Couverture de Owner's Roundtable

Owner's Roundtable

Owner's Roundtable

De : Jeff McLarty
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 Every successful business has a story that didn’t make it into the press release. Join host Jeff McLarty as he sits down with business owners who’ve been in the trenches—building, scaling, failing, and fighting their way to success. Each episode of Owner’s Roundtable dives deep into the moments that matter: the decisions that changed everything, the failures that taught the hardest lessons, and the operational strategies that actually moved the needle. This isn’t about inspiration—it’s about implementation. It’s about learning from people who’ve already made the mistakes so you don’t have to.©2026 McLarty Operations Group Développement personnel Economie Management Management et direction Réussite personnelle
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    Épisodes
    • From Lab to Leadership: Scaling a Deep-Tech Business with Jack Nicholas of Qdot Technology

      From Lab to Leadership: Scaling a Deep-Tech Business with Jack Nicholas of Qdot Technology
      Feb 16 2026


      What does it take to turn world-class academic research into a real, revenue-generating company? In this episode of Owner’s Roundtable, Jeff McLarty sits down with Jack Nicholas, Co-Founder and CTO of Qdot Technology, to unpack his journey from Oxford University’s labs to the front lines of clean aviation.

      Jack shares how his Ph.D. research in cooling nuclear fusion reactors became the foundation for a deep-tech startup tackling one of aviation’s hardest problems: thermal management for zero-emissions flight. Along the way, he opens up about the realities of spinning a company out of a university, the costly mistake of leading with technology instead of customer problems, and why he ultimately stepped aside as CEO to put the right leader in place.

      This is a candid conversation about the long timelines of deep tech, raising capital in tougher markets, navigating VC relationships, and why finding the right people may be the hardest and most important challenge of all.

      What You’ll Learn in This Episode

      • The hidden challenges of spinning a company out of a top university
      • Why starting with “great technology” instead of a clear problem can slow growth
      • When founders should step out of the CEO role
      • How investor expectations have shifted from vision to early revenue
      • Practical advice for raising capital and pitching VCs
      • Why recruitment is harder (and more critical) than most founders expect

      About Jack Nicholas


      Jack Nicholas is the Co-Founder and CTO of Qdot Technology, a deep-tech company advancing thermal management solutions for clean aviation. He earned his Ph.D. in Engineering Science at the University of Oxford, where his research focused on cooling technologies for nuclear fusion reactors. After completing his doctorate, Jack led the design of a £1M industrial test facility for next-generation gas turbine materials in collaboration with aerospace partners. Today, he applies that expertise to solving the thermal challenges standing in the way of zero-emissions flight.

      —


      Looking for Tools & Support Growing and Managing Your Business?


      Book a free consultation today: https://calendly.com/jmclarty-focalpointcoaching/30min



      Contact Jeff McLarty:

      • Website: FocalPointEdmonton.com
      • Linkedin: Jeff McLarty

      Contact Jack Nicholas:

      • Website: Qdot Technology
      • LinkedIn: Jack Nicholas
      • LinkedIn: Qdot Technology
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      31 min
    • Turning Scrap into Scale & Spotting Opportunity with Tyson Christiansen

      Turning Scrap into Scale & Spotting Opportunity with Tyson Christiansen
      Feb 16 2026

      What if the thing everyone else throws away is the foundation of your next business?


      In this episode of Owner’s Roundtable, Jeff McLarty sits down with Tyson Christiansen, founder of Maverick Metal, to unpack a gritty, real-world entrepreneurial journey built on follow-through, sales grit, and the ability to see value where others see waste.


      Tyson’s path didn’t start with a polished plan. It started at a tire shop, then behind the counter of a scrapyard, where he unknowingly received one of the best entrepreneurship educations possible. By helping others turn scrap into income, Tyson learned how businesses really work, how middlemen get cut out, and why execution always beats perfection. That early experience led to the creation of Maverick Metal, where Tyson began buying and selling oilfield pipe, eventually realizing that the real opportunity wasn’t brokering, but manufacturing.


      This episode is a masterclass in doing the work, trusting momentum over certainty, and building something durable by moving forward before everything is figured out. If you’ve ever waited for the “perfect plan” before starting, this conversation will challenge you to just get going.

      What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

      • Why brokering businesses are fragile and how to escape the middleman trap
      • Why perfection is the enemy of completion
      • How differentiation protects margins in manufacturing
      • Why customers don’t care about price; they care about value
      • The role of fear, urgency, and sales volume in business survival
      • How making the calls beats waiting for the phone to ring
      • Why having the right partner at home can be a massive competitive advantage


      About Tyson Christiansen

      Tyson Christiansen is the founder of Maverick Metal, a manufacturing and materials company focused on repurposing end-of-life oilfield pipe into durable, high-value livestock fencing products. With a background rooted in sales, scrap recovery, and industrial brokering, Tyson built Maverick Metal by identifying overlooked opportunities and executing relentlessly. Known for confidence action and follow-through, Tyson has grown his business across borders, operating in both Canada and the United States, while continuing to scale manufacturing capacity and material sourcing.

      Looking for Tools & Support Growing and Managing Your Business?

      • Book a free consultation today: https://calendly.com/jmclarty-focalpointcoaching/30min

      Contact Jeff McLarty

      • Website: FocalPointEdmonton.com
      • LinkedIn: Jeff McLarty


      Contact Tyson Christiansen

      • Website
      • LinkedIn
      • Facebook
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      18 min
    • Cash Flow, Ego, and the Real Cost of Scaling with Tara Proskiw

      Cash Flow, Ego, and the Real Cost of Scaling with Tara Proskiw
      Feb 16 2026
      What happens when you go from “I can manage this place” to “I’m responsible for everything”?In this episode of Owner’s Roundtable, Jeff McLarty sits down with Tara Proskiw, owner of Towne & Countree Kitchens, Towne Renovations, and Redl Edmonton, for an unfiltered conversation about the hidden pressure of ownership. The conversation moves through everything owners in a scaling cycle dread: cash flow stress, leadership blind spots, scaling too fast, and the isolation that comes with being the person holding the keys.From learning financial statements the hard way to building boundaries that protect your health (and your marriage), Tara shares what she wishes every new owner knew before signing the paperwork.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeWhy Tara runs multiple brands instead of one umbrella companyHow vendor take-backs and market uncertainty can crush cash flowThe hard truth about keeping the wrong people in the wrong seatsWhy scaling can make you “grow broke” (even with more revenue)The mindset shift from “manager” to “owner” and the ego shock that comes with itHow Tara sets boundaries to reduce stress (including “no work talk after 7pm”)Why avoiding the financials is a trap and how to face the mirrorHow to identify bad-fit customers and confidently say “we’re not for you”Two books that helped Tara reframe progress and build better habitsWhy every entrepreneur needs a safe place to talk (coach, therapy, peer group)About Tara ProskiwTara Proskiw is an Edmonton-based entrepreneur with over 17 years in cabinetry and countertops and a reputation for building businesses that actually work operationally, financially, and culturally. As the owner of Towne & Countree Kitchens, Towne Renovations, and Redl Edmonton, she is known for spotting gaps in the market, building smart systems, and bringing clarity to industries where chaos is often the norm.Tara believes leadership is about energy, accountability, and empowering people to do great work without burning out. Outside the business, she gives back through Glenora Rotary and South Edmonton Rotary, while continuing to challenge the idea that home renovations have to be stressful. Direct, thoughtful, and values-driven, Tara brings both edge and heart to everything she builds.Resources discussed in this episode:Women Presidents Organization (WPO)Alberta Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) — Bold LeadershipMount Royal University — Growth CatalystThe Gap and the Gain — Dan Sullivan & Dr. Benjamin HardyAtomic Habits — James Clear—Looking for Tools & Support Growing and Managing Your Business?Book a free consultation today: https://calendly.com/jmclarty-focalpointcoaching/30minContact Jeff McLarty: Website: FocalPointEdmonton.comLinkedin: Jeff McLartyContact Tara Proskiw: LinkedIn: Tara ProskiwWebsite: Towne & Countree KitchensWebsite: Towne RenovationsWebsite: Redl Kitchens
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      42 min
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