SBCN Small Biz Podcast

In this episode of the SBCN Small Biz Podcast, host Linda Ockwell-Jenner interviews entrepreneur Glenn Poulos, who shares his experience transitioning from a 15-year Canadian business to a new venture, Prog USA, in Florida. Glenn emphasizes the mindset of an entrepreneur – prioritizing ideas and ownership over rigid processes – and offers practical advice like focusing on a minimum viable product, building a strong team, and taking calculated risks. He highlights the importance of customer relationships and acknowledges the unique challenges and rewards of operating a business, particularly concerning financial risk and the need to constantly adapt.https://www.progusa.net/

In this Small Biz Podcast episode, realtor Ian Inglis joins Linda Ockwell-Jenner to provide an update on the Canadian housing market as of January 2026. He notes a 6% price decline in 2025, driven by increased inventory and explains that condo prices saw a sharper drop. Ian forecasts a relatively stable market in 2026 with potential price increases in the second half of the year, influenced by anticipated interest rate reductions. He advises prospective homebuyers, particularly first-timers, to contact a realtor early, emphasizing the importance of valuation, staging, and considering factors like roof condition and electrical systems to make informed decisions about purchasing or selling a home.www.theinglisteam.com

Andrew Leith, the founder of Octant Executive Advisory Group, discusses his business focusing on revenue strategy and leadership development, stemming from his corporate experience in rapid scaling software companies. He emphasizes the importance of understanding diverse thinking styles, particularly neurodivergent individuals, and encouraging leaders to truly empower their employees by allowing them to utilize their unique strengths. Andrew’s advice centers on recognizing the value in everyone’s perspective and creating safe spaces for growth, ultimately fostering a more effective and fulfilling work environment.

This episode underscores the critical need for proactive communication between small business owners and their accountants, moving beyond just tax season preparations. It emphasizes thorough vetting of potential advisors, particularly in the age of AI, and highlights the value of a trusted, ongoing advisory relationship. The conversation stresses regular check-ins, practical advice like scheduling December calls, and acknowledges the evolving accounting landscape. Ultimately, it’s a reminder that a strong business-accountant partnership is built on open dialogue and mutual understanding.

In this episode, Ashley from Griffcom highlights the critical need for small business owners to understand their IT infrastructure, specifically emphasizing the importance of robust firewalls and smart technology investments. He strongly advises against purchasing inexpensive retail laptops, recommending instead durable, higher-quality models like Lenovo corporate, which offer a better long-term return on investment. Ashley stresses the importance of strategic, long-term IT budgeting that accounts for equipment lifespan and the value of seeking expert advice from experienced IT professionals to ensure a secure and efficient technology setup for the business.

This episode of the Small Biz Podcast introduces Ian Inglis, a realtor with Remax, providing the first in a series of ongoing updates on the housing market in Waterloo Region, Ontario. He discusses current affordability challenges, noting factors like interest rates, prices, and consumer confidence impacting the market. He highlights a buyer’s market with 70% of sales below $750,000, and addresses the challenges faced by first-time buyers. Ian advises listeners to seek professional financial advice and emphasizes the importance of patience and saving for a down payment. He plans to continue providing monthly updates.

Linda Ockwell-Jenner is joined by Wendy Rovers of Redefining Relationships, who helps people understand what is important in their relationships and how the mind works.

Get ready for a partner-ific conversation! Linda and Dave Ockwell-Jenner, the dynamic duo behind SBCN, spill the tea on what makes a successful partnership. With over two decades of experience watching partnerships come together (and sometimes fall apart), they're sharing their top tips for making it work!Join our hosts as they dish out the secrets to building a strong, lasting partnership - whether that's in your personal or professional life. From navigating conflicting personalities to finding common ground and working together towards a shared goal, Linda and Dave are dishing out all their favorite strategies for success.So grab your favorite coffee mug (or glass of champagne), get comfy, and get ready to learn from the experts!

Linda Ockwell-Jenner welcomes back Tom Reilly on today’s episode of the SBCN Small Biz Podcast. Tom and Linda discuss the difference between Influence and Persuasion.

Andrew Leith, President & Founder of Octant Executive Advisory Group joins SBCN Co-Founder Linda Ockwell-Jenner. Andrew has had a distinguished career in sales roles and his journey brought him to realize the differences in leadership for neurotypical and neurodivergent individuals. His work now helps leaders enhance their impact through better understanding the individuals in their teams.