Shows
Local GritDr. Shahab Tabesh - Locke St DentalClick here to visit Locke St Dental Visit Local Grit here - Local Grit SummaryIn this engaging conversation, Dr. Shahab Tabesh, a dentist at Locke Street Dental, shares his unique journey into dentistry, shaped by his childhood experiences and serendipitous encounters. He discusses the importance of building relationships with patients, especially in alleviating their fears and anxieties about dental visits. Dr. Tabesh emphasizes that dentistry is not just about clinical skills but also about understanding individual patient needs and fostering...
2026-02-0940 minLocal GritBernadette Connors - _28MusicSee Bernadette's website@_28MUSICSummaryIn this engaging conversation, Alex Hobcraft speaks with musician Bernadette Connors about the multifaceted nature of a music career. They explore the business side of music, the importance of valuing one's worth, and the challenges faced in the gig economy. Bernadette shares her journey of finding her voice, the significance of building relationships in the music scene, and the various revenue streams available to musicians. They also discuss the impact of AI on music and the importance of maintaining the...
2026-02-0239 minLocal GritMatt Surina - Staircase Theatrehttps://staircasehamilton.com/KeywordsStaircase Theatre, Hamilton arts, improv, comedy, community engagement, event hosting, arts funding, local cultureSummaryIn this conversation, Alex Hobcraft interviews Matthew Serena from The Staircase Theatre, discussing its history, evolution, and role in Hamilton's arts scene. They explore the challenges of hosting events, community engagement, marketing, and funding for the arts. Matthew shares insights on improv and comedy workshops, the balance between public and private events, and the future goals for The Staircase Theatre...
2026-01-2637 minLocal GritSuzanne Zandbergen - Social for Small BusinessSuzanne ZandbergenClick here to hire the Generator.New platforms, shifting algorithms, and constant noise—Suzanne breaks down how business owners can navigate social media without burning out or chasing every trend.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeIn this conversation, Suzanne and Alex explore:How platforms like Threads and Blue Sky differ from traditional social mediaWhy sustainable content strategies outperform high-volume postingWhat actually matters on Instagram today (and what doesn’t)How to think about Facebook and LinkedIn advertising strategicallyWhere AI fit...
2026-01-1940 minLocal GritEmily Baillie - AI Compass Content MarketingVisit Emily's sitehttps://www.compasscontent.ca/KeywordsAI, digital marketing, ethical AI, small business, AI training, marketing strategy, AI policy, environmental impact, AI tools, productivityTakeawaysAI is fundamentally changing the digital marketing landscape.Ethical considerations are crucial in AI implementation.Small businesses need guidance to navigate AI effectively.AI can enhance productivity but should not replace human creativity.Creating an AI policy is essential for...
2026-01-1249 minLocal GritHeather Graham - HG ConsultingKeywordsconsulting, business coaching, social justice, collaboration, vulnerability, leadership, mental wellbeing, joy, intuition, community engagementSummaryIn this conversation, Heather Graham shares her journey from hospital management to becoming a consultant and business coach. She discusses the importance of social justice, collaboration, and community engagement in her work. Heather emphasizes the significance of vulnerability in leadership, the difference between wisdom and knowledge, and the need to find joy in both work and life. She also addresses the challenges of maintaining mental wellbeing as...
2026-01-0535 minLocal GritEric Wright - DiscoPosseEric's Website:https://gtmdelta.com/Keywords: tech marketing, customer experience, branding, entrepreneurship, engagement, storytelling, marketing strategies, audience understanding, innovation, continuous learningSummaryIn this engaging conversation, Alex Hobcraft and Eric Wright explore the journey of Eric from a cobbler to a successful tech marketer. They discuss the importance of customer experience, the role of branding, and the need for continuous learning in the ever-evolving landscape of marketing. Eric shares insights on how to create meaningful e...
2025-12-181h 03Local GritJodi Laking - Work Smart CanadaWork Smart CanadaKeywordsentrepreneurship, coaching, trades, business blueprint, self-employment, support systems, productivity, exit strategies, community, success storiesSummaryIn this conversation, Jody Laking, a coach and entrepreneur from WorkSmart Canada, discusses the importance of entrepreneurship, particularly in the trades industry. She introduces her Start Smart Trades and Business Blueprint program, which aims to guide tradespeople in starting their own businesses. The conversation explores the challenges of competition in the trades, the need for entrepreneurial skills, and...
2025-12-1639 minLocal GritJerrold Hewson - The Revival Art StoreArt Revival WebsiteKeywordsRevival Art Store, Creative Disruptors, Art Community, Entrepreneurship, Art Supplies, Cafe, Life Drawing, Paint and Sip, Sustainable Art, Business StrategySummaryIn this conversation, Jerrold Hewson shares the inspiring journey of establishing the Revival Art Store, a creative hub that combines art supplies, a cafe, and community workshops. After a life-altering accident, Jerrold pivoted his career to create a space that fosters creativity and supports local artists. He discusses the importance of community engagement, the...
2025-12-1133 minLocal GritMatt Diamante - heyTony Digital MarketingListen to more episodes!https://localgrit.ca/episodeswww.instagram.com/localgritwww.facebook.com/localgritwww.youtube.com/localgritSummaryIn this engaging conversation, Alex Hobcraft interviews Matt Diamante, an SEO and digital marketing expert, about his journey in building a successful agency, Hey Tony. They discuss the importance of transparency, giving away valuable information for free, and the power of social media in growing a business. Matt shares insights on SEO strategies, the significance of answering customer...
2025-12-0158 minLocal GritAlan Richter - Revive HealthAlan Richter is the owner and operator of Revive Health on Dundurn in Hamilton. We discuss his unique approach to physiotherapy, exercise, and movement, which is more forward-thinking. Localgrit.ca
2025-11-2455 minLocal GritVanessa Green - Greenlight ContentIn this episode of Local Grit, Alex Hobcraft interviews Vanessa Green, founder of Greenlight Content, about the importance of authentic copywriting in marketing. They discuss Vanessa's approach to writing for local organizations, the significance of simplicity and honesty in messaging, and the role of case studies in proving business claims. Vanessa shares insights on how businesses can effectively communicate their values and connect with their audience through genuine storytelling.localgrit.ca
2025-11-2039 minLocal GritBettina Schormann - BardōRunning a business isn't always a smooth ride. Running a restaurant is as close to masochism as you can get, in my opinion. But Bettina Scormann handles it like a pro - calmly with grace and a smile. And as you will hear, she's seen her fair share of turmoil.Bettina and Alex delve into Bread Bar's now Bardō's history and how to manage this industry with tenacity.
2025-11-1751 minLocal GritSuzanne Zandbergen - The GeneratorSuzanne Zandbergen is the Social Media expert in Hamilton. She runs The Generator (Hamilton Tourism, McMaster and several BIAs to name a few clients) and is also the co-founder of Hamilton Fempreneurs, Hamilton’s PremierWomen’s Networking Group. We talk about starting up a social media business, growth and more in this epic chat.
2025-11-1719 minLocal GritSuad Sarajlic - 101 KeysCustom websites for businesses are just better. Insights from Suad Sarjlic, owner of 101 Keys, on how personalized web design can enhance user experience and drive business success.custom websites, user experience, digital marketing, web design, business successCustom websites enhance user experience.Generic templates lack personalization.Web design should reflect brand identity.Engagement marketing is the future.AI can help stay ahead in digital marketing.Continuous skill updates are essential.A website is a business's digital footprint.Custom design captures business essence.User journey should be seamless online.Investing in custom websites...
2025-11-1734 minLocal GritRobert Armstrong - Aberdeen InteriorsIn this episode of Local Grit, Alex Hobcraft interviews Robert Armstrong, the founder of Aberdeen Interiors and Aberdeen Plumbing. They discuss Robert's journey from a sales background to starting his own home renovation business, the challenges and successes along the way, and the importance of trust and shared values in business. The conversation also covers renovation trends, multi-generational living, and the impact of tariffs and supply chain issues on the industry.https://localgrit.caSponsered by alexhobcraft.com
2025-11-1732 minLocal GritChris Mindorff - Democracy CoffeeIn this episode of Local Grit, Alex Hobcraft interviews Chris Mindorff, owner of Station One Coffee House, about his journey in the coffee business, the impact of tariffs, and the importance of community support. They discuss the challenges of running a local coffee shop, the role of sustainability, and the significance of creating a community hub.Click Here to visit DemocracyClick here to go to Local GritCommunity support is crucial for local businesses.Sustainability is a key focus for Station One...
2025-11-1114 minLocal GritDemocracy - Chris MindorffChris Mindorff, owner of Democracy Coffee shop on Locke St in Hamilton, talks about starting and growing a small business and the mindset behind it.
2025-10-3114 min
DiscoPosse PodcastEp 257 - From Guitar Strings to Marketing Kings: Alex Hobcraft on Building BusinessesJoin Alex Hobcraft, founder of AWH Marketing, as he reconnects with the DiscoPosse Podcast. Alex takes us on a journey through his entrepreneurial path, starting from a humble music school in 2009 to becoming a marketing expert. Discover how Alex navigated the challenges of the 2008 economic crash, scaled his business, and learned the importance of hyperlocal marketing.
Alex shares invaluable insights into the intricacies of digital marketing, from the importance of a Google Business Profile to leveraging analytics and social media effectively. With a blend of humor and deep knowledge, Alex and the host delve into the evolution...
2024-07-161h 31