CREATE - The Podcast

Today on the CREATE Podcast, I sat down with James Costello, CEO of Tool Shed Brewing Company, entrepreneur, CPA, and business strategist who's built a career helping companies grow, evolve, and overcome adversity.While many people know Tool Shed as one of Alberta's pioneering craft breweries, James stepped into the role during one of the company's most challenging chapters. We talk about what it takes to lead through uncertainty, rebuild a business, and why some of the best opportunities come wrapped in the biggest challenges.From launching Pedal Pub in Canada to helping scale businesses across a variety of industries, James shares lessons on leadership, resilience, innovation, and building organizations that people genuinely want to be part of.Guest:James Costello - CEO, Tool Shed Brewery: Instagram | WebsiteHost:Mark Kondrat: Instagram | LinkedIn CREATE - The Podcast:  Instagram | TikTok | Website

Today on the CREATE Podcast, I sat down with Jarvis Clemens, better known as DJ Goodbar - a Calgary DJ who has spent years turning dance floors into unforgettable experiences.  If you have ever been to an ABF festival - you know who Jarvis is!Known for seamlessly blending hip-hop, house, funk, disco, and open-format sounds, Jarvis has built a reputation for reading the room, creating energy, and bringing people together through music. In this episode, we talk about building a personal brand in a competitive industry, the importance of consistency over perfection, and the power of community. Whether you're an entrepreneur, artist, or music lover, Jarvis shares lessons on resilience and staying true to your passion.Guest:Jarvis Clemens (A.K.A DJ Goodbar): Instagram | LinkedInHost:Mark Kondrat: Instagram | LinkedIn CREATE - The Podcast:  Instagram | TikTok | Website

Matthew Hendriks is the founder of byHendo The Cocktail Company and the entrepreneur behind SHAFT Coffee Beverages, one of Western Canada's fastest-growing ready-to-drink coffee cocktail brands. After building his career in Banff's hospitality industry, Matthew turned a passion for great cocktails, coffee, and unforgettable guest experiences into a company that's redefining the ready-to-drink beverage space.Matthew returns to the podcast to share what life has been like over the past few years - from growing a business and building a brand to navigating the highs, lows, and unexpected moments of entrepreneurship. We also dive into creativity, hospitality, and why saying "yes" to opportunities has been one of the biggest ingredients in his success.Guest:Matthew Hendriks byHendo - The Cocktail Company: Instagram Shaft Coffee Beverages: Instagram Host:Mark Kondrat: Instagram | LinkedIn CREATE - The Podcast:  Instagram | TikTok | Website

Today on the CREATE Podcast - I sat down with Eve Lacey to discuss her growing career as a musician.Born and raised in Medicine Hat, Eve began studying piano at age six through the Royal Conservatory of Music and later expanded into vocals and guitar. In 2022, Eve took full control of her musical journey, booking dozens of farmers markets across Southern Alberta and using those performances as a launching pad to breweries, pubs, restaurants, and festivals - performing more than 200 live shows across Alberta.We discuss her journey through imposter syndrome, entrepreneurship, creativity, resilience, and what it really takes to build a career by simply showing up and doing the work.Guest:Eve Lacey: Instagram | WebsiteHost:Mark Kondrat: Instagram | LinkedIn CREATE - The Podcast:  Instagram | TikTok | Website

John Jackson and Connie DeSousa are the chef-founders and co-owners of CHAR Hospitality Group, one of Canada's leading hospitality companies, with more than 10 restaurants across Alberta and British Columbia.Known for their commitment to local food, community building, and culinary innovation, John and Connie have spent more than two decades helping shape Calgary's food scene. Inspired by their experiences working around the world and at the legendary Chez Panisse, they returned home to create CHARCUT and a hospitality culture rooted in connection and collaboration.Beyond the restaurant world, they are passionate mentors, endurance athletes, and lifelong learners. Connie is also well known for her appearances on Food Network Canada, where she has helped showcase Canadian chefs and cuisine to audiences across the country.In this episode of CREATE, John and Connie share insights on entrepreneurship, partnership, resilience, and building a life around passion, purpose, and community.Guest:Connie Desousa: Instagram John Jackson: Instagram Charcut: Instagram | Website Host:Mark Kondrat: Instagram | LinkedIn CREATE - The Podcast:  Instagram | TikTok | Website

Bethany Ross is the Executive Director of Brown Bagging for Calgary's Kids, a community-driven organization dedicated to ensuring every child has access to the food they need to thrive. With more than 20 years of experience in the charitable and human services sector, Bethany has built her career around bringing people together to create meaningful change.Since joining Brown Bagging for Calgary's Kids more than a decade ago, she has helped grow a movement powered by volunteers, donors, schools, businesses, and community members who believe that no child should go hungry. Known as a thoughtful leader, problem-solver, and community builder, Bethany is passionate about creating dignified and accessible solutions for families facing food insecurity.On this episode of CREATE, Bethany shares insights on leadership, community impact, the power of collective action, and how small acts of kindness can come together to create extraordinary change for kids and families.Guest:Bethany Ross: LinkedIn Brown Bagging For Calgary Kids: Instagram | WebsiteHost:Mark Kondrat: Instagram | LinkedIn CREATE - The Podcast:  Instagram | TikTok | Website

Kim Lawton is an entrepreneur, marketing strategist, and passionate advocate for craft beer, wine, tourism, and small business. As the owner of DogLeg Marketing & Business Solutions and Marketing Director for both Cannery Brewing and Fort Berens Estate Winery, she has spent nearly three decades helping brands tell their stories, build meaningful relationships, and connect with their communities.Kim began her career with major consumer brands before launching her own marketing consultancy in the Okanagan in 2006. She is widely recognized for her contributions to British Columbia's craft beer industry, including helping create the Penticton Ale Trail and Penticton Beer Blocks.Beyond her professional work, Kim and her husband are the creators of Hidden Gems of BC, a passion project dedicated to discovering and showcasing unique destinations, businesses, and experiences throughout the province.On this episode of CREATE, Kim shares lessons on entrepreneurship, marketing, relationship building, community, and the power of shining a spotlight on others.Guest:Kim Lawton:Cannery Brewing:  Instagram Hidden Gems of BC: InstagramHost:Mark Kondrat: Instagram | LinkedIn CREATE - The Podcast:  Instagram | TikTok | Website

Tannis Baker is the co-founder of Food Tourism Strategies and one of Canada’s leading advocates for culinary and agritourism. Through initiatives like Terroir Symposium and Alberta Open Farm Days, she helps connect chefs, farmers, foragers, producers, and communities through food, culture, and storytelling. Named one of Alberta Venture Magazine’s 50 Most Influential Albertans, Tannis is passionate about showcasing Alberta’s incredible ingredients and helping build meaningful food experiences that strengthen local communities and tourism. On this episode of the CREATE Podcast, we explore collaboration, culinary tourism, and the power of food to bring people together. Guest:Tannis Baker:  Instagram | Terroir Symposium | Food Tourism Strategies | LinkedInHost:Mark Kondrat: Instagram | LinkedIn CREATE - The Podcast:  Instagram | TikTok | Website

Cory Davison is an entrepreneur, author, and community builder who has rebuilt her life and career with purpose. Born in Honduras and now based in Calgary, she is the founder of 4Xperience and creator of The 4X Method, helping organizations break down silos and align their customer, employee, brand, and product experiences for growth.She is also the founder of SHE Community, a platform supporting women entrepreneurs through connection and growth. Through her work and upcoming book Greater Than Fear, Cory shares a powerful belief: fear isn’t the enemy—it’s the teacher.At her core, Cory is driven by curiosity, creativity, and helping others grow with clarity and courage.Guest:Cory Davison:  Instagram | The 4X Method - Website | SHE Community Website | LinkedInHost:Mark Kondrat: Instagram | LinkedIn CREATE - The Podcast:  Instagram | TikTok | Website

Kent Swanlund is the CEO & Co-Founder of CO2Brew, a company bringing sustainable innovation to the brewing industry. A chemical engineering graduate from the University of Calgary, he began his career in process engineering at Worley before spending a decade in technical sales at Spartan Controls.A “nerd at heart who enjoys beer,” Kent’s entrepreneurial journey was sparked by a conversation with a local brewer that revealed a real opportunity to solve CO₂ challenges in the industry. Since going full-time with CO2Brew in 2024, he’s been driven by continuous learning, problem-solving, and a passion for building something impactful.With a focus on scaling globally, Kent is proving how curiosity and persistence can turn a simple idea into a growing business.Guest:Kent Swanlund - CO2Brew Inc:  Instagram | WebsiteHost:Mark Kondrat: Instagram | LinkedIn CREATE - The Podcast:  Instagram | TikTok | Website