Good Business Dufferin Podcast

In this special episode of the Good Business Dufferin Podcast, I sit down with our two incredible summer students to hear about their experiences working at the Dufferin Board of Trade. Both returning for another summer, they share what it’s like to be part of the DBOT team, the skills they’ve gained, and their favourite projects. We wish them the best with the upcoming school year!
This episode is a mix of reflection and casual conversation about growth, learning, and what it means to contribute to our community as young professionals.
Interested in gaining experience like this? Opportunities such as these are made possible through the Canada Summer Jobs Program, which helps young people gain valuable work experience and build skills for their future careers. Learn more and apply through the Government of Canada’s website.
https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/funding/canada-summer-jobs.html
Tune in for an inspiring, behind-the-scenes look at what it’s like to work at DBOT as a summer student!

Good Business Dufferin Podcast | Spotlight on Brad Reid, Local Impact Award Winner 🎙 Welcome back to the Good Business Dufferin Podcast, where we celebrate the people and organizations making a difference in our community. I’m your host, Shehara Gammanpila, returning summer student at the Dufferin Board of Trade.
In this episode, we’re thrilled to spotlight Brad Reid, the 2025 Local Impact Award Winner and founder of Brighter Future Homes. Brad’s business provides organic purifiers that create healthier living spaces, but his impact goes far beyond products — from raising funds for Streams Hub and the Orangeville Food Bank to championing initiatives that strengthen the Dufferin community.
Join us as we dive into:
✨ Brad’s journey as a business owner and what inspired him to start Brighter Future Homes
✨ The importance of giving back and making a meaningful local impact
✨ How Brad balances running a business while supporting community causes
✨ Tips for other small business owners who want to make a difference
Whether you’re a local business owner, community leader, or simply love hearing inspiring stories of impact, this episode is for you!
📌 Links & Resources Connect with Brighter Future Homes: https://www.brighterfuturehomes.co/
Subscribe for more episodes celebrating the winners of the 2025 Business Excellence Awards! #GoodBusinessDufferin #LocalImpact #BrighterFutureHomes #SmallBusiness #CommunityLeadership #DufferinCounty

Welcome back to Good Business Dufferin – the podcast where we spotlight the people and organizations driving positive change in our region. In this special episode, guest host Lindsay Watt, our returning Media Summer Student, sits down with Dina Barazza, President and Chief Learning Officer of The Talent Consortium.
Dina brings over 30 years of experience in leadership development, HR strategy, diversity programming, and more. She's also a passionate advocate for women, youth, and people with disabilities—offering insight into what it means to lead with purpose and create inclusive, transformational change.
In this episode, you’ll hear:
The mission behind The Talent Consortium
What makes a successful mentorship or coaching relationship
How to match the right support at the right time
Leadership and workforce trends for the future
Why elevating underrepresented voices matters
How you or your organization can get involved
Whether you’re a young professional, a leader, or someone interested in making workplaces more inclusive, there’s something in this conversation for you.

In this special episode of the Good Business Dufferin Podcast, we're spotlighting the winner of the 2025 New Business of the Year award — The Nest Boutique Suites.
Host Jaemilyn Gavino, Communications Manager at the Dufferin Board of Trade, is joined by Jessica Marchildon, Memory Curator at The Nest, to explore how this beautifully designed short-term stay destination is redefining hospitality in Dufferin County.
From intentional design choices to curated guest experiences, The Nest is more than a place to stay — it’s a place to feel.
🎧 In this episode, you'll learn:-How The Nest brings storytelling and design together to create lasting memories-What it means to be a Memory Curator in the world of boutique hospitality-How the team built a standout brand in just one year-The community connections fueling their success-Advice for new entrepreneurs building purpose-driven businesses in small towns
Whether you're a hospitality professional, a small business owner, or simply love thoughtful travel experiences, this episode is full of insight and inspiration.
🔗 Learn more about The Nest Boutique Suites: www.thenestsuites.ca🎙️ Subscribe for more interviews with our 2025 Business Excellence Award winners

Inside GEON: 2025 Business of the Year Winner | Good Business Dufferin Podcast
In this special episode of the Good Business Dufferin Podcast, we’re spotlighting our 2025 Business of the Year: GEON Performance Solutions – and welcoming Carmine Domanico to share the story behind their success.
GEON is a global leader in performance polymer solutions, and their Orangeville facility has become a shining example of innovation, sustainability, and community leadership. From workplace culture to manufacturing excellence, GEON continues to set the bar locally and beyond.
In this episode, we discuss:✔ GEON’s leadership values and operational success✔ What it means to win Business of the Year✔ Initiatives in safety, sustainability, and staff development✔ How GEON engages with and supports the local Dufferin community✔ Their vision for the future of manufacturing
Whether you’re passionate about leadership, innovation, or community building — this episode is full of insight and inspiration.
🔗 Learn more about GEON: www.geon.com🎙️ Subscribe to hear more stories from our 2025 Business Excellence Award winners!
#GoodBusinessDufferin #GEONPerformanceSolutions #BusinessOfTheYear #BusinessExcellenceAwards #DufferinCounty #LeadershipInManufacturing #LocalBusinessSpotlight #SustainableManufacturing #InnovationAtWork #OntarioBusiness #CommunityImpact

In this episode of the Good Business Dufferin Podcast, we go behind the scenes with the winner of the 2025 Business Excellence Award for Nonprofit of the Year — Pine River Institute.
Pine River Institute is a truly transformative organization that provides integrated therapy, education, and nature-based experiences to help youth struggling with mental health and addiction. Their holistic approach not only supports the young people they serve — it also empowers families and strengthens communities.
In this conversation we dive into: 🌿 The unique, integrated model that sets Pine River apart 🌟 What it means to be recognized as Nonprofit of the Year 🧠 The ongoing challenges in youth mental health 🤝 How community and business partnerships play a critical role 📈 What’s next for the organization — and how you can get involved
If you’re passionate about mental health, youth support, or making a difference in your community, this episode will give you a new appreciation for the work happening right here in Dufferin County.
📣 Support or learn more about Pine River Institute: www.pineriverinstitute.com
🎧 Subscribe for more award-winning spotlights and inspiring stories from our County!
#GoodBusinessDufferin #BusinessExcellenceAwards #PineRiverInstitute #NonprofitOfTheYear #YouthMentalHealth #AddictionRecovery #TherapeuticEducation #CommunitySupport #DufferinCounty #MentalHealthMatters #SupportYouth #OntarioNonprofits #PodcastSeries #LeadershipInCare #AwardWinningNonprofit #GoodBusinessIsGoodForEveryone

Employee wellness isn’t just a trend — it’s a business necessity.
 
In this episode of the Good Business Dufferin Podcast, host Jaemilyn, Communications Manager of the Dufferin Board of Trade, sits down with Siobhan, a Registered Nurse Psychotherapist from Heart & Mind, to talk about their Employee Wellness Program (EWP) — a trauma-informed wellness solution built by small business, for small business.
 
You’ll learn:
✔ What Trauma & Violence Informed Care (TVIC) really means
✔ How the EWP offers realistic, flexible mental health support for small teams
✔ How coaching, therapy, and group sessions can help employees thrive
✔ The importance of privacy, accessibility, and affordability in workplace wellness
✔ First steps for business owners looking to support their staff’s mental health
 
If you’re a business owner, nonprofit leader, or team manager — this episode is packed with tools and ideas you can use right away.
 
Listen now and explore a healthier way to work.
Learn more at: www.heartmindhub.ca/ | Contact Siobhan: ewp@heartmindhub.ca

In this episode of Good Business Dufferin, we’re shining a light on a local organization that offers comfort, compassion, and care during life’s most difficult moments — Bethell Hospice.Host Diana Morris speaks with Nicole Hand, Executive Director of the Bethell Hospice Foundation, and Margaret Paan, Executive Director of Bethell Hospice. Together, they explore the journey of this vital community resource, the incredible care provided, and the important role of fundraising and community support.🎧 In this episode, you'll learn:- How Bethell Hospice began and the impact it's made over 15 years- What hospice care looks like day-to-day- How businesses and individuals can support hospice services- Upcoming events and opportunities to get involved- How to access hospice care for your loved onesWhether you’re learning about hospice for the first time or looking for ways to give back to your community, this episode will leave you informed and inspired.Learn more about Bethell Hospice: www.bethellhospice.orgSupport or get involved: www.dufferinbot.caSubscribe for more inspiring local stories

In celebration of Volunteer Appreciation Week (April 27 – May 3, 2025), this episode of the Good Business Dufferin Podcast shines a light on the incredible volunteers and community champions who help make the Headwaters Region thrive.
Host Diana Morris is joined by Jennifer Payne, Executive Director of Headwaters Communities in Action (HCIA) — a citizen-led nonprofit working to enhance community well-being through leadership, collaboration, and civic engagement.
In this episode, Jennifer shares:-HCIA’s mission and the impact of citizen-led change-How Volunteer Dufferin is connecting people with purpose-Success stories and community-driven projects shaping the Headwaters Region-Insights from the Community Well-Being Report-Practical ways to get involved and give back to your community
Whether you’re a business owner, nonprofit leader, or engaged citizen, this conversation will leave you inspired and ready to take action.
🎧 Listen & Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube, or your favourite platform🔗 Learn more about HCIA & Volunteer Dufferin: www.headwaterscommunities.org / www.volunteerdufferin.ca
Let’s celebrate our volunteers — the heart of our community 💛

In our latest episode, we sit down with award-winning entrepreneur, customer experience expert, and motivational storyteller Daniel Lewis — Founder of T By Daniel, and past Chair of the Brampton Board of Trade.
 
Daniel shares the real secrets behind building a successful business, empowering your team, and creating unforgettable customer experiences.
 
Tune in for an inspiring and practical conversation where you'll hear:
🌟 Why he chose to build a tea brand and become an entrepreneur
🌟 The biggest lessons he learned and what brought him to where he is today
🌟 Insights on what his next adventure is... We heard the 'Tea' first!
🌟 Actionable advice for entrepreneurs, nonprofits, and small business owners
 
Whether you're growing your own business or leading a nonprofit, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways to help you thrive. Listen now and get inspired!
Connect with Daniel Lewis:
info@iamdaniel.ca | www.iamdaniel.com