Abby Cooper is the Founder of Hearts Open For Everyone (H.O.P.E.). Abby immigrated as a young child from Sri Lanka and, after spending some time in Toronto, she settled in Elmira, where she launched H.O.P.E. Her work blends mindfulness, community engagement, DEI education, and grassroots activism.

Steve Zago and Adam Wright had made a career as airline pilots. Their mutual passion for aviation drove these two lifelong friends to become business partners and create the Lost Aviator Coffee Company.

After losing their jobs because of the coronavirus pandemic, these two friends branched out to find a new passion in coffee roasting. As they are professional pilots, Steve and Adam ran with this idea to create a variety of aviation themed products, such as the Constellation Medium Roast and the Red Eye to Rome Espresso Blend.

Worm Wrangler was born from a decade-long hobby and an academic background in soil science. Amanda Hunter, Owner/Founder of Worm Wrangler, love for vermicomposting—using earthworms to enrich soil—led her to start a venture that blends education, community engagement, and sustainable agriculture.

Amber French is Managing Partner at Catalyst Capital. Co-Founded with Kurtis McBride (Miovision, Catalyst 137), Catalyst Capital connects investors to early stage technology and tech-based commercial real estate opportunities in Waterloo Region.

Amber is also Co-Founder of Catalyst Commons, an approximately 70000sqft coworking and corporate innovation space debuting Spring 2020 inside Catalyst 137, the world’s largest IoT maker space (www.catalyst-137.com).

Amit Mehta is the founder and operations lead of Good Company Productions, a Kitchener-based company specializing in pop-up concerts, live music events, and artist development. Amit manages day-to-day operations, partnerships, and community relationships, and oversees the company's artist development programs. 

Amy Ballantyne is a multiple TEDx Speaker, Executive Life Coach, Workplace Wellness & Emotional Intelligence Trainer, Certified Trainer of Neuro Linguistic Programing, and Hypnosis, author of “Celebrate Yourself” and host of the podcast: Power to the People Pleasers. Her whole-person coaching approach serves executives, professionals and entrepreneurs to break through their barriers and excel to new heights.

Andrew Tepperman, is the President of Tepperman's. He is the grandson of founder Nate Tepperman and now 3rd generation President. Tepperman’s is a Canadian, family-owned furniture, mattress, appliance and electronics retailer. 

Andy Taylor is the President & CEO of Gore Mutual Insurance Company  Canada’s oldest property & casualty insurer and a deeply rooted Waterloo Region business driving bold change.

Andy shares his journey from accountant to CEO, his leadership philosophy, and the bold steps Gore Mutual is taking to become a purpose-driven, digitally-led national insurer.

Robert Connors is the General Manager at the Waterloo Wellington Flight Centre (WWFC), where he helps guide one of Canada’s largest and most respected flight training institutions. With extensive experience in aviation and education, he is dedicated to advancing high-quality pilot training and supporting the next generation of aviation professionals.

Brent Ferguson is the leader behind Brentwood Livery, a luxury chauffeured service based in Kitchener, Ontario. Since 1990, under his direction the company has provided high-end limo, SUV, party bus, and wedding transportation throughout the Kitchener-Waterloo-Guelph-Stratford region.

Chris Floyd is President of Individual Insurance Services at OTIP, bringing over three decades of leadership in the insurance industry. He began his career as a claims adjuster before joining OTIP, where he now leads efforts to provide trusted, client-focused insurance solutions for educators across Ontario.

David Schooley is a seasoned real estate broker with RE/MAX Twin City Realty and the CEO of the KW Titans Basketball Corp. With decades of experience in real estate and a strong community focus, he is known for his leadership both on and off the court. 

Destiny Moser, Founder & Executive Chef of FoodZen. After nearly two decades in corporate tech, Destiny followed her passion for food blending her Indigenous heritage with a commitment to local, sustainable ingredients.

Through FoodZen, she’s redefining Indigenous cuisine and using food to reconnect, educate, and heal. We’ll explore her journey, what drives her success, and the lessons she’s learned along the way.

Dr. Trevor Charles is a microbiologist and professor in the Department of Biology at the University of Waterloo, as well as the founder and Executive Director of the LiftOff Black Entrepreneurship Program. His research focuses on plant-microbe interactions, functional metagenomics, and bacterial genome engineering, with applications in bioplastics and sustainable agriculture. 

Ellyn Winters-Robinson is the founder and CEO of AskEllyn, the world’s first conversational AI companion for breast cancer patients. A recent survivor herself, Ellyn co-created AskEllyn to provide empathetic, accessible support to those navigating a breast cancer diagnosis. Her work has been featured in publications such as People Magazine, Globe and Mail, and CTV. Ellyn is also the co-founder and chief marketing officer of Ignition Communications, a boutique marketing firm, and a longtime mentor at the Accelerator Centre.

Eric Avner leads Waterloo Region Community Foundation (WRCF), and works with the Board of Directors, committees, and team to further the vision of ensuring our communities are “equitable, connected, and sustainable; and people are thriving”. He also collaborates with people locally, provincially, and nationally to develop innovative ways to influence lasting social change by maximizing philanthropic opportunities. 

Fauzia Mazhar is the Executive Director of the Coalition of Muslim Women of Kitchener-Waterloo (CMW). With over 18 years of experience in the local social profit sector, she has led CMW since its inception in 2010, empowering Muslim women to be leaders and change-makers. Her work focuses on addressing stereotypes and misconceptions about Muslim women through community outreach and bridge-building. 

Glen Smyth is the co-founder and CEO of Appleflats Foods, North America’s only commercial crabapple orchard. Alongside his brother Alex, Glen revived the heritage crabapple industry by transforming a family tradition into a growing ag-tech business. Their products—including jelly, cocktail mixers, and sodas—are now sold in over 400 Ontario retailers. 

Greg Quaile, CEO of Subtly You, brings the business vision and strategy that fuel the clinic’s growth. Known for his creativity, community-minded approach, and talent for building meaningful client experiences, he helps elevate the brand while keeping its values front and centre. Working alongside Shawna, Greg blends smart marketing with authentic connection to shape a thriving, people-first medical aesthetics business. 

Ian McLean is the President and CEO of the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce, one of Ontario’s largest Chambers, representing over 1,400 members across Kitchener, Waterloo, and Woolwich Township. He was appointed to this role in September 2010. Prior to leading the Chamber, Ian served on Waterloo City Council for seven years, including as Chair of the Finance and Strategic Planning Committee. 

Jacklyn Warmington is the Chief Operating Officer at Den 1880, a co-working and innovation hub in Waterloo, Ontario. With a background in strategic operations and community engagement, she has been instrumental in scaling Den 1880's impact. Jacklyn is also an active voice in the local startup ecosystem, frequently collaborating with regional leaders and organizations to foster innovation and entrepreneurship. 

Jenna Petker is the Director of Healthcare & Physician Recruitment at the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce. With over nine years in healthcare advocacy and physician recruitment, she leads initiatives to attract and retain medical professionals in the region. Jenna plays a pivotal role in the KW4 area's health human resource strategy, including organizing events like the Family Medicine Resident Weekend to introduce new physicians to the community. 

Jim Estill is a serial entrepreneur, innovator, community builder, and CEO of Danby Appliances. From launching BlackBerry to reinventing shipping with ShipperBee, Jim shares how fearless experiments, bold leadership, and community impact have defined his career.

Jody Palubiski has been the CEO and managing partner of the Charcoal Group since 2003. Jody helped lead the Charcoal Group to developing the Wildcraft Grill Bar in 2007, The Bauer Kitchen in 2009 and Beertown Public House in 2012, with many of the restaurants having several locations around Ontario.

Joe Birch is the Chief Operating Officer and Governor of the Kitchener Rangers, a position he has held since June 2020. A former OHL player with the Rangers and London Knights, Birch transitioned into coaching and management roles, including Assistant Coach with the St. Thomas Stars and NHLPA Certified Agent at Newport Sports Management. He spent over a decade at the Ontario Hockey League's head office, serving as Senior Director of Hockey Development and Vice President of Development. 

John Thomas, CEO of Connect Airlines, a company on a mission to rethink regional aviation and lead the way in sustainable air travel. With a career that spans global airlines, startup ventures and bold innovation, John brings a unique perspective on leadership, infrastructure, and what it takes to build connectivity in today’s fast‑changing world.

Karen Gallant is the President and CEO of Junior Achievement JA South Western Ontario  on, one of Canada’s most impactful youth organizations helping students develop financial literacy, entrepreneurial thinking, and work-readiness skills.

Under her leadership, JA has expanded across the region, embraced digital learning, and continues to inspire young people to take ownership of their futures.

We’ll talk about the importance of financial literacy, inspiring the next generation of innovators, and how businesses can play a hands-on role in developing future talent.

Kristy Lynn Miller is the visionary founder behind The Scented Market, a brand that has redefined the home fragrance experience through quality, sustainability, and artistry.

With an eye for detail and a commitment to excellence, Kristy has transformed her passion for scents into a thriving business that resonates with customers who value thoughtfully crafted products. Her leadership at The Scented Market embodies a dedication to both product innovation and customer connection, as she strives to create scents that bring warmth and joy into people’s lives.

Dr. Kyle Murray is the Dean of the Lazaridis School of Business and Economics at Wilfrid Laurier University. He previously held faculty appointments at the University of Alberta, the Ivey School of Business, and Monash University (Australia), as well as visiting professorships at INSEAD (France) and TU Dublin (Ireland). Most recently he served as Acting Dean (2021-2023) and Vice Dean (2017 to 2021) at the University of Alberta School of Business.

Lauren Roberts is the Owner of Sage Advisory Co., a business consulting firm based in Waterloo, Ontario. With a background in strategic operations and community engagement, she has been instrumental in scaling Sage Advisory Co.'s impact. Lauren is also an active voice in the local startup ecosystem, frequently collaborating with regional leaders and organizations to foster innovation and entrepreneurship. 

Leigh Merswolke is the Chief Executive Officer at LCM Property Services based in Waterloo, Ontario. LCM Property Services Inc. is an experienced building services provider, serving Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge, Guelph and the surrounding area. They specialize in providing Value Added Services, including professional cleaning services. 

Lucia Harrison is the Chief Executive Officer of the Kitchener-Waterloo Multicultural Centre (KWMC), a full-service settlement agency serving immigrants, refugees, and those with no status in the region. Originally from the Netherlands, she immigrated to Canada as a child and became a Canadian citizen in 1967. Lucia has been with KWMC since 2000 and has served as CEO since 2006. 

Mandy Bujold is a celebrated Canadian amateur boxer and Manager of Industry/Community Partnerships at the Grand Valley Construction Association. A two-time Pan American Games gold medalist and Olympian, she is also the founder of Champions for Charity, inspiring the next generation through sport and community leadership. 

Mark Bingeman is the President and CEO of Bingemans, a family-owned entertainment, hospitality, and event destination in Waterloo Region. After studying hospitality internationally and gaining experience with major hotel brands, Mark returned to lead the business founded by his grandfather. Under his leadership, Bingemans has evolved into a modern, multi-faceted destination, offering waterparks, live events, and innovative experiences like Putt Social.

Born in Croatia and raised right here in Kitchener, Mayor Berry Vrbanovic has dedicated over three decades to public service. First, as a city councillor, and now serving his third term as Mayor. His leadership has helped shape Kitchener into the dynamic, innovative, and inclusive city it is today.

Melissa Reid is a Registered Social Worker and the founder of Calming Tree Counselling, a practice specializing in grief, trauma, and attachment-based therapy. With over 20 years of experience, she provides individual therapy and clinical supervision to social workers and psychotherapists. Melissa is trained in Internal Family Systems (IFS), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Narrative Therapy.  In 2025, she was recognized as a Health & Wellness honoree by the Women of the Year Awards in Kitchener-Waterloo. 

Mark Farwell is a seasoned broadcaster with over 20 years of experience in radio and television across Canada. Currently, he hosts The Mike Farwell Show on CityNews 570 in Kitchener, engaging listeners with insightful discussions on local news, sports, and community issues. In addition to his role as a talk show host, Mark serves as the play-by-play voice for the Kitchener Rangers on CityNews 570. He is also the founder of the Farwell4Hire campaign, an annual fundraising initiative that has raised over $1.25 million for cystic fibrosis research. 

Dr. Mike Moffatt is Executive in Residence at the Smart Prosperity Institute and an Assistant Professor at Ivey Business School, Western University. His research focuses on regional economic development, child- and climate-friendly housing, and clean innovation. Previously, he served as Chief Innovation Fellow for the Government of Canada and Chief Economist at the Mowat Centre. Dr. Moffatt has advised policymakers across Canada and internationally on effective public policy. 

Mohsan Abdullah is the CEO and Co-Founder of Token Creative Services, a Kitchener-based digital agency specializing in SEO, PPC, web development, and creative marketing solutions. With a background in marketing, photography, and filmmaking, Mohsan leads a team dedicated to delivering impactful digital experiences. He is also active in the local community, serving as a realtor with Activa and serves on the Board of Directors along with multiple other committees for the Chamber.

Neil Parkinson is the Chair of Gore’s Board of Directors.

Gore is built on a foundation of financial strength for more than 180 years, Gore is one of Canada’s first property and casualty insurance companies. 

 Nick launched "Nick's Window Cleaning" armed with a ladder and a squeegee. Recognizing the high demand for exterior cleaning, Gladiator Pro Wash emerged in their second season. Now in the 3rd season, fueled by core values of professionalism, attention to detail, expertise, and going above and beyond, they have become a trusted name in our region. 

Paul Brosnan of Atum Financial Services has worked two decades working in corporate finance across industries like manufacturing, healthcare, and automotive. Paul followed his passion for helping businesses and individuals thrive financially. Through Atum, he provides guidance, clarity, and confidence for clients navigating complex financial decisions, helping them plan for growth and long-term success.

Pierre Cléroux was appointed Vice President, Research and Chief Economist at BDC in 2012. Pierre leads a team of experts who analyze economic data to identify business and sector trends impacting Canadian entrepreneurs. A seasoned speaker, he regularly travels across the country to help business owners understand the risks and opportunities presented by the economic environment.

Precious Julius, founder of Last Minute Gallery, is transforming how Waterloo Region experiences art. What began as a passion project has grown into a vibrant, award-winning platform that celebrates emerging artists, fosters collaboration, and brings art directly into the community through immersive, hands-on events.

Robin Farrell is an award-winning broadcaster with over 20 years of radio morning show experience. She currently hosts “Mornings with Robin & PJ” with Paul Johnson weekdays from 5:30-10am at Country 106.7 in Kitchener, and previously worked as a morning show host for 15 years in Victoria, BC. 

Rochelle Williams is a pastry chef and the founder of The Dessert Artist, a Kitchener-based bakery specializing in culturally inspired baked goods. With over eight years of experience, Rochelle combines her culinary skills with her Jamaican heritage to create unique desserts. Her offerings include custom cakes, sugar cookies, gourmet chocolates, and her signature Petite Patties. In 2025, she was honored with the Young Professional of the Year Award by the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce. 

Ronjiny Basu is the founder of Puddles Swim School in Kitchener, a program dedicated to helping children develop confidence, safety, and joy in the water. After years in corporate program management and marketing, Ronjiny followed her passion to create a high-impact, safety-focused swim school that combines Montessori-inspired teaching with sensory-friendly design.

Sandor Dosman is the owner and chef behind Fo'Cheezy Food Truck, a popular gourmet grilled cheese operation in Kitchener-Waterloo. Known for his creative sandwiches and vibrant truck, Sandor was recognized at the Greater KW Chamber BEA Gala 2025 for his impact on the local food scene. 

Shawna is the passionate cosmetic nurse injector behind Subtly You, known for her natural, confidence-boosting approach to aesthetics. With a sharp eye for detail and a warm, witty presence, she creates subtle enhancements that leave clients looking refreshed and authentically themselves. Her clinic is built on real connection, laughter, and helping every person feel amazing in their own skin. 

Sheldon Thompson is the Founder and Creative Director of Ascnd Media, a full-service media production company specializing in dynamic cinematography and photography. Founded in 2019, Ascnd Media offers comprehensive services from concept development to final production. 

Stephanie Soulis is the founder and CEO of Little Mushroom Catering & Dining Lounge, a company she established in 2010 to combine her passion for food with a commitment to sustainability. Under her leadership, Little Mushroom has grown into a full-service event catering business known for its socially responsible practices and locally sourced menus. 

Suzie Taka is the Executive Director of SPECTRUM, a 2SLGBTQIA+ community organization in Waterloo Region. With over a decade of experience in community organizing and advocacy, she has worked in the non-profit and public sectors, focusing on communications, equity, and reconciliation. 

Susan Dusick served as President and CEO of St. Mary’s General Hospital Foundation, leading fundraising efforts that raised over $100 million to support patient care and hospital equipment. She retired in 2024, leaving a lasting legacy in the Waterloo Region’s healthcare community. 

Syd Vanderpool is a retired professional boxer and the founder of SydFIT Health Centre in Kitchener. A former NABO super middleweight titleholder and once ranked #1 by the IBF, he now focuses on coaching, mentoring athletes, and leading community initiatives, including Champions for Charity. 

Tova Davidson is the Executive Director of Sustainable Waterloo Region, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping local businesses and communities become more environmentally and economically sustainable. With a background in public relations and communications, she brings a creative approach to sustainability opportunities. 

Tracy Valko is the Founder of Valko Financial, a Waterloo Region-based financial services firm. She is committed to empowering clients and businesses through personalized financial strategies and community-focused leadership. 

Vanessa Simon is the founder of Vanessa’s Cuisine. She made a bold career change from nursing to entrepreneurship, creating a Caribbean-rooted food brand that’s now featured on store shelves across Waterloo Region. Along the way, Vanessa has built strong community connections, earned the 2025 Exceptional Small Business of the Year Award (community-voted), and used her platform to inspire women and young entrepreneurs.

In this episode, we hear Vanessa’s story, explore the challenges and triumphs of scaling a small business into retail distribution, and learn how she balances business growth with meaningful community engagement.

Let’s go “Behind the Business” with Vanessa Simon.

Victoria Baby is the Chief Executive Officer of the Humane Society of Kitchener Waterloo & Stratford Perth. With a background in nonprofit leadership, she has dedicated her career to animal welfare and community engagement. Under her guidance, the organization has expanded its programs and services, impacting the lives of countless animals and residents across the region.