What started as a way to make lake life easier turned into a booming business. Sharon sits down with Sondra Pearn, co-founder of Lake Life Caesar Co., to hear how a homemade Caesar mix evolved from a mason jar to a shelf-ready product found in stores across Canada. Sondra opens up about bootstrapping from day one, stepping away from teaching to run the business full-time, and what it took to scale production, meet health regulations, and maintain quality without sacrificing her family-first values.

They talk about the challenges of producing food products in a border city like Lloydminster, the behind-the-scenes work of sourcing ingredients, packaging, and working with co-packers like the Saskatchewan Food Industry Development Centre. Plus, Sondra offers valuable insights into shelf life testing, inventory management, customer relationships, and the power of support networks and trade shows.

Whether you’re starting a side hustle or scaling a small business, this episode will encourage you to bet on your idea (and yourself!)

About Sondra Pearn

Sondra Pearn is the co-founder of Lake Life Caesar Co., a Canadian-made Caesar drink mix company that grew from a home kitchen creation to a coast-to-coast brand. A former schoolteacher turned entrepreneur, Sondra now runs the company full-time with her husband Bryce. Together, they’ve built a business that reflects their passion for convenience, quality, and lake life living, all while raising two kids and staying rooted in their small-town values. Sondra is known for her practical business savvy, commitment to clean ingredients, and her drive to make Lake Life a household name.

Resources discussed in this episode:

• Saskatchewan Food Industry Development Centre
• Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA)
• Farm Credit Canada (FCC) – Women Entrepreneur Programs
• Federated Co-op

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Contact Sharon DeKoning | It's Time Promotions:

• Website: itpromo.ca
• LinkedIn: Sharon DeKoning
• Facebook: It’s Time Promotions
• Google: It’s Time Promotions

Contact Sondra Pearn | Lake Life Caesar Co.:

• Website: Lake Life Caesar Co.
• Instagram
• Facebook
• LinkedIn: Sondra Pearn

Sharon welcomes Nina Ellis, entrepreneur, mom of two, multi-business owner, and recently named Businesswoman of the Year. Nina shares how her entrepreneurial journey began unexpectedly through bookkeeping, and how saying yes to opportunity (even when the timing felt impossible) became a defining pattern in her life and business. They explore the myths of “work-life balance,” the importance of knowing which balls in life are glass and which ones are rubber, and why entrepreneurs need to give themselves permission to drop the ones that bounce.

Nina opens up about the systems, teams, and mindset that allow her to run five businesses, all while parenting as a single mom. She speaks candidly about learning to let go, empowering her team to lead, and building organizations through trust rather than control. Sharon and Nina also discuss mentorship, the value of hiring people who elevate your business, and the courage it takes for leaders to evolve.

Whether you’re in the early stages of business or leading a growing organization, this episode will remind you that success isn’t about having it all figured out; it’s about being brave enough to keep going, to say yes, and to surround yourself with the right people.

About Nina Ellis

Nina Ellis is the founder of Performance Business Consulting and co-owner of multiple successful ventures across Lloydminster, including a trucking company, rental properties, and retail franchise operations. Known for her strategic clarity, operational excellence, and people-first leadership style, Nina has become a sought-after advisor for entrepreneurs and small business owners looking to scale sustainably.

Beyond her business accomplishments, Nina is recognized for her community involvement, mentorship, and advocacy for mental health. Her journey through entrepreneurship, motherhood, and profound personal loss has shaped her into a grounded, empathetic leader who believes deeply in empowering teams, saying yes to opportunity, and helping others rise. She was recently honoured as Businesswoman of the Year, which acts as a strong testament to her impact in the community.

Resources discussed in this episode:

• Nora Roberts’ “glass and rubber balls” analogy
• Diary of a CEO podcast by Steven Bartlett
• Brené Brown
• On Purpose by Jay Shetty
• The Mel Robbins Podcast
• Quickbooks Online

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Contact Sharon DeKoning | It's Time Promotions:

• Website: itpromo.ca
• LinkedIn: Sharon DeKoning
• Facebook: It’s Time Promotions
• Google: It’s Time Promotions
  
  

Contact Nina Ellis | Performance Business Consulting:

• LinkedIn: Nina Ellis
• Website: Performance Business Consulting
• Instagram: Performance Business Consulting
• Facebook: Performance Business Consulting
• LinkedIn: Performance Business Consulting

In this conversation built for business owners looking to the future, Sharon and Colleen dive into the often-overlooked world of business brokering and exit planning. Colleen, who started her first company at 21 and built a thriving commercial cleaning business, shares her journey to becoming a business broker with Sunbelt Canada. She now helps fellow entrepreneurs plan for and navigate the process of selling their businesses.

They cover everything from how long it takes to sell a business to why confidentiality is crucial and what makes a business attractive to buyers. Colleen explains the importance of profitability, solid bookkeeping, documented systems, and being hands-off in your operations. She also breaks down the differences between asset and share sales, outlines seller financing (including vendor take-backs), and stresses the value of having an exit strategy well in advance of a sale.

Whether you’re nearing retirement or just starting your business, this episode is packed with practical tips on how to build your company with the end in mind.

About Colleen Pushor

Colleen Pushor is a business broker with Sunbelt Canada, bringing firsthand entrepreneurial experience and deep insight into the process of buying and selling businesses. After growing her own successful commercial cleaning company, Caprice Cleaning, she transitioned into business brokering to help other entrepreneurs through one of the biggest transitions of their careers. Colleen is passionate about educating business owners on how to build sellable businesses and create smoother exits with greater returns.

Resources discussed in this episode:

• ​​Atomic Habits by James Clear
• QuickBooks Online

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Contact Sharon DeKoning | It's Time Promotions:

• Website: itpromo.ca
• LinkedIn: Sharon DeKoning
• Facebook: It’s Time Promotions
• Google: It’s Time Promotions

Contact Colleen Pushor | Sunbelt Canada:

• Website: SunbeltCanada.com
• LinkedIn: Sunbelt Canada
• LinkedIn: Colleen Pushor
• Facebook: Colleen Pushor