Businessinsights's Podcast

Please check out my special edition of Business Insights with John Racine. In this episode you will hear insights from season 1 of my show. These include local business owners Jade Calver (Calver & Associates Canadian Immigration Services), Giorgos Kallonakis (Olympus Burger), Hank Vandermeer (Vandermeer Toyota), Blake Holton (Holton Flowers), Stacy Vermeire (Stacy Vermeire RE/MAX Lakeshore Realty Inc. Brokerage), Katy Spiewak (PetChiro.ca), Kim Rudd (MP and Entrepreneur), Mike Woods (The Northumberland Rock and Roll Experience / Log Jam Studio, Darren Johns (Mercury Chocolates & Gelateria), Mike McCann (Bromley Steel Fabricators Inc, Kendra Simmons (Antiques on Queen), Ian Sculthorpe (South Fifty Farms) Special thanks to my production team, Jeff Caine and Matthew McCreadie Episode 15: Season 1 Roundup

In this episode of business insights with John Racine my guest Mike McCann and I discuss his journey as an entrepreneur. Mike is the retired owner of Bromley Steel Fabricators located in Wesleyville, just west of Port Hope. It was a privilege to be able to interview Mike on the show as I’ve know Mike all of my life and have admired how he has created a very successful company. We discuss Mike’s upbringing in Manchester in the 40’s and 50’s and how he entered the Royal Air force at the age of 15. We talk about making the move to Canada and ultimately to Port Hope. We gain great insights from Mike as he discusses both the risk and reward of owning your own business. Episode 14: Mike McCann I hope you enjoy the show!

In this episode of business insights with John Racine my guest Ian Sculthorpe and I discuss all things farming.  Ian is the owner and operator of South 50 farms. We talk about Ian’s decision to enroll into Guelph University’s agriculture program, travel to New Zealand on a farm exchange and how Ian ultimately started a grass fed beef operation just west of Port Hope. If you have any interest in understanding a bit more about farming and in particular beef farming I encourage you to listen in. Episode 13: Ian Sculthorpe I hope you enjoy the show!

In this episode of Business Insights with John Racine my guest Darren Johns and I discuss the art and joy of chocolate. Darren takes us on a journey of truly appreciating the skill and quality of the ingredients that it takes to offer the best products to his customers. His products range from coffee, gelato, hand crafted chocolates and most recently his own take on the traditional Yule log. We delve further into Darren’s passion for all things Italian and discussed how he was inspired to start a Tuscany food and wine tour. Episode 12: Darren Johns I hope you enjoy the Show

In this episode of Business Insights my guest Kim Rudd and I discuss how she was able to start her adventure into entrepreneurship through a form of job sharing. A big part of Kim’s business and personal growth came from the decision to make advocacy a part of her business foundation. We were able to get great insights of what it takes to buy a business and put your own personal touch on it. Kim gives lots of credit to professionals who were able to tell you the truth and not sugar coat the advice, “you need someone who will say.. no” Episode 11: Kim Rudd I hope you enjoy the show.  

In this episode, Mike and I discuss how he was introduced to music and how the impact from a high school teacher help set Mike up for his future. We uncover how difficult it is to make a career in the music business and how Mike and his wife have set up several different ventures that have allowed them to reach a larger audience. You will want to listen right to the end where Mike is able to provide great insights on the commitment and mindset that will help you prepare for life as an entrepreneur. Episode 10: Mike Woods

In this episode my  95 year old grandfather, Gordon Woods tell us a few stories of his time on the HMCS Fennel during World War 2. Please check out the ships Wikipedia page here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HMCS_Fennel Bump as he is know affectionately by our family, bravely crossed the North Atlantic many times during the war protecting convoys from German U-Boats. Episode 9: Gordon Woods

Kendra Simmons of Antiques on Queen located in downtown Port Hope. Kendra’s story includes her decision to locate in Port Hope, her education, and her wonderful employees and much more! Episode 8: Kendra Simmons

Pet Chiropractor Dr. Katy Spiewak, owner of PetChiro.ca in Northumberland County Katy’s story includes her love of animals, her introduction to chiropractic work, her education, starting her business, treating different kinds of animals, juggling family and a business, and much more! Episode 7: Katy Spiewak Enjoy the Show!

Stacy Vermeire, realtor with Stacy Vermeire RE/MAX Lakeshore Realty Inc. Brokerage in Cobourg, Ontario. Stacy’s story includes balancing her education with motherhood, her introduction to the real estate business, mentorship, growing her business, making yourself referable, working with her Mom, family and much more! Episode 6: Stacy Vermeire Enjoy the Show!

Episode 5 of Business Insights w/ John Racine features Bill Patchett, local philanthropist and grocery store entrepreneur in Cobourg, Ontario. To listen to the podcast, please follow the link below: Episode 5: Bill Patchett Enjoy the show!

Episode 4 of Business Insights w/ John Racine features Blake Holton, co-owner of Holton Flowers in Port Hope, Ontario. To listen to the podcast, please follow the link below: Episode 4: Blake Holton Enjoy the show!

Episode 3 of Business Insights w/ John Racine features Hank Vandermeer, owner of Vandermeer Toyota in Cobourg, Ontario. I would like to especially highlight Hank’s business advice during the 3rd segment of this interview as it is very valuable for entrepreneurs. To listen to the podcast, please follow the link below: Episode 3: Hank Vandermeer Enjoy the show!

Episode 2 of Business Insights w/ John Racine features Giorgos Kallonakis, owner-operator of Olympus Burger in Port Hope, Ontario. To listen to the podcast, please follow the link below: Episode 2: Giorgos Kallonakis Enjoy the show!

The premiere episode of my radio show Business Insights w/ John Racine features Jade Calver, of Calver & Associates Canadian Immigration Services. To listen to the podcast, please follow the link below: Enjoy the show! Episode 1: Jade Calver