Hustle & Grind

Today on the show we’re talking with a true service-industry staple: Marty Salliss, the owner and driving force behind Salliss Plumbing & Heating — a London, Ontario business that’s been keeping taps running and furnaces firing for over two decades. Since launching back in 2001, Marty has grown Salliss Plumbing & Heating into one of the most trusted names in plumbing, HVAC and emergency repair in the region, with a reputation for showing up, doing the work right, and treating every customer like they matter. In this episode, we dive into what it really takes to run a hands-on trades business in a competitive market, how customer service and honesty have shaped his company culture, and why thinking differently — even about something as mundane as a service van — can lead to big gains. We also learn something very interesting about Marty that many may not know - his community service as an Auxiliary Member of the OPP is next level! Stick around — Marty brings practical wisdom, real-world grit, and a little unexpected tech to the table.

In this solo episode, Ryan gets real about the parts of entrepreneurship most people never talk about. He shares the messy, non‑linear path from corporate life to running his own marketing agency — including building a business around himself (“I built a company around me… and I couldn’t scale”), losing a friendship over a failed app, and realizing that passion without market demand is “just an expensive hobby.” This is the raw, unfiltered version of entrepreneurship you won’t find on Instagram. Ryan breaks down the emotional and practical challenges founders face: the imbalance between work and family, the loneliness of early‑stage building, and the constant uncertainty that comes with leaving a predictable 9‑to‑5. He explains why entrepreneurship is responsibility first, why you’ll question yourself constantly, and why understanding your TAM (total addressable market) might save you years of frustration. If you’re thinking about starting a business — or you’re already in the grind and wondering if what you’re feeling is normal — this episode gives you a look around the corners. It’s honest, relatable, and packed with lessons from someone who’s lived every stage of the journey.

This one’s special. Ryan sits down with three of his business partners — Eric, Cassandra, and Joel — to break down how they accidentally built one of the fastest‑growing roller hockey communities in Canada: Roller Hockey London. What started as a side‑hustle passion project has turned into an 8‑year movement with hundreds of families, a thriving youth program, international opportunities, and a culture that feels more like a festival than a sports league. In this episode, the crew gets into: How a couple of friends discovered roller hockey and turned it into a legit business Why roller hockey is exploding globally (and why Canada is late to the party) The business model behind running a league — costs, barriers to entry, and what makes it work The insane development benefits for kids (more puck touches, more creativity, more fun) Stories from playing and coaching around the world — Italy, Argentina, Colombia, and beyond The rise of pro roller hockey and where the sport is headed What’s coming next for RHL: tournaments, academies, Ironman events, and a potential pro showcase It’s part entrepreneurship, part sports nerdery, part “build cool stuff with people you like.”If you’ve ever thought about starting a league, a community, or a side business that actually matters — this episode is a blueprint.

When Gary Brown of KEMBRO Design Studio mentioned Bob Vila (the most trusted man in home improvement and tv legend) in the first minute of this episode, we knew this was going to be a banger!!!👊👍 What a blast we had with Gary on this episode! This guy has done it all, and we were fascinated with his in-depth knowledge, attention to detail and customer first approach! From starting on the ground level delivering materials and building entrance ways, to working at COPP'S Buildall, learning front line customer service, then working at WINMAR and learning everything that has to do with restoration. Gary started his renovation company as a lone wolf, then met his current business partner, and the two of them have created KEMBRO Design Studio! From the intricacies of running a renovation business to creating a true customer first approach - this man takes what any homeowner dreams up, and makes it a reality. . .the Bob Vila of London? We also say the Dreamweaver of London!! Sit back and enjoy our conversation with the nicest guy around in the renovation industry, Gary Brown!!

Today we have the Team of Kevin Kingma and Levi Kap on the pod - the twosome who make up K&K Realty Team! In part 2 of our special series, Realtors Corner, we bring Levi Kap on to discuss with Kevin and Levi, the dynamics of their team and why this works! Getting down to it. . .being real and not being fake, in an arguably overdone industry saturated with realtor trends and tik tok videos trying so hard to go viral. Levi Kap is a Realtor with Platinum Key Realty, proudly serving London and communities across Southwestern Ontario. Known for his positive outlook and strong work ethic, Levi brings energy, determination, and a client-first approach to every transaction. He has a great communication style, ensuring his clients feel informed, supported, and confident every step of the way. With his approachable nature and commitment to going the extra mile, Levi delivers results with professionalism and genuine care. Beyond real estate, he’s actively involved in the community through local sports, volunteering, and charitable initiatives. Please enjoy Kevin and Levi!

Today, we’re sitting down with someone who didn’t just take on the challenge of running a family business—he's continuing a legacy. Charlie Smith!! If you’ve ever grabbed a pint at Joe Kool’s, crushed a pizza at Fellini Koolini’s, or sampled craft beer with local pride at Toboggan Brewing Co., you already know the Smith family’s fingerprint is all over the heartbeat of this city. Now the torch has been passed. The next chapter belongs to Charlie Smith and his brother—second-generation owners, sons of founder Mike Smith, the guy responsible for creating some of London’s most iconic restaurants and pubs. But here’s the real story we’re digging into today: What does it actually take to step into the shoes of a legend? How does a next-gen leader honour decades of history without becoming a museum curator… and still have the guts to innovate, evolve, and build something new? Well, that's what we're here to explore with Charlie Smith! We’re talking legacy. We’re talking pressure. We’re talking the future of food, culture, and nightlife in this city. This is an episode you don't want to miss!

Daniel Phillips is the creator and founder of Illbury + Goose, a Canadian-made lifestyle brand producing socially conscious apparel, apothecary, and leather goods. In this episode Scott and Ryan get the opportunity to sit down with Dan, one of London's most iconic brand builders, and learn about the origins of Illbury + Goose as well as Dan's origin story. Having an entrepreneurial mindset from a young age, he was able to pair his passion of design with a great entrepreneurial drive and mindset, creating diversity with his craft, and executing! We explore trends, community, the power of collaboration, and Ryan takes this opportunity to ask Daniel. . ."what's the secret to being so cool!" 😂 Another amazing episode with another amazing London, Ontario entrepreneur, and business owner!

Meaghan Terzis is a force as an entrepreneur and local London business owner. From stay at home mom turned serial entrepreneur, she owns both F45 locations in London (WestBend https://f45training.com/ca/studio/westbend/ and Masonville https://f45training.com/ca/studio/masonville/), FS8 https://fs8.com/hydepark/home a new innovative Pilates and Yoga studio AND she has started Coffee Club London https://www.thecoffeeclubldn.ca/ with co-founder Nolan Lynch, an event that started with huge velocity and excitement and is not slowing down, hosting events that has thousands of local entrepreneurs, business people, content creators and visionaries coming together in a networking experience like none other! We talk to Meaghan about building a community, not having a “scarcity mindset”, balancing life and work, health and wealth, and so much more! This is an episode you won’t want to miss, as we dig deep into the amazing entrepreneurial mind of Meaghan Terzis! We can't wait for you to check this out!!

The H&G guys, Scott and Ryan are back for Season 3! In this quick intro conversation, the guys outline what people can expect with Season 3 - with an amazing guest lineup and new conversations exploring all kinds of business ideas and experiences - the good, the bad and the. . .confusing?? Jump back in and hang on for the ride with London, Ontario's business and entrepreneur podcast!!

We are thrilled to have special guest and 5X Olympic Medalist on the show, Scott Moir!! At PyeongChang 2018, Scott Moir and partner Tessa Virtue became the most decorated figure skaters in Olympic history. Winning gold medals in both the ice dance and team events, they are the first figure skaters to own five career Olympic medals. Virtue and Moir produced one of their best seasons ever in 2016-17, going undefeated en route to their third career world title. Included in that was their first ever win at the ISU Grand Prix Final as they enjoyed a successful comeback after a two-year hiatus from competition. They had taken a break to perform solely in tours and exhibitions after winning two silver medals at Sochi 2014 in the ice dance event and as part of the inaugural Olympic team event. The Moir family has always been heavily involved in figure skating… Mother Alma and her twin sister Carol are both coaches at the Ilderton Skating Club. The Moir family has always been heavily involved in figure skating… Mother Alma and her twin sister Carol are both coaches at the Ilderton Skating Club. At first wanted to skate faster for hockey to fulfil his dream of being Joe Sakic and winning the Stanley Cup but he realized he didn’t have the hands for hockey… First teamed with Virtue by his aunt Carol when she was seven and he was nine… At the beginning, the two were so shy that they didn’t talk to each other while skating. Today we talk to Scott about his journey as an Olympic athlete, protecting and managing the personal brand that himself and Tessa had grown, surrounding yourself with the right people and constantly innovating. Scott brings all that he learned through to his new professional journey as the Head Coach and Managing Director of the new Ice Academy of Montreal campus in Southwestern Ontario, located in London, Ontario. What an episode that you won't want to miss!

Today we have Barbara Olsthoorn on the show!! Barbara is the owner of 3 businesses in London's Covent Garden Market! The Piping Kettle Soup Co., The Better Blend Smoothie Bar and C'est Cheez Artisan Sandwiches (making some of the best grilled cheese sandwiches you will ever have!!) What a journey Barbara has had that we are able to explore and learn so much from. Coming to London to study photography, but quickly realizing she wanted to do other things, and began to explore other career opportunities outside of photography. Barbara started working for a smoothie business in the Covent Garden Market (owned by the family who owns The Piping Kettle Soup Co), and Barbara quickly became an integral part of the family of businesses, implementing operations and systems that helped the company run more streamlined. Eventually the opportunities of ownership with the smoothie business became available and Barbara jumped at the opportunity! This is a conversation about working hard and being dedicated and opportunities will come, but also creating your own opportunities through that hard work and dedication. We talk about the importance of being a business owner who is on the front-line, talking to your customers and understanding what your customers truly want, not what you think they want! We talk about trust, building a team, managing three businesses and the true grit and grind it takes to build a successful business. We also discuss how supportive the Covent Garden Market has been with Barbara, to support her ideas and business ventures and entrepreneur spirit. We loved this positive and inspiring conversation, as Barbara really let us into the details of her journey! Please enjoy, Barbara Olsthoorn! Now streaming on ALL PLATFORMS 🎧

New Year, New Season - Let's Go! Season 2 coming in HOT! 🔥 We're heading into 2025 with amazing Momentum for our podcast and we're not slowing down! Our hosts Scott and Ryan take a moment to reflect on our Season 1, and discuss some of the formula and experience of starting a successful podcast venture. With no clear goals or metrics in mind when we started, we just hit the ON AIR button and started grinding it out, with incredible guests, impactful conversations and an amazing team to bring it all together! Discipline, Consistency, Constant Learning, and being Open to Change, are just some of the common themes that we've seen so far. Tune in, as we have an incredible line-up of new and exciting guests to celebrate the Hustle & Grind of what it takes to be an Entrepreneur and Business owner! Thanks to everyone for all of your support - listeners AND viewers! It means the world to us! Want to Sponsor and Support the pod? We have a few spots left. Let us know how we can connect your brand message with our audience!

Today we have another double guest episode for you. . .Jim Graham and Jessica Fernandes from TRY Recycling join us! Jim Graham is the Chief Operating Officer and Owner of TRY Recycling. Jim has played a key role in the incredible growth of TRY Recycling ever since purchasing the company from his father, Bill Graham, and two co-founders, Ralph Thompson and Tony Aarts, in 1997. And while a lot has changed since those early days, TRY Recycling continues to pursue growth through its unwavering focus on service, innovation, and industry advancement. Today, TRY has two facilities and several satellite facilities and drop off depots. They work with 18 different municipalities in different forms and process an average of nearly 200,000 tonnes a year from construction waste, 80 per cent of which is diverted into new products. On top of that, they do about 40,000 tonnes a year of leaf and yard waste composting, and have the largest southwestern Ontario regional leaf and yard waste composting facility for municipalities. Jim is also the man behind the London Airshow, North America's BEST airshow! We talk about how Jim was on track to be a Top Gun pilot and how his love and passion of aviation is his driving force to continue to run the Airshow! Jessica Fernandes is the People Operations Director of TRY Recycling. She wears many hats, some of which focus on the customer experience. Jessica has been working hard to provide an enjoyable experience at TRY facilities for people of all backgrounds and ages – not just contractors. Jessica is a true thought-leader and entrepreneur working within a company that supports her and empowers her to move forward with her ideas to make the company better! Follow the Hustle & Grind Podcast wherever you get your podcasts. Watch new content on Youtube or follow us on our socials for additional content.