's growth and success, helping top brands like Trivago, Babbel, and Generac achieve remarkable marketing outcomes. Kingstar Media specializes in ensuring accountability for every media dollar spent, delivering impressive results for clients through precise planning and optimization of offline and online media. Ed's passion for direct response marketing and building strong relationships has driven his success, making him a respected figure in the field. In this episode… Ever wondered how some of the most iconic direct response marketing campaigns came to be? What makes a campaign both effective and memorable? What if you could glean insights directly from the mind behind legendary infomercials like the ShamWow and Jack LaLanne's juicers? Ed Crain of Kingstar Media shares his journey from b

Bonnie Hillman is the President and Owner of A&C, a full-service communications and sponsorship agency with roots in arts and culture. With a career spanning decades, she acquired the 40-year-old agency in 2004 and significantly expanded its services to include public relations and digital marketing. Bonnie is a seasoned expert in high-level negotiations for sponsorship deals and naming rights, clinching prominent partnerships with brands like TD Bank and Johnny Walker. Beyond her role at A&C, she's a board member of the Sponsorship Marketing Council of Canada and has a flair for creative solutions in client acquisition and sponsorship campaigns.  In this episode… Have you ever wondered what it takes to negotiate million-dollar deals and make a name for yourself in the competitive world of marketing sponsorships? What about acquiring an established agency and navigating the tricky waters of ownership transfer and business growth? How does one even begin to approach such mammoth tasks? Public relations

Chris Yates is the Founder of Rhodium Network, a community and events platform designed to support digital entrepreneurs through facilitating business deals, partnerships, and connections. Before his current venture, he made waves in the digital marketing agency realm and was instrumental in a series of online businesses, culminating in impressive profits. With roots in an entrepreneurial family, Chris learned the business from his father's publishing enterprise and various subsequent ventures. He later channeled this upbringing, combined with his tech-savvy skills, into cultivating an environment where business deals and partnerships flourish among members. Chris owns and manages a portfolio of income-producing websites and teaches others the best practices for securely purchasing established websites. In this episode… Have you ever felt like you're on a hamster wheel, tirelessly grinding but craving a more impactful and efficient way to run your business? The road to entrepreneurial success can be isolating

Michael Cirillo is the CEO of FlexDealer, a dynamic marketing agency dedicated to revolutionizing the way car dealerships attract leads and enhance marketing ROI by utilizing innovative SEO strategies and targeted digital advertisements. Under his leadership, FlexDealer has distinguished itself by becoming an official partner of Toyota Canada. Michael is deeply involved in the automotive community as the Chief of Staff at ASOTU and the host of The Dealer Playbook, a top-rated automotive podcast that offers invaluable insights into the industry. In this episode… Have you ever considered how the deepest of lows could pave the way to the most inspiring highs? How can a journey overshadowed by doubt and depression lead to a thriving business that radiates trust and expansiveness? Michael Cirillo shares his transformative journey from battling depression and suicidal thoughts to becoming a pivotal figure in the automotive market through digital innovation. Unlike traditional marketing agencies that offer a one-siz

Jeff Wetzler is the Founder of Ask Approach, a platform dedicated to breakthrough leadership and personal growth through a five-step methodology. Jeff is also the author of the book Ask, which provides practical tools and strategies for enhancing leadership and tapping into hidden wisdom. He has over 25 years of experience in leadership development, including his tenure as Chief Learning Officer at Teach For America and as Co-founder and Co-CEO of Transcend, a nationally recognized educational innovation organization. In this episode… Have you ever wondered how leaders can best create a psychologically safe environment, cultivating a workplace culture of curiosity and open communication? Once these concepts are understood, what’s the best way to implement them? Jeff Wetzler emphasizes the importance of creating a culture where people feel safe to communicate openly without fear of judgment. He shares a personal story about a high-stakes event where his team failed to disclose issues because they didn't feel s

Andy Buyting is the Founder and CEO of Tulip Media Group, an agency providing custom print and digital marketing strategies that generate leads and grow your business. He is a two-time international bestselling author, a serial entrepreneur, and a keynote speaker passionate about business development and strategic advising. Andy has a track record of scaling businesses, including growing a family business into a multi-million-dollar enterprise. He is known for his innovative marketing approach, particularly in leveraging print media and authority positioning to drive business growth. In this episode… Have you ever flipped through a gorgeously laid-out magazine and felt compelled to know more about the brand behind it? This tangible source of information catalyzes business growth, distinguishing a company as the leader in its field. But how can you strategically craft content, whether in print or digital forms, to elevate your market position and amplify your voice in an industry? Scaling coach Andy Buyting de

Dobbin Buck is the Chief Revenue Officer and Co-owner of GetUWired, a full-service digital marketing agency specializing in web development, marketing automation, and creative content. Alongside his partners, he has expanded the team from a modest five to a roster of 50 diligent professionals. Through his journey, Dobbin has harnessed culture, leadership, business development, and operational efficiencies to carve a niche for the agency in the digital landscape. He brings a hands-on approach to strategy, technical competency, and narrative-based content. In this episode… Have you ever wondered what it takes to scale a business from the ground up, especially when life throws you curveballs? The evolution of an agency is not just about the services offered, but also about the people behind the scenes and their shared values. But how do you navigate the ups and downs, ensuring your culture remains intact? Marketing guru Dobbin Buck shares his incredible story of transformation from a dire personal low to becomin

Alex Chan is the COO and Co-founder of AntiSocial Solutions, a social-first agency focused on storytelling, user journey, and brand voice through social media platforms. With over 20 years of experience in business development, corporate operations, and digital marketing, Alex has helped businesses of all sizes build powerful professional brands, contributing to the agency's significant growth serving clients across Canada and the US for over a decade. Beyond his professional achievements, Alex is also an investor and founder of Mascot Brewery, showcasing his diverse expertise and entrepreneurial spirit. In this episode… What makes an entrepreneur successful in navigating the ever-evolving landscape of social media and digital marketing? How do they manage to build and sell multiple businesses while maintaining a strong company culture? What exactly happens when they decide to sell their thriving agency to a larger corporation? Alex Chan shares his experience of starting and scaling a marketing agency in toda

Carl Smith is the Owner of Bureau of Digital, a community made up of a diverse mix of digital professionals. Carl spent about 15 years in advertising before launching his first digital agency, nGen Works. He ran nGen Works for 12 years, constantly experimenting with different models of management and team structure.  Toward the end of the run, Carl attended his first Bureau of Digital event and loved the concept of building a community in the web industry. A few years later, he closed his agency and took over the Bureau of Digital in 2016. He now spends every day connecting with digital professionals to give them the support they need. In this episode… Navigating the complexities of the digital agency space can be daunting. How would connecting with like-minded professionals change that experience? Have you ever considered the impact of peer support in the entrepreneurship world? Carl Smith, a leading voice in the digital industry, uncovers the power of community in the digital agency landscape. He shares his

Andrea Shaw is the Founder and Executive Chair of TTG Canada and TORQUE Strategies. Operating in Toronto, these marketing and sponsorship agencies are leaders in Canada, working with an exceptional roster of clients and guided by the aspiration to elevate sports, culture, and community. Andrea played a pivotal role in the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in Vancouver, raising a staggering $760 million in corporate sponsorship and overseeing the longest torch relay in Olympic history. She has a strong focus on values-based hiring, the importance of team culture, and a passion for empowering women in sports and business. In this episode… Imagine navigating through a high-stakes negotiation where walking away from a $3 million deal feels like the right move. What would make a seasoned professional take such a dramatic step? Could it be a profound lesson in values and alignment that not only guides personal decisions, but also shapes corporate cultures and successes? Andrea Shaw shares her pivotal role in

Andrew Wu is the Brand Director and Co-founder of Hive Invest, a company dedicated to assisting individuals lacking prior e-commerce experience in establishing highly profitable Amazon brands. With a wealth of knowledge spanning two decades, he has honed his expertise in e-commerce, start-up development, real estate branding, marketing, investment strategies, partnership building, and business expansion. Andrew's track record includes the successful establishment of over six businesses across diverse niches, providing him with the operational experience necessary to drive the growth of Hive Invest.  Chad Friesen is the CEO and Co-founder of Hive Invest, who transitioned from telecommunication operations to the entrepreneurial world of e-commerce. With an extensive three-decade tenure in business, he brings a wealth of experience encompassing entrepreneurial endeavors and corporate leadership. Chad has played pivotal roles in various industries, engaging in activities such as capital procurement and board of d

Peter Palarchio is Co-founder of NAV43, a digital marketing agency specializing in full-funnel digital marketing through paid media and SEO. With a background that began in the event marketing space, he has transitioned into overseeing digital growth across numerous projects, from startups to enterprises. Peter is recognized for his expertise in SEO, paid media, and CRO, and has worked with prominent clients like Marriott, Hyatt, and Fairmont. Equipped with an entrepreneurial spirit, he's also experienced the nuances of agency partnerships, exit strategies, and the journey from burnout to renewed passion. In this episode… Unlocking success in b2b sales requires a deep understanding of effective selling techniques, navigating complex decision-making structures, and ultimately sealing lucrative deals. So, what strategies and insights are vital for excelling in b2b sales? Peter Palarchio, a highly regarded brand specialist, delves into his entrepreneurial roots that began in the event marketing space and evolved

Ronna Chisholm is the Business Director and Co-founder of Dossier Creative, a brand design studio in Vancouver specializing in food, beverage, health, wellness, and professional service rebranding. With over 30 years of experience, she has led her studio to create and reposition some of Canada's most iconic brands, including Mike's Hard Lemonade and Naked Grape Wines. Ronna is also the Founder of Railyard Lab, an internship-powered design studio focusing on strengthening the business-design connection and serving social impact organizations. A visionary entrepreneur, she leverages her passion for embracing differences and love within her company's culture to inspire innovation and foster long-standing client and team relationships.  In this episode… How can one build an iconic brand that resonates with a generation — navigating the dynamic landscape of the design industry? Sometimes, all it takes is a single, focused idea. Ronna Chisholm, the guru behind some of the most recognizable brands, dives into the br

Lucas Béland is the Founder and CEO of Goloot, a fast-growing ad network startup. Under his direction, Goloot has raised close to $8 million in venture capital and grown its team to nearly 20 industry veterans. The company's innovative technology is changing digital advertising by offering gamified, user-friendly ad experiences on over 50 premium content sites. Lucas is a 22-year-old Canadian entrepreneur who began his journey as a college student disillusioned with traditional advertising methods. He has since pioneered a dual-market marketplace connecting publishers with top brands like Foot Locker and Microsoft. In this episode… The digital advertising world is saturated with banners, pop-ups, and other intrusive ads that many users have learned to ignore. But what if there was a way to engage users differently, in a manner that rewards their activity on the web, enhancing their experience rather than disrupting it? Successful entrepreneur Lucas Béland delves into his journey from a college student disdain

Jason Fladlien is the Co-founder of Rapid Crush, a company renowned for its groundbreaking marketing strategies and expertise in webinars. He has driven over $250 million in sales, reaching over 150,000 customers across 131 countries, making him a pivotal figure in the online marketing arena.  Known for his unique journey from a Hare Krishna monk to a rapper before diving into the world of marketing, Jason’s diverse background fuels his innovative approaches to digital marketing and product launches. His work with webinars has set sales records across various industries and has led him to develop best practices that define today’s digital marketing strategies. In this episode… Are you looking to turn your knowledge into profit through engaging webinars? Where do you start, and what makes some webinars sell millions while others flounder? Could the answer lie in how they're offered? Jason Fladlien, the webinar mogul who has sold over $250 million worth of products, delves into the fine art of crafting captivat

Chase Harmer is the Founder of Wishes Inc., a fintech platform aiming to bring unparalleled transparency and impact to every contribution made. He is a seasoned entrepreneur who has built and scaled successful businesses, including his last fintech venture, which was acquired for over $100 million. Chase is now dedicated to disrupting the charitable space by transforming donations into retail credit cards, ensuring donors can see the direct impact of their contributions. His innovative approach to fintech and charitable giving is setting new standards for accountability and efficiency. In this episode… In the charity world, many people often wonder where their donations go. They donate hoping for impact but are left without clear answers. What if there was a way to track every dollar and be assured you’ve made a real impact? Successful entrepreneur Chase Harmer faced this very challenge and decided to make a change. He takes us through his journey building ProfitPay, a highly successful fintech business, befo

Jeffrey Madoff is the Founder and CEO of Madoff Productions, a company specializing in creating content like commercials, live streaming events, and branding videos for an impressive clientele, including Ralph Lauren and Victoria's Secret. Before his film career, he started as a fashion designer in Wisconsin and was recognized as one of the top 10 designers in the US. Transitioning to film and video production, Jeffrey has edited and directed award-winning commercials, documentaries, and web content worldwide for renowned brands. He is also a playwright, theater producer, and author of Creative Careers: Making a Living with Your Ideas. In this episode… Have you ever wondered what it takes to pivot careers and dive headfirst into new industries? What lessons could you learn from someone who did this multiple times and excelled in each new venture? Jeffrey Madoff, a film producer and director, peels back the curtain on his dynamic career, starting as a fashion designer in Wisconsin before becoming a renowned fi

Ross Simmonds is the Founder and CEO of Foundation, a content marketing agency serving global clients ranging from fast-growing startups to established SaaS companies. As a speaker, angel investor, and author, Ross contributes to the growth of startups and global SaaS companies through strategic content creation and distribution. His methodologies emphasize marketing post-publication and the balance between creation and distribution. In this episode… Have you ever considered the true potential of the content you create? What if there was a way to ensure that the countless hours spent crafting blog posts, videos, or even memes could contribute significantly to your business growth? How does one unlock the true potential of a piece of content? Content marketing expert Ross Simmonds delves into the intricacies of content marketing and distribution. He shares how his agency, Foundation, applies a unique approach by creating content and actively distributing it across various platforms to reach the right audience.

Justin Miller is the Founder and President of Profit 911 Consulting, an agency specializing in direct response marketing emphasizing modern mail strategies. He is a versatile entrepreneur, transitioning from offering live music and entertainment services to comedy hypnotism to marketing, ultimately settling on direct mail services. Justin has leveraged his experience across numerous industries to hone his marketing skills and drive results for clients. His expertise ranges from intricate client retention methods to scaling campaigns through direct mailing tactics.  In this episode… Have you ever opened your mailbox to find an unexpected item that instantly caught your attention? What if that simple piece could drastically increase a business's leads and customer engagement? Can a seemingly old-school approach like direct mail outperform digital marketing tactics? Marketing expert Justin Miller delves into his fascinating transition from operating live entertainment businesses to becoming an expert in direct-r

Mark Bealin is the Founder and CEO of SearchLab, a digital marketing agency specializing in local SEO and PPC. Starting as a side project in 2017, he grew SearchLab into an award-winning agency recognized on the Inc. 5000 list three times. With a rich history in digital marketing and a former career in football coaching, Mark applies his passion for mentoring to grow Entrepreneur Organization Chicago's accelerator program. He takes pride in coaching young entrepreneurs through EO to help them grow their businesses efficiently. In this episode… Have you ever wondered what drives a simple side project to become an award-winning agency? How does one shift from a full-time job and family responsibilities to a thriving digital marketing presence? What strategies fuel explosive growth — and can specialization make a difference? Marketing professional Mark Bealin delves into the backstory of SearchLab, discussing the key components that propelled its success, from nurturing partnerships and leveraging speaking engag