Business Easy Podcast

Episode 8: Avi Stoller, Co-founder of TaiV

Like most good stories, TaiV started in a bar. Now, they help restaurants and bars increase their revenue and improve their atmosphere by revolutionizing TV ads. In this episode, host Chris Karasewich dives into the story behind this innovative tech company with TaiV's co-founder, Avi Stoller. Avi shares his accelerated tech journey over the past 6 years — from building the first TaiV model from scratch without any tech background, to his time at the prestigious tech startup accelerator, Y Combinator. Avi and Chris also provide practical advice, with three primary takeaways all aspiring entrepreneurs should know.

Episode 7: Alex Drysdale, Cricket Protein Creator

Alex Drysdale saw the potential in cricket protein before it was trendy. It was actually a chance encounter with a Facebook article that made him invest everything he had in the concept back in 2015. His entrance into the protein world started with a love of body building and a desire to supplement with whole foods, which led him to creating a good tasting, good-for-you protein powder under the name Crik Nutrition. Four years later, Crik was acquired, and is now known as Hi! Human Improvement. In this episode, host, Chris Karasewich, talks to Alex about his journey from ideation through to getting acquired; what that process was like, and all the struggles, roadblocks, and disappointments he had to overcome along the way.

Episode 6: Darren Earn, Founder of Grants International

Darren Earn is many impressive things — Founder of Grants International, father of twins, and historic building owner — but we first knew him as our fun, bourbon-loving landlord. He bought our office building in Winnipeg's Exchange District in the 90s and tells host, Chris Karasewich, about the wild waves of unforeseen costs associated with renovations and upkeep — including a $250,000 bill he got recently for a water main break that may or may not be his responsibility to pay. Jury's still out. In this episode, we also talk about how Darren's C+ business grant concept in Asper's School of Business led to a multi-million dollar business because he didn't give up, PLUS the interesting advertising decisions he has made in his business along the way.

Episode 5: Allan McDonald, Financial Advisor

Allan McDonald is the founder of A&E Financial Services, specializing in insurance and investments. He takes an educational approach to the industry to teach his clients what the banks and school systems fail to. In this episode, he opens up to Chris about his journey from military medic to tradesman, to now, financial advisor, and how COVID vaccines led to a major change in his career.  Host, Chris Karasewich, asks him about his difficult decision to move back in with his mom and start his career from scratch at 27.

Episode 4: Dmitry Gritsenko, CEO of Master of Code

Dmitry (Dima) Gritsenko is a seasoned entrepreneur and the founder of Master of Code — a 20-year old complex software solutions company with 250 employees. He lives 50% in the Ukraine, and 50% in Winnipeg, Canada, where his family now lives, safe from war zones. He was sleeping in his Ukraine home when the war erupted and his worst nightmare became reality. In this episode, he tells the story about waking up that morning, what living there then AND now has been like as a founder and father, and how he has been able to keep the business running with a calm mindset, despite everything he continues to face. Don't miss this interview between old friends and past business partners!