Turning Challenges Into Opportunity: James Costello, CEO of Tool Shed Brewery | CREATE - The Podcast

Turning Challenges Into Opportunity: James Costello, CEO of Tool Shed Brewery | CREATE - The Podcast

Today on the CREATE Podcast, I sat down with James Costello, CEO of Tool Shed Brewing Company, entrepreneur, CPA, and business strategist who's built a career helping companies grow, evolve, and overcome adversity. While many people know Tool Shed as one of Alberta's pioneering craft breweries, James stepped into the role during one of the company's most challenging chapters. We talk about what it takes to lead through uncertainty, rebuild a business, and why some of the best opportunities come wrapped in the biggest challenges. From launching Pedal Pub in Canada to helping scale businesses across a variety of industries, James shares lessons on leadership, resilience, innovation, and building organizations that people genuinely want to be part of. Guest: * James Costello - CEO, Tool Shed Brewery: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/toolshedbeer/?hl=en] | Website [https://toolshedbrewing.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]

Reading the Room: Creating Positive Energy with DJ Goodbar | CREATE - The Podcast

Today on the CREATE Podcast, I sat down with Jarvis Clemens, better known as DJ Goodbar - a Calgary DJ who has spent years turning dance floors into unforgettable experiences.  If you have ever been to an ABF festival - you know who Jarvis is! Known for seamlessly blending hip-hop, house, funk, disco, and open-format sounds, Jarvis has built a reputation for reading the room, creating energy, and bringing people together through music.  In this episode, we talk about building a personal brand in a competitive industry, the importance of consistency over perfection, and the power of community.  Whether you're an entrepreneur, artist, or music lover, Jarvis shares lessons on resilience and staying true to your passion. Guest: * Jarvis Clemens (A.K.A DJ Goodbar): Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/@DJGOODBAR] | LinkedIn [http://www.linkedin.com/in/jarvis-clemens-a76833408] 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]

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]