Hustle & Grind

Roller Hockey London | The Hustle and Grind Podcast Ep. 32 (Bonus episode)

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.

Joel Richer | The Hustle and Grind Podcast - Ep.31

Redefining London Events: The Mobile Bar Mogul’s Story
From corporate grind to mobile bar mogul — Joel Richer breaks down the real challenges and rewards of stepping into entrepreneurship. Hear how he and his crew are redefining events in London with curated festivals, creative networking, and a fresh approach to community building.
Bulles et Bieres website

Gary Brown | The Hustle and Grind Podcast - Ep. 30

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!!

From Bottled Water MLMs to Niche E‑Comm: Grading 10 Business Models!

From Bottled Water MLMs to Retail Burnout! Ryan and Scott revisit their craziest business attempts: bottled water MLM pitches, retail stores bleeding cash, and the rise of social shopping. They give each model a grade and share the lessons every new entrepreneur needs before diving in.
**Audio fixed - Stereo enabled**

Realtors Corner - Featuring Kevin Kingma & Levi Kap - Let's get REAL about Real Estate🫡!!

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!

Realtors Corner - Featured Guest Kevin Kingma! This ain't no Selling Sunset fashion show people😎!

We are so excited to have a "real" conversation with Kevin Kingma on a special segment called Realtors Corner! (Part 1 of 2!)
Kevin is a no BS realtor who tells it like it is and gets the job done - one of the secrets to his success, and why his clients love him is his direct approach with great pace! Also a huge community advocate, Kevin is the "real" deal when it comes to the real estate industry.
Kevin is with Platinum Key Realty, serving all of Middlesex County and surrounding areas. Known for his straightforward, client-first approach, Kevin has years of experience with genuine care to help buyers and sellers reach their goals.
Beyond real estate, he’s recognized for his community spirit, whether surprising locals with small acts of kindness or supporting important causes like mental health initiatives. Kevin’s clients talk about his expertise, honesty, and a realtor who truly cares.
So we wanted to talk to Kevin and get down to the grind on what it is he is doing to disrupt the realtor persona - in a great way! Check It Out!!

Charlie Smith | The Hustle and Grind Podcast - Ep. 29

2nd Gen Owner of Joe Kool's, Toboggan Brewing, Fellini Koolini's & Runt Club Pub!
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!

Colin Hopper| The Hustle and Grind Podcast - Ep. 28

London's Source For Sports. Secrets to building a successful brick & mortar business! 
Colin Hopper (affectionately known as 'Hop') has been the owner of London's Source for Sports for decades. A cool opportunity for our hosts Ryan and Scott to sit down with Hop, someone both of them have known for a long time being involved in sports themselves.
London's Source for Sports is truly a London Ontario business that has so much history, it's hard to explore all of it in one episode. We get the origin story of how Source London came to be, and how it continues to evolve to serve the active and sports community in London and area.
What is clear, is that having staff who truly "Know Their Stuff" playing the sports of the departments they work in, being involved in community, helping generations of families and truly caring about their customers, has been the recipe for success.
And at the heart of all of it is Colin Hopper, who you will still see walking the floor of the store, talking to customers, listening to staff suggestions and, yes, still fitting skates for customers! We get to hear some amazing stories, that had us laughing, crying and getting goosebumps.
What an episode, you won't want to miss with one of London's truly awesome business owners! Please enjoy, Hop!

Daniel Phillips | The Hustle and Grind Podcast - Ep. 27

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!

Scott & Ryan |The Hustle and Grind Podcast - Ep. 26

Don't make this MISTAKE in your business!! 
This week Scott and Ryan discuss and explore a few bad experiences they had in a specific industry where the business missed the mark! The guys also explore the 'One Size Fits All, One Size Fits Some and One Size Fits One' business model!
They also get into creating core cultural values in your business and also share some incredibly positive experiences they have had as customers! A great episode with a ton of value for those who really want to understand some true key touch points where business either hit the mark or miss the mark! Check It Out!!!