Behind the Business

Today’s episode is sponsored by BDC – the bank for Canadian entrepreneurs, as we celebrate BDC Small Business Week, from October 19-25. Each day, we’re spotlighting a different small business owner from our community — the people who power our local economy, create jobs, and bring innovation to life. We’re also excited to have this year’s theme focus on the economic revolution, and getting your business ready.

Today, we’re sitting down with Dimitrios Tsirgielis of Silver Cross Kitchener. What started as a mission to improve accessibility has grown into a business that helps people live comfortably and safely. Through Silver Cross Kitchener, Dimitrios is providing mobility solutions and personalized support that empower clients to maintain independence and quality of life.

In this episode, we’ll uncover how he built a thriving business around service, adaptability, and trust.

Join me as we go “Behind the Business” with Dimitrios Tsirgielis.

Get a look Behind the Business in Waterloo Region with Ian McLean, President & CEO of the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce.

Today’s episode is sponsored by BDC – the bank for Canadian entrepreneurs, as we celebrate BDC Small Business Week, from October 19-25. Each day, we’re spotlighting a different small business owner from our community — the people who power our local economy, create jobs, and bring innovation to life. We’re also excited to have this year’s theme focus on the economic revolution, and getting your business ready.

Today, we’re sitting down with Destiny Moser, Founder & Executive Chef of FoodZen. After nearly two decades in corporate tech, Destiny followed her passion for food blending her Indigenous heritage with a commitment to local, sustainable ingredients.

Through FoodZen, she’s redefining Indigenous cuisine and using food to reconnect, educate, and heal. We’ll explore her journey, what drives her success, and the lessons she’s learned along the way.

Join me as we go “Behind the Business” with Destiny Moser.

Get a look Behind the Business in Waterloo Region with Ian McLean, President & CEO of the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce.

Today’s episode is sponsored by BDC – the bank for Canadian entrepreneurs, as we celebrate BDC Small Business Week, from October 19-25. Each day, we’re spotlighting a different small business owner from our community — the people who power our local economy, create jobs, and bring innovation to life. We’re also excited to have this year’s theme focus on the economic revolution, and getting your business ready.

Today, we’re sitting down with Bruce Ysselstein (Eyes-el-stein)  of The WAR Room Baseball Training Centre. A lifelong baseball enthusiast, Bruce turned his passion for the game into a space where athletes of all ages can develop not just their skills, but their confidence, discipline, and love for the sport. Through The WAR Room, he’s creating a community where mentorship, teamwork, and growth go hand in hand.

We’ll unpack what fuels Bruce’s passion for the game, and how that same drive powers his work as a coach and entrepreneur.

Join us as we go “Behind the Business” with Bruce Ysselstein (Eyes-el-stein).

Get a look Behind the Business in Waterloo Region with Ian McLean, President & CEO of the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce.

As we celebrate BDC Small Business Week, from October 19-25. Each day, we’re spotlighting a different small business owner from our community — the people who power our local economy, create jobs, and bring innovation to life. We’re also excited to have this year’s theme focus on the economic revolution and getting your business ready. 

Today, we’re sitting down with Paul Brosnan of Atum Financial Services. After over two decades working in corporate finance across industries like manufacturing, healthcare, and automotive, Paul followed his passion for helping businesses and individuals thrive financially. Through Atum, he provides guidance, clarity, and confidence for clients navigating complex financial decisions, helping them plan for growth and long-term success.

We’ll dive into the insights Paul’s gained over his career — and how he’s using that expertise to guide others toward financial success.

Get a look Behind the Business in Waterloo Region with Ian McLean, President & CEO of the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce.

Born in Croatia and raised right here in Kitchener, Mayor Berry Vrbanovic has dedicated over three decades to public service. First, as a city councillor, and now serving his third term as Mayor. His leadership has helped shape Kitchener into the dynamic, innovative, and inclusive city it is today.

In this episode, we’ll go behind the business of city building, exploring what drives his vision for Kitchener’s growth, how we’re preparing for a population of one million, and what’s ahead in his upcoming State of the City Address.

From lessons in leadership to reflections on community, this conversation is all about the heart, hustle, and humanity behind local government.

Let’s go “Behind the Business” with Mayor Berry Vrbanovic.  

Get a look Behind the Business in Waterloo Region with Ian McLean, President & CEO of the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce.

Amy Ballantyne is a multiple TEDx Speaker, Executive Life Coach, Workplace Wellness & Emotional Intelligence Trainer, Certified Trainer of Neuro Linguistic Programing, and Hypnosis, author of “Celebrate Yourself” and host of the podcast: Power to the People Pleasers. Her whole-person coaching approach serves executives, professionals and entrepreneurs to break through their barriers and excel to new heights.

On this episode, Amy talks about Embracing Worthiness and how she helps leaders live an Awesome Life. 

Let’s go “Behind the Business” with Amy Ballantyne.  

Get a look Behind the Business in Waterloo Region with Ian McLean, President & CEO of the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce.

Mark Bingeman is the President and CEO of Bingemans, a family-owned entertainment, hospitality, and event destination in Waterloo Region. After studying hospitality internationally and gaining experience with major hotel brands, Mark returned to lead the business founded by his grandfather. Under his leadership, Bingemans has evolved into a modern, multi-faceted destination, offering waterparks, live events, and innovative experiences like Putt Social.

Tune in to hear Mark share his journey stepping into a family-rooted leadership role, how he balances innovation with tradition, and the lessons learned while growing Bingemans. From modernizing the business to creating memorable experiences for both locals and visitors, Mark offers insight into running a complex, community-focused destination in today’s evolving landscape.

Let’s go “Behind the Business” with Mark Bingeman of Bingemans 

Get a look Behind the Business in Waterloo Region with Ian McLean, President & CEO of the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce.

Jim Estill of Danby Appliances is a Canadian technology entrepreneur, executive, and philanthropist. Jim started a computer distribution business from the trunk of his car while in university. He turned that modest business into a company doing $350,000,000 in sales before selling to SYNNEX in 2004. He then became CEO of SYNNEX Canada and grew sales from $800,000,000 to $2 Billion over five years. Jim is active on various boards and was a founding board member of Research in Motion/Blackberry, before the company went public.

In 2016 & 2017 Jim made the news Opens in new windowfor his sponsorship efforts to settle 58 refugee families. The Financial Times, Guardian, and Life all covered his story. You can follow Jim at JimEstill.com Opens in new window, which documents his philosophies on leadership and time management.

Jim was awarded the Order of Ontario, the provinces highest honour, in 2017. He is also a multiple recipient of the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award.

Get a look Behind the Business in Waterloo Region with Ian McLean, President & CEO of the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce.

Abby Cooper is the Founder of Hearts Open For Everyone (H.O.P.E.). Abby immigrated as a young child from Sri Lanka and, after spending some time in Toronto, she settled in Elmira, where she launched H.O.P.E. Her work blends mindfulness, community engagement, DEI education, and grassroots activism.

On this episode, she talks about what inspired her to launch H.O.P.E., and how mindfulness, leadership, and community building all come together in her work. We’ll talk about the impact of events like the Multicultural Festival of Elmira (coming up on Saturday, September 20th, 2025), the importance of partnerships, and her vision for the future of inclusion in Waterloo Region.

Let’s go “Behind the Business” with Abby Cooper of Hearts Open For Everyone. 

Get a look Behind the Business in Waterloo Region with Ian McLean, President & CEO of the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce.

In this episode of Behind the Business, Ian McLean sits down with Lucia Harrison, CEO of the Kitchener-Waterloo Multicultural Centre, to explore what it takes to build a truly inclusive community. From her own immigrant story to her leadership at one of the region’s most impactful nonprofits, Lucia shares insights into the challenges newcomers face, the importance of community placemaking, and how cross-sector partnerships can create meaningful change.

Lucia also previews this year’s KW Multicultural Festival, happening June 21–22 at Victoria Park.

Let’s go Behind the Business with Lucia Harrison.

Get a look Behind the Business in Waterloo Region with Ian McLean, President & CEO of the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce.