On today's episode, we sit down with Janson Simmonds, owner and operator of Apex Auto in Charlottetown. We chat about the challenging leap from employee to entrepreneur, keys to opening an independent automotive business, and adapting marketing strategies to compete with national brands. Janson also shares insights on the automotive and service industry trends, managing a seasonal rental fleet alongside a dealership and service facility and gives advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Connect with Apex Auto:

https://www.apexautogroup.ca/

https://www.facebook.com/apexautopei

https://www.instagram.com/apexautopei/

This episode was audio-produced by Adam Ramsay.

A big thanks to our sponsors for making this episode possible. Learn more about them here:

HER Creative Co. - FREE Website Prep Checklist here

Consolidated Credit Union

Fiddling Fisherman Lookout

Want to support the show? Click follow wherever you are listening and leave us a review! And lastly, head on over to our Instagram so we can connect https://www.instagram.com/business.openpod/.

In this episode, host Vanessa Smith speaks with Craig Fair, founder of Craig Fair Productions. Tune in to hear about Craig's journey from his early beginnings in Ontario, his serendipitous start at the Charlottetown Festival, and his extensive career in theater and music that eventually led him to establish his production company on Prince Edward Island. Discover the challenges he faced, the innovative shows he's created, and how he's fostered a local artistic community. Craig also delves into the importance of communication, the future plans for his productions, and the value of having a dedicated team to help realize his ambitious goals.

Connect with Craig Fair Productions:

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100082993134206

https://www.instagram.com/craigfairmusic/

This episode was audio-produced by Adam Ramsay.

A big thanks to our sponsors for making this episode possible. Learn more about them here:

HER Creative Co. - FREE Website Prep Checklist here

Consolidated Credit Union

MRSB Group

Want to support the show? Click follow wherever you are listening and leave us a review! And lastly, head on over to our Instagram so we can connect https://www.instagram.com/business.openpod/.

In this special bonus episode of the Business in the Open podcast, we sit down with Jackson Reddin from Provincial Credit Union. Jackson shares his five essential business banking tips to help listeners manage their business finances effectively.

Tip #1 - Understand your business's financing structure to save you money in the long run

Tip #2 - Utilize a credit card over a debit card to save on transactions and fees

Tip #3 - Don't forget about succession planning and talk to professionals to ensure you have things like a will and life insurance in place

Tip #4 - Ensure your business is appropriately capitalized so your cash stays with you

Tip #5 - When getting set up for business financing have your business plan and financial projections ready

A big thanks to Consolidated Credit Union and Provincial Credit Union for sponsoring this season of the podcast.

This episode was audio-produced by Adam Ramsay.

In this episode of the Business in the Open podcast, host Vanessa Smith sits down with Shallyn Hendry, co-founder of Nine Yard Studio, an architecture and design firm. Shallyn shares insights on navigating the complexities of starting a business, her unique partnership with co-founder Silva Stojak, and the transition from being an employee to a boss. The conversation delves into standout projects like the Charlottetown Library, the significance of community involvement, and balancing being an entrepreneur with impending motherhood. Shallyn provides practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and highlights the importance of being a 'doer.'

Connect with Nine Yards Studio:

https://9yarchitecture.com/

https://www.instagram.com/nine__yards__studio

This episode was audio-produced by Adam Ramsay.

A big thanks to our sponsors for making this episode possible. Learn more about them here:

HER Creative Co. - FREE Website Prep Checklist here

Consolidated Credit Union

Fiddling Fisherman Lookout

Want to support the show? Click follow wherever you are listening and leave us a review! And lastly, head on over to our Instagram so we can connect https://www.instagram.com/business.openpod/.

In this episode, Vanessa Smith interviews Kristina Allen, owner of Elysian Weddings and Events. Kristina shares her journey into wedding planning starting in 2016, emphasizing the value of networking and community in business growth. They discuss the evolution of her services, adapting to changing trends, and her personal experiences navigating ADHD and COVID-related challenges. Kristina highlights the importance of proper pricing, ongoing education, and maintaining a balanced work-life approach.

Connect with Elysian Wedding & Events:

https://elysianwedvents.com/

https://www.facebook.com/ElysianWedVents/

https://www.instagram.com/elysianwedvents

This episode was audio-produced by Adam Ramsay.

A big thanks to our sponsors for making this episode possible. Learn more about them here:

HER Creative Co. - FREE Website Prep Checklist here

Provincial Credit Union

MRSB Group

Want to support the show? Click follow wherever you are listening and leave us a review! And lastly, head on over to our Instagram so we can connect https://www.instagram.com/business.openpod/.

On today's episode, Vanessa Smith sits down with Stephanie MacDonald, founder of Beauty Mark Medaesthetics in Charlottetown. Stephanie shares her journey from working in acute care and emergency rooms to becoming an entrepreneur in the field of medaesthetics. They discuss the challenges and fears Steph faced transitioning from a stable job to starting her own business, and the educational pursuits and professional partnerships that have supported her along the way. The conversation highlights key team members, the importance of medical-grade skincare, and various beauty treatments offered, including injectables like Botox and dermal fillers. Stephanie also delves into the logistics of starting her business during the pandemic, handling marketing, finding suppliers, and continuous learning.

Connect with Beauty Mark Medaesthetics:

https://beautymarkma.janeapp.com/

https://www.instagram.com/beautymarkmedaesthetics/

https://www.facebook.com/beautymarkmedaesthetics

This episode was audio-produced by Adam Ramsay.

A big thanks to our sponsors for making this episode possible. Learn more about them here:

HER Creative Co. - FREE Website Prep Checklist here

Provincial Credit Union

Fiddling Fisherman Lookout

Want to support the show? Click follow wherever you are listening and leave us a review! And lastly, head on over to our Instagram so we can connect https://www.instagram.com/business.openpod/.

In this Business in the Open podcast episode, host Vanessa Smith speaks with Sarah Bennetto O'Brien, founder and CEO of The Handpie Company. Sarah shares her entrepreneurial journey, from starting in the culinary industry to establishing her successful hand pie business in Prince Edward Island and expanding into Sobeys stores across the Maritimes. The discussion covers Sarah's struggles and successes, including building a strong team, embracing local ingredients, and adapting to challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic. With a passion for food quality and community, Sarah reveals her secrets to maintaining a positive work culture and her drive to grow her business.

Connect with The Handpie Company:

https://handpie.ca/

https://www.instagram.com/thehandpieco/

https://www.facebook.com/thehandpieco/

This episode was audio-produced by Adam Ramsay.

A big thanks to our sponsors for making this episode possible. Learn more about them here:

HER Creative Co. - FREE Website Prep Checklist here

Provincial Credit Union

MRSB Group

Want to support the show? Click follow wherever you are listening and leave us a review! And lastly, head on over to our Instagram so we can connect https://www.instagram.com/business.openpod/.

In this episode of the Business in the Open podcast, host Vanessa Smith interviews Sara Dykerman, owner of Plank and Pine Interior Design. Sara shares her unconventional journey from aspiring veterinarian and healthcare professional to successful interior designer. She talks about the pivotal moments that led her to pursue her passion for design, despite not having traditional schooling in the field. The discussion delves into her comprehensive design processes, and the importance of branding and client experience. Additionally, Sarah opens up about the challenges and successes of running her own design business, balancing work and family, and her future aspirations for Plank and Pine.

Connect with Plank & Pine:

https://www.plankandpineinteriordesign.com/

https://www.instagram.com/plankandpineinteriordesign/

https://www.facebook.com/plankandpineinteriordesign

This episode was audio-produced by Adam Ramsay.

A big thanks to our sponsors for making this episode possible. Learn more about them here:

HER Creative Co. - FREE Website Prep Checklist here

Provincial Credit Union

Fiddling Fisherman Lookout

Want to support the show? Click follow wherever you are listening and leave us a review! And lastly, head on over to our Instagram so we can connect https://www.instagram.com/business.openpod/.