ABA Coffee In The Park
Behind every business there's a story and behind every story there's a person. Acheson is one of the most dynamic, fastest growing business parks in Western Canada. Each week we want to bring to you some of the most fascinating stories of those people behind the businesses in and around Acheson. Listen to be inspired, encouraged and motivated. New podcast drops every Thursday at noon (GMT)
A Coffee with Karren Menil, Owner of Green Light Customs Broker
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Join us for a coffee and chat with Karren Menil, the visionary founder of Green Light Customs Broker! Born in the Philippines as the youngest of five, Karren grew up immersed in family and community. In 2014, she seized the opportunity to study in Canada, bringing with her a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a rich background in banking, insurance, and even running her own manufacturing business, Germ-Proof Solutions.
Her initial plan was to take her manufacturing business global upon returning to the Philippines after completing an...
A Coffee with Barrie Stafford, the Legendary Equipment Manager for the Edmonton Oilers
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Join us for coffee with Barrie Stafford, the legendary Equipment Manager for the Edmonton Oilers!
Barrie shares his remarkable journey from growing up in Banff and pursuing junior hockey to becoming a UAlberta Golden Bear under iconic coach Clare Drake, where he contributed to three championship wins. His path then led him to be a trainer for the Oilers' farm team, eventually joining the Edmonton Oilers in 1982—the very year they made their first Stanley Cup Finals appearance.
Barrie recounts his incredible 38-ye...
One Year Anniversary!
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Tuesday marked one full year since we launched the ABA Coffee in the Park podcast - and what a journey it has been!
To every guest who said yes and shared their time, stories, and best piece of advice with us: Thank You. Your voices have brought depth, inspiration, and authenticity to every episode.
To our listeners who tune in week after week: you are the heart of this podcast. Your support, feedback, and encouragement have fueled us every step of the way.
This milestone is more th...
A Coffee with Nedal Huoseh, Executive Director of ATG Sports Management
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Join us for a coffee and chat with Nedal Huoseh, Executive Director of ATG Sports Management! Nedal shares his incredible and unconventional journey, beginning with his family's immigration to North Edmonton as refugees in the early 60s.
His early path led him to NAIT for Electrical Engineering Technology. Even during his first year, he was already putting in the groundwork, literally, by digging trenches for an electrical contractor. By 2003, he took the entrepreneurial leap, opening ASI Tech, a leading provider of comprehensive contracting and communication solutions
<...A Coffee with Matt Laird from The Brasstactics!
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Join us for a coffee and an energetic chat with Matt Laird from The Brasstactics, the dynamic brass band whose vibrant sounds you've undoubtedly heard if you've attended an Edmonton Oilers Hockey game!
Matt, an Edmonton native, started his musical journey early, playing the tuba and even serving as the spirited school mascot during his time at Harry Ainlay High School, bringing fun to all events. His passion for music truly took off playing the tuba in a drum corps, where he competed in various competitions across the US...
A Coffee with Mandy Quon, Dean of Students Office at the University of Alberta
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Join us for a coffee and an insightful chat with Mandy Quon, Assistant Dean for the Faculty of Native Studies and the Dean of Students Office at the University of Alberta!
Mandy shares her truly unique upbringing, born in Edmonton on Father's Day and during "Bay Days," as part of the family behind The Lingnan, the city's beloved and oldest Chinese restaurant, now celebrating 78 years! She'll recount what it was like growing up "Quon" and working within the iconic restaurant.
Beyond the family...
A Coffee with Maron Green, Chief Operating Officer of JAPA Equipment Rentals and Machinery Group
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Join us for coffee with Maron Green, Chief Operating Officer of JAPA Equipment Rentals and Machinery Group!
This episode offers a fascinating look into the world of industrial equipment and family business.
Hear how this Edmonton native, a proud alumna of St. Francis Xavier High School and a U of A International Business degree holder (fluent in French!), got her start at her family's company, JAPA. Discover how a temporary accounting role covering a medical leave became her gateway, and how her later pursuit of a second degree in P...
A Coffee with Don Patterson, Managing Partner & Broker of RE/MAX Excellence in Edmonton
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Join us for coffee with Don Patterson, Managing Partner & Broker/Owner of RE/MAX Excellence in Edmonton.
This proud father and grandfather, an alumnus of Ross Shep, shares his remarkable and diverse journey. After earning his Law Degree from the University of Alberta (and even working as a roofer during his studies!), Don also delved into real estate development.
His life took an exciting turn when he and his wife moved to France, where they welcomed their first child. Upon returning to Toronto, Don transitioned into the real estate...
A Coffee with Stephanie Rodenkirchen, CEO and Founder of Lotus Group
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Join us for a coffee and chat with Stephanie Rodenkirchen, CEO and Founder of Lotus Group.
Born in Seattle but raised in the scenic Okanagan Valley of British Columbia, Stephanie's early life was marked by a passion for soccer. Hear about her time on the BC Provincial team, which led to a soccer scholarship in North Carolina. Though a concussion brought her soccer career to an early end, it opened a new door at UBC, where she joined the Alpine Ski Team and discovered a profound interest in Sociology and the...
A Coffee with Cheryl Watt, President of Northgate Industries
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Join us for a coffee and chat with Cheryl Watt President of Northgate Industries!
Born and raised in Edmonton, Cheryl's path took a brief detour to Victoria before she returned home to pursue Business Marketing at NAIT, with a clear vision of joining her father's company. Hear about her early aspirations and her initial role in cell phone sales before stepping into the family business, Northgate Industries.
Founded in Edmonton to sell and service RV trailers, Northgate Industries strategically expanded its offerings to include specialized industrial trailers for remote...
A Coffee with Christy Morin, Executive Director of Arts on the Ave
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Join us for a coffee and chat with Christy Morin the Executive Director of Arts on the Ave.
Born and raised in Edmonton and a Vic Comp alum, Christy's journey took her from a French and Drama degree at the University of Alberta to managing customer relations at Canadian Airlines. After its closure, she transitioned to real estate before finding her true calling as an Artist in Residence, teaching drama to K-6 students in Francophone and French immersion schools.
Her personal life also blossomed in Edmonton, meeting her husband i...
A Coffee with Rob & Debby Wiedeman
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Join us for a coffee and chat with Rob and Debby Wiedeman.
Their story began with a serendipitous meeting at a Safeway party in 1980, where Rob's bold move of handing Debby his business card sparked a connection. Fast forward to marriage in 1985, two wonderful daughters, and three grandchildren.
Debby carved a meaningful career path in mental health, progressing from a Child and Youth Care Councillor to a Mental Health Consultant at Alberta Health Services, even continuing her impact as a casual employee after retirement. Rob's professional life took many i...
Cam and Jennifer Special Edition: Pet Peeves
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Welcome to the Pet Peeves Show, where we dive into the quirks and annoyances that make life interesting!
In this hilarious edition, Cam and Jennifer explore the world of Costco, the mall, and pet owners. From navigating crowded aisles to dealing with mall madness and people not cleaning up while out walking their dogs, we've got it all covered. Tune in for laughs, relatable stories, and light-hearted coffee and conversation. You asked, we responded—now let's get into it!
Let us know your thoughts in the comments and leave us...
A Coffee with Thu Parmar, Vice President Alberta & North West Territories Canadian Red Cross
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Join us for an engaging coffee and chat with Thu Parmar, Vice President, Alberta & North West Territories, Canadian Red Cross.
Listen to this incredible journey as we delve into the life of an extraordinary woman whose family's resilience and determination transformed their lives. Born to Vietnamese refugees who sought a better future in Canada, she witnessed firsthand the power of hard work and community spirit. Her family opened Edmonton's first Vietnamese Submarine Shop, a venture that not only provided for their needs but also paved the way for her and her...
Summertime Drinks with Jennifer and Cam!
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Join us for a delightful podcast episode featuring the vibrant flavors of Wall Coffee Roasters' Summer Time Drinks!
While our guest jetted off unexpectedly, we seized the opportunity to savor and review three top picks from the Wall Coffee Roasters menu. From the enticing Flat White with Blueberry and Honey to the refreshing Espresso Tonic and the indulgent Iced Chai Latte, each sip is a journey of taste. And let's not forget the exclusive creation, the JC Drink - a tropical green tea concoction with club soda, pineapple juice, and a p...
A Coffee with Heather MacCallum Former CEO of NCSG/Barnhart
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Join us for a coffee and chat with Heather MacCallum former CEO of NCSG/Barnhart. Heather is proud to be the Co-Chair of Women United for the Capital Region.
Heather MacCallum's journey is a testament to her relentless pursuit of excellence and leadership. From her humble beginnings in Spruce Grove to mastering Accounting and venturing into her consulting practice, she embodies resilience and determination. Her move to NCSG/Barnhart marked a pivotal moment, where she not only embraced a new challenge but also shattered stereotypes by becoming the first non-family female...
A Coffee with Trevor and Amanda Wilhauk from Brickhouse Smokery
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Join us for a heartwarming coffee and chat with Trevor and Amanda Wilhauk, the dynamic duo behind Brickhouse Smokery.
Trevor's roots in Leduc, Alberta, stem from a family of butchers, while Amanda's journey began in Spruce Grove. Their paths intertwined, leading to a beautiful marriage and the start of their family. In 2016, Brickhouse Smokery came to life, a family venture where their kids and even grandpa play a role.
The spirit of giving shines bright in their business ethos, culminating in the festive '12 Days of Giving' each December, a...
A Coffee with Matt Schellenberger from The Edmonton Construction Association
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Join us for a coffee and chat with Matt Schellenberger the Director of Corporate Development for the Edmonton Construction Association.
Matt's journey from music enthusiast to Director of Corporate Development is a fascinating tale of diverse experiences. Despite his deep-rooted passion for music, life took him on a global adventure before landing him in the construction industry.
Matt's story is a testament to the winding paths our careers can take and the unexpected turns that lead us to where we are meant to be. Now, as he gears up to...
A Coffee with Catherine Brownlee, President of the Alberta Enterprise Group (AEG)
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Join us for a coffee and chat with Catherine Brownlee, President of the Alberta Enterprise Group.
Catherine Brownlee, a true Albertan with a strong work ethic and diverse background, has made significant strides in the business world. From her humble beginnings on a farm near Sundre to her journey in the Oil and Gas industry, Catherine's experiences have shaped her into a respected figure.
Starting Prominent Personnel in 1998, she demonstrated a keen eye for talent and a dedication to connecting the right people with the right roles. Her involvement w...
A Coffee with Marilyn and Marty Rehman
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Join us for a coffee and chat with Marilyn and Marty Rehman.
Marilyn and Marty's journey together has been a remarkable one, filled with love, family, and entrepreneurial ventures. Their 50th wedding anniversary this August marks a milestone in their story that began in Provost, where Marty's spirited win at a school auction captured Marilyn's heart. Together, they raised four children who have each carved their own unique paths in life, from senior NHL refereeing to healthcare and business ownership.
Marty's career has been a tapestry of diverse experiences, f...
A Coffee with Laura Swain, CAO of Parkland County
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Join us for a coffee and chat with Laura Swain, CAO of Parkland County.
Laura Swain, the dynamic and accomplished CAO of Parkland County, is not only a powerhouse in leadership but also a passionate individual outside of work. Her journey from schooling in Nova Scotia to CAO of Parkland County is truly inspiring.
Laura grew up in Nova Scotia where she got her Masters of Public Administration. She moved out to Alberta for the numerous Provincial opportunities in the area. Laura worked for Alberta Infrastructure and Transportation, and P...
A Coffee with Amy Choy from Bings Restaurant
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Join us for a coffee and conversation with Amy Choy, third generation owner and operator of Bings in Spruce Grove, AB. Amy shares her family's journey - the challenges, triumph and successes of running a successful restaurant. Hear her insights on hard work, the importance of family, and the secret to building a loyal customer base. As a dedicated community supporter, Amy believes in giving back to the the place that has supporter her. Don't miss this funny and inspiring story behind the story!
Let us know your thoughts in the...
A Coffee with Tyler Reil from Fabco Plastics
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Join us for a coffee and chat with Tyler Reil from Fabco Plastics!
Tyler's journey from a small town Yamaha enthusiast to a seasoned Branch Manager at Fabco Plastics has been a testament to his resilience and determination.
Tyler grew up in the small town of Willingdon Alberta, a small farming community comprised of 350 residents. It wasn't until his family moved to St. Albert that he decided he wanted work at the local Yamaha Dealership. Tyler's love of motorcycles and sport came together and he was able to participate i...
A Coffee with Tim Shipton the EVP of the Oilers Entertainment Group
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Join us for a coffee and chat with Tim Shipton, the Executive Vice President of the Oilers Entertainment Group Communications and Gaming.
Tim Shipton's journey from Barrhead, Alberta, to the Executive Vice President of the Oilers Entertainment Group is a fascinating tale of dedication and passion. His roots in a small town upbringing and his political science education at the U of A laid the foundation for his impactful career.
Having been accepted into both Engineering and Political Science from high school, Tim chose his political science degree and a...
The Story Behind the Story: Jennifer and Cam
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Join us for a coffee and chat to delve into the captivating Story Behind the Story of Jennifer and Cam. As we sit down together, their narratives unfold, revealing the unique paths they have traversed.
Cam, hailing from Grande Prairie, takes us back to his formative years in Edmonton. He recounts his school experiences, which shaped his character and propelled him towards a remarkable journey. Cam harbored ambitious career aspirations, envisioning himself as a pastor. For an awe-inspiring 33 years, he dedicated his life to guiding his community, spreading hope and compassion...
A Coffee with Richard and Amber Ozero from Good Morning Honey
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Join us for a coffee and chat with Richard and Amber Ozero from Good Morning Honey.
Richard and Amber grew up in farming communities in Alberta, however their passions lead them into the Radio Television program at NAIT where they met. Life had something sweeter in store for them and in 2011, driven by their desire to raise their children on a farm, they purchased a charming piece of land, eager to introduce their kids to the wonders of rural life.
As they settled into their new farm, Richard, always...
A Coffee with Teresa Spinelli from The Italian Centre
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Join us for a coffee and chat with Teresa Spinelli, President of the Italian Centre.
Teresa Spinelli, a proud Edmontonian, has transformed her family's small grocery centre into a beloved institution that celebrates Italian culture and community. What started as a simple endeavor to reconnect with their heritage soon blossomed into a thriving enterprise that brings people together through food and shared experiences.
Although Teresa initially aspired to be a social worker, life had different plans for her. When her father and brother fell ill, she stepped up to ta...
A Coffee with Karen Principe, Ward Councillor for the City of Edmonton
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Join us for a coffee and chat with Karen Principe, Ward Councilor for the City of Edmonton.
Karen's journey from dental assistant to community advocate is one filled with passion and dedication. Born and raised in Winnipeg, she found her calling in the dental field while also working as a DJ for fun on the weekends. It was during this time that she met her future husband, Gene, and later relocated to Toronto.
As fate would have it, Gene's broadcasting job led them to Edmonton, where Karen seized the o...
A Coffee with Chad Zender from Zender Ford
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Join us for a coffee and chat with Chad Zender the President of Zender Ford.
Having been raised in Parkland County, Chad Zender has always had a deep connection to his community. His family's longstanding ownership of the Zender Ford dealership in Spruce Grove is a testament to their commitment to serving their customers with integrity and dedication. After completing his education at the University of Victoria, Chad eagerly joined the Zender Ford team, ready to bring a fresh perspective to the business.
As the second generation of Zender's...
A Coffee with Francisco Martin from Martin Recruitment
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Come and join us for a coffee and chat with Francisco Martin, the founder of Martin Recruitment.
Francisco's journey began in Cuba, where he was born, but at the age of seven, his family made a life-changing decision to move to Edmonton, Canada. His mother, a doctor, seized the opportunity to relocate and create a better future for her family.
Unfortunately, their initial experience in Canada was far from ideal. The sponsor family they stayed with turned out to be toxic, posing a threat to their safety. In a c...
Coffee in the Park Year End Review
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Join us for a coffee and chat with Jennifer and Cam as they delve into the exciting world of podcasting in 2024. They will take you back to the origins of the ABA Coffee in the Park Podcast and how it all began. From there, they will explore its journey, discussing its worldwide spread and the impact it has had on listeners around the globe.
During this conversation, Jennifer and Cam will also take the time to recap the incredible guests who have graced the podcast. These guests have shared their remarkable...
Christmas Special with Jennifer and Cam!
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Join us for Gingerbread and a chat with Jennifer and Cam for our Christmas Special!
We'll be diving into the enchanting world of Christmas carols, discussing our favorite baked goods, sharing recommendations for the best Christmas movies, and much more. It's going to be a festive gathering filled with joy and holiday spirit. Don't miss out! Most importantly Merry Christmas!
Let us know your thoughts in the comments and leave us a review!
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A Coffee with Mike and Lea Stelter from The Ben Stelter Foundation
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Join us for a coffee and chat with Mike and Lea Stelter from The Ben Stelter Foundation.
Mike and Lea are two phenomenal human beings who have persevered through losing a child to cancer. Like many parents, they never thought this would happen to their family until, one day, it did.
Their son Ben was diagnosed with Glioblastoma (brain cancer) at the age of five; their world became The Stollery Children's Hospital, and Ben underwent treatments, all while continuing to try to live their everyday lives with their other c...
A Coffee with Reina VanGenderen from VanGenderen Canada Inc.
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Join us for a coffee and chat with Reina VanGenderen, owner of VanGenderen Canada Inc.
Reina, originally from Holland in the Netherlands, began her career as an elementary school teacher. However, her life took a surprising turn when she met her husband, Adrian, who was deeply involved in the world of cranes. Adrian's family business in the Netherlands revolved around cranes, and his passion for these machines was contagious.
In the year 2000, Reina and Adrian decided to explore Canada and instantly fell in love with the country. Determined to m...
A Coffee with Karen Fallowfield from Supreme Steel
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Join us for a coffee and chat with Karen Fallowfield from Supreme Steel.
Karen, the Construction and HR Manager at Supreme Steel, is a remarkable individual who truly embodies the concept of being a "jack of all trades." Hailing from Edmonton, she has always maintained a strong connection to her hometown and proudly identifies herself as an Achesonite. In fact, her outstanding achievements were recognized when she was nominated as a Women In Leadership nominee at the prestigious 2024 Acheson Business Awards Gala.
Empowering women in trades is a cause...
A Coffee with Bronwyn Scrivens, SIOR from JLL Canada
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Join us for a coffee and chat with Bronwyn Scrivens, SIOR, Vice-President of JLL Canada.
Bronwyn Scrivens, hailing from the tight-knit community of Spruce Grove, was raised in a family that nurtured her entrepreneurial spirit. Equipped with a business degree from Cornell University, she embarked on a journey in the Industrial Real Estate sector, utilizing her knowledge to great effect.
Bronwyn has become a trailblazer in the Industrial Real Estate industry. Her insightful predictions about upcoming changes in Canada, shared through her influential blog, have consistently proven accurate, often pr...
A Coffee with Brett Oland from Bow Valley Credit Union
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Join us for a coffee and chat with Brett Oland, President and CEO of Bow Valley Credit Union.
Bow Valley Credit Union took a chance and opened the first branch in an industrial park.
Originally from Medicine Hat Alberta, Brett's journey has taken him many places in life, including the Cayman Islands (yes it's legal) and working in a not-for-profit.
Bow Valley Credit Union has opened their doors in beautiful downtown Acheson.
It's more than a transaction, its about people!
A Coffee with Amy Quon from The Lingnan Restaurant
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Join us for a coffee and chat with Amy Quon, owner and operator of the famous Chicken for Lunch in downtown Edmonton and the CEO of the oldest Chinese food restaurant in Edmonton, The Lingnan!
Tune in to hear Amy's inspirational story of hard work, family, and the key to loyal and returning customers for over thirty-plus years! Amy is a legend in the City of Edmonton and is well known for her infectious personality and humility.
Did you know she had two television shows as well? You won't want to m...
A Coffee with Daryl McIntyre
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Join us for a coffee and chat with Daryl McIntyre
Today, we decided to shake things up and put Daryl in the hot seat, reversing the roles on him. With his wealth of experience in interviewing guests, it was only fair to see how he handled being on the receiving end. Daryl's love for radio and television dates back to his childhood, and he pursued his passion by attending NAIT's esteemed Radio and Television program. Throughout the years, he has become a cherished and familiar presence in Edmonton, thanks to his...
A Coffee with Teresa Jackson from Gather Bakery
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Join us for a coffee and chat with Teresa Jackson, Owner of Gather Bakery.
Gather Bakery, a delightful local hangout in Spruce Grove, is the brainchild of friends Teresa and Ashley.
The story of Gather Bakery began during the challenging times of the Covid pandemic. Ashley noticed a lack of gingerbread houses available in stores, prompting Teresa to showcase her homemade gingerbread kits on Facebook. The response was overwhelming, and orders started pouring in. Working tirelessly until Christmas, Teresa and Ashley baked their hearts out to ensure that everyone co...
