
This Commerce Life
A Canadian Podcast, focused on Canadian brands, determined to talk about Canadian success stories.
We are two retail guys that believe that Canadians are smart, resourceful entrepreneurs that Canada needs to know about.
We find great stories of entrepreneurs for inspiration, teach the principles of retail, share best practices,. We play the role of connector to help entrepreneurs to find great partners.
Latest episodes

Nov 12, 2024 • 27min
Rochelle teaches us about kombucha. Phil meets Oprah
Rochelle teaches us about kombucha. Phil meets Oprah. MotherLove Ferments is a Kelowna-based business that is dedicated to creating healthy and tasty ferments. We had a great talk with Founder Rochelle to learn more about their story. Shop MotherLove here: https://www.motherloveferments.com/Find Rochelle here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rochelle-minagawa-7617491a5/

Nov 5, 2024 • 54min
Stephanie Horman has a plan to give back. It's called Cabin 5 granola, and it's awesome.
Stephanie Horman has a plan to give back. It's called Cabin 5 granola, and it's awesome. This was recorded during our last trip out to Kelowna at the end of August, and we're sorry it took so long to get this out. check them out here: https://cabin5granola.ca/Find Stephanie here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-horman-a9046759/

Nov 1, 2024 • 1h
Cam Bruce, owner of Famous Foods in Vancouver talks about coming to retail late in life, and what it takes to be successful as an independent grocer
Cam Bruce, owner of Famous Foods in Vancouver talks about coming to retail late in life, and what it takes to be successful as an independent grocer. Shop Famous Foods here: https://www.famousfoods.ca/

Oct 29, 2024 • 44min
From 1 to 150. Ben Osmow talks about the Osmow family hustle, building a business from scratch and introducing Ontarians to shwarma.
From 1 to 150. Ben Osmow talks about the Osmow family hustle, building a business from scratch and introducing Ontarians to shwarma. If you're from Ontario, "chicken on the rocks" is like a whopper or a big mac. You have the Osmows to thank for that. check out Osmow's here: https://osmows.com/find Ben Osmow here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benosmow/

Oct 22, 2024 • 60min
We talk to Kurstin Leith and Christine about helping brands, how to know when you're ready for expert help like Agency Brand Management.
We talk to Kurstin Leith and Christine about helping brands, how to know when you're ready for expert help like Agency Brand Management. Find Kurstin Leith here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kurstin-leith-68832131/Find Christine De Biasio here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christine-de-biasio-1444a914/ Check out Agency here: https://agencybrands.ca/

Oct 18, 2024 • 55min
We hung out with Marie Morden and Haddas Lederman to talk about Ontario Made
We hung out with Marie Morden and Haddas Lederman to talk about Ontario Made. A pandemic initiative that has been growing like crazy and creates a lot of exposure for SMBs. This podcast is produced in Ontario, but without amazing Canadian made brands, we wouldn't be here ❤ Find Marie here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marie-morden-61529814/Find Haddas here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/haddas-lederman-201575120/Check out Ontario made here: https://supportontariomade.ca/

Oct 15, 2024 • 52min
There's always time to talk about coffee. Founder of Smoking Gun Coffee Brandon Liton talks about moving from social work to roasting coffee.
There's always time to talk about coffee. Founder of Smoking Gun Coffee Brandon Liton talks about moving from social work to roasting coffee. Connect with Brandon here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandon-litun-739b242b0/Find the cafe and Smoking Gun products here: https://smokingguncoffee.com/

Oct 8, 2024 • 1h 15min
We get a chance to talk to Bill van Nes, founder of St Brigids creamery, it might be the best butter we've ever tasted.
We get a chance to talk to the guy who might make the best butter we've ever tasted. Bill van Nes talks about his transition to organic farming and the establishment of his creamery, St Brigid's butter. Wondering about the dairy industry? Heard about the milk quota but don't know what it is? Bill talks about this. We learn a ton about the dairy industry. shop St Brigid's Butter: https://www.stbrigidscreamery.ca/Find Bill Van Nes here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bill-van-nes-a7902b24/

Oct 8, 2024 • 1h 9min
We get a whole episode this time with Tareq Hadhad, Founder of Peace by Chocolate.
We get a whole episode this time with Tareq Hadhad, Founder of Peace by Chocolate. check out Peace by chocolate here: https://peacebychocolate.ca/ You can find Tareq here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tareqhadhad/

Oct 1, 2024 • 50min
"All tomato school stories stay in tomato school." Dwayne Boudreau talks about challenges for brands growing up in Atlantic Canada.
"All tomato school stories stay in tomato school." Dwayne Boudreau talks about challenges for brands growing up in Atlantic Canada. We talk about his experience from HJ Heinz, Cavendish Farms, Nestlé Foods, and Greco Pizza and celebrate some of the amazing brands that have come out of Atlantic Canada. Find Dwayne here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dwayne-boudreauIf you're not signed up for the FBA awards ceremony - it's not too late! sign up here:https://atlanticfood.ca/fba-conference-awards-2024/