In this episode of the Atlantic Ambition podcast, host Barrett McDonald sits down with Joey Haddad, President of the Cape Breton Eagles, to unpack his remarkable journey from pro hockey player to running one of the QMJHL’s most community‑driven franchises.

Joey shares how:

Growing up in Cape Breton and playing in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) shaped his career
A 13‑year pro career in AHL, ECHL, and Europe (UK) and earning his MBA prepared him for life after hockey
He built a successful home inspection business and coached U18 AAA before returning to the Eagles
A sales role offer turned into a roadmap to President & GM of Business Operations
The Eagles rebuilt sponsorships, season tickets, and attendance and “won back” the community
The organization is modernizing its operations and arena, Centre 200, as a true island‑wide events hub
They’re positioning for a future Memorial Cup bid (2028 or 2031)
You’ll also hear Joey break down:

How he hires and builds his front‑office “business team”
Why energy, enthusiasm, and love of the game matter more than a perfect résumé
What a full year of business operations looks like for a junior hockey club—from draft and sales to playoffs and off‑season planning
How community partnerships, fan experience, and on‑ice performance all connect
If you’re interested in sports business, leadership, or community‑driven organizations, this conversation is full of practical insight and real‑world examples from inside a modern junior hockey franchise.

Suggested Chapters (Adjust times once edited)
0:00 – Welcome & introduction to Joey Haddad
0:40 – Joey’s junior career and pro hockey journey
2:00 – Playing in Europe and earning an MBA
4:00 – Transitioning out of hockey and starting a home inspection business
6:00 – Coaching U18 AAA and first approach from the Eagles
7:30 – Negotiating a bigger role and roadmap with new ownership
9:00 – Rebuilding the business: sales, sponsorships, and community trust
11:30 – The playoff run that signaled “the Eagles are back”
13:30 – Arena modernization and Centre 200 as Cape Breton’s epicenter
15:30 – Building a front‑office team & what Joey looks for in hires
19:00 – A year in the life of the Eagles’ business operations

Enjoy the episode?
👍 Like, 💬 comment with your favorite insight, and 🔔 subscribe for more conversations with leaders making an impact in business and community.

#CapeBretonEagles #JoeyHaddad #QMJHL #HockeyBusiness #SportsBusiness #CapeBreton #JuniorHockey #Leadership #BusinessSpotlightSeries#business
#advice #podcast #businessowner #businesstips #growth #businessgrowth #businesslesson #businessessentials #howtostartabusiness #businessstrategy #businesspodcast #motivation #success

Join us for the latest Spotlight interview with Richard Landzaat, President and CEO of SUMA Financial Services. Tune in to hear Richard’s journey in entrepreneurship, from his dual roles in accounting and real estate to his insights on navigating the demands of business ownership. Don’t miss this discussion on the challenges, strategies, and rewards of running multiple ventures successfully. If you're an aspiring business owner, Richard’s advice is invaluable—stay persistent, learn from failures, and seek professional guidance.

#business #advice #podcast #businessowner #businesstips #growth #businessgrowth #businesslesson #businessessentials #howtostartabusiness #businessstrategy #businesspodcast #motivation #success

Join us for an insightful conversation with Ashley MacInnis, founder and owner of amPR, as she shares her journey of launching her business from the ground up after a career pivot. In this episode, Ashley opens up about the reality of entrepreneurship—from the unexpected challenges to the rewarding flexibility it brings—and offers a candid look at balancing a young family with the demands of growing a PR agency. Tune in to discover her strategies for building a client-centered business, fostering a supportive team culture, and the importance of community in Atlantic Canada’s tight-knit business landscape. Don’t miss Ashley’s practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs navigating their own journey!

#business #advice #podcast #businessowner #businesstips #growth #businessgrowth #businesslesson #businessessentials #howtostartabusiness #businessstrategy #businesspodcast #motivation #success

Join us for an inspiring interview in the Business Spotlight series as we sit down with Baylee Hood, Partner and Director of Operations and Training at Harvest Clean Eats. Baylee discusses her entrepreneurial journey, sharing insights on managing a growing business, balancing personal and professional life, and the importance of hiring motivated team members. Tune in to hear about the Harvest Clean Eats growth strategy, leadership principles, and Baylee's advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. Don’t miss this valuable conversation on persistence and the power of a people-focused business approach.

#businessstrategist #advice #podcast #businessowner #businesstips #growth #businessgrowth #businesslesson #businessessentials #howtostartabusiness #businessstrategy #businesspodcast #motivation #success

Meet Taylor McMaster, founder of DOT & Company, the first and only agency providing fractional account management services for marketing agencies. Taylor shares her entrepreneurial journey and the unique path that led her to create a business focused on optimizing client experiences and supporting agency owners. With valuable lessons on hiring, fostering a positive work environment, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance, Taylor offers insights into the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship. Discover how her innovative approach and laser-focused vision have driven DOT & Company's success, and get inspired by her advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. Don't miss this engaging conversation with a trailblazer in the marketing industry.

#business #advice #podcast #businessowner #businesstips #growth #businessgrowth #businesslesson #businessessentials #howtostartabusiness #businessstrategy #businesspodcast #motivation #success

Meet Sam Daviau, co-founder and CEO of UpBeing, a company dedicated to improving social well-being through its innovative application. In this interview, Sam shares his journey from Toronto to Halifax, the inspiration behind UpBeing, and his mission to combat the loneliness epidemic affecting many today. Over the past few years, Sam has learned valuable lessons about leadership, hiring, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Discover how UpBeing is making a positive impact and get inspired by Sam's insights into entrepreneurship, building trust within a team, and fostering a supportive work environment. Join us for an engaging conversation with a visionary leader in the behavioral health sector.

#business #advice #podcast #businessowner #businesstips #growth #businessgrowth #businesslesson #businessessentials #howtostartabusiness #businessstrategy #businesspodcast #motivation #success

Meet Roxanne Tate, President and CEO of Tate Engineering, in this insightful interview. Roxanne shares her journey from a career in engineering to founding her own business focused on energy efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Learn about her experiences addressing common misconceptions about entrepreneurship, the importance of hiring the right people, fostering a positive work environment, and balancing a busy schedule. Discover how Roxanne's commitment to innovation and sustainability has driven Tate Engineering's success over the past 13 years.

#business #advice #podcast #businessowner #businesstips #growth #businessgrowth #businesslesson #businessessentials #howtostartabusiness #businessstrategy #businesspodcast #motivation #success

Join us as we interview Rashmi Prakash, CEO and co-founder of Aruna Revolution, a company transforming menstrual health with compostable menstrual pads that are better for our bodies and the planet. Rashmi shares her entrepreneurial journey, from early business ventures to developing Aruna's mission-driven products. Discover her insights on the misconceptions of running a business, the importance of building relationships, and fostering a positive work environment. Learn how Aruna is addressing real-world problems and making a significant impact on both menstrual health and environmental sustainability. Tune in for valuable lessons and inspiration from a visionary entrepreneur.

#business #advice #podcast #businessowner #businesstips #growth #businessgrowth #businesslesson #businessessentials #howtostartabusiness #businessstrategy #businesspodcast #motivation #success