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Discover how Scott Newman revolutionized the home renovation industry by turning a family-owned flooring business into a digital powerhouse. In today’s episode of Impact Innovators, we sit down with Scott to uncover his unique journey from selling hardwood products to offering top-notch refinishing services. Scott shares his early experiences with platforms like Kijiji, Craigslist and Service Magic, and how he harnessed the power of third-party verification services like Homestars to build trust and credibility before the age of Google reviews.

Scott also delves into his innovative digital marketing strategies that have kept him ahead of the curve. From mastering SEO to creating compelling advertorials, his tactics reveal the importance of adapting quickly in an ever-changing digital landscape. Hear how Scott draws inspiration from Simon Sinek to connect with customers on a deeper level, emphasizing the evolution of business strategies and the crucial role of online reviews in gaining a competitive edge.

But that’s not all—Scott opens up about the transformative potential of AI in business operations. Learn how tools like ChatGPT and Microsoft's Copilot are streamlining tasks and supercharging efficiency, freeing up time for more strategic pursuits. Scott also touches on his recent venture into real estate with Rare Real Estate, combining his renovation expertise with property investment. This episode is packed with actionable insights and inspiring stories that any entrepreneur will find invaluable.
Connect with Scott on LinkedIn here; https://www.linkedin.com/in/newmansk/

Linktree Website; https://linktr.ee/scottknewman

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Ready to uncover the secrets of transforming a passion for sport into entrepreneurial success? Meet Jelmer Stegink, a former professional cyclist who traded his wheels for the helm of Innisfil's DMZ Innisfil Business Accelerator. Hear how Jelmer’s journey from sports management to municipal government and launching a thriving cycling event with over 5,000 participants provides invaluable lessons in endurance, discipline, and resilience.

Jelmer draws powerful parallels between professional sports training and the relentless grind of building a startup, offering a fresh perspective on the entrepreneurial journey.

Discover the supportive ecosystem at DMZ Innisfil as Jelmer walks us through their innovative approach to fostering local entrepreneurship. From structured mentorship and grant access to the vital importance of community and peer-to-peer support, Jelmer illustrates how the accelerator helps startups thrive.

Learn about the recent onboarding of a new cohort of 18 diverse business owners, each with tailored objectives, and the transformative power of Stephen Kotler's science of flow in building collaborative environments. Jelmer highlights how setting clear OKRs and fostering a culture of shared knowledge can be a game changer for emerging businesses.

Finally, we zoom in on the critical steps of early validation and customer engagement, revealing how these strategies can make or break a startup. Jelmer shares practical tips on conducting problem and solution interviews, leveraging iterative processes, and continuously gathering feedback through live surveys and pilot programs.

Listen as we explore the broader impact of these practices on the local entrepreneurial ecosystem in Innisfil, from asynchronous online resources and targeted events to innovative virtual webinars.

Whether you're an aspiring founder or a seasoned entrepreneur, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you build a successful business from the ground up.

Check out DMZ Innisfil's Business Accelerator Program here;
https://innisfil.ca/en/business-and-employment/dmz-innisfil.aspx

Find out about the Emerging Entrepreneurs event here;
https://innisfil.ca/en/news/emerging-entrepreneurs-event-targets-those-looking-to-start-a-business.aspx

Register for the Emerging Entrepreneurs event here;
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/emerging-entrepreneurs-tickets-1002587124077

Innisfil Economic Development website;
https://innisfil.ca/en/business-and-employment/economic-development.aspx

Innisfil Economic Development Strategic Plan;
https://innisfil.ca/en/business-and-employment/economic-development-strategic-plan.aspx

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What if you could build a thriving remote team while showcasing incredible Filipino talent? Join us as we sit down with Maria Sukang, the trailblazing founder of Remotify, who shares her journey from corporate life to creating a game-changing remote work solution. Maria reveals how the pandemic sparked the birth of Remotify, allowing her to balance productivity with personal time. Discover how her company leverages the Philippines' strong English proficiency and culture of care to help startups and mid-market companies build effective remote teams.

Maria delves into the core elements that drive a successful team culture, emphasizing the power of autonomy, transparency, and alignment with company values. Through compelling anecdotes, including the path to becoming the world's best service team, Maria illustrates the crucial role of middle management in nurturing a positive work environment and empowering employees. Learn about the profound benefits of recognizing and rewarding the right behaviors, and how clear expectations balanced with flexibility can elevate employee satisfaction and performance.

In our conversation, Maria also touches on the broader implications of remote work, such as decentralizing job opportunities and fostering economic growth in local communities. She passionately discusses her commitment to showcasing Filipino talent and the challenges she faced in overcoming stereotypes. For aspiring entrepreneurs, Maria offers sage advice on following your passion and aligning your work with your strengths. Tune in to hear her inspiring story and find out how you can connect with Remotify PH to build your remote team while experiencing the vibrant Filipino community.

You can connect directly with Maria on LinkedIn at;
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariacharissesucgang/

If you're interested in getting a full time employee with your startup business, connect with Maria or her husband/business partner, Erwin at Remotify;
https://remotify.ph/

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