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Tuesday marked one full year since we launched the ABA Coffee in the Park podcast - and what a journey it has been!

To every guest who said yes and shared their time, stories, and best piece of advice with us: Thank You. Your voices have brought depth, inspiration, and authenticity to every episode.

To our listeners who tune in week after week: you are the heart of this podcast. Your support, feedback, and encouragement have fueled us every step of the way.

This milestone is more than just a celebration - it's a moment of gratitude and reflection. And with that... we're thrilled too share that something very exciting is on the horizon for the podcast and its future growth!

Stay tuned - we can't wait to bring you along for what's next.

Let us know your thoughts in the comments and leave us a review!

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Join us for a coffee and chat with Nedal Huoseh, Executive Director of ATG Sports Management! Nedal shares his incredible and unconventional journey, beginning with his family's immigration to North Edmonton as refugees in the early 60s.

His early path led him to NAIT for Electrical Engineering Technology. Even during his first year, he was already putting in the groundwork, literally, by digging trenches for an electrical contractor. By 2003, he took the entrepreneurial leap, opening ASI Tech, a leading provider of comprehensive contracting and communication solutions

A pivotal, life-changing moment arrived in 2008 when, while registering his son for soccer, he found no coaches available. Nedal stepped up, and it was through his coaching travels that he encountered a young Alphonso Davies. His son and Alphonso quickly bonded over their shared love for soccer. As Alphonso's talent began to shine, garnering recognition from academy scouts, Nedal became his trusted facilitator, helping him enroll in the academy and later sign with a team.

Alphonso's exceptional progression quickly attracted interest from numerous agents. Yet, whenever approached, Alphonso would consistently redirect them back to Nedal, saying, "Talk to my coach." This unwavering trust led Alphonso's family to ask Nedal to become his official agent. The rest, as they say, fell into place: a year later, Nedal successfully negotiated Alphonso's monumental contract with FC Bayern München. This high-profile success naturally led to other players seeking Nedal's representation, prompting him to establish ATG Sports Management.

Get ready to hear an inspiring story of unexpected turns, profound connections, and the dedication that propelled Nedal from a career in engineering to becoming a highly respected sports agent for some of the world's top talent.

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Join us for a coffee and an energetic chat with Matt Laird from The Brasstactics, the dynamic brass band whose vibrant sounds you've undoubtedly heard if you've attended an Edmonton Oilers Hockey game!

Matt, an Edmonton native, started his musical journey early, playing the tuba and even serving as the spirited school mascot during his time at Harry Ainlay High School, bringing fun to all events. His passion for music truly took off playing the tuba in a drum corps, where he competed in various competitions across the US and was part of a team that achieved an impressive 5th place globally! He continued to tour the world with various bands and drum corps until life called for a shift, and music was temporarily put on the back burner as he started a family.

However, a transformative trip to New Orleans rekindled his love for playing. Picking up the sousaphone, a variation of the tuba, inspired him to assemble a New Orleans-style brass band right here in Edmonton. Teaming up with his friend, Blair Wilkie, they began gathering talented friends and friends of friends, and before they knew it, a full, vibrant brass band had come together.

The Brasstactics began building awareness through ingenious "Brass Blitzes" – energetic 15-minute pop-up shows at various events. This strategy quickly gained them recognition, leading to more and more bookings at bars and venues across the city. Their growing popularity caught the attention of the Edmonton Oilers, who reached out looking for a brass band to enliven their games. Now, members of The Brasstactics are a beloved staple at every Oilers home game, having built a passionate "cult following" among fans.

Get ready to hear Matt's incredible musical journey, from a tuba-playing high schooler to a world-touring drum corps member, and how he ultimately brought the vibrant energy of New Orleans brass to Edmonton, culminating in The Brasstactics' unique success and their iconic presence at Oilers games.

Let us know your thoughts in the comments and leave us a review!

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Join us for a coffee and an insightful chat with Mandy Quon, Assistant Dean for the Faculty of Native Studies and the Dean of Students Office at the University of Alberta!

Mandy shares her truly unique upbringing, born in Edmonton on Father's Day and during "Bay Days," as part of the family behind The Lingnan, the city's beloved and oldest Chinese restaurant, now celebrating 78 years! She'll recount what it was like growing up "Quon" and working within the iconic restaurant.

Beyond the family business, Mandy's first official job was as a student page in a library. She then pursued her higher education at the University of Alberta, where she impressively completed her Bachelor of Arts degree in just 3.5 years, majoring in Sociology with a minor in East Asian Studies.

A few years ago, driven by a desire to do more, Mandy returned to academia to earn her Masters of Philanthropy and Not-For-Profit Leadership from Carleton University. With over a decade of experience in fundraising, she is currently making a significant impact in her dual roles at the University of Alberta.

Get ready to hear fascinating stories, including insights from her family's TV show, The Quon Dynasty. Mandy will also delve into important themes like the vital role of women in leadership, the power of empowering others, and the enduring importance of building strong relationships and family bonds.

Let us know your thoughts in the comments and leave us a review!

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/acheson-business-association/

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Join us for coffee with Maron Green, Chief Operating Officer of JAPA Equipment Rentals and Machinery Group!

This episode offers a fascinating look into the world of industrial equipment and family business.

Hear how this Edmonton native, a proud alumna of St. Francis Xavier High School and a U of A International Business degree holder (fluent in French!), got her start at her family's company, JAPA. Discover how a temporary accounting role covering a medical leave became her gateway, and how her later pursuit of a second degree in Public Relations further shaped her path.

Maron shares the intriguing origins of JAPA—including how the company got its unique name and the story behind their very first building. You'll learn about a pivotal moment when a Chinese businessman's visit led to JAPA securing an official direct dealer agreement with XCMG in 2016, shifting from brokered equipment to sourcing directly. She also offers candid insights into the unique dynamics and rewards of working effectively within a family business.

(Heads up: We're keeping it real – our intro music plays twice at the start, we just loved it too much!)

Let us know your thoughts in the comments and leave us a review!

Follow the ABA on our social medias

Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abacoffeeintheparkpodcast/

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Join us for coffee with Don Patterson, Managing Partner & Broker/Owner of RE/MAX Excellence in Edmonton.

This proud father and grandfather, an alumnus of Ross Shep, shares his remarkable and diverse journey. After earning his Law Degree from the University of Alberta (and even working as a roofer during his studies!), Don also delved into real estate development.

His life took an exciting turn when he and his wife moved to France, where they welcomed their first child. Upon returning to Toronto, Don transitioned into the real estate sector at TD Bank, gaining valuable experience on the brokerage side, building and managing teams. Their family grew further when they adopted his youngest sister's three children, adding another six-year-old and a four-year-old to their household.

A decade ago, Don and his family made the move back to his hometown of Edmonton, where he became a Managing Partner & Broker and part-owner of RE/MAX Excellence. Beyond his impressive career, Don has been a long-time and passionate supporter of the YMCA. After his children left home, he embarked on an extraordinary mission: a cross-Canada bike ride from Victoria, BC to Thunder Bay, Ontario. When jokingly dubbed "Halfway Don" by the Y staff, it sparked an even grander idea: to ride the entire length of Canada in just four weeks! He meticulously trained through winter, using his vacation time to complete this epic journey. Working directly with YMCA Canada, Don set up donation pages for YMCAs nationwide, riding by day and blogging by night. Along the way, he stopped at local YMCAs, met with community support, and even gave interviews on the roadside. His incredible efforts ultimately raised $30,000 for the YMCA's across the country. This episode is a testament to career evolution, family dedication, and inspiring philanthropy.

Let us know your thoughts in the comments and leave us a review!

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Join us for a coffee and chat with Stephanie Rodenkirchen, CEO and Founder of Lotus Group.

Born in Seattle but raised in the scenic Okanagan Valley of British Columbia, Stephanie's early life was marked by a passion for soccer. Hear about her time on the BC Provincial team, which led to a soccer scholarship in North Carolina. Though a concussion brought her soccer career to an early end, it opened a new door at UBC, where she joined the Alpine Ski Team and discovered a profound interest in Sociology and the study of the human condition. This newfound passion laid the groundwork for her future in Recruitment and HR.

Stephanie's journey continued as she moved to Alberta in the early 2000s, where she started a family and built a career with Pfizer Pharmaceuticals. As her children grew, she sought a new professional challenge, transitioning into the world of headhunting. Learn about her valuable experience with a local firm and the influential mentors who guided her. This ultimately led to the 2019 inception of Lotus Group, a vision to bring a fresh perspective to the recruitment and HR landscape. Starting as a search firm, Lotus Group has since flourished, evolving into a comprehensive provider of search and recruitment services, HR solutions, and much more.

Join us to hear Stephanie's unique story and the driving force behind Lotus Group's success.

Let us know your thoughts in the comments and leave us a review!

Follow the ABA on our social medias

Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abacoffeeintheparkpodcast/

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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/achesonbusiness

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/acheson-business-association/

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Join us for a coffee and chat with Cheryl Watt President of Northgate Industries!

Born and raised in Edmonton, Cheryl's path took a brief detour to Victoria before she returned home to pursue Business Marketing at NAIT, with a clear vision of joining her father's company. Hear about her early aspirations and her initial role in cell phone sales before stepping into the family business, Northgate Industries.

Founded in Edmonton to sell and service RV trailers, Northgate Industries strategically expanded its offerings to include specialized industrial trailers for remote locations like oil rigs and oilfields, eventually growing into office trailers. Learn about the company's growth, including the establishment of a second manufacturing plant in Acheson in 2010 and the consolidation of operations in Acheson by 2022.

Cheryl's passion for the industry blossomed as she moved into Sales at Northgate. Discover her journey through various roles within the company, gaining invaluable experience in RV detailing, accounting, and reception before her move into sales leadership. Today, Cheryl proudly serves as the President of Northgate Industries, also overseeing their operations in Poland. Hear her story of dedication and growth within the family business, culminating in her taking the helm four years ago after her father's passing.

Let us know your thoughts in the comments and leave us a review!

Follow the ABA on our social medias

Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abacoffeeintheparkpodcast/

ABA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/achesonbusiness/

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@achesonbusinessassociation

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/achesonbusiness

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/acheson-business-association/