In this episode of the Business in the Open podcast, host Vanessa Smith sits down with Brett Poirier to unpack his journey from a media and journalism background to building Red Sands Group, which began in property management and has now expanded into vacation rentals, plumbing, electrical, cleaning, insulation and pest control divisions.

Brett shares how buying his first duplex in Charlottetown at 19 helped jumpstart his real estate path, how the business grew through necessity and referrals, and why clear vision and strong customer service matter as much as operations. He also discusses working with friends, learning business through books and mentoring, the demands of managing multiple companies, and plans to expand Red Sands Vacations beyond PEI into New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.

Connect with Brett & Red Sands here:

https://www.redsands.ca/

https://www.facebook.com/RedSandsProperties

This episode was audio-produced by Adam Ramsay.

A big thanks to our sponsors for making this episode possible. Learn more about them here:

Fiddling Fisherman Lookout

Provincial Credit Union

Want to support the show? Click follow wherever you are listening and leave us a review! And lastly, head on over to our Instagram so we can connect https://www.instagram.com/business.openpod/.

For Episode 29, we chat with PEI restaurateur Richard Court, owner-operator within Oyster Island Hospitality, including Pilot House, Sea Rocket, and Pink Crow in downtown Charlottetown, and opening this summer on the Rustico harbour, The Rustico Cannery.

Richard shares how he started in restaurants at 13, later joining the Pilot House and eventually taking over ownership from founders Doug and Judy Harvey.

He describes expanding post-COVID as opportunities arose, building Sea Rocket in six months in a challenging heritage space, transitioning the former Piatto restaurant into what is now known as Pink Crow, and opening the seafood-focused Rustico Cannery this June.

Richard emphasizes hands-on hospitality, coaching teams, reading guest needs, and balancing growth, family life, and operations while expecting another busy tourism season.

Connect with Richard's businesses here:

https://www.instagram.com/thepilothouse/

https://www.instagram.com/sea_rocket_oysters/

https://www.instagram.com/pinkcrowcharlottetown/

https://www.instagram.com/rusticocannery/

This episode was audio-produced by Adam Ramsay.

A big thanks to our sponsors for making this episode possible. Learn more about them here:

Fiddling Fisherman Lookout

Provincial Credit Union

Want to support the show? Click follow wherever you are listening and leave us a review! And lastly, head on over to our Instagram so we can connect https://www.instagram.com/business.openpod/.

Today's episode features Sheila Kerry, co-owner of Double Loop Running Co.. Sheila details launching a boutique running specialty store with her husband Mike after she began running as an adult and trained for her first Marathon in 2023. Sheila shares her background in competitive sport, a 15-year communications career, and the shift from being “content” to feeling aligned through running and entrepreneurship while still working full-time at Veterans Affairs Canada. We discuss the fall 2024 “aha” moment, creating a business plan, securing their Milky Way location, DIY renovations, and building an inclusive, community-first store with products chosen through local run-club feedback and ongoing trial and error. Sheila covers imposter syndrome, mentorship support, tourist traffic surprises, the meaning behind the Double Loop name and infinity logo, community events, online expansion, new brands, and her plans to run the upcoming Philadelphia Marathon.

Connect with Sheila & Double Loop Running Co. here:

https://www.instagram.com/doublelooprunning/

https://doublelooprunning.com/

This episode was audio-produced by Adam Ramsay.

A big thanks to our sponsors for making this episode possible. Learn more about them here:

Fiddling Fisherman Lookout

Provincial Credit Union

Want to support the show? Click follow wherever you are listening and leave us a review! And lastly, head on over to our Instagram so we can connect https://www.instagram.com/business.openpod/.

For episode 2 of Season 3, host Vanessa Smith interviews Sarah Ellen Clark, owner of The Seagull Grab & Go in Mount Stewart, PEI, which she opened October 1 in her late father's former restaurant building on his blueberry farm.

Sarah Ellen shares her background, including years away traveling and working in marketing and hospitality, and how her father's passing motivated her to bring the space back to life as a bakery and cafe. She describes the stress of permits, staffing, learning espresso and baking, and being unexpectedly slammed from opening week through word-of-mouth and social media.

This conversation covers her focus on homemade, elevated menu items, her social media approach, community support, intense time demands, and plans to renovate an event space for weddings and conferences, with future expansion ideas.

Connect with Sarah Ellen & The Seagull. here:

https://www.instagram.com/theseagullpei/

https://www.instagram.com/sarahellenclark/

This episode was audio-produced by Adam Ramsay.

A big thanks to our sponsors for making this episode possible. Learn more about them here:

Fiddling Fisherman Lookout

Provincial Credit Union

Want to support the show? Click follow wherever you are listening and leave us a review! And lastly, head on over to our Instagram so we can connect https://www.instagram.com/business.openpod/.

In the first episode for Season 3, host Vanessa Smith welcomes Marsha Doiron to share her background growing up on PEI and a career that evolved through tourism and hospitality, including roles with a Japanese tour operator, the Confederation Bridge, and Holland College before joining and later leaving Coach Atlantic Group in 2019.

Marsha and her husband Adam then expanded into multiple ventures, including renovating and selling a downtown building, purchasing a seniors' home in Fredericton, acquiring a campground, retail properties in Cavendish and Kindred Spirits Country Inn & Cottages, buying the PEI Preserve Company in 2022, launching seasonal Stoked Pizza, franchising three Mezza Lebanese Kitchen locations, and most recently acquiring Linkletter Welding.

Marsha discusses burnout recovery through coaching, working boundaries with her husband, building strong teams, and her new focus on writing, a blog called Nourished, a lifestyle cookbook, and future women's retreats.

Connect with Marsha & PEI Preserve Co. here:

https://preservecompany.com

https://preservecompany.com/blogs/nourished

https://www.instagram.com/marshaldoiron/

This episode was audio-produced by Adam Ramsay (adam@adamramsay.com).

A big thanks to our sponsors for making this episode possible. Learn more about them here:

Fiddling Fisherman Lookout

Provincial Credit Union

Want to support the show? Click follow wherever you are listening and leave us a review! And lastly, head on over to our Instagram so we can connect https://www.instagram.com/business.openpod/.

Hi there, I'm sharing a quick podcast update on Season 3 and introducing The Ref(y)nery Mini Mastermind - a small, in-person experience I created for PEI entrepreneurs craving connection, clarity, and collaboration. I hope to be back in your ears regularly very soon!

We're currently seeking sponsors for Season 3. Interested? Reach out to Vanessa@refyagency.com.

In this episode of the Business in the Open Podcast, host Vanessa Smith interviews Luke Beck, Co-Owner of Kay's Wholesale. Luke shares his journey from playing and coaching hockey to becoming a leader in the wholesale business. He discusses the importance of building relationships, the transition and acquisition of businesses like A1 Vacuum, and his approach to leadership and business growth. Luke also touches on the challenges and successes of moving to a new location and opening Kay's Fresh Market. The episode concludes with insights on community support, advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, and plans for the future.

Connect with Kays Wholesale / Kays Fresh Market:

https://www.facebook.com/KaysWholesale

https://www.facebook.com/KaysFreshMarket

https://www.instagram.com/kays.wholesale/

https://www.instagram.com/kaysfreshmarket/

This episode was audio-produced by Adam Ramsay.

A big thanks to our sponsors for making this episode possible. Learn more about them here:

HER Creative Co. - FREE Website Prep Checklist here

Consolidated Credit Union

MRSB Group

Want to support the show? Click follow wherever you are listening and leave us a review! And lastly, head on over to our Instagram so we can connect https://www.instagram.com/business.openpod/.