Bethany Ross: Feeding Kids, Building Hope | CREATE - The Podcast

Creating Your Own Shot: Matthew Hendriks on Entrepreneurship and Betting on Yourself | CREATE - The Podcast

Matthew Hendriks is the founder of byHendo The Cocktail Company [https://byhendo.com/] and the entrepreneur behind SHAFT Coffee Beverages [https://drinkshaft.com/], one of Western Canada's fastest-growing ready-to-drink coffee cocktail brands.  After building his career in Banff's hospitality industry, Matthew turned a passion for great cocktails, coffee, and unforgettable guest experiences into a company that's redefining the ready-to-drink beverage space. Matthew returns to the podcast to share what life has been like over the past few years - from growing a business and building a brand to navigating the highs, lows, and unexpected moments of entrepreneurship.  We also dive into creativity, hospitality, and why saying "yes" to opportunities has been one of the biggest ingredients in his success. Guest: * Matthew Hendriks  * byHendo - The Cocktail Company: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/byhendo/?hl=am-et]  * Shaft Coffee Beverages: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/drinkshaft/?hl=am-et]  Host: * Mark Kondrat: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/m.kondrat/] | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-kondrat-aab92444/]  * CREATE - The Podcast:  Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/apres.collective] | TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@apres.collective] | Website [https://createpodcast.ca]

Showing Up: How Eve Lacey Found Success as an Independent Musician | CREATE - The Podcast

Today on the CREATE Podcast - I sat down with Eve Lacey to discuss her growing career as a musician. Born and raised in Medicine Hat, Eve began studying piano at age six through the Royal Conservatory of Music and later expanded into vocals and guitar.  In 2022, Eve took full control of her musical journey, booking dozens of farmers markets across Southern Alberta and using those performances as a launching pad to breweries, pubs, restaurants, and festivals - performing more than 200 live shows across Alberta. We discuss her journey through imposter syndrome, entrepreneurship, creativity, resilience, and what it really takes to build a career by simply showing up and doing the work. Guest: * Eve Lacey: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/evelaceymusic] | Website [http://www.evelacey.com] Host: * Mark Kondrat: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/m.kondrat/] | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-kondrat-aab92444/]  * CREATE - The Podcast:  Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/apres.collective] | TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@apres.collective] | Website [https://createpodcast.ca]

Connie DeSousa & John Jackson: The Art of Food, Business & Partnership | CREATE - The Podcast

John Jackson and Connie DeSousa are the chef-founders and co-owners of CHAR Hospitality Group, one of Canada's leading hospitality companies, with more than 10 restaurants across Alberta and British Columbia. Known for their commitment to local food, community building, and culinary innovation, John and Connie have spent more than two decades helping shape Calgary's food scene. Inspired by their experiences working around the world and at the legendary Chez Panisse, they returned home to create CHARCUT and a hospitality culture rooted in connection and collaboration. Beyond the restaurant world, they are passionate mentors, endurance athletes, and lifelong learners. Connie is also well known for her appearances on Food Network Canada, where she has helped showcase Canadian chefs and cuisine to audiences across the country. In this episode of CREATE, John and Connie share insights on entrepreneurship, partnership, resilience, and building a life around passion, purpose, and community. Guest: * Connie Desousa [connie.desousa@charcut.com]: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/conniedesousa/?hl=en]  * John Jackson: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/chefjohnjackson/?hl=en]  * Charcut: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/charcut/?hl=en] | Website [https://www.charcut.com/]  Host: * Mark Kondrat: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/m.kondrat/] | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-kondrat-aab92444/]  * CREATE - The Podcast:  Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/apres.collective] | TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@apres.collective] | Website [https://createpodcast.ca]

Bethany Ross: Feeding Kids, Building Hope | CREATE - The Podcast

Bethany Ross is the Executive Director of Brown Bagging for Calgary's Kids, a community-driven organization dedicated to ensuring every child has access to the food they need to thrive. With more than 20 years of experience in the charitable and human services sector, Bethany has built her career around bringing people together to create meaningful change. Since joining Brown Bagging for Calgary's Kids more than a decade ago, she has helped grow a movement powered by volunteers, donors, schools, businesses, and community members who believe that no child should go hungry. Known as a thoughtful leader, problem-solver, and community builder, Bethany is passionate about creating dignified and accessible solutions for families facing food insecurity. On this episode of CREATE, Bethany shares insights on leadership, community impact, the power of collective action, and how small acts of kindness can come together to create extraordinary change for kids and families. Guest: * Bethany Ross: LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethanyanneross/]  * Brown Bagging For Calgary Kids: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/bb4ck/?hl=en] | Website [https://bb4ck.org/] Host: * Mark Kondrat: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/m.kondrat/] | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-kondrat-aab92444/]  * CREATE - The Podcast:  Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/apres.collective] | TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@apres.collective] | Website [https://createpodcast.ca]

Kim Lawton: Crafting Community in the Okanagan | CREATE - The Podcast

Kim Lawton is an entrepreneur, marketing strategist, and passionate advocate for craft beer, wine, tourism, and small business. As the owner of DogLeg Marketing & Business Solutions and Marketing Director for both Cannery Brewing and Fort Berens Estate Winery, she has spent nearly three decades helping brands tell their stories, build meaningful relationships, and connect with their communities. Kim began her career with major consumer brands before launching her own marketing consultancy in the Okanagan in 2006. She is widely recognized for her contributions to British Columbia's craft beer industry, including helping create the Penticton Ale Trail and Penticton Beer Blocks. Beyond her professional work, Kim and her husband are the creators of Hidden Gems of BC, a passion project dedicated to discovering and showcasing unique destinations, businesses, and experiences throughout the province. On this episode of CREATE, Kim shares lessons on entrepreneurship, marketing, relationship building, community, and the power of shining a spotlight on others. Guest: * Kim Lawton: * Cannery Brewing:  Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/cannerybrewing/?hl=en]  * Hidden Gems of BC: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/hiddengemsofbc/?hl=en] Host: * Mark Kondrat: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/m.kondrat/] | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-kondrat-aab92444/]  * CREATE - The Podcast:  Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/apres.collective] | TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@apres.collective] | Website [https://createpodcast.ca]