Today on the show we’re talking with a true service-industry staple: Marty Salliss, the owner and driving force behind Salliss Plumbing & Heating — a London, Ontario business that’s been keeping taps running and furnaces firing for over two decades.

Since launching back in 2001, Marty has grown Salliss Plumbing & Heating into one of the most trusted names in plumbing, HVAC and emergency repair in the region, with a reputation for showing up, doing the work right, and treating every customer like they matter.

In this episode, we dive into what it really takes to run a hands-on trades business in a competitive market, how customer service and honesty have shaped his company culture, and why thinking differently — even about something as mundane as a service van — can lead to big gains. We also learn something very interesting about Marty that many may not know - his community service as an Auxiliary Member of the OPP is next level!

Stick around — Marty brings practical wisdom, real-world grit, and a little unexpected tech to the table.

We are so excited to have Sabina Manji on the pod!!!

Sabina, is the editor and publisher of The Mom & Caregiver in London, Ont. She is also host of the Really Authentic Women RAW Podcast, the podcast for Really Authentic Women & Men alike!

A lifelong Londoner, an irrepressible entrepreneur, and also a committed volunteer with Lexus of London Golf Classic, her infectious energy and engaging personality has always been in her heart to give and support others❤️.

Get ready for a great dose of positivity and motivation!!

In this solo episode, Ryan gets real about the parts of entrepreneurship most people never talk about. He shares the messy, non‑linear path from corporate life to running his own marketing agency — including building a business around himself (“I built a company around me… and I couldn’t scale”), losing a friendship over a failed app, and realizing that passion without market demand is “just an expensive hobby.” This is the raw, unfiltered version of entrepreneurship you won’t find on Instagram.

Ryan breaks down the emotional and practical challenges founders face: the imbalance between work and family, the loneliness of early‑stage building, and the constant uncertainty that comes with leaving a predictable 9‑to‑5. He explains why entrepreneurship is responsibility first, why you’ll question yourself constantly, and why understanding your TAM (total addressable market) might save you years of frustration.

If you’re thinking about starting a business — or you’re already in the grind and wondering if what you’re feeling is normal — this episode gives you a look around the corners. It’s honest, relatable, and packed with lessons from someone who’s lived every stage of the journey.

Jay Gray owns Forest City Auto Glass with his wife Elena, an innovative business that is disrupting their industry in a big way!

However, Jay started his career quickly accelerating to executive roles with some of the top Fortune 500 corporate companies! And also, Ryan and Jay both worked corporately together decades ago. . .talking to each other here after not seeing each other for over 10 years! In this fascinating episode, Ryan talks to Jay about his incredible journey from Corporate Rock Star to Innovative Business Owner. . .who is building an auto glass empire!!

What does it take to leave a "safe" career. Is it really safe working for someone? Or can you do just as well grinding and working for yourself? What is the formula for success in any business? We explore with Jay, his blueprint for growth and success.

Creating lasting relationships with customers, that is built on the foundation of trust! Doing things that support your business model, but that you may not realize. Creating important collaborations with other businesses, that are WIN/WIN scenarios, that help push your business to another level. . .and so much more!

Jay is a mastermind in business growth - no matter what business that is! This episode is jam-packed with amazing business tips!!

Check It out!!!

This one’s special. Ryan sits down with three of his business partners — Eric, Cassandra, and Joel — to break down how they accidentally built one of the fastest‑growing roller hockey communities in Canada: Roller Hockey London.

What started as a side‑hustle passion project has turned into an 8‑year movement with hundreds of families, a thriving youth program, international opportunities, and a culture that feels more like a festival than a sports league.

In this episode, the crew gets into:

• How a couple of friends discovered roller hockey and turned it into a legit business
• Why roller hockey is exploding globally (and why Canada is late to the party)
• The business model behind running a league — costs, barriers to entry, and what makes it work
• The insane development benefits for kids (more puck touches, more creativity, more fun)
• Stories from playing and coaching around the world — Italy, Argentina, Colombia, and beyond
• The rise of pro roller hockey and where the sport is headed
• What’s coming next for RHL: tournaments, academies, Ironman events, and a potential pro showcase

It’s part entrepreneurship, part sports nerdery, part “build cool stuff with people you like.” If you’ve ever thought about starting a league, a community, or a side business that actually matters — this episode is a blueprint.

Redefining London Events: The Mobile Bar Mogul’s Story

From corporate grind to mobile bar mogul — Joel Richer breaks down the real challenges and rewards of stepping into entrepreneurship. Hear how he and his crew are redefining events in London with curated festivals, creative networking, and a fresh approach to community building.

Bulles et Bieres website

When Gary Brown of KEMBRO Design Studio mentioned Bob Vila (the most trusted man in home improvement and tv legend) in the first minute of this episode, we knew this was going to be a banger!!!👊👍

What a blast we had with Gary on this episode! This guy has done it all, and we were fascinated with his in-depth knowledge, attention to detail and customer first approach!

From starting on the ground level delivering materials and building entrance ways, to working at COPP'S Buildall, learning front line customer service, then working at WINMAR and learning everything that has to do with restoration.

Gary started his renovation company as a lone wolf, then met his current business partner, and the two of them have created KEMBRO Design Studio!

From the intricacies of running a renovation business to creating a true customer first approach - this man takes what any homeowner dreams up, and makes it a reality. . .the Bob Vila of London?

We also say the Dreamweaver of London!! Sit back and enjoy our conversation with the nicest guy around in the renovation industry, Gary Brown!!

From Bottled Water MLMs to Retail Burnout! Ryan and Scott revisit their craziest business attempts: bottled water MLM pitches, retail stores bleeding cash, and the rise of social shopping. They give each model a grade and share the lessons every new entrepreneur needs before diving in.

**Audio fixed - Stereo enabled**