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Discover how Scott Newman revolutionized the home renovation industry by turning a family-owned flooring business into a digital powerhouse. In today’s episode of Impact Innovators, we sit down with Scott to uncover his unique journey from selling hardwood products to offering top-notch refinishing services. Scott shares his early experiences with platforms like Kijiji, Craigslist and Service Magic, and how he harnessed the power of third-party verification services like Homestars to build trust and credibility before the age of Google reviews.

Scott also delves into his innovative digital marketing strategies that have kept him ahead of the curve. From mastering SEO to creating compelling advertorials, his tactics reveal the importance of adapting quickly in an ever-changing digital landscape. Hear how Scott draws inspiration from Simon Sinek to connect with customers on a deeper level, emphasizing the evolution of business strategies and the crucial role of online reviews in gaining a competitive edge.

But that’s not all—Scott opens up about the transformative potential of AI in business operations. Learn how tools like ChatGPT and Microsoft's Copilot are streamlining tasks and supercharging efficiency, freeing up time for more strategic pursuits. Scott also touches on his recent venture into real estate with Rare Real Estate, combining his renovation expertise with property investment. This episode is packed with actionable insights and inspiring stories that any entrepreneur will find invaluable.
Connect with Scott on LinkedIn here; https://www.linkedin.com/in/newmansk/

Linktree Website; https://linktr.ee/scottknewman

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Ready to uncover the secrets of transforming a passion for sport into entrepreneurial success? Meet Jelmer Stegink, a former professional cyclist who traded his wheels for the helm of Innisfil's DMZ Innisfil Business Accelerator. Hear how Jelmer’s journey from sports management to municipal government and launching a thriving cycling event with over 5,000 participants provides invaluable lessons in endurance, discipline, and resilience.

Jelmer draws powerful parallels between professional sports training and the relentless grind of building a startup, offering a fresh perspective on the entrepreneurial journey.

Discover the supportive ecosystem at DMZ Innisfil as Jelmer walks us through their innovative approach to fostering local entrepreneurship. From structured mentorship and grant access to the vital importance of community and peer-to-peer support, Jelmer illustrates how the accelerator helps startups thrive.

Learn about the recent onboarding of a new cohort of 18 diverse business owners, each with tailored objectives, and the transformative power of Stephen Kotler's science of flow in building collaborative environments. Jelmer highlights how setting clear OKRs and fostering a culture of shared knowledge can be a game changer for emerging businesses.

Finally, we zoom in on the critical steps of early validation and customer engagement, revealing how these strategies can make or break a startup. Jelmer shares practical tips on conducting problem and solution interviews, leveraging iterative processes, and continuously gathering feedback through live surveys and pilot programs.

Listen as we explore the broader impact of these practices on the local entrepreneurial ecosystem in Innisfil, from asynchronous online resources and targeted events to innovative virtual webinars.

Whether you're an aspiring founder or a seasoned entrepreneur, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you build a successful business from the ground up.

Check out DMZ Innisfil's Business Accelerator Program here;
https://innisfil.ca/en/business-and-employment/dmz-innisfil.aspx

Find out about the Emerging Entrepreneurs event here;
https://innisfil.ca/en/news/emerging-entrepreneurs-event-targets-those-looking-to-start-a-business.aspx

Register for the Emerging Entrepreneurs event here;
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/emerging-entrepreneurs-tickets-1002587124077

Innisfil Economic Development website;
https://innisfil.ca/en/business-and-employment/economic-development.aspx

Innisfil Economic Development Strategic Plan;
https://innisfil.ca/en/business-and-employment/economic-development-strategic-plan.aspx

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What if you could build a thriving remote team while showcasing incredible Filipino talent? Join us as we sit down with Maria Sukang, the trailblazing founder of Remotify, who shares her journey from corporate life to creating a game-changing remote work solution. Maria reveals how the pandemic sparked the birth of Remotify, allowing her to balance productivity with personal time. Discover how her company leverages the Philippines' strong English proficiency and culture of care to help startups and mid-market companies build effective remote teams.

Maria delves into the core elements that drive a successful team culture, emphasizing the power of autonomy, transparency, and alignment with company values. Through compelling anecdotes, including the path to becoming the world's best service team, Maria illustrates the crucial role of middle management in nurturing a positive work environment and empowering employees. Learn about the profound benefits of recognizing and rewarding the right behaviors, and how clear expectations balanced with flexibility can elevate employee satisfaction and performance.

In our conversation, Maria also touches on the broader implications of remote work, such as decentralizing job opportunities and fostering economic growth in local communities. She passionately discusses her commitment to showcasing Filipino talent and the challenges she faced in overcoming stereotypes. For aspiring entrepreneurs, Maria offers sage advice on following your passion and aligning your work with your strengths. Tune in to hear her inspiring story and find out how you can connect with Remotify PH to build your remote team while experiencing the vibrant Filipino community.

You can connect directly with Maria on LinkedIn at;
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariacharissesucgang/

If you're interested in getting a full time employee with your startup business, connect with Maria or her husband/business partner, Erwin at Remotify;
https://remotify.ph/

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What if technology could transform the livelihoods of farmers around the world? In this episode of Impact Innovators, we sit down with Lakshan, the CEO and co-founder of Spectrify AI, an agri-tech software company that's doing just that. Lakshan takes us through his captivating journey from his agricultural roots in Sri Lanka to becoming a tech entrepreneur focused on solving critical issues like food loss and quality control. He shares how his team captured the attention of venture capitalists at the Collision conference and the strategies they used to showcase their ground-breaking work.

We're also inspired by the resilient journey of a Sri Lankan startup making waves in the tea industry, boasting over 30 B2B customers. As they set their sights on expanding into the coffee and wine sectors, we discuss the innovative AI models they're developing to tackle moisture issues, which are essential for maintaining product quality. This chapter is packed with invaluable advice for early-stage startups, including the importance of understanding product-market fit, playing multiple roles, and making strategic decisions without unnecessary pivots.

To wrap things up, we delve into the complexities of raising funds and the crucial task of choosing investors who align with your long-term vision. We share personal anecdotes that highlight the importance of taking calculated risks and learning from failures. Looking to the future, we explore how advancements in AI, robotics, and blockchain technology could reshape various industries and impact daily life. This episode is a treasure trove of insights, actionable ideas, and inspiring stories that promise to leave you motivated and informed. Don't miss out on this engaging and enlightening conversation!

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Have you ever wondered how one man’s love for heavy metal could fuel a company's success through a global pandemic? Join us as we sit down with Marcus Rader, CEO of HostAway, who navigated turbulent times and secured an astonishing $175 million in VC funding. Marcus shares his journey of resilience, the financial motivations driving his strategic mindset, and the unorthodox ways his passion for music amplifies his decision-making prowess. Listen in to discover how HostAway thrived in the short-term rental management SaaS space, even as the travel industry faced unprecedented challenges.

Do pain and suffering in business go hand in hand? Drawing inspiration from Haruki Murakami and Sadhguru, we explore the nuances of mental resilience and how shifting mindsets can transform pain into growth opportunities. Through conversations with over 400 customers, we uncover the surprising optimism and adaptability that helped businesses, especially in Florida, pivot successfully during tough times. This episode highlights the universal nature of business challenges and the importance of focusing on specific markets to navigate them effectively.

What if small changes could lead to monumental growth? Inspired by James Clear’s "Atomic Habits," we dive deep into the power of incremental improvements and their cumulative impact on business success. Whether you're an early-stage startup entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner, this episode offers actionable insights and motivational stories to help you balance your professional and personal life while striving for excellence.

Checkout HostAway, the premier all-in-one software for managing vacation rentals and Airbnb properties, designed for property managers at www.Hostaway.com

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Ready to transform your marketing strategy with insights from an unexpected journey? Join us as we sit down with best-selling author and marketing expert Mike, who shares his remarkable transition from paramedic to marketing guru. Discover how watching an episode of Baywatch led him to a career-saving lives, only to pivot again to saving businesses with his innovative marketing techniques. From playing street hockey in Hamilton to advancing his paramedic training in the States, Mike’s narrative is a testament to the power of bold decisions and adaptability.

In this episode, Mike reveals his secret to effective marketing: empathy and education. Learn why simply offering discounts isn’t enough and how understanding and addressing customer pain points can build lasting relationships. Get ready to challenge the status quo as Mike exposes the pitfalls of overpromising in marketing and shares strategies for capturing hearts and convincing minds. Drawing on historical examples like Claude Hopkins' success with Schlitz Brewery, Mike teaches us how even overlooked practices can set your business apart.

But it’s not all business—Mike’s stories about rescuing dogs and building a cliff-side cabin show the importance of balancing passion projects with practical necessities. Navigate the entrepreneurial roller coaster as Mike recounts his high-risk, high-reward ventures, like selling properties to buy an abandoned sawmill with no prior research. Listen in for actionable ideas on aligning marketing funnels with the right audience, backed by relatable anecdotes and real-world examples. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned marketer, this episode is packed with insights to elevate your game.

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Ever wondered what happens when you fully embrace your uniqueness and challenge the status quo? Dynamic entrepreneur Ian Darley is on a mission to celebrate those who do just that. In this electrifying episode of Impact Innovators, Ian discusses his bold new rebrand, "Not Normal," which aims to inspire creators, adventurers, and pioneers. Inspired by personal conversations and the spirit of innovation reminiscent of Steve Jobs, Ian's mission is to resonate with those who dare to be different, even in the face of mixed reactions.

Purpose and passion take center stage as Ian opens up about a transformative period in his life. Drawing from Simon Sinek's philosophy, he reveals how understanding one's "why" can lead to profound breakthroughs. Ian shares an unconventional technique that helped him overcome dark times, emphasizing the importance of listening to our inner instincts over external distractions. Through his journey, Ian underscores the power of intrinsic motivation and the courage it takes to pursue true passions, leading to genuine happiness and fulfillment.

The episode also delves into the intricacies of personal growth, the challenges of facing fears, and the role of environment in fostering change. Ian breaks down the importance of small, incremental steps, highlighting insights from "Atomic Habits" and Tony Robbins' seminars. We explore the subconscious mind's role in creativity and stress responses, offering strategies to tap into our hidden potential. Join us for a conversation filled with compelling stories, practical advice, and a heartfelt invitation to join the "Not Normal One" community, making strides towards your unique journey to success.

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