Trevor welcomes Mike Kennedy, a dynamic entrepreneur and founder of Green Analytics, to discuss his inspiring journey from a Christmas tree farm to leading innovative startups. In this episode, Mike shares insights into the challenges of scaling consulting services, the importance of purpose-driven business, and the evolving landscape of technology and sustainability. Discover how mentorship and a focus on impact have shaped Mike's career, and gain valuable lessons on balancing profit with purpose in the entrepreneurial world.

This episode was hosted by Trevor Koot. Alex Harris produced and edited the show. 

Find Business is Fcking Hard on social media and our website: https://linktr.ee/businessisfckinghard

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Join Trevor for an inspiring conversation with Alexandra Sangster, the accidental entrepreneur who turned a university project into a thriving social enterprise. Discover Alexandra's journey from university student to founder. Sarjesa Tea is fueled by a deep commitment to social impact and community empowerment. In this episode, Alexandra shares candid insights into the challenges of entrepreneurship, the importance of purpose-driven business, and the lessons learned from navigating trademark issues and partnership dynamics. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner, Alexandra's story will motivate you to pursue your passion with intention and resilience. Tune in to learn how business can be a powerful force for good!

Find Business is Fcking Hard on social media and our website: https://linktr.ee/businessisfckinghard

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In this episode, Trevor sits down with his older sister, Laura Koot, for a conversation about her unique journey in journalism. 

From helping to launch the National Post in Canada to starting a newspaper in Abu Dhabi, Laura shares her experiences of stepping out on a ledge, embracing risk, and navigating the evolving media landscape. Her career path, though unconventional, embodies entrepreneurial spirit and innovation. This episode also has insights on media disruption, the role of AI, and the art of storytelling in the digital age.

This episode was produced and edited by Alex Harris. Our amazing host is Trevor Koot. 

Find Business is Fcking Hard on social media and our website: https://linktr.ee/businessisfckinghard

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In this episode of BFH highlights, Trevor Koot breaks down his conversation with Tyler Boyd. After losing everything to bad business decisions, Tyler dug himself out of the hole and founded Bowline Logistics. 

Trevor highlights conversations about learning from mistakes, rebuilding trust, and empathy— even for competitors. Tyler shows us a vulnerable side of business we don't often get to see. 

This episode was produced, written and edited by Alex Harris. Trevor Koot hosts the show.

Find Business is Fcking Hard on social media and our website: https://linktr.ee/businessisfckinghard

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In this episode of BFH Highlights, Trevor dives into his conversation with Christine Beumann! 

Christine Buemann built her business for freedom—only to find herself buried in burnout, expectations, and a version of success that wasn’t hers. In this episode, she talks with Trevor about redefining what enough looks like, building a brokerage that prioritizes values over volume, and running a business while living with cancer. From creating her own safety net at 22 to walking away from a super-brokerage to build something more human, Christine shares openly about mentorship, money, meaning, and what it means to lead with integrity—even in the hardest seasons of life.

This episode was produced and edited by Alex Harris and hosted by Trevor Koot. 

Find Business is Fcking Hard on social media and our website: https://linktr.ee/businessisfckinghard

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In this episode, Trevor Koot Chats with Jon Bennest, who shares his journey from working as a market research analyst in the real estate industry to becoming a successful business owner and partner. They discuss the challenges and strategies involved in transitioning from employee to entrepreneur, the importance of partnerships, and the impact of technology on business models. Jon reflects on the lessons he has learned throughout his journey, including the importance of slow growth, team expansion, and navigating the gig economy. The conversation also touches on the acquisition of Jon's company and plans for expansion into new markets.

This episode was hosted by Trevor Koot. Alex Harris edited and produced the show. 

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In this episode of Business Is Hard, Trevor sits down with Ron Partlow, former pro bodybuilder, coach, gym owner, and co-founder of West Coast Iron. Ron shares his journey from accidentally launching a coaching business in the early 2000s to building one of BC’s most respected independent gyms.

They talk about what it really takes to grow a grassroots brand, how Ron leveraged authenticity over advertising, and the lessons learned from the early days at Mutant, where he helped shape a new model for fitness marketing.

Ron also opens up about the challenges of gym ownership during COVID, the decision not to over-expand, and why chasing happiness — not just growth — drives his business mindset today. It’s a conversation about loyalty, identity, risk, and self-awareness as a founder.

Whether you're in fitness, retail, or building from scratch, Ron's story is for you.

Find Ron: 

https://bigronpartlow.com/ 

https://westcoastirononline.com/team/ron-partlow/

Trevor Koot hosted this episode. Alex Harris produced and edited the show. 

Find Business is Fcking Hard on social media and our website: https://linktr.ee/businessisfckinghard

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What happens when a science teacher from Brooklyn ends up running a health tech startup in Vancouver? In this episode, Trevor sits down with Rex Farrand, co-founder and CEO of My HealthSpan—to talk about the wild, winding path from classroom to the corner office.

Rex shares what it’s like to lead a company in a world of AI-fueled hype, why he’s focused with building trust through data privacy, and how his team is using AI to turn complex health info into real, personalized action. He opens up about sleepless nights, financial pressure, and what it really means to carry a company’s future on your shoulders when the runway is short and the stakes are real.

If you’ve ever wondered what it actually feels like to be a startup founder in the middle of the storm—this one’s for you.

Find more about Rex’s comapny and his work here: https://www.myhealthspan.com/about-us

This episode was hosted by the increadible Trevor Koot. Production and editing by Alex Harris. 

Find Business is Fcking Hard on social media and our website: https://linktr.ee/businessisfckinghard

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“Human well” is what Stephanie Ryan and Trevor came up with in this episode to describe positive leadership in the business world.  Stephanie knows that people come to work wanting to put their best foot forward, and she explains how a leader fosters that spirit. 

Stephanie talks about her journey, from ice cream scooping to running a leadership consulting firm. Through this conversation, she gets a chance to reflect on her business journey while sharing valuable insight on getting the most out of the people you work with.

More about Stephanie can be found here: https://thecoachingstudio.ca/team-members/stephanie-ryan/

The episode is hosted by Trevor Koot. Alex Harris produced and edited the show. 

Find Business is Fcking Hard on social media and our website: https://linktr.ee/businessisfckinghard

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Christine Buemann built her business for freedom—only to find herself buried in burnout, expectations, and a version of success that wasn’t hers. In this episode, she talks with Trevor about redefining what enough looks like, building a brokerage that prioritizes values over volume, and running a business while living with cancer. From creating her own safety net at 22 to walking away from a super-brokerage to build something more human, Christine shares openly about mentorship, money, meaning, and what it means to lead with integrity—even in the hardest seasons of life.

This conversation is honest, powerful, and a masterclass in business and being.

You can find Christine here: https://www.christinebuemann.ca/contact 

This episode was edited and produced by Alex Harris. Trevor Koot hosts the show. 

Find Business is Fcking Hard on social media and our website: https://linktr.ee/businessisfckinghard

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