Unlocking Business Growth - exploring achievements, challenges and what's interesting

Curiosity triggered passion for Brandi and Craig Garden, founders of Eversio Wellness.  Inside of eighteen months they discovered the health and wellness benefits, and enhanced the product quality, of functional mushroom supplements.  Now the journey continues in a licensed facility with research in quality and efficacy for the psilocybin mushroom industry.  Consumer enthusiasm is growing.  Significant evidence is available that mushroom products of an extremely high quality deliver advanced health and wellness through making available all of their immune-modulating, anti-oxidant and secondary metabolite compounds.   Brandi’s personal experience of radical health improvement, the Garden’s family wellness experience, and client’s testimonials that supports and amplify the laboratory results, expand the evidence daily.

In producing premium, dual-extracted, functional mushroom extracts in Canada which clients use in capsule or powder form, and conducting research to produce high quality psilocybin mushrooms under laboratory conditions, this young company has an exceptional business model.  Through the tears and rainbows of entrepreneurship as a humanity-plus company Eversio successfully launched, pivoted, and took timely advantage of the challenges that the pandemic dealt.  They structured an advantage.  Their functional product division ensured a pathway to revenue and sustainability while building research capability, while they awaited grant of their psilocybin research license.  Now they can also apply their skill and capability in their second functional division.

Tune in to hear about:

• The difference between premium quality mushroom products and others – to mycelium or not.
• What mushrooms eat, where they grow best, and why those grown outdoors are exceptional.
• How cultivation of psilocybin producing mushrooms has to be different and how Eversio Wellness is contributing to the pharmaceutical aspect of the industry.
• The array of developments to come from the mushroom industry – watch for significant research in products, food, and health.
• And more.

Mentioned in this episode

Eversion Wellness website – look for products and information.

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After starting his career as a stock broker in Canada and developing the ability to fund mineral projects Perre Leveille found an opportunity to focus on mine development in Africa.  Later electing to sell the first opportunity back to the majority partner, due to conflicts that existed between the partnership agreement and need to disclose information in compliance with public company regulations, Pierre identified an opportunity in copper mining in Namibia, Southern Africa.  Deep-South Resources is now focused on the Haib Copper project in Namibia, and working to identify other opportunities in stable countries that also have accessible infrastructure.  

The area was explored in the 19th and 20th centuries but found to be sub-economic, Teck Resources initially owned 70% of Deep-South Resources and conducted exploration.  When Teck divested Deep-South assumed full ownership and listed in 2017; Teck remains the largest shareholder.  The area is now believed to be economic due to a combination of commodity prices driven by demand for copper, and improvements in exploration technology.  The proposed use of bioleaching that allows for extraction of the copper at significantly lower capex spend and low operating cost, and newer drilling methodology, where significant advances have been made since the early exploration, have made it feasible. 

A feasibility study commenced in early 2021 was cut short when the Namibian Minister of Mines and Energy failed to renew their license.  Believing the decision may have been made with inadequate information, or misinformation, Deep-South launched a challenge and is seeing early success.  Of course the stock price tumbled on the news!  In the interim they are investigating other opportunities with the option to develop a larger portfolio of exploration projects to guard against similar delays in future.

Pierre projects that copper will continue trading at high prices for many years, due to high and increasing demand.  There is inadequate supply because the past 20 years have seen inadequate base mineral exploration.  Copper, along with lithium, zinc, nickel and cobalt, is required in the green vehicle industry, wiring for the 5G industry, cloud storage, batteries, bitcoin mining, and so much more.

Tune in to hear about:

• The small percentage of exploration projects that actually become a mine.
• Carbon fueled vehicles contain around 23kg of copper, how much does that increase in green vehicles?
• How stockpiles and discarded rock from bioleaching is more stable and avoids polluting ground and water.  
• Significant research to green-up mine vehicles and improve mining generally.
• And more.

Mentioned in this episode

Deep-South Resources website

[email protected]

John Briggs became an accountant because he really loved accounting.  But he grew to dislike the traditional CPA time billing model where clients pay for inflated billable hours.  So he created a service where clients pay only for valuable service received, and clients can access a broad portfolio of services. Incite Tax has a high focus in micro-gyms, but serves a diverse clientele.

John implements the Profit First system in many of his clients.  It is an effective method to manage business growth and avoid burnout that results if they have run the equivalent of a business marathon yet have nothing to show, and continue to struggle.

The methodology to “spend the money on paper” before the actual spend, replaces the hope and pray business strategy with conscious effort.  The success was clearly demonstrated in John’s gym clients during the pandemic - those who had been running Profit First had runway and survived the lockdowns.  Many did also work with business mentors to create online services for a little extra cash flow to make it through.  Those new to the methodology joined many who did not apply Profit First and went out of business.   

John’s clients also enjoy the value of having a guide to extract reality from the tax myths.  Their guide counsels them to manage cash well (which includes paying the correct tax only), maintain profitability, and use the correct reserves to attain their growth.

Tune in to hear about:

• How or why do most business owners diligently follow Parkinson’s Law with cash.
• An excellent case study - excess entrepreneurial optimism guaranteed insolvency.
• Business advice for inflation and the great resignation.
• And more.

Mentioned in this episode

Incite Tax website

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Johnathan More found his start as the paper shredder in the office of a stock broker.  He went on to become a highly successful broker with a focus in mining and now identifies exceptional candidates to take public.  Anticipating sale at the right time to a major mining entity, he is building a star performer in Starr Peak Mining.

Located in the Abitibi Greenstone Belt in Quebec, Starr Peak Mining geologists prioritized an area that is plumb centre between Amex Exploration, who hit gold in 2019, and the past-producing, Normétal Mine (that Starr Peak also owns).  They hit a rare volcanogenic massive sulfide (VMS) deposit on their first drill hole, and enjoy further success as they have drilled further.  Now exploring with three rigs the opportunity is growing.

Starr Peak is potentially focused two sides of the green energy revolution.  A deal to extract minerals from the tailings pond on the property.  And developing a VMS for future mining in an area already well served by infrastructure, communities and an operating mill.  The economics are superior.  

Johnathan More counsels that a second rally in the base and precious metals markets is coming.  He strongly encourages investors to identify companies they like and invest early enough to benefit from the rally.  Don’t regret not getting in on the ride.

Tune in to hear about:

• Careful opportunistic investment opportunities.
• Why the precious metals market has been subdued for the past 8 to 10 months, and why it is poised to start the next rally.
• What a VMS deposit is, why cost economics are superior, and how large a portion of Canadian production of zinc, copper, lead and silver have come from one.
• Why there will be good returns in this stock, more so than many others.
• And more.

Mentioned in this episode

Starr Peak Mining Ltd.    

Ticker symbols:  STE  and STRPF

Anne Hill’s lifelong desire to help other people is driving growth and success for her clients.

With placement of superior, right-fit talent, implementation of exceptional procedures and systems, and targeted assistance on strengthening the back-office and strategy, Hilltop Virtual Solutions enables genius.   Clients focus in their zone of genius and delegate non-core tasks for even better completion and propel the business forward.

Anne Hill notes that it is essential to ensure additions to the team are an excellent fit, and that systems and procedures are in place to ensure success for all – team members and the entrepreneur. These make it easier for the entrepreneur to be comfortable delegating non-core tasks to identify and focus in their zone of genius.  Onboarding a new team member is as important as onboarding a new client; bring them on with goals for 30, 60, 90 days.  Structure is helpful.  

Further secrets to business success lie in taking time away from the business to look at it from a distance, and getting an outside perspective eg. by working with a coach or with a consultant on a specific strategy when feeling stuck.  Most business owners do not know what assistance they need and in which areas.  By getting structure in place and finding out what is, and is not, working the business owner can enhance their enjoyment of what they do.

Tune in to hear about:

• How an entrepreneur can get a handle on their zone of genius.
• Ideas on how to recruit people to fit well in an entrepreneurial business.
• Secrets to relieving bottlenecked processes that trickle down into other areas, and what not to do in relieving bottle necks.
• How to delegate with ease.
• And more.

Mentioned in this episode

Hilltop Virtual Solutions website

Anne Hill LinkedIn

Chris Kenney was an excellent contributor in a sales organization, but burnt out by how they managed producers, so he became even better …. for himself!  He presented a low-priced class to a group of twelve people and transformed it to be multiple six figures.  

Today, having identified and overcome his own “money-rules” Chris is paying it forward by teaching entrepreneurs the secret to rapidly accelerating income.  A big believer in “sell it before you create it”, obtaining feedback as he went along allowed Chris to hone his training to exactly what the customers wanted and to develop his own skillset.  This progressively further niched his service offering so today he contributes enormous value for his clients’ business by allowing them to follow a similar pattern with top-notch mentorship, real people, and giving value with discipline.

Chris also counsels that your success will be determined by your approach – you can control your response to situations.  The pandemic proved to be a valuable opportunity to consider reinventing his business and further show undercover superstar entrepreneurs how to master high-ticket sales, rapidly accelerate income and live lives of uncommon freedom and choice.

Tune in to hear about:

• How anyone can convert $47 into $263,000 inside of a year.
• What the secret to success is when naming your first sales.
• What are money rules, what do they impact, and how are they created and destroyed.
• Where to find prospects, and where the sales niche will appear rather than be created.
• And more.

Mentioned in this episode:

Facebook: Sales Mastery Inner Circle 

Ivan Bebek started his career as a stock broker and developed an interest in contrarian investing as practiced by Warren Buffett.  He focused on mining companies but found there was limited reward in tracking several companies; he wanted instead to focus extensively on one or two stocks. This intense analysis and focus led to Ivan’s significant success in Ghana - Cayden Resources, sold to Agnico Eagle in 2014 for $205 million, and Galiano Gold that continues to operate the Asanko gold mine in joint venture with Gold Fields.

Ivan now has his drills focused on discovering new mines in Peru, Chile and Canada.  The resource markets are out of favour with investors but this makes them the contrarian play Ivan loves.  He sees a looming perfect storm as demand for base minerals grows at the same time established mine reserves are decreasing. Prices should begin escalating significantly just as his new mines come on stream for development, to produce into that demand. 

The mining industry has made, and continues new, enormous strides in the environmental, social and governance arena (ESG).  This includes working with local communities where mines are developed, on sustainability and shared success, avoiding mine disasters, and reducing their own carbon footprints.

The Covid-19 pandemic has had an impact even in the exploration industry where less people are available to assay samples extending time to results by as much as 15%.  Bebek’s companies mitigate the impact by running more drills and with careful cash management.  Despite having caught the virus twice and had a serious reaction to the vaccination he believes the vaccination is potentially the best way for the world to eliminate the pandemic.

Tune in to hear about:

• What combination of mineral investments to hold for mixed, but well above average, return over a longer time horizon.
• How to know when the return on mining or exploration shares will start improving.
• Government green energy bills and decarbonizing economies – what happens to gold.
• How Ivan Bebek can effectively drive progress in four exploration companies, simultaneously.
• And more.

Mentioned in this episode

Ivan Bebek LinkedIn 

Email Ivan [email protected] 

Friends and business associates Brett and Brent came together to solve legacy challenges of the automotive industry.  The launch of their technology platform could not have been more timely.  Canada headed into the pandemic lockdowns, and both dealers and customers required a new way to do business.  

The Hey Auto platform is a super approachable technology solution that facilitates a superior experience for both dealers and customers.   The marketplace aggregates dealer inventory across Canada, sends purchasers to the dealer’s own site for information gathering, provides an opportunity for purchasers to reduce greenhouse gases, and even incorporates functionality for individuals to confidentially solicit dealer bids when selling their personal vehicle.  What power!  

From the user’s perspective the experience is very familiar.  Able to create their own avatar, save searches and favourite vehicles, keep history and even message dealers directly from the convenience of the Hey Auto platform. A very immersive experience with strict safeguarding on privacy and confidentiality; personal details are only disclosed when the individual elects to move forward with a transaction or communication.

Hey Auto develops and trains the tech talent needed for their web based technologies and disciplines; few students have these skills when they graduate.  Brent and Brett have taken a very strategic approach to acquire well over 2,000 dealer participants.  By identify the most important needs of the customer to solve first the talented team avoids being distracted by edge cases, and they feasibility test all concepts before build.    

Hey Auto boasts already having received excellent strategic partnership and funding support because Alberta is a progressive province actively embracing tech investment, and their aggressive expansion continues with a new raise currently underway.

The automotive industry is moving fast as original equipment manufacturers push to go direct to the customer, and the digital retail experience allows customers to purchase and take delivery from the comfort of home.  The Hey Auto platform helps dealers to stay competitive and to meet the nuanced market demand in new ways.

Tune in to hear about:

• Zero emission and Keys-for-Trees options when purchasing vehicles through the Hey Auto platform.
• The current Hey Auto funding and strategic partnership round and how to get involved.
• The unexpected impact the Covid-19 pandemic had on vehicle demand, why, and how it continues to impact Hey Auto.
• The potential offered by a multi-pronged approach where well-established enterprises and the web based technology space work together.
• And more.

Mentioned in this episode

LinkedIn

Website – Hey Auto and Vivid Theory

Email Brett [email protected] 

Email Brent [email protected]

Anthony is the chairman of Nickel 28, one of the largest suppliers in the world of MHP, a battery concentrate used by the growing battery industry.  He combines this with a pursuit of sustainability principles that offset the carbon footprint of the mining, and mankind’s modern demand patterns and lifestyle.  Anthony invests in both regulated exchange traded credits and the voluntary carbon market.

Voluntary carbon markets are considered fascinating as they direct private financing to climate-action projects.  That is, they combine diverse nature-based solutions, e.g. saving forests and reforestation, operating a protection habitat or sanctuary, preserving blue carbon ecosystems, with technological carbon capture, and facilitating the entrepreneurial drive for profit.  Almost every industry is looking to create or buy carbon credits as they attempt to improve environmental impact, while still facilitating a modern lifestyle, so the demand for carbon reduction options is growing.  A new class of investments includes carbon streaming, modeled on mining royalties and streaming, where investors prepay for carbon credits and environmental projects.  

Anthony sees a potential 25% escalation in prices and investment returns generally over the near term as 25% of all dollars ever printed were produced during the pandemic, and are all chasing the same liquidity. Venture markets have suffered most, recently, as many juniors are in mining and the liquidity in that market has transferred to some extent to new investments like cryptocurrency.

Success growing business and increasing shareholder returns requires the entrepreneur to have a divergent view.  Anthony quotes examples where the founder had an idea, often related to an aspect of their life or an early opinion on a situation in the world, before it became mainstream or generally held.  These often deliver returns due to being an early entrant on a beneficial trend. 

In terms of future trends, Anthony expects the green wave to be the biggest and to be experienced in many ways.  Through ESG, carbon credits and trading, climate actions like artificial intelligence around climate change, and many other ideas we can all witness the momentum. 

Tune in to hear about:

• How Nickel 28, mining nickel and cobalt in a 10 to 1 ratio, was able to continue to produce spectacular economics even through the down part of the market cycle.
• What the connection is between an orangutan sanctuary and nickel mining.
• Fascinating work also being done by Carbon Streaming Corp. as they apply a streaming and royalty model (normally seen in mining) to carbon.
• Smart investment advice for those with minimal time or risk capital, and those who can watch the market.
• And more.

 Mentioned in this episode

Twitter - @A_Milewski 

LinkedIn

Early in his career Tommy Zizian observed that the power of the internet afforded a significant opportunity to work remotely and earn an income.  He did follow advice to “have several revenue streams” and attributes his success, having become involved in several businesses, to the fact he is goal-motivated, driven to achieve objectives and does not try to pretend to know everything.  The career he describes as a work-in-progress currently invests a lot of his time focused in social enterprise. 

Sock Rocket designs and markets funky socks around the world and then, for every pair sold, donates three pairs to agencies and initiatives across North America. Donations started with the Drop-in Centre and Children’s Cottage in Calgary, and now have reached over 130,000 pairs to worthy causes; doing good while operating a profitable business and having a lot of fun.  The activity and reach suddenly escalated significantly late in 2019 due to a slip of the tongue in the USA that provided incredible unexpected marketing.  The “rocket” came at a time when Sock Rocket was seeing the early impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their supply chain in South East Asia.  This allowed them to start the process of supporting, and being supported, locally which has allowed for continued growth through the lockdowns, although the market did shift.

Tommy’s entrepreneurial flair is activated in working as a team, and by himself.  He also very successfully manages extensive involvement in both local and remote business.  Smoke and Sow BBQ Restaurant, located in Whitehorse Yukon, combines success in a food truck, restaurant and in catering for events.

Through his own social enterprise activity Tommy has noted the growing trend for people wanting their dollars to deliver more value – to receive the goods or services purchased, plus.  Younger generations are increasingly influencing the demand for business to support good causes. Social enterprise has a bright future as people learn that profitable business can provide social benefit as one of the inherent business costs.  To this end he would welcome seeing more teaching and discussion in schools about the social enterprise alternative, to facilitate awareness and show how easy, fun and lucrative it is to help people meet their basic needs.

Tune in to hear about:

• The unusual, unexpected and high profile boost Sock Rocket’s activity received.  It caused an instant growth from thousands to hundreds of thousands in annual sock volume.
• How Sock Rocket was able to navigate the pandemic lockdowns by implementing major structural changes and still maintain growth.
• A lesson in how to successfully physically work in a food preparation business, daily, across 2,450 kilometres.
• Justification for why social enterprise is growing in consumer popularity even as it becomes a lucrative entrepreneurial pursuit.
• And more.

Mentioned in this episode

Sock Rocket Website

Email [email protected]

Call 1-855-24SOCK8

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