On this episode of the Ottawa Entrepreneurs Podcast, I host Veronica Robeznieks, owner of The Incomplete Artist, who shares an honest take on what it really takes to grow a creative business. Veronica talks about the importance of networking, thinking outside the box, and putting in consistent time and effort instead of waiting for opportunities to show up. Her message: success comes from strategy, persistence, and being willing to do the hard work, because if you’re not ready to invest that energy, you might as well be working for someone else. 

On this episode of the Ottawa Entrepreneurs Podcast, I host Michèle Marchand, founder of The Better Scalp Company, who opens up about the realities of building a business while still working full time. She shares candid advice for entrepreneurs feeling overwhelmed by the long hours, stress, and self-doubt. Michèle’s message is clear: keep going. She talks about shutting down negative thoughts, focusing on daily progress, putting yourself out there, and creating momentum by letting your network in on your journey. For anyone trying to balance it all and wondering if it’s worth it, her mindset and persistence are the reminder you need. 

On this episode of the Ottawa Entrepreneurs Podcast, I host Julia Marshin, owner of Kiwan Farms Garden Center, who shares candid advice for anyone balancing full-time work while dreaming of starting their own business. Julia reminds us that entrepreneurship isn’t easy, it takes hard work, constant learning, and sometimes even tears. But when you truly love what you do, the rewards shine through in every happy customer and every new product you get to share. Her message: if your heart isn’t in it, it won’t work, but if it is, that passion will carry you through the challenges. 

On this episode of the Ottawa Entrepreneurs Podcast, Pat hosts Jeffrey Addai, Co-Founder & CEO of One Pro Sports Management, who shares advice for aspiring entrepreneurs who hesitate to start. From his own journey balancing professional soccer and building a business, Jeffrey explains why it’s better to risk failure than to miss out on opportunity, and how today’s tools, mentors, and resources make getting started easier than ever. 

On this episode of the Ottawa Entrepreneurs I host Winnie, CEO & founder of Postnatal Kindness ,who opens up about the importance of protecting your vision as an entrepreneur. She shares heartfelt advice for business owners, especially those facing early struggles, on why it’s crucial to limit the voices you listen to and focus on those who truly support and understand your mission. Using examples like Uber and Airbnb, Winnie reminds us that groundbreaking ideas are often misunderstood at first, but success comes to those who remain laser-focused and committed to the vision they were given. Her message: trust yourself, tune out the noise, and stay true to your path. 

On this episode of the Ottawa Entrepreneurs Podcast, I host Ted Cawkwell, Agriculture Specialist from Cawkwell Group and one of the top farmland realtors in the world with RE/MAX who shares heartfelt advice for anyone who’s been dreaming of starting a business but hasn’t yet taken the leap: do it today. Ted encourages would-be entrepreneurs to shift their mindset from “what if something goes wrong?” to “what if something great happens?” and reminds us that regret over not trying is far worse than any risk of failure. His message: take the plunge, stay positive, and then work tirelessly to turn that vision into reality. 

On this episode of the Ottawa Entrepreneurs Podcast, I host Nilufer Erdebil, founder and CEO of Spring2 Innovation, Nil shares candid advice for anyone thinking about starting a business: start now, don’t wait for perfect, and focus early on marketing and sales. Nil explains why it’s less about having everything figured out from day one and more about being willing to learn from your customers, adapt, and confidently share what you do and what you stand for. Her perspective is a reminder that momentum, openness, and clear messaging matter more than perfection when turning an idea into reality.

On this episode of the Ottawa Entrepreneurs Podcast, Pat hosts Matt Lemay, Co-Founder of Lemay.ai, who shares honest advice for business owners facing challenges. He explains why “boring works”—why sticking to tried-and-true strategies often beats chasing flashy trends or quick fixes. Matt also highlights the power of real human connection over spammy lead-gen tools, and why doing “smart things” that create results matters more than trying to be clever. And for those still debating entrepreneurship, he offers a candid reminder: if you hear all the reasons not to do it and still feel pulled to try, that persistence might just be the sign you’re built for it. 

On this episode of the Ottawa Entrepreneurs Podcast, Pat hosts Eric Uyttewaal, Founder of ProjectPro Corp, who shares practical and hard-won advice for business owners facing tough times. Reflecting on moments when his own business revenue dropped dramatically, Eric emphasizes the importance of always keeping six months of salary saved to protect yourself from market swings and lowball offers. He also highlights why staying lean, like avoiding unnecessary overhead or flashy expenses, can help you stay resilient and focused on what truly matters: delivering value and knowing your worth. 

On this episode of the Ottawa Entrepreneurs Podcast, I host Christophe Désormeaux, CEO of bitMachina, who offers practical advice for anyone hesitating to launch a business. He emphasizes the importance of testing your idea quickly but in a highly controlled, low-cost environment. Rather than investing heavily upfront, Christophe recommends validating the concept first to see if it resonates with the market. If there’s traction, then it’s time to invest further, refine the offering, and build structure around it. His key message: you won’t know what works until you put it out there, let the market be your guide. 

On this episode of the Ottawa Entrepreneurs Podcast, I host Ed Hansen, former owner of Hansen Lawn & Gardens and now Partner at E&L Consulting who shares some real talk for anyone thinking of starting a business. If you've had an idea for a while but just can't pull the trigger, Ed suggests it might be time to step back and ask yourself why. The entrepreneurial journey isn’t about instant success — it’s about being okay with failure, owning your race, and building something with purpose.

On this episode of the Ottawa Entrepreneurs Podcast, I host Heather Boyd, Founder of Pillar IP, who shares her top advice for business owners navigating tough times: believe in yourself, build a strong team, and don’t underestimate your online presence. Heather explains why having a clear website, consistent social media, and authentic communication are essential tools for growth—especially when things get tough. Tune in for practical insights from an entrepreneur who’s built her business on connection, visibility, and trust.

On this episode of the Ottawa Entrepreneurs Podcast, I host Scott Morin, Founder of Bytown Ventures, who shares what finally pushed him to become a full-fledged entrepreneur in his late 40s: learning to manage risk. Scott explains why starting a business can be one of the most freeing and rewarding decisions you'll ever make, and how living within your means early on can make all the difference. Whether you're a tradesperson or a startup dreamer, his advice will inspire you to take the leap with confidence.

On this episode of the Ottawa Entrepreneurs Podcast, I host Andrew Litwinczuk, Owner of Lit Electric who shares a refreshingly honest take on what it really takes to grow a business. He talks about the importance of self-reflection, taking accountability, and being willing to face tough truths—like financial missteps or overspending—head-on. Andrew also offers a powerful reminder: you don’t have to do it alone. In fact, he credits open conversations with friendly competitors as one of the most surprising ways to move forward and grow. If you're building something of your own, this episode is full of grounded, relatable wisdom from someone who's walked the walk.

On this episode of the Ottawa Entrepreneurs Podcast, I host Deborah O'Malley, Founder of GuessTheTest and CEO of Convert Experts who opens up about losing nearly everything during the early days of the pandemic—and how she rebuilt through grit, resilience, and reinvention. She shares how adopting an “optimization mindset” helped her pivot, adapt, and ultimately thrive. Tune in for honest, empowering advice on pushing through entrepreneurial setbacks and finding your path forward.

On this episode of the Ottawa Entrepreneurs Podcast, I host Garrett Incze, Co-Owner of GBI Pool Services Inc., who offers real-world advice for those thinking about starting a business. From understanding your end goal to knowing your breakeven numbers, Garrett shares the realities of entrepreneurship—including 13 summers without a vacation. Tune in to hear why starting a business takes more than passion—it takes planning, persistence, and a willingness to work hard from day one.

On this episode of the Ottawa Entrepreneurs Podcast, I host David Booker, Founder of Kingscroft Consulting Inc., who offers powerful advice for anyone thinking of leaving their full-time job to start a business. His message: test your idea before you leap, be honest about the value you bring, and stay passionate—because the entrepreneurial road is rarely easy. Tune in for thoughtful insights on making the transition the right way.

On this episode of the Ottawa Entrepreneurs Podcast, I host Dan Houle, Founder of Functional Golf, who shares practical advice on managing time as a busy entrepreneur. From prioritizing tasks and avoiding perfectionism to knowing when to outsource, Dan explains why simplifying your approach and not trying to do everything yourself is key to sustainable growth. Tune in for his real-world perspective on balancing business demands and staying focused.

On this episode of the Ottawa Entrepreneurs Podcast, I host Steven C. Gaon, principal from ADR Ottawa Inc. who shares key advice for anyone thinking about going out on their own: “develop an expertise and set yourself apart”. He explains why finding a niche, avoiding oversaturated markets, and delivering real results are critical to long-term business success. Tune in for his insights on what it takes to build a thriving service-based business!

On this episode of the Ottawa Entrepreneurs Podcast, I host Andrea Greenhous, Founder of Vision2Voice, who shares her top advice for entrepreneurs: stay persistent, stay optimistic, and always keep learning. She explains why adapting to change, understanding client needs, and continuously improving are key to long-term business success. Tune in for Andrea’s insights on growing a business that stands the test of time!