Beyond Wealth: Success Unscripted

In this episode of Beyond Wealth: Success Unscripted, host Matt Calnan sits down with Chris Fasoli, co-founder of Brite Lounge, to discuss the evolution of teeth whitening and the journey behind building Canada’s leading professional teeth whitening brand. Chris shares his entrepreneurial background, which spans across industries such as mining, craft brewing, and hog farming, leading to his latest venture in the cosmetic space. Hear the innovative story of how a chance conversation with a dental hygienist inspired Chris to launch Brite Lounge, offering a revolutionary teeth whitening solution that challenges traditional methods with its high-quality, sensitivity-free product.
Chris talks about the product's ability to lighten teeth by up to 16 shades in a single application, its professional-grade technology, and the challenges of competing in an unregulated market. He also discusses the importance of FDA and Health Canada approvals and his vision for making Brite Lounge a household name through a new subscription-based model. This episode offers a fascinating look into the world of entrepreneurship, innovation, and transforming cosmetic services.
Key Takeaways:
How Chris Fasoli transitioned from mining equipment to teeth whitening
The story behind Brite Lounge’s founding and innovative approach to teeth whitening
Insights into the product’s effectiveness and safety standards
The future of teeth whitening with Brite Lounge’s take-home kits and subscription model
------------------------------------------------------------------------- Be Our Next Guest! Interested in sharing your success story with a wide audience of local leaders and influencers? "Beyond Wealth: Success Unscripted" is looking for guests like you—successful, insightful, and ready to tell the world how you've made your mark. Learn more and apply at https://beyondwealthpodcast.ca/guest

In this insightful episode, Matt Calnan chats with Tiffany Petite, co-founder and clinical director of Virtuous Circle Counselling. Tiffany shares her journey from working in nonprofits to launching Virtuous Circle in response to the mental health crisis during the COVID-19 pandemic. She discusses how the company has grown into a successful mental health practice with locations in Calgary, Edmonton, and Kelowna, offering services through a team of 30 experienced therapists.
Tiffany dives deep into how Virtuous Circle sets itself apart by fostering community partnerships and providing accessible, timely, and personalized care. She also touches on the challenges of expanding into new regions and reflects on her personal transition from therapist to CEO.
Listen in to hear more about Tiffany's passion for mental health, the value of building meaningful relationships, and how her company is making mental health services more accessible.
 
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In this episode of Beyond Wealth: Success Unscripted, we sit down with Stacy Richter, the "Marketing Mindbender" and serial entrepreneur, to discuss his journey from a corporate career to owning and growing successful businesses. Stacy's story is one of breaking free from the traditional 9-5 mindset and embracing entrepreneurship.
Stacy shares how he left a lucrative career in the Fortune 500 world to co-found a marketing agency from a kitchen table, which eventually grew to five offices across North America. Along the way, he faced sleepless nights, legal battles, and the constant challenge of balancing life and business. But he also highlights the rewards of entrepreneurship and how the 10% that goes right makes all the hard work worth it.
Currently the CEO of Live Lingua, an online language school, Stacy explains how he is applying his marketing expertise to scale the business through acquisition and organic growth. He also opens up about his love for music, teaching himself guitar, and how a strong morning routine keeps him on track.
Key Takeaways:
Why Stacy left the corporate world and embraced entrepreneurship.
Insights into building and growing businesses through acquisitions.
The importance of mindset and discipline in managing a business.
Balancing personal passions with professional responsibilities.
------------------------------------------------------------------------- Be Our Next Guest! Interested in sharing your success story with a wide audience of local leaders and influencers? "Beyond Wealth: Success Unscripted" is looking for guests like you—successful, insightful, and ready to tell the world how you've made your mark. Learn more and apply at https://beyondwealthpodcast.ca/guest

In this episode of Beyond Wealth: Success Unscripted, host Matt Calnan sits down with Robert Kulhawy, a serial entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience. Robert shares his journey from humble beginnings to founding successful companies like Nuterra, a leader in groundwater remediation, and Comrax Corporation, a global IT and digital solutions provider.
Robert dives into his unique philosophy of the 5Fs of life: Faith, Family, Fitness, Friends, and Finances. These guiding principles have not only shaped his personal and professional life but have also inspired countless entrepreneurs and leaders. He also shares the invaluable lessons he learned from his father, stories about navigating challenges in various industries, and his commitment to environmental sustainability.
This episode covers topics like:
Robert's 5Fs and how they influence his life and businesses
How a childhood lesson on entrepreneurship led to a lifelong passion for building companies
His environmental initiatives and practical solutions for sustainability
Advice for young entrepreneurs on cash flow, diversification, and integrity
Tune in to hear Robert's wisdom on blending life’s priorities, achieving entrepreneurial success, and leaving the world a better place than you found it.
Guest Information: Robert Kulhawy is a Canadian entrepreneur, philanthropist, and environmentalist with over two decades of experience in founding and growing successful companies.
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------- Be Our Next Guest! Interested in sharing your success story with a wide audience of local leaders and influencers? "Beyond Wealth: Success Unscripted" is looking for guests like you—successful, insightful, and ready to tell the world how you've made your mark. Learn more and apply at https://beyondwealthpodcast.ca/guest

In this episode of Beyond Wealth: Success Unscripted, Matt Calnan sits down with Ali Asghari, a seasoned entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience in leadership, finance, and innovation. Ali shares his fascinating journey, starting from Iran and moving through Azerbaijan, where he managed a diverse portfolio of industries, to Canada, where he fully embraced entrepreneurship.
Ali discusses his experiences in co-founding companies, his successful pitch on Dragon's Den, and his latest venture: developing a groundbreaking AI-powered platform to transform manual commercial equipment into autonomous robots. This innovation aims to address labor shortages in industries like golf course maintenance by retrofitting existing machines for autonomous operation.
Ali's story is one of constant reinvention, adaptability, and seizing opportunities in new and unfamiliar territories. Whether it's navigating new cultures, building trust in foreign markets, or tackling the challenges of entrepreneurship, Ali’s insights are invaluable for anyone on a similar path.
Key Takeaways:
How Ali transitioned from a career in finance to entrepreneurship in Canada
The challenges and rewards of moving between multiple countries and industries
The future of automation in commercial industries and the role of AI in solving labor shortages
A behind-the-scenes look at Ali’s Dragon's Den experience and his pivot from energy drinks to autonomous robotics
------------------------------------------------------------------------- Be Our Next Guest! Interested in sharing your success story with a wide audience of local leaders and influencers? "Beyond Wealth: Success Unscripted" is looking for guests like you—successful, insightful, and ready to tell the world how you've made your mark. Learn more and apply at https://beyondwealthpodcast.ca/guest

In this episode of Beyond Wealth: Success Unscripted, host Matt Calnan speaks with Mitch Lawson, a leader in disability support and employment inclusion. Mitch brings over 11 years of experience in supporting individuals with disabilities, and he currently heads Catalyst, a program under the Southern Alberta Community Living Association (SACLA). Catalyst focuses on creating inclusive employment opportunities by bridging the gap between people with disabilities and businesses.
Mitch shares how disability inclusion isn't just about charity—it's smart business. He talks about how businesses can tap into a vast, underserved market of people with disabilities and their families. Listeners will learn about the economic benefits of hiring inclusively, success stories from local businesses, and how disability inclusion can lead to better employee retention and customer loyalty.
Key Takeaways:
How Catalyst helps businesses build inclusive workforces.
Economic opportunities for businesses engaging with the disability community.
Real-world success stories of inclusive hiring and its business benefits.
Insights into the upcoming Onboard Conference and how businesses can participate.
Guest Bio:Mitch Lawson is the Program Director of Catalyst, a division of the Southern Alberta Community Living Association (SACLA). Mitch has dedicated over a decade to helping people with disabilities find meaningful employment, and he's passionate about transforming how businesses view inclusion. Mitch also brings his background in business development to advocate for disability inclusion as a strategic business advantage.
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------- Be Our Next Guest! Interested in sharing your success story with a wide audience of local leaders and influencers? "Beyond Wealth: Success Unscripted" is looking for guests like you—successful, insightful, and ready to tell the world how you've made your mark. Learn more and apply at https://beyondwealthpodcast.ca/guest

In this episode of Beyond Wealth: Success Unscripted, host Matt Calnan speaks with Darvin Zurfluh, the founder and CEO of Pinnacle Wealth Brokers. Darvin is a trailblazer in the alternative investment space, with over 20 years of experience in investments and real estate. Pinnacle Wealth Brokers, one of Canada's leading exempt market dealers, helps investors access private companies seeking capital for growth.
Darvin shares insights into what makes exempt market dealers different from traditional financial advisors, how alternative assets—such as private companies and real estate—can provide unique opportunities for diversification, and why they should be considered by both seasoned and novice investors. He also discusses the history and challenges of founding Pinnacle, the due diligence process for investment offerings, and the importance of understanding investment products.
If you're curious about how to navigate alternative investments and want to explore private market opportunities, this episode provides invaluable insights from one of Canada's foremost experts.
Guest Info:Darvin Zurfluh is the founder and CEO of Pinnacle Wealth Brokers. He holds a CFP designation and is a Fellow of the Canadian Securities Institute. Darvin is passionate about helping Canadians access alternative investments and has built Pinnacle into a leader in the exempt market industry.
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------- Be Our Next Guest! Interested in sharing your success story with a wide audience of local leaders and influencers? "Beyond Wealth: Success Unscripted" is looking for guests like you—successful, insightful, and ready to tell the world how you've made your mark. Learn more and apply at https://beyondwealthpodcast.ca/guest

In this insightful episode, Matt Calnan sits down with Leanne Burrows, a communications and change management expert with over 15 years of experience in the engineering and oil & gas sectors. Leanne shares her journey from working in construction to pursuing a master’s degree in organizational psychology, all while balancing family life and a busy career.
Leanne explains how her role at Sky Eye has evolved over the years, especially as she works closely with HR to enhance internal communications and implement competency-based management systems. She also touches on the importance of clear expectations and accountability in the workplace, and how companies can better integrate communications with HR to create a strong, engaged workforce.
Listeners will gain valuable insights on change management, the role of emotional intelligence in business success, and how to foster a positive organizational culture.
Guest Information:Leanne Burrows is an expert in communication and change management, currently pursuing a master's degree in organizational psychology. She holds certifications in DISC, ProSci Change Management, and Lean Green Belt.
------------------------------------------------------------------------- Be Our Next Guest! Interested in sharing your success story with a wide audience of local leaders and influencers? "Beyond Wealth: Success Unscripted" is looking for guests like you—successful, insightful, and ready to tell the world how you've made your mark. Learn more and apply at https://beyondwealthpodcast.ca/guest

In this episode of Beyond Wealth: Success Unscripted, Matt Calnan sits down with Sean Fero, the Head of Marketing at Trail Appliances, to discuss the challenges and opportunities of rebranding a company with 50 years of history. With over 25 years of experience working for major brands like Shell, Air Miles, and Visa, Sean shares insights on how he’s transforming Trail Appliances into a brand-focused entity that resonates with today’s consumers.
Sean delves into his personal journey, starting in Calgary and moving across industries, from oil and gas to customer loyalty programs and retail. He highlights the pivotal moments in his career, including working with Sidney Crosby as a brand ambassador and navigating the challenges of managing multimillion-dollar marketing budgets and large teams.
Discover how Sean is giving Trail Appliances a "soul" by focusing on customer service, local engagement, and building loyalty in a competitive market. Plus, he discusses the importance of timely product delivery, local stocking, and how these small differentiators can turn customers into lifelong supporters.
Tune in to hear Sean's experiences, from working at massive global corporations to leading a family-owned business through its 50th year.
Guest Information:Sean Fero is the Head of Marketing at Trail Appliances. He brings over 25 years of experience in branding, business strategy, and leadership. 
------------------------------------------------------------------------- Be Our Next Guest! Interested in sharing your success story with a wide audience of local leaders and influencers? "Beyond Wealth: Success Unscripted" is looking for guests like you—successful, insightful, and ready to tell the world how you've made your mark. Learn more and apply at https://beyondwealthpodcast.ca/guest

In this episode of "Beyond Wealth: Success Unscripted," Matt Calnan chats with Zack Anderson, a seasoned leader in experiential learning and program management. Zack currently serves as an executive at the Telus Spark Science Centre and shares his insights on connecting people with science in engaging and meaningful ways.
Zack talks about the unique approach of the Telus Spark Science Centre, where science is not just taught but experienced. From inquiry-based learning to hands-on exhibits like the bed of nails, Zack explains how the Centre caters to visitors of all ages, sparking curiosity and fostering a love for science. He also discusses the importance of making science accessible and exciting for everyone, from young children to adults, through both permanent and rotating exhibits.
Additionally, Zack delves into the challenges of designing exhibits that appeal to diverse audiences, including teens and adults, and highlights the Centre's efforts in updating galleries and creating new programs to ensure fresh and engaging experiences for visitors. He shares the innovative partnerships they've developed with various organizations, like Alberta Health Services, to bring unique educational programs to the Centre.
Don't miss this fascinating conversation about the intersection of education, entertainment, and community engagement at the Telus Spark Science Centre!
Guest InformationZack Anderson is the Executive Director at the Telus Spark Science Centre and has over a decade of experience in experiential learning and program management. 
------------------------------------------------------------------------- Be Our Next Guest! Interested in sharing your success story with a wide audience of local leaders and influencers? "Beyond Wealth: Success Unscripted" is looking for guests like you—successful, insightful, and ready to tell the world how you've made your mark. Learn more and apply at https://beyondwealthpodcast.ca/guest