The Rural Entrepreneur
By b2bspecialist
The Exit Mindset: Why Building a Rural Business That Runs Without You is the Key to Buying and Selling One.
Scott Stirrett built Venture for Canada and led it for over 11 years. He then let go of control so it could thrive without him. He now applies that lens and is searching for a rural business to buy and run long term.
What's covered
1:11 | Building Venture for Canada: Scott grew a small idea into a national organization over 11 years.
7:47 | Finding a niche and growing it: Venture for Canada led in two niches others overlooked.
10:57 | Entrepreneurship through acquisition (ETA): Why Scott moved into training people to buy businesses.
19:47 | What buyers and sellers should look for: Integrity, fit, financials and the stages of due diligence.
31:00 | Boards and letting go: Giving up control made the organization stronger and the business transferable.
38:26 | Scott's search and why rural: He wants a service business in Ontario or the Maritimes, ideally rural.
The Rural Renaissance: Why Canada's Next Wave of Entrepreneurs Is Betting on Small Towns
Blog post.
Most people spend their careers moving toward the city. Dr. Joseph Fournier did the opposite — on purpose — and then built a body of research to explain why that bet makes sense.
In Episode 31 of the Rural Entrepreneur Podcast, we sat down with Dr. Joseph Fournier: a former oil and gas executive and research scientist who traded downtown Calgary for a sheep ranch a hundred kilometres east of the city, and who now writes as a Senior Fellow at the Frontier Centre for Public Policy.
His "Rural Renaissance" white paper — currently under peer review — argues that small-town and rural Canada isn't a place people retreat to. It's where the next decade of economic opportunity is being built.
If you're a rural entrepreneur, this conversation reframes the ground you're already standing on.
Beyond the Classroom: Why the Future of AI is Apprenticeship
We are currently living through what might be the fastest workforce retraining era in history.
As Artificial Intelligence reshapes industries, the traditional education system is struggling to keep pace. In this new episode of the Rural Entrepreneur Podcast, now streaming on our website, we sat down with Ian Burgess, founder of Valadair and his new venture, Ascendance Foundry.
Ian is challenging the status quo by arguing that apprenticeship—not just lecture halls—needs to be the center of post-secondary education.
From Oakville to Meaford: How the Forder Family Turned Passion for Pets into a Rural E-Commerce Success Story
Brandon Forder, co-owner of Harbour Hound Pet Supplies (formerly Candian Pet Connection) a family-run pet business, joined the Rural Entrepreneur Podcast to discuss his family transformed their brand from a brick-and-mortar store in the GTA into a leading Canadian e-commerce presence rooted in Meaford, Ontario.
From launching the Meaford Pet Expo to spearheading community sustainability efforts, Brandon shares lessons on innovation, family business, and entrepreneurship.
Empowering Small Business Health and Safety: A Rural Entrepreneurial Journey
Dive deep into the world of safety in business in this episode: Janice Campbell: The Entrepreneurial Journey of Spencer Safety Solutions.
In this podcast episode, we engage in a captivating conversation with Janice Campbell, the owner of Spencer Safety Solutions. Janice shares her profound experience and passion for safety, offering invaluable insights and firsthand experiences in the realm of business safety.
Discover the challenges and advancements in the safety industry, the importance of sustainable approaches, and the entrepreneurial mindset required for success in today's evolving business landscape.
Janice's unique background and her journey from being an employee to an entrepreneur bring a fresh perspective on the realities of safety in business and its vital role in our society.
Whether you're an experienced business owner seeking fresh perspectives or an aspiring entrepreneur looking to make your mark in the safety field, this podcast is an essential resource for inspiration and knowledge.
From High School Band to Audio/Video Hub: Ryan Harris Builds Artie Music in Grey‑Bruce
On this episode of the Rural Entrepreneur Podcast Chris sits down with Ryan Harris of Artie Music.
Ryan Harris turned a high school passion for music into Artie Music—a full-scale audio/video production hub based in Hanover, Ontario. From DIY recordings to formal training and mentorship in Toronto, Ryan pivoted from carpentry during the pandemic to build a creative ecosystem in Grey-Bruce.
Artie Music now empowers local musicians and filmmakers with tools, mentorship, and services—challenging traditional industry models by focusing on fair artist compensation and rural creative development.
Finding Your Voice: Lauren's Story of Music, Poetry and Entrepreneurship
In this podcast episode, Chris sits down with artist and entrepreneur Lauren Best to explore her multifaceted journey in the arts and entrepreneurship over the past six years.
Lauren shares heartfelt stories, including the inspiring influences of her grandmother and great-grandmother, and how their legacies have shaped her path. She also delves into her recent projects, which span poetry, music, and community initiatives, offering a glimpse into her world where creativity meets entrepreneurship.
The conversation is a rich exploration of the transformative power of music, the joy of community collaboration, and the learnings from her entrepreneurial journey, offering listeners a deep dive into the life and philosophies of a passionate artist and entrepreneur.
Smart Trees: How Korotu Technology is Empowering Farmers to Reforest Without Compromise
Sean Rudd, co-founder of Korotu Technology, joins Chris Herbert on the Rural Entrepreneur Podcast to explore how smart tree planting can be a win-win for farmers and the environment.
Drawing from years of farmer interviews and recent government-backed research, Rudd outlines a practical vision: scale tree canopy on Canada's 62 million hectares of farmland using precision technology, farmer insight, and better funding alignment.
Carbon Credits, Corporate Incentives, and Tech-Driven Sustainability: Insights from Farm Lab’s Sam Duncan and Oli Madgett
On the this episode of The Rural Entrepreneur podcast, host Chris Herbert sits down with Sam Duncan and Oli Madgett of Farm Lab.
They explain how Farm Lab is helping Australian farmers generate carbon credits and manage environmental data under the ACCU scheme—while drawing lessons and parallels for Canadian agriculture and the global push toward sustainability.
Growing Resilience: Emily Ford on Regenerative Agriculture, Joint-Venture Farming, and the Future of Canadian Soil
Agronomist Emily Ford explains how Quattro Ventures is moving toward regenerative-agriculture practices—driven in part by McCain Foods’ 2030 commitment—while keeping an eye on economic sustainability.
She details the motivations, barriers, and real-world payoffs of “regen,” describes Quattro’s unique multi-family joint-venture model, and argues that Canadian farmers are already poised to lead on soil health, climate resilience, and innovation.
The Entrepreneur Who Took Grey County Global: Tom Bovingdon's IT Journey
In this episode of the Rural Entrepreneur Podcast, Chris Herbert interviews Tom Bovingdon, founder and CEO of Infinity Network Solutions.
Tom shares his entrepreneurial journey from selling eggs as a kid to building a 29-person managed IT services firm in rural Ontario, serving clients across Canada and the U.S.
His story is one of confidence, creativity, and scaling a rural tech company to international success through relationship building and continuous learning.
Unlocking Opportunties: The Power of Leadership & Learning with Susanne Latimer
In this episode of the Rural Entrepreneur Podcast, host Chris Herbert interviews Susanne Latimer, co-founder of Accelerate Transformation.
They discuss entrepreneurship, leadership development, and the importance of investing in people to drive business success.
Susanne shares insights into her journey from corporate leadership to entrepreneurship, the value of training and retention, and how business leaders can scale effectively.
From Tech Head to Tech Leader: Wil McReynolds' Entrepreneurial Path
In this episode, we interview Wil McReynolds, founder of KP9 Interactive and the WebAR platform WorldCAST. Wil discusses his journey from creative arts to tech entrepreneurship, the impact of COVID-19 on his business model, and the importance of high-speed internet for rural entrepreneurs.
He emphasizes building a supportive community and adapting to challenges, offering practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Wil’s story showcases resilience, innovation, and the potential of rural entrepreneurship.
Embracing the Rural Entrepreneurial Spirit: An Interview with Andrew Hill
In this episode, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Andrew Hill, a seasoned rural entrepreneur based in Port Elgin, Ontario, Canada.
With over 40 years of experience, Andrew shared his remarkable journey from the UK to Canada and the insights he has gained while building his business, Powerlink.
This blog post captures the highlights of our conversation, offering a glimpse into the mind of an entrepreneur who has successfully navigated the challenges of rural entrepreneurship.
Cultivating Resilience and Community: Strategic Lessons from an Entrepreneurial Journey
In an enlightening episode of The Rural Entrepreneur Podcast, Dawn Buschert shares her transformative journey from a second-generation farmer to an impactful community leader and educator in self-sufficiency.
Trailblazing Leadership: Adventure-Inspired Strategies for High Performance Teams
In this engaging episode of the Rural Entrepreneur Podcast, host Chris Herbert sits down with Scott Kress, an accomplished adventurer, leadership expert, and the founder of Summit Team Building.
They explore Scott's dual journey of conquering extreme environments and leveraging those experiences to enhance team dynamics and leadership in the corporate world.
From discussing the adventurer's mindset in entrepreneurship to delving into the intricacies of team building in both rural and urban settings, the episode offers a comprehensive look at the parallels between navigating the wilderness and steering a successful business.
Sustainable Farming: A Farmer's Perspective
Dive into the world of sustainable farming in this episode: Sustainable Farming: A Farmer's Perspective on Entrepreneurship and Progress.
In this podcast episode, we have a thought-provoking conversation with Jake Leguee, a third-generation farmer, and blogger, from Weyburn, Saskatchewan. Jake shares his extensive experience and passion for sustainable practices, offering valuable insights and firsthand experiences in the realm of agriculture.
Discover the challenges and advancements in the farming industry, the importance of sustainable approaches, and the entrepreneurial mindset required for success in today's evolving agricultural landscape.
Jake's notable background and recognition as one of Saskatchewan's Outstanding Young Farmers bring a unique perspective on the realities of farming and its crucial role in our society.
Whether you're an experienced farmer seeking fresh perspectives or an aspiring entrepreneur making your mark in the agricultural field, this podcast is a valuable resource for inspiration and knowledge.
Harnessing Hypnosis for Entrepreneurial Success
In this episode, we delve into the entrepreneurial journey of Tracy Robinson, the spirited director of Bruce Grey Hypnosis. Despite being an entrepreneur for under five years, Tracy's achievements stand out.
Considering the challenges many small businesses face in their foundational years, Tracy's ability to not only sustain but also thrive is truly remarkable.
Transitioning from healthcare to hypnosis, Tracy has harnessed her passion and expertise to offer invaluable services, especially to fellow entrepreneurs seeking tools to manage stress and bolster their self-belief.
As she shares insights about her business's growth, innovative approaches, and the hurdles she's navigated, listeners are treated to the story of an entrepreneur making her mark in a unique domain.
Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, someone intrigued by the potential of hypnosis, or just in search of inspiration from a fresh voice in the entrepreneurial landscape, this episode promises a wealth of insights, experiences, and practical advice.
Harvesting Harmony: A Leader's Vision for Family, Community, and Agricultural Storytelling
In this episode we sit down with Natalie Kovarik, a beacon in the agricultural community and co-host of the Discover Ag podcast.
Natalie takes us through her journey in the agricultural sector, sharing the genesis of the Elevate Ag community, a platform fostering deeper connections and understanding in the agricultural space. She reflects on the global challenges faced by the agricultural community, emphasizing the need for heightened awareness and constructive dialogues.
We delve into the vibrant world of the Kovarik Cattle Co, where family traditions meet modern agricultural practices, offering a glimpse into the nurturing environment characterized by respect for land and animal welfare.
The episode also unveils Natalie's exciting future plans, including a docuseries that promises to bring unseen stories from various farms and ranches to the forefront, adding a visual dimension to the "Discover Ag" podcast.
Join us as we explore Natalie's harmonious vision, where leadership meets passion, and stories become the bridge connecting family, community, and agriculture.
Finding Your Voice: Lauren's Story of Music, Poetry and Entrepreneurship
In this podcast episode, Chris sits down with artist and entrepreneur Lauren Best to explore her multifaceted journey in the arts and entrepreneurship over the past six years.
Lauren shares heartfelt stories, including the inspiring influences of her grandmother and great-grandmother, and how their legacies have shaped her path. She also delves into her recent projects, which span poetry, music, and community initiatives, offering a glimpse into her world where creativity meets entrepreneurship.
The conversation is a rich exploration of the transformative power of music, the joy of community collaboration, and the learnings from her entrepreneurial journey, offering listeners a deep dive into the life and philosophies of a passionate artist and entrepreneur.
An Entrepreneurial Visionary with a Heart for Philanthropy and Youth
In this enlightening episode of the Rural Entrepreneur Podcast series, Mi6 founder Chris Herbert engages in a deep conversation with Gerard Buckley, an experienced entrepreneur, philanthropist, and investor.
They delve into various topics, from the intricacies of the housing market to the challenges and opportunities faced by rural entrepreneurs. Gerard shares his insights on the current state of the housing market, the impact of demographic shifts, and the potential of rural areas in the age of remote work.
The discussion also touches upon the role of financial institutions, government policies, and the importance of understanding one's customer in the entrepreneurial journey.
Family, Farming, and the Future of Rural Entrepreneurship
In this episode, Chris Herbert engages in a profound conversation with Jamie Butler, the driving force behind Meon Springs. They explore Jamie's unique background, the role of family in shaping his entrepreneurial journey, and delve into the pressing topic of cows and their impact on the climate.
An Entrepreneur's Journey as an ISP Innovator in Grey Bruce
This podcast features Richard Gils, the founder and CEO of GBTEL, as he shares insights into his journey as a rural entrepreneur in the dynamic world of Internet Service Providers.
In this engaging conversation, Gils discusses the complexities of building a successful ISP in Grey Bruce, touching on the challenges and opportunities in a rural setting, the importance of government support, and the intricacies of managing a skilled team in a technical field.
He reflects on the significance of trust and team dynamics in business, offering personal anecdotes and advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. The discussion also delves into the broader economic landscape of Grey Bruce, exploring the impact of local and regional businesses on the area's development.
Gils' narrative provides a unique perspective on entrepreneurship, highlighting the blend of professional challenges and personal growth that define the entrepreneurial experience.
Gingerbug's Rise: A Tale of Resilience, Community, and Innovation in Entrepreneurship
In this enlightening episode of the Rural Entrepreneur Podcast, host Chris Herbert engages with Megan Silk, co-founder of Gingerbug, to discuss her entrepreneurial journey.
From the inception of a unique beverage brand to the challenges and triumphs of growing a business in the Grey Bruce region, the episode delves into various aspects of entrepreneurship.
Megan shares insights into brand development, community impact, and the balancing act of innovation and tradition, offering valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs.
The Art of Entrepreneurship: Embracing Innovation and Instinct
In this insightful episode of the Rural Entrepreneur Podcast, host Chris Herbert sits down with Paul Hogendoorn, an experienced entrepreneur with a diverse background in technology and business development.
The episode explores Paul's unexpected journey into entrepreneurship, his innovative approach to patents, and his insights into rural entrepreneurship. Paul shares his experiences from starting a business in a rented industrial unit to obtaining multiple patents and mentoring young entrepreneurs.
He also discusses the unique advantages of rural entrepreneurship and reflects on personal lessons learned throughout his career.
Empowering Small Business Health and Safety: A Rural Entrepreneurial Journey
Dive deep into the world of safety in business in this episode: Janice Campbell: The Entrepreneurial Journey of Spencer Safety Solutions.
In this podcast episode, we engage in a captivating conversation with Janice Campbell, the owner of Spencer Safety Solutions. Janice shares her profound experience and passion for safety, offering invaluable insights and firsthand experiences in the realm of business safety.
Discover the challenges and advancements in the safety industry, the importance of sustainable approaches, and the entrepreneurial mindset required for success in today's evolving business landscape.
Janice's unique background and her journey from being an employee to an entrepreneur bring a fresh perspective on the realities of safety in business and its vital role in our society.
Whether you're an experienced business owner seeking fresh perspectives or an aspiring entrepreneur looking to make your mark in the safety field, this podcast is an essential resource for inspiration and knowledge.
Between Ditches: The Journey of Modern Farming
In this insightful episode of the Rural Entrepreneur Podcast, host Chris Herbert sits down with Kristjan Hebert, a leading figure in innovative agricultural entrepreneurship. The episode explores Kristjan's journey from managing a family farm to establishing Hebert Grain Ventures, a testament to modern agricultural practices and business acumen. Throughout the conversation, Kristjan shares his experiences, challenges, and the strategic decisions that shaped his venture into a successful and sustainable agricultural business.