Behind the Brand®

Leading the growth of some of Canada’s most recognizable brands is no easy task. For Trinh Tham, it’s just a regular day. As a seasoned, high-performing retail marketing leader, Trinh has developed and executed successful brand and merchandising strategies for several companies, including Bell Media, Loblaw Companies Ltd., Sobeys, and Tim Hortons – her resume is impressive to say the least. Now at Harry Rosen, Trinh is responsible for driving business growth through its brand strategies, loyalty program, digital innovation, and e-Commerce experience.

Harry Rosen opened its first location in 1954 with a vision of becoming a genuinely international men’s boutique. A boutique that specializes in and exemplifies excellent service, advice, craftsmanship and individualization. Nearly 70 years later Harry Rosen continues to achieve their mission, helping men feel good and do good in their personal and professional lives.

Here are some highlights from the episode:

• 
  Leading authentically and by example
• Constantly evolving and meeting your customers where they are 
• How to successfully articulate brand values in everything that you do

Enjoy!

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Discover more about Harry Rosen here.

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Growing up in the city and visiting family in Herschel, SK, Lyndon Cormack spent much of his childhood exploring the outdoors. His love for adventure led him to travel the world and ultimately his first job in sales. As self-proclaimed chronic brainstormers, Lyndon and his brother Jamie were (and still are!) constantly bouncing cool ideas off each other. Eventually, they recognized a gap in the market for stylish yet affordable backpacks, and founded Herschel Supply Co. in 2009.

Headquartered in Vancouver, BC, Canada, Herschel Supply Co. is a design-driven global travel lifestyle brand producing timeless products with utility design. Originally renowned for their contemporary renditions of classic backpack silhouettes, Herschel Supply’s range has expanded significantly. Today, Herschel products are sold in 113 countries with more than 10,000 stockists worldwide.

Here are some highlights from the episode:

• 
  Achieving scale by being agile and able to make quick decisions
• Sometimes, the most important person to convince is yourself
• Don’t be afraid to dream big

Enjoy!

Looking for more?

Discover more about Herschel Supply Co. here.

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You can learn more about Neo Financial here.

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As one of the first 25 employees at both Uber and Hired, Andre Charoo knows what it takes to build and scale a startup. At Uber, he was responsible for leading new market entry into Canada, contributing to 10X growth of the company. Shortly after, he joined Hired and he led expansion into 16 markets across 6 countries.

While those may be two of the most recognizable startups on his resume, Andre’s love of innovation and entrepreneurship runs deep – contributing as an early employee or founder of several other startups throughout his career. Now, as founding General Partner of Maple VC and Venture Partner at Inovia Capital, Andre is focused on investing in exceptional Canadian founders around the world and partnering with them on talent and growth. Alongside top Silicon Valley funds, Maple VC has invested in several companies, growing their portfolio to include over 30 different startups, such as Ritual, RenoRun, Patch, and more.

Here are some highlights from the episode:

• 
  Knowing when you should quit your job and pursue your startup idea
• Every company needs a team with a plethora of zeros, ones, and twos
• Think of 5 ways that an idea will work – it’s harder than you think
• In tech – the need to cannibalize yourself or you die

Enjoy!

Looking for more?

Discover more about Maple VC here.

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Discover more about Inovia Capital here.

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You can learn more about Neo Financial here.

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Passionate about continually pushing the boundaries of what is possible, Laura Manes is reimagining the shopping experience and finding new ways to bring the best of physical and digital together to solve business challenges. In close collaboration with industry leaders and colleagues across Cadillac Fairview, Laura is the mastermind behind the development and implementation of new, innovative digital tools and services, including Cadillac Fairview’s e-gift card, the LiVE by Cf app, and Ravel by CF.

Established over 60 years ago in Toronto, Cadillac Fairview has grown to become a globally focused owner, operator, investor, and developer of best-in-class real estate. Managing more than $35 billion in assets across the Americas and UK, Cadillac Fairview is bringing people together by creating and cultivating innovative spaces and experiences.

Here are some highlights from the episode:

• 
  The future of retail in the Metaverse – What does this look like? How will it impact the shopping experience?
• The importance of thinking ahead and being at the forefront of innovation
• What it takes for teams to pivot and successfully navigate tough times 
• The path to becoming a well-rounded business leader
• And maybe most importantly – Will Snoop Dogg have a house in the Metaverse?

Enjoy!

Looking for more?

Discover more about Cadillac Fairview here.

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You can learn more about Neo Financial here.

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Manoj Jasra is a master of digital marketing and transformation. With over 20 years of experience across several sectors, he has implemented successful digital and ecommerce strategies for iconic Canadian brands including WestJet and Shaw Communications. Now at Northland Properties, Manoj is spearheading marketing and digital transformation strategy across their portfolio of brands. 

100% Canadian owned and operated, Northland Properties is recognized as one of the most trusted names in hospitality and continuously creates unforgettable experiences. They are the force behind such brands as Sandman Hotel Group, The Sutton Place Hotels, Moxies, Chop Steakhouse & Bar, Denny’s Restaurants, Revelstoke Mountain Resort, and more.

Here are some highlights from the episode:

• 
  Seize opportunities, don’t wait for them to come to you
• Sometimes a quick win can create momentum on a large project
• What it takes to be a change agent and drive digital transformation in the hospitality industry
• Why reimagining loyalty programs is key to amplifying customer engagement

Enjoy!

Looking for more?

Discover more about Northland Properties and their portfolio of brands here.

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The fashion industry is responsible for producing 10% of  the world’s carbon emissions and 20% of global wastewater, using more energy annually than the aviation and shipping industries combined. In addition to this, production of wood pulp-based fabrics, like rayon and viscose, result in approximately 70 million tons of trees being cut down each year.

With figures like these and projections for them to double in the next 10 years, it’s no surprise that sustainability and environmental impact is at the forefront of the minds of retailers, leaders, and consumers. Many retailers have started taking small steps to reduce their carbon footprint, such as improving their packaging, reducing overproduction, decarbonizing retail operations, and using materials that are recycled, sustainable, and organic.

Then there’s tentree, the tree planting company that just so happens to sell apparel. Founded in 2012, tentree is on an earth-first mission to create sustainable clothing and make choices that are focused on putting people and the planet first.

Derrick Emsley, Co-Founder and CEO of tentree & veritree, joins us to talk about having a purpose beyond retail － creating community and connecting with impact.

Looking for more?

Discover more about tentree here.

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Discover more about veritree here.

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You can learn more about Neo Financial here.

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Looking for more?

Discover more about Venturepark's business growth ecosystem here.

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Also make sure to check out Venture Play, Venturepark Labs, Venturepark Voice, District Ventures Plus, and District Ventures Capital.

You can learn more about Neo Financial here.

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In the late 19th century, the Canadian retail landscape changed drastically with the introduction of the department store. With locations in most major cities, department stores were unlike anything Canadians had ever experienced － large architectural feats that introduced new technology to the general public, such as electric lighting, escalators, and air conditioning. Inside, they were designed to be an extension of the home, outfitted with plush carpets, lounge chairs, and private dressing rooms.

Department stores quickly became the ultimate destination for families to spend the weekend. In addition to shopping, they offered something for everyone including nurseries, post offices, beauty parlors, libraries, fine dining, and carnival rides. 

An iconic Canadian brand, the Hudson’s Bay Company recently celebrated its 350th anniversary. This is a true testament to the company’s ability to change with the times and willingness to embrace and champion innovation － starting with mail-orders and catalogue sales and moving into the world of ecommerce and online marketplaces. 

Iain Nairn, President and CEO of The Bay, joins us to talk about the digital transformation of an iconic brand － the journey and the vision.

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Discover more about The Bay here.

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You can learn more about Neo Financial here.

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Remember the days of pulling a paper menu out of the drawer on a Friday night? Deciding with your family what to order: Pepperoni or deluxe? Ginger beef or sweet and sour pork? 

In the last decade, with the introduction of tech, the food delivery landscape has grown exponentially. The menu is now on your mobile device, and there are thousands of them. A plethora of restaurants that you can order from and have your favourite meal delivered right to your door.  Since 2017, food delivery has more than tripled and is now worth more than $150 billion world-wide. Despite competitors popping up left and right, in Canada, you’ll often hear the phrase “Let’s just order Skip tonight.” Among so many, how does one delivery platform really stand out?

Kevin Edwards, CEO of SkipTheDishes, joins us today to talk about creating loyalty in a hyper competitive industry.

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With a fun atmosphere, on-trend menu items, and parrots hanging from the ceiling, Earls was immediately setting the standard for upscale casual dining. Opening in Edmonton in 1982, guests flocked to enjoy a burger and beer in an environment that was unlike anything they were used to － unfussy and unique.

Though Earls has transformed over the decades, the restaurant remains true to its original vision: providing a place for friends and family to gather for great food without breaking the bank. Built on the foundation of family, Earls is a place for everyone, from 20-somethings enjoying happy hour to families celebrating everything from birthdays and graduations to anniversaries. 

Kristin Vekteris, Chief Brand Officer of Earls, joins us today to talk about creating brand love while catering to a wide-ranging demographic.

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Discover more about Earls here.

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You can learn more about Neo Financial here.

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