Rooted Here

Before Keith Moen became a spokesperson for Saskatoon’s businesses, he spent years telling stories through freelance journalism and even ran his own publication for a time.In this episode of Rooted Here, we sit down with Keith Moen, Executive Director of the North Saskatoon Business Association, to explore an unexpected path from a Saskatchewan farm to journalism, publishing, and ultimately, a role speaking up for Saskatoon’s business community.Keith shares how an interest in sports and a talent for writing opened possibilities beyond the family farm. But finding his direction took time through university struggles, labouring jobs, retail sales, and eventually 17 years of freelance work covering sports, agriculture, and business.Along the way, he experienced the realities of entrepreneurship firsthand.The conversation also explores the people who helped Keith recognize new opportunities, the importance of preparation over natural talent, and why he encourages emerging leaders to become comfortable speaking in uncomfortable situations.That personal story leads into a bigger conversation about Saskatoon.Keith shares his perspective on the industries driving growth, the challenges of attracting workers, and the uncertainty that can put investment decisions on hold. We discuss business advocacy, municipal red tape, downtown activity, and why Saskatchewan’s food, fuel, fertilizer, and technology sectors give him reasons to remain optimistic.At its heart, this is a conversation about how a varied working life shapes a leader and what it means to represent people whose livelihoods depend on taking chances.Learn more about NSBA:https://www.nsbasask.com/This episode is presented by The Bamboo Podcast Network.Subscribe to The Bamboo Pod.Follow The Bamboo Pod on Instagram.Check out the Rooted Here series for more conversations with local entrepreneurs, innovators, and community leaders.

Before real estate, construction, and decades of building Midwest Group, there were cars.In this episode of Rooted Here, we sit down with Ken Achs to trace a journey that began with a fascination for speed in Saskatoon and eventually took him into the world of professional drag racing, where he competed in Top Fuel and Funny Car and raced alongside some of the biggest names of the era.Ken shares what it was really like to race at that level — the adrenaline, the long drives, the mechanical failures, the losses, and the constant pursuit of making something just a little bit better.Those lessons followed him beyond the racetrack.What began as an automotive business gradually expanded into construction and real estate, eventually becoming Midwest Group. Along the way, Ken learned the value of attention to detail, calculated risk, compound growth, and knowing when simply being 5 or 10 percent better can make all the difference.The conversation also explores how his definition of success has changed over time, why he became more cautious as the stakes grew, and what decades in business have taught him about preserving what you've built while continuing to move forward.At its heart, this is a conversation about what happens when passion becomes a career, one opportunity leads to another, and there is never really a point where you can say you've arrived.As Ken puts it, “You never get to the finish line. You never get to your goal. It’s always just going forward.”Learn more about the Mid-West Group:https://midwestdevelopment.ca/This episode is presented by The Bamboo Podcast Network.Subscribe to The Bamboo Pod.Follow The Bamboo Pod on Instagram.Check out the Rooted Here series for more conversations with local entrepreneurs, innovators, and community leaders.

In this episode of Rooted Here, we sit down with Danylo Puderak of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress of Saskatchewan to explore the history, leadership, and relationships that have helped Ukrainian culture remain deeply rooted in Saskatchewan for more than a century.The conversation also looks at the role UCC Saskatchewan has played over the past 50 years, from supporting cultural organizations and advocating for Ukrainian education and heritage to helping newcomers find work, learn English, and build new lives in the province.When Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, that work changed dramatically. Danylo recalls phones ringing constantly and inboxes overflowing with Saskatchewan residents offering housing, employment, donations, and whatever help they could provide. With nearly 9,000 displaced Ukrainians eventually arriving in Saskatchewan, the organization found itself responding not only to a global crisis, but to the deeply personal challenges faced by families who had been forced to leave everything behind.The episode explores what those newcomers continue to face, why language and isolation can be some of the hardest barriers to overcome, and how programs, cultural organizations, volunteers, and everyday relationships can create a sense of belonging far from home.At it’s heart, this is a conversation about why culture survives when people continue to carry it forward, adapt it, and make room for others to belong.Because in Saskatchewan, as Danylo puts it, everybody seems to have a Baba, know a Baba, or somehow find themselves connected to one.Learn more about the Ukrainian Canadian Congress:https://www.ucc.ca/This episode is presented by The Bamboo Podcast Network.Subscribe to The Bamboo Pod.Follow The Bamboo Pod on Instagram.Check out the Rooted Here series for more conversations with local entrepreneurs, innovators, and community leaders.

Leadership is often taught through strategies, frameworks, and management theory. But what if some of its most important lessons come from observing ecosystems, navigating uncertainty, accepting mistakes, and learning how people behave under pressure?In this episode of Rooted Here, we sit down with Dale Botting, founder of Botting Leadership Inc., author, biologist by training, and former Saskatchewan deputy minister, to explore what decades in public service, business, policy, and executive coaching have taught him about leading people.Dale shares how growing up in Prince Albert, spending time in Saskatchewan’s wilderness, and studying biology shaped the systems-based approach he later brought into government and organizational leadership. He explains why families, communities, and businesses operate like interconnected ecosystems.The conversation also explores adaptive intelligence, difficult decision-making, recovering from failure, and why every move needs a counter move. It challenges common leadership myths and speaks candidly about workaholism, vulnerability, depression, and the loneliness that can come with senior leadership.From protecting the Churchill River to helping shape public policy, coaching executives, writing books, and mentoring the next generation, Dale’s story offers a deeply human look at what leadership becomes when it is shaped by experience rather than theory alone.Learn more about Dale Botting and his work:dalebottinginsights.caNobody from NowhereMarch 4thThis episode is presented by The Bamboo Podcast Network.Subscribe to The Bamboo Pod.Follow The Bamboo Pod on Instagram.Check out the Rooted Here series for more conversations with local entrepreneurs, innovators, and community leaders.

AI is making it possible to build faster, automate more, and create things that once required months of work and thousands of dollars. As the technology becomes more powerful, leaders face a bigger question: just because we can use AI, does that mean we always should?In this episode of Rooted Here, we sit down with Katrina German, founder of Ethical Digital, to explore how businesses and individuals can embrace the possibilities of AI without losing sight of trust, responsibility, and human impact.Katrina shares the entrepreneurial journey that took her from social media campaigns and video production to building a nationally recognized technology startup and eventually founding Ethical Digital. She also explains why the pressure to “use AI or get left behind” is not necessarily true and why leaders should begin with small, thoughtful decisions rather than rushing into large-scale adoption.The conversation explores AI’s impact on creativity, employment, hiring, misinformation, data privacy, cybersecurity, and the environment. Katrina also discusses the importance of digital literacy, human oversight, and building clear guardrails before allowing technology to make decisions on our behalf.Learn more about Katrina German and Ethical Digital:katrinagerman.comethicaldigital.caThis episode is presented by The Bamboo Podcast Network.Subscribe to The Bamboo Pod.Follow The Bamboo Pod on Instagram.Check out the Rooted Here series for more conversations with local entrepreneurs, innovators, and community leaders

Opportunities can open doors, but what happens after you step through them is where the real learning begins. Saying yes can mean taking on unfamiliar challenges, making difficult decisions, and becoming responsible for more than your own success.In this episode of Rooted Here, we sit down with Colton Wiegers, CEO of Wiegers Financial & Benefits, to explore the experiences that shaped how he approaches business, leadership, and community today.Colton shares how his entrepreneurial journey began by selling snacks as a kid, evolved into building a painting and renovation company while attending university, and ultimately led him into the family business.The conversation also explores mentorship, communication, community involvement, financial planning, and why leadership ultimately comes down to taking care of people.Learn more about Wiegers Financial & Benefits:https://www.wiegers.ca/This episode is presented by The Bamboo Podcast Network.Subscribe to The Bamboo PodFollow The Bamboo Pod on InstagramCheck out the Rooted Here series for more local success stories.

Business growth is often measured in sales, expansion, and new opportunities. Behind every transaction are real people navigating major decisions, emotional transitions, and moments that require far more than a standard business approach.In this episode of Rooted Here, we sit down with Fredrick Bodnarus and Terri Patterson to explore the evolution of their auction and real estate business. They share how evolving client needs led them beyond traditional auctioneering, and how consistent follow-up and thoughtful diversification helped grow their business.The conversation also explores reputation, trust, delegation, technology, and the responsibility that comes with helping families through estate sales, downsizing, and significant life changes. Through it all, Fredrick and Terri explain why processes can evolve and technology can improve, but the human side of service cannot be automated.Learn more about Bodnarus Auctioneering:https://bodnarusauctioneering.ca/This episode is presented by The Bamboo Podcast Network.Subscribe to The Bamboo Pod.Follow The Bamboo Pod on Instagram.Check out the Rooted Here series for more local business and leadership stories.

Building a business often looks like growth, momentum, and more work coming in. Behind the scenes, it can also mean hard lessons, staffing challenges, burnout, and learning how to build systems that can carry the business forward.In this episode of Rooted Here, we sit down with Paul Langlois of Langlois Electric to talk about his journey in the electrical trade, the realities of running a trades business, and the lessons that shaped how he leads. Paul shares how his business started with his truck and tools, how it evolved through different stages of growth, and why culture, safety, mentorship, and strong systems matter in building something that lasts.Learn more about Langlois Electric: https://langloiselectric.ca/This episode is presented by The Bamboo Podcast Network.Subscribe to The Bamboo PodFollow The Bamboo Pod on InstagramCheck out the Rooted Here series for more local success stories.

 Public service is often seen through meetings, decisions, and titles. The real work lies in the conversations, community connections, volunteer work, and everyday responsibility that happen far beyond City Hall.In this episode of Rooted Here, we sit down with Bev Dubois, City Councillor for Ward 9, to talk about leadership, community involvement, and what it means to stay connected to the people you serve. Bev reflects on her early years in Saskatoon, the family values and mentors that shaped her, her path from volunteer boards to city council, and the lessons she has learned through years of public service.This episode is presented by The Bamboo Podcast Network.Subscribe to The Bamboo PodFollow The Bamboo Pod on InstagramCheck out the Rooted Here series for more local success stories.

Most people think financial planning is just about watching a bank account balance grow. But true security isn't about numbers on a screen—it’s about having a concrete strategy to protect the people you love when life completely changes. In this episode of Rooted Here, we sit down with Darren Ulmer of White Owl Financial to break down the exact strategies wealthy, confident families use to build lasting peace of mind. Darren shares why relying on willpower to save fails, how to outsmart your own daily spending habits, and why an automated system is your best defense against money anxiety. If you want to know what a professional roadmap looks like and how a single, written plan can safeguard your family’s future before a crisis hits, this conversation is exactly what you need to watch.  Learn more about White Owl Financial: https://advisor.sunlife.ca/darren.ulmer/ This episode is presented by The Bamboo Podcast Network.  Subscribe to The Bamboo Pod  Follow The Bamboo Pod on Instagram Check out the Rooted Here series for more local success stories. 

What happens when a family crisis inspires a completely new way to do business?In Episode 06 of Rooted Here, we sit down with Leon Ferguson, the CEO of Stream Group. Leon went straight into the workforce after high school, but his entire perspective shifted during COVID-19 when his mom and sister were both diagnosed with terminal cancer.Living at the hospital, he saw firsthand how overwhelmed families struggle to understand complicated medical care. He decided to use his business background to fix it. This is a powerful conversation about building a business that directly takes care of regular people and underserved communities.  Connect with Stream Group:🌐 Website: https://streamgroup.ca/This episode is presented by The Bamboo Podcast Network.

Go behind the scenes at the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies (SIIT) with Vickie Drover, VP of Academics, to see how the institution is leading a high-tech revolution to support local communities and build the future workforce.In this episode of Rooted Here, Vickie shares an insider’s look at the strategy, reality, and vision behind SIIT's innovative ecosystem:The Reality of Student Funding: Busting the myth of "free" education and looking at the financial hurdles SIIT students conquer through loans, jobs, and corporate-backed awards.Virtual Reality Classrooms: De-risking career pathways by letting students "test-drive" advanced trades before they invest.The Virtual Health Hub: Deploying remote robotics and healthcare training straight to rural and northern areas.Aviation Training: Expanding programs so local people are fully equipped to maintain the critical aircraft their communities rely on.This is a deep dive into how SIIT moves past simple corporate box-checking to build true, long-term community self-reliance from the academic ground up.Learn more about SIIT's programs: https://siit.ca/This episode is presented by The Bamboo Podcast Network.🔔 Subscribe to The Bamboo Pod on YouTube👉 Follow The Bamboo Pod on Instagram

In this episode, we sit down with SaskJazz Executive Director Shannon Josdal to discuss how a province-wide survey of 1,400 locals completely reshaped the vision for this year's festival.🌐 Grab your tickets for this July here: https://www.saskjazz.com/This episode is presented by The Bamboo Podcast Network.

Did you know that Saskatchewan’s extreme temperature swings actually make spirits taste better?In Episode 03 of Rooted Here, we sit down with Barb Stefanyshyn-Cote, the owner of Black Fox Farm & Distillery. Barb shares the fascinating reality of operating a distillery in Saskatchewan, explaining how their barrels interact with the dramatic prairie weather fluctuations to naturally enrich the flavor of their world-class spirits.From cultivating the province's incredible soil to putting the true spirit of the prairies into every single bottle, Barb dives deep into what it takes to build an internationally acclaimed brand right in our backyard.Connect with Black Fox Farm & Distillery:🌐 Website: https://www.blackfoxfarmanddistillery...This episode is presented by The Bamboo Podcast Network.🔔 Subscribe to The Bamboo Pod on YouTube👉 Follow The Bamboo Pod on Instagram

What does it truly take to lead a city for 13 years? In this episode of Rooted Here, we sit down with Don Atchison, the longest-serving mayor in Saskatoon’s history. From his early days selling newspapers door-to-door to managing his family’s iconic menswear store, Don shares how a lifetime in retail prepared him for the highest office in the city.Don opens up about the "swagger" he wanted to bring to Saskatoon and the bold vision required to move a city from "drifting" to thriving. We dive deep into the stories behind the city's most significant landmarks—including the Circle Drive South Bridge and River Landing—and the leadership principles of honesty and accountability that guided his four terms in office.Whether you are an aspiring leader, an entrepreneur, or a proud Saskatoon local, Don’s insights on civic unity and "historical" neighborhoods offer a masterclass in community building.Don's book, "Building Bridges," is available now! This episode is presented by The Bamboo Podcast Network.🔔 Subscribe to The Bamboo Pod on YouTube👉 Follow The Bamboo Pod on Instagram

In this first episode of Rooted Here, we sit down with Kash Jassal to find out exactly why he chose the restaurant business. Kash has successfully scaled his OPA! of Greece footprint from a single store to four locations across Saskatoon, proving that a technical mindset and a community-first heart are a winning combination.Kash pulls back the curtain on the "why" behind his career pivot. We discuss the transition from blueprints to business plans, and the reality of running multiple franchise sites.This episode is presented by The Bamboo Podcast Network.🔔 Subscribe to The Bamboo Pod on YouTube👉 Follow The Bamboo Pod on Instagram