Shows
Small Business | Big InsightsStop Overpaying Your Taxes: Give to Charity Instead with Flow-Through Shares (with Albert Labelle, PearTree Canada)Send us a textToday, Eric sits down with Albert Labelle, partner at PearTree and a pro in strategic philanthropy.Albert breaks down flow-through shares—a powerful but often overlooked tax strategy that can help small business owners and individuals boost their charitable giving while lowering after-tax costs. They dive into how flow-through shares work, the tax advantages for Canadian donors, and how PearTree helps make it all happen. Albert also clears up common concerns around compliance and explains how to spot legitimate donation strategies.If you’re looking to give smar...2025-04-1542 min
Small Business | Big InsightsWhy Montfort Hospital is More Than Just a Hospital (with Robert Rhéaume – Chair, Montfort Foundation)Send us a textThis special episode is part of the Podcasthon initiative, a global movement harnessing the power of podcasts to drive conversations around important causes. Podcasthon brings together creators, thought leaders, and change-makers to amplify voices that matter. Learn more at Podcasthon’s website.Meet Robert Rhéaume, Board Chair of the Montfort Foundation. He shares his pride in the community-funded Mental Health Emergency Zone (MHEZ) and the Montfort Hospital’s vital role in multilingual patient care, medical research, and healthcare training. Robert discusses their recent fundraising successes for mental health and inspiring donor...2025-03-1536 min
Small Business | Big InsightsAutomation, AI & Sales Hacks: The Future of Business, Revealed (With David Burden from Arketek)Send us a textIn this episode, Eric chats with David Burden, Director of Sales and Biz Dev at Arketek, a leading Salesforce consultancy. David drops some great tips on smart sales strategies, using tech to grow your biz, and avoiding common small business pitfalls. They cover everything from the (fading) future of cold email to how AI and automation are changing the sales game. Plus, David shares practical ways small businesses can streamline their sales process and use CRM data to find more ideal customers. Packed with useful insights for anyone looking to scale smarter.2025-02-1534 min
Small Business | Big InsightsCutting Costs Without Compromise: The Secrets to Slashing Business Expenses Well! (With Shawn Stratton from Schooley Mitchell)Send us a textIn this episode, Eric sits down with Shawn Stratton from Schooley Mitchell, a business optimization pro who helps small businesses cut costs—on average by 28%—without sacrificing quality. Drawing on his background as an expedition leader, speaker, and author, Shawn shares practical tips on auditing expenses and negotiating better rates on things like telecom, waste, and merchant services. He breaks down common myths around cost-cutting and explains how Schooley Mitchell handles the heavy lifting so business owners can save without extra hassle. It's a must-listen for anyone looking to boost...2025-01-1534 min
Small Business | Big InsightsAvoiding Common Tax Mistakes: Lessons from an Accountant with Tara Robertson (Zenbooks)Send us a textIn this episode of the Small Business Big Insights Podcast, Eric welcomes Tara Robertson, a senior accountant at Zenbooks. Tara shares valuable insights on business taxation, her journey in the industry, and even some tax horror stories. They discuss the critical role tax accountants play, share tips for small business owners, and address common myths about business taxes in Canada. 0:30 Introducing Tara Robertson: A Journey in Accounting 1:34 The Cyclical Nature of Tax Season 4:08 Tax Horror Stories and Lessons Learned 6:59 Saving Clients Money 10:43 Unexpected Deductions and Client Conver...2024-12-1532 min
Small Business | Big InsightsNavigating Business Law and Succession Planning with Expert Steve ParrSend us a textSteve Parr shares his journey from founding and selling a vacation rental company to starting his own law firm, Parr Business Law. In this episode, he breaks down the essentials of business succession planning. Steve highlights why it’s so important to have a solid business structure, clear legal agreements, and backup plans in place for the unexpected. After all, every business partnership ends eventually—it’s just a matter of when. 0:22 Introducing Steve Parr 5:00 Key Legal Steps for Small Business Owners 10:41 Estate Planning for Business Owners 15:03 Business Succession...2024-11-1538 min
Small Business | Big InsightsFrom Flour to Power: The Surprising Strategy That's Revolutionizing the Bakery Industry with Kayla Rochkin at Bond Bakery BrandsSend us a textIn this episode, Eric interviews Kayla Rochkin, the Chief Growth Officer at Bond Bakery Brands. Bond acquires family and founder-run bakeries without succession plans, helping them continue their legacy. Kayla dishes on everything from keeping quality top-notch to building a company culture that’s as warm and welcoming as fresh bread. She also shares tips on getting that B Corp certification and how to balance profits with purpose. 0:28 Introductions 2:20 Bond Bakery Brands 4:10 Portofino Bakery 11:30 B Corp Certification Journey 19:30 Carbon Reduction Initiatives 20:06 Flour Silos 25:27 Competing with Industry...2024-10-1537 min
Small Business | Big InsightsPitfalls and opportunities of world class SaaS Businesses (Drew Millington from Nmbr)Send us a textDrew Millington is the co-founder of Nmbr, Canada’s first embedded payroll provider. With deep expertise in SaaS and startups, Drew offers insights into key metrics that startups and small businesses should monitor, including the distinction between regrettable and non-regrettable churn. As a sales guru who has successfully scaled multiple tech startups, Drew shares invaluable advice on optimizing sales processes and effectively pitching to investors. 0:00 Introduction0:40 Drew’s biography3:30 Payroll software4:38 Tracking sell-through6:55 Sales process12:18 Marketing for success16:20 AI and creativity17:22 Operations side of scal...2024-09-1541 min
Small Business | Big InsightsLeadership and Innovation in Payroll: Interview with Wagepoint CEO Shrad RaoSend us a textShrad Rao is the CEO of Wagepoint, a payroll software designed for small businesses in Canada. The company, known for its friendly team, aims to make payroll simpler and less intimidating. Wagepoint serves over 25,000 customers and processes payroll for more than 200,000 employees each month. Under Shrad’s leadership, the company has grown to over 100 employees and is committed to diversity and inclusion. Shrad prioritizes a human-first approach and focuses on finding smarter solutions rather than working harder. He dismisses the concept of a "bias for action" and remains focused on customer needs and so...2024-08-1548 min
Small Business | Big InsightsMastering Business Acquisitions and Roll-Ups with Brian L. ShieldsSend us a textIn this episode, we dive deep into the world of business acquisitions with Brian Lee Shields, a seasoned business development and acquisition expert based in LA. With 15 years of experience, Brian has a rich background in private equity and has been involved in over $4 billion worth of investments across more than 15 industries. Listeners will gain valuable insights into business restructuring, turnaround strategies, and managing burnout.Brian and Eric cover a range of crucial topics including:Understanding the fit for business buyersNavigating cash flow investment dealsBuilding and maintaining a strong company...2024-07-1543 min
Ottawa Business MattersOttawa Board of Trade's 167th AGM, 40 under 40 award winner, a conversation with Ottawa's First Female City Manager and more with Sueling Ching, Wendy Stephanson, Brendan McGuinty and Eric SaumureIn this episode of Ottawa Business Matters, host Sam Laprade discusses key developments in the Ottawa business community with leaders from the Ottawa Board of Trade, Invest Ottawa, and the city government. Sueling Ching, President and CEO of the Ottawa Board of Trade, highlights the recent 167th Annual General Meeting and their initiatives to invigorate the local economy. City Manager Wendy Stephanson shares her vision for the city's development and the importance of women in leadership roles. Brendan McGuinty, Chair of the Ottawa Board of Trade, emphasizes the critical need for collaboration among various sectors to foster a balanced...2024-06-2451 min
Ottawa Business MattersEric Saumure on winning a 40 under 40 award, using modern technology to simplify accounting and moreEric Saumure from Zenbooks, who was recently honored as a 40 Under 40 awardee joins Sam Laprade to get his reaction to receiving the award, the camaraderie with other winners, and how Zenbooks stands out by utilizing modern technology to simplify accounting for small business owners and nonprofit leaders. He shares his journey of balancing business success with personal challenges, including his recent achievements and community involvement. Eric provides valuable insights into the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, balancing personal life, and taking bold steps like advocating for tax deadline extensions. He offers practical advice for budding entrepreneurs and individuals navigating...2024-06-2414 min
Small Business | Big InsightsAvoiding Common Financial Mistakes: Pro Tips from a Seasoned Planner (With Alex Hadjisophocleous from Forest Financial Planning)Send us a textAlex Hadjisophocleous is a fee-only/advice-only financial planner at Forest Financial Planning Inc., helping individuals and business owners grow wealth through financial literacy. His unbiased advice is a refreshing contrast to financial advisors who charge substantial annual fees, particularly in Canada. In this episode, he shares a wealth of financial wisdom, including tips on insurance, paying installments, and how to withdraw a salary or pay yourself in a small business. He also shares his insights on the future direction of the financial planning industry. 0:00 Intro 0:55 Conversation begins 4:50 Fin...2024-06-1545 min
Small Business | Big InsightsFrom Obscurity to Icon: Unveiling Secrets to Crafting a Memorable Small Business Brand (With Robert Smith from Greenmelon)Send us a textWhat are the key attributes of a polished brand? To tackle this question, Eric invites Robert Smith for an insightful conversation on branding. Robert, a branding expert, Adjunct Professor, author, and Chief Creative Officer at Greenmelon Inc, has a wealth of experience in crafting successful brand identities. Having worked with numerous major companies in Canada, Robert prioritizes frequency, consistency, and quality in his approach. He shares invaluable tips and advice tailored for small businesses venturing into brand building. Throughout their discussion, they delve into topics such as logos, timelines, competition, creativity, an...2024-05-1545 min
Small Business | Big InsightsSecrets to Building a Team That Fuels Your Success: What Every Entrepreneur Needs to Know!(With Zach Montroy from The Intention Collective)Send us a textGrowing and scaling a small business takes strategy, innovation, and above all, great leadership. Zach Montroy, the Founder & CEO of The Intention Collective—a group of consultants specializing in small business growth and scaling—is a Harvard-educated strategist focusing on organizational psychology and development. In this lively discussion, they delve into team motivation, vision, values, goals, and systems. In an unpredictable world, like during the COVID-19 pandemic, how often should you revisit your business strategy? Zach suggests it’s helpful to have no more than four values and to continually build trust internally within...2024-04-1536 min
Small Business | Big InsightsUnlocking Business Success: How a Punk Rock Lawyer Turned Startup Guru is Transforming 125,000 Businesses(Shane Murphy from Ownr)Send us a textStarting a small business involves various legal considerations, many of which can be conveniently addressed online. Shane Murphy, the CEO of Ownr, brings a legal background to the table and shares his entrepreneurial journey, including successfully starting and later having his business acquired by its major competitor. Ownr, an all-in-one platform, has assisted more than 125,000 small businesses in their initial stages by facilitating tasks such as registration and incorporation and provides ongoing support for routine legal needs. Scaling up your “side hustle’ and making your business ideas official doesn't need to be excess...2024-03-1541 min
Small Business | Big InsightsUnlocking Small Business Potential with IT (With Jeremy Irving from IC360)Send us a textSmall businesses should not shy away from new technology, but rather use it as a secret tool to drive employee and customer satisfaction and engagement. Jeremy Irving is the Managing Director and Senior Technical Analyst of IC 360 Solutions, a technology firm that helps small businesses. He is also a certified PMP (project management professional) and a cloud technology and digital transformation expert, with over twenty years of hands-on IT experience. Today, he shares his insights on cybersecurity, ChatGPT, Microsoft versus G-Suite, his personal views on work-life balance, and much more. ...2024-02-1545 min
Small Business | Big InsightsWealthsimple’s radical employee experience (with Gren Austin from Wealthsimple)Send us a textEmployee retention is crucial for small businesses, and providing benefits to alleviate financial worries can be instrumental in avoiding turnover. Gren Austin serves as the Head of Wealthsimple Work, overseeing the day-to-day operations of Wealthsimple's Group Retirement Business. In a conversation with Eric, Gren delves into the distinctions between group pensions and RSPs, emphasizes a client-first approach, and highlights the diverse range of services that Wealthsimple offers.0:00 Teaser 0:57 Interview begins2:36 Client-first approach6:05 Human VS robot 7:50 Expanding into crypto and trading11:35 Education, savings, investing 12:55 Group...2024-01-1540 min
Small Business | Big InsightsUsing emotions to improve team performance (with Ange MacCabe from Intuity Performance)Send us a textIn this episode our guest, Ange unpacks the concept of Emotional Intelligence (EI) and its multi-dimensional influence on interactions within teams. Emotionally intelligent leadership is revealed as a catalyst for trust, collaboration, and innovation, fostering a culture that drives small business success. Small business owners are offered practical strategies to harness the power of emotions, bolster team cohesion, and maximize productivity. Self-awareness emerges as a pivotal factor, underlining the importance of recognizing one's emotions in nurturing emotional intelligence. Additionally, the discussion touches on the significance of emotional resilience in o...2023-12-1540 min
Small Business | Big InsightsPragmatic view to people management (with Andrea Bartlett)Send us a textManaging people for YOUR small business, join me with guest Andrea Bartlett, she has been Vice-President of People at Humi for 3 years. In this episode we talk in depth about how you can make sure that HR plays a pivotal role in nurturing your workplace and foster great employee experiences. Andrea has great tactical advice and real-world examples to help you enhance your Employee Experience and onboarding processes. This episode is brought to you by Zenbooks.ca and emdashagency.ca 0:00 Introduction 2:15 Andrea Bartlett3:35 Employee Experience Explained7:4...2023-11-1555 min
Small Business | Big InsightsExclusive advantages for LGBT friendly businesses (with Darrell Schuurman from CGLCC)Send us a textUnderstanding the intersection and dynamics of the 2SLGBTQI+ and business community. Join me with guest Darrell Schuurman co-founder and CEO of the CGLCC, Canada’s LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce as we explore questions that many small business owners have as it relates to the 2SLGBTQI+ community. In this episode we talk about how all businesses can do their part to recognize, include and collaborate with diverse groups in their communities. Darrell also touches on advocating for the economic empowerment of 2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneurs.This episode is brought to you by Ze...2023-10-1542 min
Work Less PROFIT More Business PodcastEp. 106 – Increasing Workflow Efficiencies in Your Small Business with guest Eric SaumureCan technology really help small firm owners with workflow efficiencies?Do virtual, online services such as accounting and bookkeeping really work?Guest Eric Saumure and I talk about:Why he founded an online, 100% remote, accounting service Why some business owners might be reluctant to try 100% remote services for their financial servicesHis suggestion to other firm owners who might be considering the shift to online and 100% virtualHow his business facilitates a positive work culture – great ideasTech tools that can help you save time with your finances including:DEXT - here previously Receipt BankKARBON – colla...2023-09-1929 min
Small Business | Big InsightsAre you missing out on M&A Opportunities? (with Colleen Kelley from Stratford Group)Send us a textMastering mergers & acquisitions for small businesses, join me with guest Colleen Kelley president at Stratford Group. In this episode we explore the strategic reasons why small and medium-sized businesses should consider acquisitions. Colleen specializes in business scale-up, strategic planning, mergers and acquisitions (M&A), and integrations. Colleen shares a comprehensive overview of M&A strategies, financial considerations, due diligence processes, key industry players, and integration challenges for small and medium-sized businesses. Don't miss out on your M&A opportunities.This episode is brought to you by Zenbooks.ca and...2023-09-1545 min
Drinking With FreelancersEpisode 8: Eric SaumureEric Saumure, CPA, CA is the co-founder and principal of Zenbooks, a boutique small business accounting firm in Canada. His firm is a brilliant example of how you take an idea to do things a little differently in an industry infamous for its unyielding inflexibility and build it into a rapidly growing business that offers immaculate service to its customers.
On this episode, Eric and I chat about:
How a clear, thoughtful vision can drive your business (even to work on the beach in California)
Tactics to find and hire employees who have...2023-09-1248 min
Small Business | Big InsightsTop Unexpected Recruiting and Retention Tactics (with James Baker - Keynote Search)Send us a textSmall businesses can thrive by maximizing talent, fostering a dynamic culture, and adapting to the evolving business landscape. Eric, and guest James Baker discuss the challenges and opportunities that small businesses often overlook, from recruitment pitfalls to harnessing government grants, this podcast explores some unexpected tactics small businesses can use to optimize their operations and culture. James is the CEO and Co-Founder of Keynote Search, he boasts two decades of industry expertise and remarkable accolades along the way, like Fastest Growing Company by Globe and Mail and Forty under 40 to name a few...2023-08-1444 min
Small Business | Big InsightsTop Tactical Marketing Ideas for Small Businesses (with Riaz Sidi from Sidi.io)Send us a textJoin me with guest Riaz Sidi from Sidi.io, a distinguished sales and marketing leader, sharing game-changing insights from his 20+ years of experience as he champions collaboration over competition and unveils the secrets of customer engagement. In this episode we explore the core pillars of business success from revenue generation, sales finesse, and marketing brilliance. Riaz emphasizes the importance of a strong foundation, likening it to igniting a spark before launching a marketing campaign. Discover the art of diversification and adaptability in an ever-changing market. Riaz advocates authentic self-presentation, while harnessing AI and...2023-08-1448 min
Small Business | Big InsightsEvolving Beyond the Traditional Business Mindset (with Rob Dale - Rhapsody Strategies)Send us a textSelf-awareness, the ability to adapt in times of uncertainty, and building trust with clients and team members are this episode's focus. Eric and guest Rob Dale explain thought-provoking topics that help business owners expand beyond the traditional business mindset. Rob is a master coach with Rhapsody Strategies, an award-winning coaching firm, who demonstrates his ability to inspire and motivate individuals to grow and live out their purpose. His "Living Richly" podcast, featuring weekly video talks, has garnered views from people in over 20 countries. Join us through his insights, where you’re encouraged to co...2023-08-1344 min
Small Business | Big InsightsSecrets to Smart Revenue Growth (with Anastasia Valentine)Send us a textToday’s conversation is with accomplished technology leader Anastasia Valentine. Join me as she reveals her strategies for smart revenue growth for small business owners and entrepreneurs. We explore the pivotal roles of CROs and CMOs in aligning marketing and sales for business expansion as well as strategies for networking and building valuable connections using CRM tools . We dive into the realm of AI in content creation while emphasizing the balance of human touch and ethical practices. Anastasia imparts wisdom on setting achievable goals, optimizing work efficiency, and preventing burnout. Tune in for pr...2023-08-1340 min
Knack 4 BusinessBe Zen, Stop Lifestyle Creep, How Remote Accounting ConnectsSend us a textWelcome to the Knack 4 Business podcast. Be Zen, Stop Lifestyle Creep, How Remote Accounting Connects Today's guest is Eric SaumureEric Saumure is not your traditional accountant. While he’s formally trained as an accountant (CPA, CA), his experience is in advising C-suite executives and business owners on all areas of business finance, including succession planning, restructuring, building processes and managing remote teams. He started Zenbooks. Eric talks about how th...2023-07-2547 min
Small Business | Big InsightsImproved marketing with real research (with David Coletto - Abacus Data)Send us a textPolls, surveys, and focus groups aren’t just for big business; small businesses can gain big insights and win a competitive edge. Diving into this topic, Eric interviews one of Canada’s best known and most respected pollsters, David Coletto. David is the Founder, Chair, and CEO of Abacus Data, a Canadian market research firm. He has a PhD in Political Science and is a professor at Carleton University. By discovering what your current and prospective customers really think, you can invest wisely into your marketing and growth strategy. Like David says, “good decisi...2023-07-1837 min
Steal From the BestEric Saumure - Not your traditional accountant! Principal at Zenbooks, an online accounting firmWe chat with Eric Saumure, Principal at Zenbooks, an online accounting firm. He's not your traditional accountant. While he's formally trained as an accountant (CPA, CA), he has experience advising C-Suite executives and business owners on all areas of business finance, including succession planning, restructuring, building processes, and managing remote teams. Eric was tired of the big firm feel and decided to change the way people see their accountant and started Zenbooks which is an online Canadian accounting firm that is 100% remote and leveraging the latest cloud-based tools to advise small business owners across Canada Eric offers som...2023-06-2149 min
Le PlanifS05 - E07 - Balado Le PlanifD’où vient l’argent ? La capsule Origine avec Isabelle Juneau, nous raconte la petite histoire de la création de la monnaie et, de l’argent sonnant. Cet épisode traite du marché des changes de devises. C'est le plus gros marché de la planète. Plus important encore que celui des actions. Découvrez avec nous les secrets des cambistes, avec notre invité Eric Saumure. Il est aussi question du risque de change de devise dans les fonds et FNB.2021-09-0732 min
Coffee Gals PodcastZenbooksIn this episode of Coffee Gals, we spoke to Eric Saumure, CPA, CA and Principal at Zenbooks, Canada's go-to cloud accounting firm and one of OCF’s trusted partners. Are you interested in learning how to start and operate your own profitable coffee shop or coffee-related business? Well then this episode is for you!From providing insight on how to build out financial projections to sharing tips on what to consider when looking for a space, Eric shares some valuable big picture knowledge on how to plan ahead to ensure financial success when starting out a coffee shop.Resources mentioned in t...2021-02-1133 min