In this episode of Guide to Awesomeness, host Sarah sits down with Kristi Greco, founder and creative force behind Chilly Moose, the proudly Canadian outdoor brand that’s redefining cool. Kristi shares how a family background in refrigeration—road trips to Florida—inspired a product line built for Canadian adventures. She opens up about launching during the pandemic, embracing every obstacle as an opportunity, and why patience (and patriotism) are key to product design. You’ll hear the unexpected origin of the name “Chilly Moose,” the family-first values driving the brand, and what’s ahead for this fast-growing, feel-good company.

Whether you’re a business owner, outdoor enthusiast, or proud Canadian, this episode will leave you inspired to pursue your boldest ideas—no matter how chilly the journey.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Welcome to Guide to Awesomeness

01:00 – Meet Kristi Greco, founder of Chilly Moose

02:00 – The surprising origin: refrigeration meets family road trip

03:15 – Spotting a gap in the Canadian market for premium outdoor gear

04:00 – Naming the brand: why “Chilly Moose” stuck

05:00 – Launching just before the pandemic—and thriving through it

06:00 – First product launch and instant validation

06:30 – Kristi’s personal favorite: custom engraved Daisy Tumbler

07:30 – Designing for Canadian lifestyles and reducing disposable plastics

08:00 – Behind the scenes: a workplace built on family, fun, and hidden mugs

09:00 – The biggest lesson: patience in product development

10:00 – What it really takes to launch a new product

11:30 – Dream collaborations (Justin Bieber + Canadian artists)

12:00 – What’s next: new warehouse, new products, new colors!

13:00 – Lightning round: local favorites and final thoughts

14:30 – Where to find Chilly Moose online

Notable Quotes:

“Everything we bring in, we test as a family. We want you to enjoy the outdoors, not stress over gear.” – Kristi Greco

“Keep it cool, keep it Canadian, and keep it in a Chilly Moose.”

– Sarah, closing the show

Resources & Links:

• Chilly Moose Website: chillymoose.ca
• Instagram: @chillymoose
• Facebook: Chilly Moose

· TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chilly.moose

· Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfz8yWOZ38QkQcckvuQvdBg

In this inspiring episode of Guide to Awesomeness, host Sarah sits down with Mike Fresh, the visionary founder of Freshouse Juice Bar. From a struggling student to a successful entrepreneur, Mike shares his transformative journey of overcoming personal and professional obstacles to create a thriving juice business. He talks about the power of perseverance, the importance of holistic wellness, and how his passion for health has shaped his approach to business. With five Fresh House locations and a unique community-centered vision, Mike’s story is a testament to the idea that anything is possible. Tune in to hear how he built his brand, the lessons he learned along the way, and his advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Timestamps:

[00:00:00] – Introduction to Guide to Awesomeness and guest, Mike Fresh

[00:01:00] – Mike’s journey from academic struggles to personal training

[00:02:30] – The pivotal moment that led him to the juice industry

[00:04:00] – The story behind the name Fresh House

[00:05:30] – The biggest challenges of launching a juice bar

[00:07:00] – How Fresh House grew beyond Mike’s original vision

[00:09:00] – The top-selling products and Mike’s personal favorites

[00:10:30] – Fresh House’s mission beyond juice: wellness, mindfulness, and community

[00:12:00] – Mike’s personal wellness habits and dedication to self-growth

[00:14:00] – The future of Fresh House and what’s next for the brand

[00:15:00] – Lightning round: Mike’s recommendations for visitors and community impact

[00:16:30] – Final thoughts: “You Can Do Anything”

Notable Quotes:

• “Even if you fail, it's still worth it because you’re learning, growing, and connecting.”
• “Juicing is great for your body, but true health includes your mind and soul, too.”
• “Surrender to the flow—don’t force success, let it come naturally.”
• “If I did it, anyone can. You can do anything.”

Resources & Links:

Follow Fresh House on Instagram: @freshhouse.juicebar

Visit Fresh House Locations: Woodbridge, Brampton, Kleinberg, Schaumburg, and upcoming King City

Try Mike’s Favorite Juices: I Am Dandy, I Am Bold, and Pure Celery Juice

Connect with Mike Fresh: Drop by Freshouse or follow their social media for updates

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In this episode of the Guide to Awesomeness Podcast, powered by Coldwell Banker Ronan Realty, host Sarah engages in an insightful conversation with Colleen, the events coordinator and social media expert at the Circle Theatre in Alliston, Ontario. Colleen shares the storied history of the Circle Theatre from its inception in 1938 b to its eventual purchase and renovation by Peter and Kate Vander Zaag. The episode delves into the theatre's various renovations, memorable community events, the hurdles of movie selections, and Colleen's personal experiences and excitement for future projects, including the Tecumseh Film Festival and the celebrations for the theatre's 85th anniversary. Colleen also touches on her favourite recurring events like the Rocky Horror Picture Show and highlights the collaborative spirit with local businesses in Alliston.

Learn more: https://www.circletheatre.ca/

00:00 Introduction to the Guide to Awesomeness Podcast

00:39 The Heart of Circle Theatre

01:18 The Origins of Circle Theatre

02:05 Renovations and Changes Over the Years

03:46 The Theatre's Revival and Recent Milestones

07:27 Community Events and Traditions

09:36 Future Plans and Exciting Projects

12:37 Colleen's Personal Reflections and Closing Thoughts

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https://www.facebook.com/CBRonanRealty/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/coldwell-banker-ronan-realty/