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Join us for a coffee and an energetic chat with Matt Laird from The Brasstactics, the dynamic brass band whose vibrant sounds you've undoubtedly heard if you've attended an Edmonton Oilers Hockey game!

Matt, an Edmonton native, started his musical journey early, playing the tuba and even serving as the spirited school mascot during his time at Harry Ainlay High School, bringing fun to all events. His passion for music truly took off playing the tuba in a drum corps, where he competed in various competitions across the US and was part of a team that achieved an impressive 5th place globally! He continued to tour the world with various bands and drum corps until life called for a shift, and music was temporarily put on the back burner as he started a family.

However, a transformative trip to New Orleans rekindled his love for playing. Picking up the sousaphone, a variation of the tuba, inspired him to assemble a New Orleans-style brass band right here in Edmonton. Teaming up with his friend, Blair Wilkie, they began gathering talented friends and friends of friends, and before they knew it, a full, vibrant brass band had come together.

The Brasstactics began building awareness through ingenious "Brass Blitzes" – energetic 15-minute pop-up shows at various events. This strategy quickly gained them recognition, leading to more and more bookings at bars and venues across the city. Their growing popularity caught the attention of the Edmonton Oilers, who reached out looking for a brass band to enliven their games. Now, members of The Brasstactics are a beloved staple at every Oilers home game, having built a passionate "cult following" among fans.

Get ready to hear Matt's incredible musical journey, from a tuba-playing high schooler to a world-touring drum corps member, and how he ultimately brought the vibrant energy of New Orleans brass to Edmonton, culminating in The Brasstactics' unique success and their iconic presence at Oilers games. 

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Join us for a coffee and an insightful chat with Mandy Quon, Assistant Dean for the Faculty of Native Studies and the Dean of Students Office at the University of Alberta!

Mandy shares her truly unique upbringing, born in Edmonton on Father's Day and during "Bay Days," as part of the family behind The Lingnan, the city's beloved and oldest Chinese restaurant, now celebrating 78 years! She'll recount what it was like growing up "Quon" and working within the iconic restaurant.

Beyond the family business, Mandy's first official job was as a student page in a library. She then pursued her higher education at the University of Alberta, where she impressively completed her Bachelor of Arts degree in just 3.5 years, majoring in Sociology with a minor in East Asian Studies.

A few years ago, driven by a desire to do more, Mandy returned to academia to earn her Masters of Philanthropy and Not-For-Profit Leadership from Carleton University. With over a decade of experience in fundraising, she is currently making a significant impact in her dual roles at the University of Alberta.

Get ready to hear fascinating stories, including insights from her family's TV show, The Quon Dynasty. Mandy will also delve into important themes like the vital role of women in leadership, the power of empowering others, and the enduring importance of building strong relationships and family bonds.

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Join us for coffee with Maron Green, Chief Operating Officer of JAPA Equipment Rentals and Machinery Group! 

This episode offers a fascinating look into the world of industrial equipment and family business.

Hear how this Edmonton native, a proud alumna of St. Francis Xavier High School and a U of A International Business degree holder (fluent in French!), got her start at her family's company, JAPA. Discover how a temporary accounting role covering a medical leave became her gateway, and how her later pursuit of a second degree in Public Relations further shaped her path.

Maron shares the intriguing origins of JAPA—including how the company got its unique name and the story behind their very first building. You'll learn about a pivotal moment when a Chinese businessman's visit led to JAPA securing an official direct dealer agreement with XCMG in 2016, shifting from brokered equipment to sourcing directly. She also offers candid insights into the unique dynamics and rewards of working effectively within a family business.

(Heads up: We're keeping it real – our intro music plays twice at the start, we just loved it too much!)

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Join us for coffee with Don Patterson, Managing Partner & Broker/Owner of RE/MAX Excellence in Edmonton.

This proud father and grandfather, an alumnus of Ross Shep, shares his remarkable and diverse journey. After earning his Law Degree from the University of Alberta (and even working as a roofer during his studies!), Don also delved into real estate development.

His life took an exciting turn when he and his wife moved to France, where they welcomed their first child. Upon returning to Toronto, Don transitioned into the real estate sector at TD Bank, gaining valuable experience on the brokerage side, building and managing teams. Their family grew further when they adopted his youngest sister's three children, adding another six-year-old and a four-year-old to their household.

A decade ago, Don and his family made the move back to his hometown of Edmonton, where he became a Managing Partner & Broker and part-owner of RE/MAX Excellence. Beyond his impressive career, Don has been a long-time and passionate supporter of the YMCA. After his children left home, he embarked on an extraordinary mission: a cross-Canada bike ride from Victoria, BC to Thunder Bay, Ontario. When jokingly dubbed "Halfway Don" by the Y staff, it sparked an even grander idea: to ride the entire length of Canada in just four weeks! He meticulously trained through winter, using his vacation time to complete this epic journey. Working directly with YMCA Canada, Don set up donation pages for YMCAs nationwide, riding by day and blogging by night. Along the way, he stopped at local YMCAs, met with community support, and even gave interviews on the roadside. His incredible efforts ultimately raised $30,000 for the YMCA's across the country. This episode is a testament to career evolution, family dedication, and inspiring philanthropy.

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Join us for a coffee and chat with Stephanie Rodenkirchen, CEO and Founder of Lotus Group.

Born in Seattle but raised in the scenic Okanagan Valley of British Columbia, Stephanie's early life was marked by a passion for soccer. Hear about her time on the BC Provincial team, which led to a soccer scholarship in North Carolina. Though a concussion brought her soccer career to an early end, it opened a new door at UBC, where she joined the Alpine Ski Team and discovered a profound interest in Sociology and the study of the human condition. This newfound passion laid the groundwork for her future in Recruitment and HR.

Stephanie's journey continued as she moved to Alberta in the early 2000s, where she started a family and built a career with Pfizer Pharmaceuticals. As her children grew, she sought a new professional challenge, transitioning into the world of headhunting. Learn about her valuable experience with a local firm and the influential mentors who guided her. This ultimately led to the 2019 inception of Lotus Group, a vision to bring a fresh perspective to the recruitment and HR landscape. Starting as a search firm, Lotus Group has since flourished, evolving into a comprehensive provider of search and recruitment services, HR solutions, and much more. 

Join us to hear Stephanie's unique story and the driving force behind Lotus Group's success.

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Join us for a coffee and chat with Cheryl Watt President of Northgate Industries!

Born and raised in Edmonton, Cheryl's path took a brief detour to Victoria before she returned home to pursue Business Marketing at NAIT, with a clear vision of joining her father's company. Hear about her early aspirations and her initial role in cell phone sales before stepping into the family business, Northgate Industries.

Founded in Edmonton to sell and service RV trailers, Northgate Industries strategically expanded its offerings to include specialized industrial trailers for remote locations like oil rigs and oilfields, eventually growing into office trailers. Learn about the company's growth, including the establishment of a second manufacturing plant in Acheson in 2010 and the consolidation of operations in Acheson by 2022.

Cheryl's passion for the industry blossomed as she moved into Sales at Northgate. Discover her journey through various roles within the company, gaining invaluable experience in RV detailing, accounting, and reception before her move into sales leadership. Today, Cheryl proudly serves as the President of Northgate Industries, also overseeing their operations in Poland. Hear her story of dedication and growth within the family business, culminating in her taking the helm four years ago after her father's passing.

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Join us for a coffee and chat with Christy Morin the Executive Director of Arts on the Ave.

Born and raised in Edmonton and a Vic Comp alum, Christy's journey took her from a French and Drama degree at the University of Alberta to managing customer relations at Canadian Airlines. After its closure, she transitioned to real estate before finding her true calling as an Artist in Residence, teaching drama to K-6 students in Francophone and French immersion schools. 

Her personal life also blossomed in Edmonton, meeting her husband in a church choir (after a slightly awkward initial "outing"!). They now have two children and a grandchild. Their connection to Edmonton deepened when they purchased a home in the area of 118th Ave, a historic post-war neighbourhood that later faced significant challenges with crime after the construction of the Yellowhead.

Hear how the community, including a growing number of artists, rallied together, leading to a remarkable revitalization. This grassroots movement gave birth to the vibrant Kaleido Family Arts Festival, a 3-day event in September spanning five blocks, and a central gathering space for connection and creativity: The Carrot Community Arts Coffee House. Join us to hear Christy's inspiring story and the incredible impact of Arts on the Ave! 

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Join us for a coffee and chat with Rob and Debby Wiedeman. 

Their story began with a serendipitous meeting at a Safeway party in 1980, where Rob's bold move of handing Debby his business card sparked a connection. Fast forward to marriage in 1985, two wonderful daughters, and three grandchildren.

Debby carved a meaningful career path in mental health, progressing from a Child and Youth Care Councillor to a Mental Health Consultant at Alberta Health Services, even continuing her impact as a casual employee after retirement. Rob's professional life took many interesting turns, from the depths of commercial diving after attending the College of Oceaneering in California to the open road of the trucking industry and numerous entrepreneurial ventures. 

Beyond their careers, Rob and Debby have been deeply involved in their community. They actively participated in their community league, with Rob serving as President and Debby as Treasurer. Upon moving to Parkland County, Rob's commitment grew, leading to his service as a Councillor from 2001 to 2007 and as Mayor from 2007 to 2010. Today, he continues to serve as a Parkland County Councillor. 

Join us to hear more about their journey of love, diverse careers, and unwavering dedication to making a difference in their community. 

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Welcome to the Pet Peeves Show, where we dive into the quirks and annoyances that make life interesting!

In this hilarious edition, Cam and Jennifer explore the world of Costco, the mall, and pet owners. From navigating crowded aisles to dealing with mall madness and people not cleaning up while out walking their dogs, we've got it all covered. Tune in for laughs, relatable stories, and light-hearted coffee and conversation. You asked, we responded—now let's get into it!

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Join us for an engaging coffee and chat with Thu Parmar, Vice President, Alberta & North West Territories, Canadian Red Cross.

Listen to this incredible journey as we delve into the life of an extraordinary woman whose family's resilience and determination transformed their lives. Born to Vietnamese refugees who sought a better future in Canada, she witnessed firsthand the power of hard work and community spirit. Her family opened Edmonton's first Vietnamese Submarine Shop, a venture that not only provided for their needs but also paved the way for her and her siblings to pursue higher education.

As a dedicated pharmacist, she has chosen to channel her passion for community into meaningful work with a non-profit organization. Her story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the impact one person can have on the lives of many. Tune in to hear about her journey, the challenges she overcame, and her unwavering commitment to humanitarian efforts.

Prepare to be inspired by her story of perseverance, compassion, and dedication to making the world a better place.

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