Careers Under Construction

Élise Page and Teri-Lynn Friesen met teaching at a local dance studio. One random conversation changed everything. Now they run Fête Ice Cream & Coffee, one of Winnipeg's most loved scratch-made ice cream shops.In this episode of Careers Under Construction, Élise and Teri-Lynn share:What Covid did to their numbers and their biggest lessons learnedGetting into retail stores like VitaHealthThe hardest parts of being young mothers and business ownersHow they complement each other as a duoThey thought everybody made their own ice cream. Turns out, almost nobody makes their own base. But these two business owners with zero culinary experience are doing it right here in Winnipeg.

He started a landscaping company in his early 20s. One year later, he was diagnosed with stage three melanoma.Matt Bell is the founder of Gellers — a luxury design-build landscaping company in Winnipeg — and co-owner of Shelmerdine Garden Centre. In this episode, Matt opens up about:Going from mowing lawns to running a 200-person companyBeing diagnosed with cancer at 25 Beating stage four melanoma and having a son, doctors said would never existWhy he acquired Shelmerdine Garden CentreHis people-first culture and why a 97% staff retention rate is no accidentHow clinical trials literally saved his life and why giving back is non-negotiableWhat started as $15 lawn cuts is now a 200-person operation.But the business story isn't the only story here.Matt shouldn't be alive. His son shouldn't exist. And somehow, through all of it, he built a company where his people come first, every single time.

She started with $40… and a candle kit in her kitchen after surviving an ectopic pregnancy.Three months later, her product was in the Grammys and Oscars swag bags.Amanda Buhse didn’t set out to build a business but what started as a small side project turned into a fast-growing brand, Coal & Canary — a hand-poured candle company known for bold scents and storytelling.In this episode, Amanda shares:• How she went from $0 to national exposure in 90 days• The reality behind rapid growth (and what broke)• How she rebuilt after her partner left• Building a business after an ectopic pregnancy• Getting her Instagram hacked — and buying it back from “white-hat hackers”You don’t need to be ready.You just need to start.

Katie Hall Hursh walked away from law just three years in.Not because she couldn’t do it — but because she wasn’t fulfilled.Today, as Board Chair of the Health Sciences Centre Foundation, Katie is helping drive real healthcare innovation across Manitoba, including surgical robotics and advanced technology that are improving patient outcomes, reducing recovery time and helping people get home faster.In this episode, she shares:Why she walked away from her law careerHow innovation is changing healthcare in ManitobaHow investing can shape stronger communitiesHow she balances motherhood and leadershipFrom raising $40K as a teenager for cancer care to now helping lead major healthcare and investment initiatives — inspired by her own mother’s battle with cancer — Katie’s story shows how small actions can turn into real impact.

She’s biking 7,500 km across Canada for cancer.Mady Kennedy spent over 10 years building a makeup brand and growing an audience, then walked away from everything and never posted again as the “makeup girl.”For two years, she felt lost. Then she got sober.Started training.Now she’s biking across Canada. Starting this May.In this episode, we talk about:• Why she’s doing it and how• Losing 30,000 followers and starting over• Getting sober and rebuilding her life• Training for an Ironman in just 4 months• What her life looks like now

At 21, Maddie Thompson dropped out of architecture school. Today, she runs MAD Social Agency with a team of 30+ and works with 400+ brands.We sit down to talk about:• The moment she decided to drop out • Why taking risks is easier when you’re young • How she went from $80/month clients to $5,000/month• Why personal brand and outbound is the “cheat code” for growth• How she built a fully remote team based on trust• Why emotional content is what actually drives views and sales🎙️ Watch the full episode on YouTube, Spotify & Apple Podcasts

Kevin Dandewich started in construction at 15.30+ years later, he’s leading operations at Gator across Manitoba and Saskatchewan — helping grow the Winnipeg team from 1 to 20 in under 2 years.He’s worked on major builds like the Selkirk Hospital and built his career by learning on site.He’s also the kind of leader who will run to the store if his team needs something. No ego. Just gets it done.Outside of work, he’s a hockey dad and coach.Kevin shares his career in construction, lessons from big projects and his thoughts on change orders.

Meet Jasmin Laine:Former Winnipeg morning radio host (Energy 106) turned independent political commentator.When things didn’t go as planned, Jasmin Laine had to make a career pivot. Most people would’ve been terrified to talk about politics publicly, especially as a conservative woman.She did it anyway.In this episode, Jasmin shares:What it really takes to grow onlineHow she broke into a male-dominated spaceHow she lands interviews with high-profile politicians in Canada and the U.S.How she became a speaker at the 2026 Conservative ConventionWhat’s happening right now in Canada’s political landscapeWatch and see how a Winnipeg voice is making waves nationally.

Weeks after being told he had a fatal brain disease with no cure, Garett Wong nearly drowned in a boating accident.Two close calls forced a bigger question:What do you do with a second chance?Most people would finish the PhD.Garett quit six months before graduating and bought a bankrupt $4,600 duplex in Winnipeg’s North End.Today he’s the founder of Upper Edge Property Management and Systemize My Biz, helping investors and businesses build systems that scale.In this episode, Garett shares his first deal, writing offers on car hoods, scaling from one duplex to a real estate portfolio and why systems beat hustle every time.🎧 Full episode on Careers Under Construction

What actually makes a great leader — and why do so many get it wrong?Allana Schmidt began her career in clinical social work, working directly with individuals and families before moving into business, operations and organizational leadership.Over the past two decades, she has led large-scale workplace transformation and global people strategy across complex, people-intensive industries, including healthcare and technology. Today, as Vice President of Global People Strategy & Solutions at IntouchCX, Allana leads people strategy for 35,000+ employees across 14 countries. She’s also the author of The High-Performing, Human-Centered Workplace, where she stresses that leaders don’t have to choose between performance and work-life balance.If you care about becoming a better leader — or working for one — this episode is worth your time.

Is Manitoba holding itself back?Carly Edmundson thinks so.She grew up in a small Manitoba town. Today, she leads a 20,000-acre inland port that could reshape Canada’s trade future.As President & CEO of CentrePort Canada, Carly isn’t just talking about economic development — she’s challenging how Manitoba thinks about growth, risk, and bold action.In this episode of Careers Under Construction, we dive into:• Why she says Manitoba isn’t a “have-not” province — it’s a “don’t-do” province• The billion-dollar investments transforming CentrePort• The bold vision behind the Prairie Arctic Trade Corridor and Churchill• Why certainty drives investment• What it takes to lead as a female CEO in a male-dominated fieldThis isn’t just a conversation about supply chains.It’s about risk.And being bold.And whether Canada is ready to build big again.🎙️ Watch the full episode and decide for yourself — is Manitoba thinking big enough?

From being born with a cleft lip and palate to becoming one of the most relentless linebackers in CFL history, Adam Bighill has built a 15+ year professional career, playing over 200 games and winning 3 Grey Cup championships.Today, Adam is both a CFL linebacker and Investment Advisor at Pejovic Bighill Private Wealth, helping families and individuals build long-term wealth off the field.In this episode, Adam shares:• The underdog mindset behind his success• Lessons from winning and losing Grey Cups• Why discipline beats talent over time• The financial mistakes many pro athletes make• Why wealth is built slowly, not overnight• What it means to be a 3× Grey Cup Champion• What it takes to become a 3× CFL Most Outstanding Defensive Player

Iain Crozier began his career far from venture capital, first as a competitive athlete travelling internationally as a professional squash player before entering the business world.After helping grow and exit his family’s business, Iain moved into technology and investing and eventually founded Trillick Ventures, a Manitoba-focused venture capital firm backing early-stage founders and helping build the province’s startup ecosystem.In this episode, Iain breaks down how venture capital really works, what investors actually look for and what it means when startups and capital head to the U.S. for founders and innovation in Canada.

Melissa Cattini is one of Canada’s go-to advisors on franchise law. In this episode of Careers Under Construction, Melissa shares how she went from a criminal justice student to a corporate lawyer, built a national franchise law practice from the ground up and became a law firm partner in just eight years.She opens up about mentorship, imposter syndrome, what big law is really like (not the TV version) and why empathy can be a powerful leadership skill in high-pressure careers like law.Melissa Cattini is a Partner in corporate and commercial law at MLT Aikins LLP, the founder and head of the firm’s Franchise Practice Group, a nationally recognized female trailblazer and a trusted advisor on M&A and franchise matters.

QDoc started with a simple question: why is it so hard to see a doctor?Canada’s healthcare system is under pressure, and startups like QDoc are stepping in to improve access to healthcare and to build technology that connects patients and providers across Canada more quickly.In this episode, the founders share how they built a virtual care platform, scaled from 55 patients to 11,000 a month, and navigated regulation, funding and tech challenges.If you care about the future of healthcare and how to improve it, this conversation is for you.

Sande Higgins survived a plane crash while serving in the RCMP — an experience that changed everything.Years later, struggling with PTSD, she turned to an unconventional path she never thought she’d take.After 15 years in the RCMP, Sande Higgins was carrying the invisible weight of trauma.In this episode of Careers Under Construction, Sande shares her experience with PTSD, the stigma around mental health in law enforcement and the unconventional path that helped her begin healing.We talk about:– The plane crash that changed the course of her life– Why she was hesitant to explore psychedelic therapy– What a guided psychedelic retreat actually involves– The difference between stigma, legality and reality– What recovery looks like after the uniform comes off

In this episode of Careers Under Construction, Justis Pederson sits down with Alisdair Dickinson, Senior Vice President at Graham Construction and a Chartered Civil Engineer with 25+ years of experience across Canada and the UK, to unpack what truly separates successful projects from failed ones and how contracts, collaboration and people all intersect. From starting his career in Scotland to moving his family across the world to Canada, Alisdair shares the moment that changed everything — including why Graham didn’t just interview him but interviewed his wife too.Tune in as Alisdair challenges common myths around construction, shares how the industry created life-changing opportunities for his family and explains why projects often fail because of contracts — not people.

What does a full life actually look like?In this episode of Careers Under Construction, we sit down with Grant White, Managing Partner at Endeavour Wealth Management, for a thoughtful conversation about money, freedom and the moments that matter most.Grant is a Winnipeg-based wealth advisor and entrepreneur who has spent his career helping individuals, families and business owners make decisions that support the life they actually want to live.This episode is a reminder that success isn’t measured by what you accumulate — it’s measured by how you live, who you impact and the moments you create along the way.

In this episode of Careers Under Construction, Loren Remillard, President & CEO of the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce, reflects on leading through the most unprecedented time and what the pandemic meant for local businesses — COVID, economic uncertainty, inflation and political pressure — and what it takes to keep showing up when everything feels like it’s on fire.Loren shares why the Chamber chose to speak publicly when others stayed quiet, how values-driven leadership means putting people ahead of optics and why measuring success isn’t about attention or approval — it’s about real impact. This conversation is about making the hard calls, earning trust and leading with intention.

Jake Karls is known online as the hype man — the Rainmaker behind Mid-Day Squares. But the real story of how he got here goes much deeper and regular therapy has been a core part of that journey.In this episode, Jake opens up about the two rock-bottom moments that reshaped his life: getting rejected from 36 job interviews while pursuing a career he didn’t even want and later burning out while Mid-Day Squares was scaling fast.He explains how therapy, vulnerability and rebuilding his identity helped him regain momentum — momentum that ultimately fuelled the growth of Mid-Day Squares into a brand set to generate over $45M in annual revenue this year and sold in 10,000+ stores across North America.

We talk a lot about careers — but what about the work that happens at home?In this episode of Careers Under Construction, Justis sits down with Shauna Hewitt — a teacher, family wellness consultant and founder of Roots to Thrive, a coaching practice helping parents and educators build stronger relationships, calmer homes and healthier classrooms.With over 20 years of experience in Canada and the UK, Shauna has supported families with behaviour challenges, emotional regulation and the everyday chaos of raising kids. From breaking generational patterns to setting boundaries to managing the moments that push you to your limit — this conversation is packed with insight for anyone raising kids, leading teams or trying to build a more connected life.

Shawn Black is the founder of Sheepdog Brew Co, a Winnipeg-based brand that grew from a church-basement side hustle into a growing business right here in Winnipeg, Manitoba.A former military member and police officer, Shawn left behind a stable career to chase a vision most people told him wouldn’t work. Even his original business partner chose to stay in the police force and handed the keys over to Shawn to take the business forward on his own. What started with homemade batches brewed before night shifts eventually grew into retail partnerships, a loyal following and a brewing facility with a storefront.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re capable of more but something keeps holding you back, this episode is the wake-up call you probably need.Dr. Jason Brooks has coached everyone from surgeons to Olympic athletes and he’ll tell you straight: the biggest thing stopping most people isn’t skill or talent or opportunity — it’s the voice in their own head.  In this conversation, Jason breaks down why imposter syndrome shows up even for the highest performers, how to quiet the thoughts that mess with your confidence and the small mindset shifts that can actually change your trajectory.If you’re tired of second-guessing yourself, waiting for the “right moment” or feeling stuck in your own potential, tune in and learn from the man who breaks the mental barriers of Olympians, doctors and other high-performing professionals.—Work with Dr. Jason Brooks → https://coachjb.ca/

From sheet metal worker to Dean of Skilled Trades and Technologies at Red River College Polytech — Derek Kochenash’s career proves there’s no single path to leadership.In this episode, he shares how his dad pushed him into his first job at 6:30 a.m., what it took to balance family life while earning multiple degrees, and how he overcame imposter syndrome to lead more than 70 programs across construction, aviation, and manufacturing.Derek breaks down why the trades aren’t Plan B — they’re one of the smartest career moves you can make — and how Red River College is reshaping opportunities for women, Indigenous students, and underrepresented groups in the skilled trades.

When Chris Hewitt joined SMS Engineering in 2003, he never imagined one day helping lead it from a 30-person team to a 100-plus-person firm. Now President of SMS, Chris opens up about overcoming imposter syndrome and finding his voice as a quiet and compassionate leader in one of Manitoba’s top engineering companies.He shares how SMS built a culture rooted in mentorship, trust and accountability and why the firm doubled down on specialization in power systems, healthcare design and forensic engineering. Chris also talks about the realities of investigating failures, testifying in court and leading with kindness in a high-pressure industry.Whether you’re an engineer, a leader or someone navigating your own growth, this episode dives into what it takes to build confidence, lead with empathy and leave a legacy that lasts.

Alex Akman joined Shindico in 2015 as a property analyst, spending three years learning the ropes before being promoted to Vice President of Development and Property Management and later stepping into the role of Chief Operating Officer in 2023.He’s helped lead more than $275M in real estate acquisitions, over $115M in new developments and launched Shindico’s own construction division, SNR Construction Ltd.In this episode, Alex shares how learning every part of the business helped him earn trust, climb the ladder and lead without ego.

What happens when you take a family plumbing company and rebuild it around people?Justin and Christina Thorsteinson share how Thor Plumbing & Heating transformed from a small family business into one of Manitoba’s most connected and culture-driven teams on this episode of Careers Under Construction.From literally breaking down walls and creating a staff gym and sauna, to sitting down with every employee to talk goals and growth — they’re proving that the trades can be both people-first and wildly successful.In this episode, they open up about the growing pains of taking over a family business, finding their rhythm as partners in life and work and what it really takes to build a company people love to be part of.

Mike Fata went from dropping out of high school and struggling with his health to building and selling multiple 9-figure companies.He’s the best-selling author of GROW and now dedicates his time to building world-class businesses and mentoring entrepreneurs behind brands like Mid-Day Squares, SmartSweets, Nuts For Cheese, Sol Cuisine and Blume.In this episode, he shares how shifting his mindset and prioritizing wellness helped him rebuild his life after what he calls the “triple whammy” — losing his mom, going through a divorce and selling his business all in the same year.#CareersUnderConstruction #Entrepreneurship #Mindset #Leadership #BusinessGrowth #Winnipeg #Millionaire

From working on his dad’s crew at 12 to running one of Manitoba’s top cost consulting firms, Ben Postma’s story is about risk, family and finding your own path.After getting a finance degree, Ben spent years in estimating and project management for major contractors — helping deliver projects wort up to $400 million.Then in 2020, he left a secure six-figure job to take over his father’s two-person company Postma Consulting. Five years later, he’s grown it into a 14-person team leading cost management across Western Canada.In this episode, Ben shares how he rebuilt the family business, self-doubt and what he’s learned about work-life balance.

Jeremy Read went from political advisor to downtown developer. As CEO of the University of Winnipeg Community Renewal Corporation 2.0, he’s helping grow a nonprofit into one of Manitoba’s most active developers — leading projects that are reshaping Winnipeg including Canada’s first net-zero carbon residential high-rise.In this episode, Jeremy opens up about turning down contracts for the right reasons, the housing crisis and why he believes risk is a neutral term. He also shares how to find purpose in your work and why joining a company for its mission can matter more than the paycheck.

From defending Métis harvesting rights in court after shooting a duck without a license to leading housing solutions for families, Will Goodon’s journey is rooted in resilience. As Minister of Housing & Property Management with the Manitoba Métis Federation, he shares how broken promises still affect Indigenous communities, the importance of culturally grounded housing and why reconciliation must go beyond words.In this episode, Will reflects on his landmark court case that affirmed Métis rights and his work tackling Manitoba’s housing crisis.

From pharmacist to landlord, Kris Thorkelson, Owner of Thorwin Properties, has built one of Winnipeg’s largest rental empires.In this episode, Kris talks about his career shift from pharmacist to property management, the challenges of building in Winnipeg’s unique rental market and what it takes to create homes people want to live in.

What does the future of construction in Manitoba look like? As Executive Director of Workforce and Learning Pathways at the Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology, Marnie Bickerton is helping shape the answer.In this episode, Marnie talks about growing up in a small town, the setbacks that made her tougher, and what it takes to earn respect in a male-dominated field. She gets real about mentorship, building trust, and why collaboration matters if the industry is going to move forward.

Tom Sparrow is making history as the first-ever Chief Construction Officer for the City of Winnipeg — and in Canada. After decades of leading multi-billion-dollar projects across the country, Tom came to Winnipeg to oversee some of the city’s most critical infrastructure projects, including the North End Sewage Treatment Plant, as well as future schools, hospitals and roads.In this episode, Tom shares what it means to hold this brand-new role, how he’s using AI and data to cut project costs and why transparency and community engagement are key to rebuilding trust in public construction. He also opens up about his career path, the major projects that shaped him and why he believes Winnipeg is about to become one of Canada’s most exciting cities to build in.

Before starting his own business, Jaret Horbatiuk got his start in structural steel shop drawings. But when drawing plans wasn’t enough, he built a company to bring them to life — a gamble that paid off and grew into Tractus Projects, now a 20-year success story.In this episode, Jaret shares how he overcame imposter syndrome, what running a small roofing company taught him about cash flow, why he avoids relying on a single big project and how a breakfast club helped him overcome his biggest business hurdle.Fun Fact: If you work out at a Planet Fitness in Winnipeg, there’s a good chance Jaret and his team built it. Clients like Planet Fitness trust Tractus Projects not just for the quality and speed of the work, but because they build strong relationships that keep them coming back.

David Peters went from building houses to building software. After more than a decade running his own construction company, he sold his tools, his truck — even the business itself — to solve a problem every contractor knows too well: bad timesheets.In this episode, David shares how selling his construction business allowed him to tackle that problem head-on and how the idea evolved into Construction Clock, an app now used by thousands of crews worldwide. He talks about the risk of starting over, why he prioritizes character over skills and how he’s built a team that allows him to focus on the bigger picture.You’ll also hear how one social media platform became his best growth channel — and why he believes the future of construction tech belongs to the small contractors driving the industry forward.

Shreeraj (Raj) Patel’s path was anything but straightforward. After failing out of university, he took a year off working retail before finding his footing, returning to school and eventually becoming Vice President at one of Canada’s largest banks.In this episode, Raj shares how mentorship and second chances changed the course of his life, what he learned leading multi-million-dollar portfolios and why he walked away from the security of corporate banking to launch Seva Capital, a national debt brokerage and advisory firm helping businesses secure smart capital, restructure with confidence and unlock transformative growth.Raj also opens up about the mental shift it takes to leave a corporate role, the importance of gratitude in everyday life and how he’s creating opportunities for the next generation of entrepreneurs.

From engineering student to COO, Janet Gauthier’s career has taken her from northern project sites to leading one of Canada’s largest real estate developers! She shares how teaching 6 a.m. spin classes shaped her leadership style, why aligning with the right company culture is a game-changer and what it’s really like to climb the ranks in a male-dominated industry.Plus, hear Janet’s take on how AI could transform construction — from schedules to estimating.

With over 30 years in construction, Dom Costantini has seen it all—from finishing concrete at 8 years old to leading major operations across Canada. In our first episode, Dom shares what it really takes to build strong teams, why culture beats strategy every time and how he’s helping the industry evolve through his new consulting work.Plus, hear the story behind his famous “sock collection” and how something small became a symbol of connection and giving back.

🎙️ Local voices, real stories.Careers Under Construction isn’t just a podcast—it’s a blueprint for resilience and a playbook for building a stronger career.Each week, Justis Pederson sits down with the builders, the leaders and the risk-takers—the ones who’ve faced the chaos and come out stronger.Powered by The Pederson Group, we’re spotlighting the people shaping businesses and the truths behind their success.This is Careers Under Construction.