In a special episode for Earth Day, the CSE’s Barrington Miller is joined by Juan Carlos Giron Jr., Senior Vice President of EnviroGold Global (CSE:NVRO), to discuss this clean technology company’s efforts to reprocess mine tailings and produce metals without mining. The conversation also addresses the importance of leaving a lasting environmental legacy.
Here’s an overview of what Barrington and Juan discuss in this edition of the “Exchange for Entrepreneurs” podcast:
00:00 – Introduction and background
02:00 – EnviroGold’s extraction process
04:40 – Leaving a positive environmental legacy
06:00 – Socials and other information about EnviroGold
About Juan Carlos Giron Jr. Juan Carlos Giron Jr. is a senior executive with over a decade of experience in finance, management, and strategic development. Prior to joining EnviroGold Global, he was Chief Financial Officer of a NYSE-listed metals and mining firm. He began his career in UBS’s International Division, a world-leading provider of financial services. He is skilled in strategic planning, financial modeling, agile management techniques, and market intelligence and has a strong compliance background.
In a special episode for Earth Day, CSE’s Barrington Miller is joined by Dr. Tamir Gedo, CEO of Beyond Oil, to discuss the company’s product for cooking oils that targets free fatty acids. The conversation also addresses the environmental issue of getting rid of cooking oil at scale and how their product could be part of the solution.
Here’s an overview of what Barrington and Dr. Gedo discuss in this edition of the “Exchange for Entrepreneurs” podcast:
00:00 – Introduction and background 00:59 – Beyond Oil’s free fatty acid extraction technology
01:30 – Benefits of extracting free fatty acid from cooking oil
03:40 – Effects on flavour and taste
06:30 – How to use the product
09:00 – Environmental impacts 10:30 – How the idea for Beyond Oil started 14:00 – Effects of COVID-19 on the business
About Dr. Tamir Gedo Dr. Gedo draws upon 25 years of experience as a marketing and business strategy expert serving in academic, government, and industry functions. Dr. Gedo’s extensive expertise in international marketing, branding, entrepreneurship, and business strategy has served him in his various leadership roles. He has contributed to a wide range of branding, strategic planning, and market penetration activities as a senior manager or executive director of major companies in a variety of industries, including the pharmaceutical industry.
CSE’s Barrington Miller is joined by Colin Lynch, Managing Director at TD Asset Management, to discuss the Black Opportunity Fund (BOF), a registered charity that provides access to capital and capacity to Black entrepreneurs. The conversation addresses barriers to accessing capital in Canada, COVID-19’s impact, and steps to obtaining a grant or loan through BOF.
Here’s an overview of what Barrington and Colin discuss in this edition of the “Exchange for Entrepreneurs” podcast:
00:00 – Introduction and background 02:05 – What is the Black Opportunity Fund? 05:10 – How to apply for funding
09:00 – Requirements and repayment process
13:16 – Social media links and website information
About Colin Lynch In 2020, Colin was named one of Canada’s Top 40 Under 40, an annual recognition of the exceptional achievements of 40 outstanding Canadians under the age of 40. Top 40 has recognized more than 800 outstanding Canadians and is the country’s most coveted award for young business leaders. He is also a recipient of the Queen’s University Toronto Branch Award, which is presented to Toronto-area alumni who have distinguished themselves in their careers, in their volunteer work, in the arts, or in other ways they have contributed to society. In 2021, Colin was named a Trustee Emeritus of Queen’s University in recognition of his exemplary service to Queen’s University and its Board of Trustees.
CSE’s Barrington Miller is joined by Chelsie Hodge, Founder and CEO, and Arinn Ryan, Director of Marketing at Blender Bites (CSE:BITE), for a special International Women’s Day episode. The group discusses nurturing an entrepreneurial spirit from a young age, and the journey they took to bring their business to market. The conversation also addresses overcoming challenges experienced by women entrepreneurs in the capital markets.
Here’s an overview of what Barrington, Chelsie, and Arinn discuss in this edition of the “Exchange for Entrepreneurs” podcast:
00:00 – Background and introduction
02:35 – Arinn Ryan’s journey 04:10 – Chelsie Hodge’s journey
06:40 – Arinn’s decision to join Blender Bites
09:00 – Overcoming CEO hurdles 11:30 – Blender Bites’ special announcement
12:40 – The pros and cons of social media
17:00 – Where to find Blender Bites on social media
18:45 – Supporting other women entrepreneurs 20:05 – Advice to Chelsie’s and Arinn’s younger selves
About Chelsie Hodge Chelsie brings a unique skill set to the table with over a decade of working experience in the high-growth plant-based consumer packaged goods sector along with over fifteen years in capital market. Chelsie has held Sales and Business Development positions with industry disruptors such as VEGA along with Investor Relations roles for a variety of public company sectors.
About Arinn Ryan Arinn is an experienced marketing and communications professional with a strong background in retail-focused marketing activations and influencer relations. A people connector by nature, Arinn strives to cultivate meaningful networks and relations and aspire to do work that moves people.
About Blender Bites Ltd. Blender Bites is a Canadian company involved in the development and marketing of a line of premium frozen food products with a focus on functionality. Blender Bites was founded in 2016 and sell a pre-portioned “easy smoothie” product that is free of any unnecessary inner plastic packaging. Blender Bites products are organic, vegan, non-GMO, gluten-free, dairy-free, and soy-free. They contain no added sugars and are made in Canada. Blender Bites products are distributed nationally across Canada and are currently sold in over 800 stores, including Sobeys, Safeway, Save on Foods, Whole Foods Market, Buy-Low/Nesters, IGA, and Fresh Street, with a launch planned into the United States marketplace. Blender Bites anticipates expanding its plant-based footprint in North America through organic growth of the existing brand and through new acquisitions.
CSE’s Barrington Miller is joined by Erica Williams, Founder and CEO of The Yumy Candy Company (CSE:TYUM), for a special International Women’s Day episode to discuss being a woman entrepreneur in the capital markets, including seeking opportunities, overcoming hurdles, and finding and providing support. The conversation also addresses brand marketing via social media.
Here’s an overview of what Barrington and Erica discuss in this edition of the “Exchange for Entrepreneurs” podcast:
00:00 – Background and introduction
02:30 – The creation of The Yumy Candy Company
06:30 – Marketing your brand with social media
09:30 – Dealing with social media negativity
12:20 – What advice would you give to your younger self?
13:30 – Tackling hurdles related to your position
16:05 – Team and culture
18:20 – Supporting other women entrepreneurs
19:20 – Childhood role models
21:55 – Social media links and other information
About Erica Williams Erica is a serial entrepreneur and has a longstanding passion for health and wellness. She has always been a candy lover but couldn’t find a healthier option that was also affordable. Her health journey began years ago when she developed an unhealthy relationship with food and realized to live a healthier lifestyle, education was key. Erica undertook studies in Kinesiology at the University of Fraser Valley and even furthered her knowledge with personal training and nutritional certification. During her studies, Erica competed in fitness competitions across Canada and created a consistent, healthier lifestyle and positive attitude towards foods. The Yumy Candy Company Inc. is founded on the “Feel Good” philosophy Erica now follows in her day-to-day. From her experience with coaching clients, the number one thing on everyone’s agenda was searching for low-sugar, plant-based snack options.
About The Yumy Candy Company Inc. The Yumy Candy Company is an affordable health-conscious low-sugar plant-based confectionery company based in Vancouver, British Columbia and it has developed a portfolio of healthier gelatine-free candies made from Non-GMO ingredients with proprietary recipes. All of its products are free of gelatin, soy, gluten, nuts, dairy, eggs, sugar alcohols, artificial sweeteners, and genetically modified organisms.
CSE’s Barrington Miller is joined by Tarisai Madambi, Senior Manager at KPMG, and Theresa Nyabeze, Diversity & Inclusion Committee Co-Chair at The Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM), for a special Black History Month episode. The group discusses representation, intentional inclusion, and feeling comfortable with being your authentic self in the workplace.
Here’s an overview of what topics Barrington, Tarisai, and Theresa cover in this edition of the “Exchange for Entrepreneurs” podcast:
00:00 – Introduction and Background
03:10 – Theresa’s professional journey
06:00 – Tarisai’s professional journey
10:25 – Bringing your full, authentic self to the workplace
20:05 – Intentional inclusion and professional friendships
24:05 – The importance of diversity of opinion
39:00 – The role of commercialization in diverse representation
48:30 – Calling people “in” vs calling them out
52:30 – Intentions and resulting impact
About Tarisai Madambi Tarisai is a Finance leader providing strategic counsel to finance executives with a proven record of implementing transformation projects and programs. Currently, she maintains her focus on elevating the role of finance as a change leader and strategic business partner, embedding new technologies and innovation to deliver data-driven insights in decision-making. Tarisai is a passionate advocate for equity and inclusion with particular interest on matters related to mental health, gender, race and ethnicity. She was the motivating force behind establishing the Black Professionals Network in 2019 and continues to drive action on the firm’s Anti-Racism strategy to dismantle systemic barriers for under-represented groups.
About Theresa Nyabeze Theresa Nyabeze is a Professional Mining Engineer who prides herself as a contributor to an industry that produces the materials with which the modern economy is built. In addition to her 20+ years career in mining, Theresa is actively engaged in promoting * Diversity and Inclusion in the mining industry as a whole*. As the co-Chair for Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM)’s Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee, she has led engagements aimed at educating professionals and organizations on the positive impact of diverse and inclusive workplaces. Theresa is an advocate for women and girls, and has published papers peering into the careers of women in mining, and also written a children’s book – Underground my mining adventure – to spur young girls to take up careers in STEM, using mining as a gateway. Theresa was recently named among top 100 Accomplished Black Women in Canada, an honour she shares with many notable figures including the Honourable Jean Augustine.
CSE’s Barrington Miller is joined by Alex Halperin, Editor of WeedWeek, to discuss the cannabis industry in the United States, with a particular focus on the markets in California, New York, and the southern states. The conversation also dives into the dynamic of politics in US federal legalization, WeedWeek’s 2022 outlook, and the potential role of Big Pharma in the sector.
Here’s an overview of what Barrington and Alex discuss in this edition of the “Exchange for Entrepreneurs” podcast:
00:00 – Introduction and background
04:30 – Cannabis culture in California
07:30 – The challenge of running a cannabis business in California
11:00 – New York’s cannabis market
13:30 – Oklahoma’s cannabis market
17:30 – Texas’ cannabis market
19:10 – Cannabis legalization in Washington
22:20 – WeedWeek’s outlook on 2022
25:10 – What is Delta-8?
28:50 – Big Pharma’s involvement in the cannabis market
About WeedWeek Business journalist Alex Halperin started writing the WeedWeek newsletter in 2015. It now has more than 8,000 subscribers including many of the most influential figures in the cannabis world. They appreciate WeedWeek’s incisive writing, aggressive reporting and that they are editorially independent. Advertisers have no influence on their editorial content. In 2020, they launched a major expansion and they now publish original reporting and analysis daily.
CSE’s Barrington Miller is joined by Dexter John, CEO of Morrow Sodali (Canada), for a special Black History Month episode to discuss the experience of being a Black executive in Canada’s corporate world, including the importance of seeking mentorship and taking advantage of opportunities. The conversation also includes Dexter’s advice for young people to succeed and for executives to promote greater diversity.
Here’s an overview of what Barrington and Dexter discuss in this edition of the “Exchange for Entrepreneurs” podcast:
0:00 – Introduction and background 1:52 – Thoughts on being a Black executive in Canada 5:30 – The importance of finding mentors among people of influence 8:33 – On entering business and corporate Canada 10:59 – His experience dealing with prejudice among coworkers and classmates 13:06 – Dexter’s experience being a CEO 15:59 – His advice for the youth of tomorrow to succeed in business 22:25 – On the future of corporate Canada in terms of diversity
About Dexter John Dexter is the Chief Executive Officer at Morrow Sodali (Canada). He represents and advises clients on a wide range of issues, including mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance, executive compensation issues, public company reporting, capital markets transactions and general corporate matters.
About Morrow Sodali Morrow Sodali provides corporate boards and executives with strategic advice and services relating to corporate governance, shareholder and bondholder communication and engagement, capital markets intelligence, proxy solicitation, shareholder activism and mergers and acquisitions.
CSE’s Barrington Miller is joined by Chris Beals, CEO of Weedmaps, to discuss their role as a technology company that provides a comprehensive platform allowing consumers to access and locate cannabis goods and services. The conversation also addresses the effects of legalization on Weedmaps as well as the larger cannabis business community.
Here’s an overview of what Barrington and Chris discuss in this edition of the “Exchange for Entrepreneurs” podcast:
0:00 – Introducing Chris Beals and Weedmaps
2:31 – Weedmaps’ connection to Toronto
4:41 – Interesting findings from data collected using the Weedmaps platform
7:21 – Ubiquity of Weedmaps’ software
8:45 – Legalization and how it affects Weedmaps
14:51 – How Europe deals with legalization relating to cannabis
17:51 – What to expect from Weedmaps in the future
20:16 – Will Weedmaps be joining the Metaverse?
About Weedmaps The company was founded in 2008 with a strong belief in the power of cannabis and the importance of enabling safe, legal access to consumers worldwide. Since then, WM Technology has worked tirelessly, not only to be the most comprehensive platform for consumers, but to build the software solutions that power businesses compliantly in the space, to advocate for legalization, social equity, and licensing in many jurisdictions, and to facilitate further learning through partnering with dozens of subject matter experts on providing detailed, accurate information about the plant.
CSE’s Barrington Miller is joined by Bill Besenhofer, Co-Founder and CEO of The Fresh Factory, to discuss consumer and investor “appetite” for plant-based, clean-label food, becoming a B Corp, and how technology plays a role in how they serve emerging and existing brands in this space. The conversation also highlights Bill’s thoughts on where he sees the clean food landscape going.
Here’s an overview of what Barrington and Bill discuss in this edition of the “Exchange for Entrepreneurs” podcast:
0:00 – Background of The Fresh Factory and COVID-19’s impact
3:44 – Achieving brand loyalty
4:31 – What it takes to be a B Corp
9:46 – Technology’s role in how they help brands
17:26 – Hurdles for companies in this space
20:05 – Will The Fresh Factory be joining the metaverse?
20:50 – The Fresh Factory’s team and stakeholders
22:50 – Where the clean eating landscape is going
26:50 – What investors can expect from The Fresh Factory
About The Fresh Factory The Fresh Factory is a vertically integrated company focused on accelerating the growth of the plant-based, clean-label food and beverage brands of tomorrow. The Fresh Factory owns or partners with emerging brands in the plant-based space to develop, manufacture, and sell products made from fresh produce and recognizable ingredients. It operates from its centrally located manufacturing facility near Chicago, serving customers across the US. As a B Corporation, The Fresh Factory is ESG-focused, driven to make a lighter, greener impact on the environment and a stronger, positive impact on local communities and the food supply system as a whole.
