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
  
  

Today’s episode dives deep into one of the most overlooked and misunderstood areas of business: human resources. Sharon welcomes Lyndsay Seafoot, an HR expert and founder of Curbridge, an outsourced HR consultancy; Stand Out Staff, a modern resume platform; and Director’s Desk, an HR tool for child care facilities. Lyndsay simplifies what HR really is (managing your people well) and explains why even businesses with just one employee need HR systems to protect their growth and culture.

Together, Sharon and Lyndsay discuss real-world examples of preventable HR disasters, the critical importance of employee handbooks, how to build an employer brand that attracts top talent, and the surprising ROI of investing in leadership and culture. Lyndsay also shares the origin story of Stand Out Staff, why resumes are broken, and how her platform helps employers find better hires faster. If you’ve ever said, “I don’t need HR,” this episode is a must-listen.

Whether you’re hiring your first employee or leading a growing team, Lyndsay’s insights on retention, recruitment, and reality checks will help you build a business where people thrive (and stay!) This episode is packed with practical HR advice, personal stories, and powerful takeaways for entrepreneurs at every stage.

About Lyndsay Seafoot, CPHR

Lyndsay Seafoot doesn’t just talk about fixing HR; she builds the tools to do it. As a longtime HR consultant and entrepreneur, she’s seen firsthand how small business owners are often overwhelmed, under-resourced, and left guessing when it comes to managing people. So she set out to change that.

When clients needed structure but couldn’t afford in-house HR, she built Curbridge, a consulting service that brings expert systems, handbooks, pay plans, and support to growing teams. When hiring became a nightmare of unreadable resumes and wasted interviews, she launched Stand Out Staff, a digital resume platform that gives employers instant clarity on candidates and helps job seekers shine. And when she saw how overwhelmed child care directors were, she developed Director’s Desk, an all-in-one HR support portal built just for them.

Lyndsay’s work is rooted in one clear mission: to make HR feel doable, valuable, and human, especially for the business owners who never thought they needed it.

Resources discussed in this episode:

• Start with Why by Simon Sinek
• The 5 Levels of Leadership by John C. Maxwell
• Gary Vaynerchuk (Gary Vee) – Entrepreneur and leadership expert

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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 Lyndsay Seafoot | Curbridge Consulting:

• Website: curbridge.ca
• Website: standoutstaff.com
• LinkedIn: Lyndsay Seafoot
• LinkedIn: Stand Out Staff
• LinkedIn: Curbridge Consulting
  
  

This episode dives deep into the human side of leadership with special guest Susan Power, founder of PowerUp Leadership. Susan shares her perspective that leadership isn’t about titles or tenure; it’s about how you show up and the impact you make. She and Sharon talk through the value of authenticity, tackle myths about introverted leaders, and explore how leaders can build trust by showing up authentically in every situation.

Susan’s “Three C’s of Leadership”: Clarity, Courage, and Connection act as core principles that can elevate teams and organizations. From giving difficult feedback with empathy to navigating imposter syndrome and burnout, Susan offers practical insights on how to stay grounded through uncertainty and scale leadership with integrity.

About Susan Power

Susan Power is the founder and CEO of PowerUp Leadership, a consultancy focused on transforming individuals and organizations through leadership development. A certified executive coach with over 20 years of experience, Susan works with high-growth companies and leaders across North America. She specializes in helping leaders gain clarity, show up with courage, and build meaningful connections within their teams.

She is also the co-host of the Inspired Leadership podcast and a strong advocate for values-based leadership, emotional intelligence, and personal growth. Susan and her team of highly-trained coaches provide one-on-one coaching, 360 assessments, and customized leadership development programs, all built to help businesses and leaders achieve greater success.

Resources discussed in this episode:

• Leadership Circle Profile 360
• “You Are a Badass” by Jen Sincero
• John Maxwell’s Law of the Lid
  
  

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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 Susan Power | PowerUp Leadership:

• Website: PowerUp Leadership
• Inspired Leadership Podcast
• Instagram: PowerUp Leadership
• Twitter: PowerUp Leadership
• Facebook: PowerUp Leadership
• Linkedin: PowerUp Leadership
• LinkedIn: Susan Power
  
  

In this high-energy conversation, Sharon and Lori explore how leadership, employee well-being, and workplace culture work together. Lori Power, founder of MP Benefits, urges leaders to stop viewing benefits as a cost and start treating them as a strategic investment in health, engagement, and productivity. Drawing on work with companies like Boeing, she shows that when benefits are aligned with safety, performance, and clear communication, teams become happier and more effective.

Sharon and Lori’s conversation also delves deep into leadership, team alignment, and the role of mental health at work. Lori’s stories bring these ideas to life, from reshaping law firm benefits to helping construction companies reduce turnover from 75% to zero.

As the conversation turns to mindset, succession planning, and community, Lori shares practical wisdom for entrepreneurs: lead with empathy, invest in people, plan your exit early, and never stop learning. Her insights make this episode a must-listen for business owners seeking to build resilient, people-first organizations where both employees and employers thrive.

About Lori Power

Lori Power is the founder of MP Benefits and an expert in execution—in other words, she gets things done. Known for transforming employee benefits from a cost into a measurable investment, Lori helps businesses align their benefit plans with safety, productivity, and performance.

A Certified Exit Planning Advisor and published author, Lori also holds a Workplace Mental Health Leadership Certificate from Queen’s University. Her insights on leadership, succession, and the culture of engagement in the modern workplace have been featured on Global News, CBC, and the HR Reporter.

Resources discussed in this episode:

• Queen’s University Workplace Mental Health Leadership Certificate
• Disney Institute Leadership Programs
• Humor, Seriously by Jennifer Aaker & Naomi Bagdonas
• Steal Like an Artist by Austin Kleon
• Let’s Get Real or Let’s Not Play by Mahan Khalsa
• The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel

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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 Lori Power | MP Benefits:

• Website: mpbenefits.com
• LinkedIn: Lori Power
• LinkedIn: MP Benefits
• Facebook: MP Benefits
• Instagram: MP Benefits
  
  

In this episode, Sharon opens up about purchasing the Lloydminster location of It's Time Promotions in 2014 just before the oil crash), turning a dream business move into the hardest season of her career. She shares the painful realities of misreading financials, underestimating the gap between markup and margin, and stepping into a team that didn’t accept new leadership. These issues led to lost customers, frozen cash flow, maxed credit, and, of course, a ton of stress.

Sharon walks through the turning points, including getting brutally honest with the numbers, letting go to reset culture, and finding the right help. A mindset shift, a business coach, a financial dashboard, and a lot of resilience were the tools she used to turn things around, even when it seemed impossible. Out of the struggle came innovation, clarity, and, of course, business success.

This is a must-listen episode for any owner eyeing an acquisition or fighting through an industry or economic downturn.

Resources discussed in this episode:

• You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero
• ActionCOACH (Calgary) with Jarrod Stanton
• Claris FileMaker
• Previous It’s Time for Success episode with Gary Kulak

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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
  
  

In this heartfelt episode, Sharon chats with Chantelle, owner of Provost Pets & Livestock Supply. Chantelle shares how her love for animals sparked her business idea and how motherhood changed the way she ran the business. We dig into startup realities, working through economic swings and life changes, and why community support (and a great mother-in-law!) can be the difference-maker for entrepreneurs.

Chantelle opens up about her own challenges over the years, including several months spent in the NICU after her first child was born and running a growing shop while parenting (and homeschooling) two busy kids—often right from the store’s playroom. While we talk about boundaries, trade-offs, and scheduling, it always comes back to what keeps her going through the challenges: helping people and their animals every single day.

About Chantelle

Chantelle is the owner of Provost Pets & Livestock Supply. A lifelong animal lover raised and living on a farm, she launched her store a decade ago to bring quality pet nutrition, livestock essentials, and practical expertise to the community of Provost. She’s also a mom of two, a homeschooler, and an active community member who believes business is built with the help of family, friends, and neighbours. For Chantelle, the best thing about entrepreneurship is that it’s equal parts challenging and rewarding.

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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 Chantelle Moncrief | Provost Pets & Livestock Supply:

• Website: https://provostpet.com/
• Instagram
• Facebook