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East Trade Winds

East Trade Winds

By: Bernie Franzgrote
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 Welcome to the Discover Success with East Trade Winds Networking! Looking to start or grow your business? East Trade Winds is your solution for building meaningful connections, sharing contacts, and presenting your ideas to an audience eager to collaborate. Whether you're a solopreneur or leading a company, you'll find a welcoming community ready to support you, exchange ideas, and cheer you on. Our members come from diverse fields—coaching, IT, insurance, podcasting, and more—bringing fresh perspectives and exciting opportunities to the table. Join our weekly meet-ups, both online, where you'll learn from others, form valuable partnerships, and sharpen your presentation skills in a supportive environment. With our easy-to-use app, you can connect with fellow members before and after meetings, ensuring your needs are met with the right solutions. Plus, our YouTube presence helps share your voice and expertise with a broader audience. Step into East Trade Winds, where connections turn into opportunities, and your business goals come to life.2023 - 2026 Economics Leadership Management Management & Leadership
Episodes
  • Economic Uncertainty? Here's What Business Owners Must Do

    Economic Uncertainty? Here's What Business Owners Must Do
    Feb 4 2026
    Picture this: you're running a business, and suddenly, payments slow down, costs go up, and suppliers stop picking up the phone. What do you do next?That’s the exact question financial expert Eric Sonego from CAPROS helps answer in this episode. Host Bernie Franzgrote of Knack 4 Business sits down with Eric to talk through the most pressing challenge today’s entrepreneurs face: uncertainty.Using simple language, real stories from Canadian business owners, and no-fluff advice, Eric breaks down what business owners should actually do when the economy shifts.From a clothing store trying to manage inventory, to a service provider worried about one big client falling behind—this episode dives into what happens behind the scenes and what proactive leaders must start doing today.Eric shares why late payments are red flags, how to keep CRA happy by staying inside industry benchmarks, and what you must do with that business plan after you hand it to the bank.You’ll also hear about staff strategy, managing supplier relationships, and how smarter inventory decisions could save you from a costly mistake.Whether you’re running a store, building a service firm, or freelancing full-time—this is for you. 💡 Key Topics CoveredThe “before and after” world of business post-COVIDWhy consistent late payments signal internal breakdownsThe hidden risks in relying on one supplier or one major clientWhat CRA looks for in your expenses (and how to stay compliant)Why reducing stock can protect cash flowHow to compare your costs using Industry Canada dataWhy most business plans fail after funding—and how to fix thatHow Eric ensures his staff protects the firm, not weakens it 🧑‍💼 Guest SpeakerEric Sonego, Senior ConsultantCAPROS🔗 LinkedIn🔗 Website🎙️ HostBernie FranzgroteKnack 4 Business🔗 LinkedIn🔗 Website 🙌 Supporting Partners🎯 East Trade Winds CommunityRegister to join the weekly event: East Trade Winds Tuesdays (8–9 AM EST)🌱 Canada Growth NetworkHelping Canadian businesses grow with tools like Go High Level.Explore here: https://canadagrowthnetwork.com/ 💌 Contact Us📧 Questions or feedback? Email: info@kreativinsight.com 🎁 Special Offers🔥 Join the Canada Growth Network for just $47 CAD/monthIncludes access to Go High Level CRM tools, peer learning, and coaching.Available now at CanadaGrowthNetwork.com 📺 Watch the Episode🎥 YouTube Video: Economic Uncertainty? Here's What Business Owners Must Do🎧 Simplecast Audio Episode📰 Read the article on Ghost.IO 📣 Final Call to ActionRunning a small or medium business in Canada? Facing uncertainty with cash flow or clients? 👉 Watch the full episode now on YouTube, connect with Eric Sonego, and join us live at the next East Trade Winds Tuesday to hear more voices that help your business grow. Disclaimer: Please note that the East Trade Winds podcast episodes are meant solely for educational and general informational purposes. The information and opinions contained within are not intended to be professional advice on any subject matter. The thoughts, views, and opinions expressed by the participants are their own beliefs and do not represent the views of the podcast hosts or any affiliated organizations.It is important to note that this podcast is not a replacement for consulting with certified experts in your area who possess knowledge of your unique situation. The hosts of the podcast, along with any participants or affiliated groups, do not take responsibility for any actions taken or not taken based on the information presented in this episode.It is highly recommended that individuals seek guidance from their advisors in fields such as accounting, law, or other pertinent areas prior to undertaking any actions or making decisions that may impact their financial, legal, or other aspects of life.
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    10 mins
  • From Laid Off to $1 Million: The TV Appearance That Started It All

    From Laid Off to $1 Million: The TV Appearance That Started It All
    Jan 28 2026

    What happens when you get laid off with no backup plan—just a wild idea and a pun?


    For Colin McIntosh, it meant building Sheets & Giggles, a sustainable bedding company with humor and heart. Three weeks after losing his job, Colin founded a company that would disrupt a stagnant, plastic-filled industry—and eventually land him on Good Morning America.

    In this episode, Colin takes us behind the scenes of his journey from “just trying to pay rent” to leading a million-dollar month brand that’s become a cult favorite among eco-conscious sleepers.

    It’s a story about resilience, creativity, and standing out by staying true to yourself.

    🔍 KEY TOPICS COVERED

    • The real reason Colin chose bedding—and how he turned a fragmented, polyester-dominated market into an opportunity
    • What makes LyoCell (made from eucalyptus) a game-changer over cotton, bamboo, and polyester
    • Why polyester sheets might be harming your health—and what to use instead
    • The viral avocado face mask ad that broke Facebook (and made customers giggle)
    • The power of authenticity: using friends as models and real moments as ads
    • How a $40K donation during COVID turned into national press and GMA
    • Why Sheets & Giggles never irons their sheets—and how that became a brand ethos
    • Creating life-changing jobs for formerly incarcerated Coloradans
    • Building a business that’s plastic-free, inclusive, and truly fun
    • Colin’s hot takes on the job market, résumé trends, and what makes hiring work in 2026

    🎁 RESOURCES & LINKS

    Guest: Colin McIntosh

    🔗 Website: Sheets & Giggles
    💼 Resume Platform: Helping 20,000+ job seekers monthly
    🔗Connect on LinkedIn
    📺Watch the YouTube Interview

    🎙️ ABOUT EAST TRADE WINDS & SUPPORTERS

    This episode was made possible by the Canada Growth Network
    🌐CanadaGrowthNetwork.com – Tools, coaching, and systems to help small & medium businesses scale. Just $47 CAD/month. No contracts.

    Hosted by the community at East Trade Winds
    🔗Join our next weekly session – Tuesdays, 8–9 AM EST
    📧 Contact: info@kreativinsight.com

    Special thanks to:

    • WebIndexer – Turn your website into an AI-powered sales assistant

    🗣️ CALL TO ACTION

    👉 Watch the full story unfold on YouTube: Click here to watch
    💬 Comment your favorite moment, tag someone who needs this story, and share to inspire a fellow entrepreneur.
    🤝 Connect with Colin on LinkedIn or reach out directly.
    📧 Want to attend our next networking event or be a speaker? Contact us at info@kreativinsight.com
    🌐 Register now for the next East Trade Winds Tuesday: Click to RSVP

    Disclaimer: Please note that the East Trade Winds podcast episodes are meant solely for educational and general informational purposes. The information and opinions contained within are not intended to be professional advice on any subject matter. The thoughts, views, and opinions expressed by the participants are their own beliefs and do not represent the views of the podcast hosts or any affiliated organizations.

    It is important to note that this podcast is not a replacement for consulting with certified experts in your area who possess knowledge of your unique situation. The hosts of the podcast, along with any participants or affiliated groups, do not take responsibility for any actions taken or not taken based on the information presented in this episode.

    It is highly recommended that individuals seek guidance from their advisors in fields such as accounting, law, or other pertinent areas prior to undertaking any actions or making decisions that may impact their financial, legal, or other aspects of life.
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    12 mins
  • Ask Better Questions, Sell More Using Assumptive Hero

    Ask Better Questions, Sell More Using Assumptive Hero
    Jan 22 2026
    Most salespeople pitch too hard or drop prices. This episode teaches how to sell confidently—by assuming the sale and asking the right questions. What if your next big sale didn't come from pitching harder… but from showing up like a hero?In this episode of East Trade Winds, we sit down with Paul Kirch, founder of Sellience and BOSS Academy, to explore "assumptive selling"—a mindset shift that puts service and strategy before sales tactics.Paul believes selling is emotional. When you truly understand what your buyer is going through, you become more than a vendor—you become a trusted guide.🎤 What You’ll Hear:Paul shares how he developed the Askology Method, a proven question-based system that unlocks buyer motivation, builds rapport, and reveals deep-seated needs. You’ll also learn how assumptive selling creates momentum by assuming the role of a helpful partner—not a pushy seller. 🔍 Key Topics Covered:✅ Why Assumptive Selling Works:Confident sellers who assume they're there to help don’t come off as aggressive—they feel like partners. It’s not about arrogance—it’s about service-driven certainty.✅ The Askology Method – Four Types of Questions:Guiding Questions: You know the answer, but use them to gain permissionInvestigative Questions: Help you discover unknowns and guide the pathEmpathy Questions: Connect on emotional and human levelsInstigating Questions: Challenge the status quo gently to inspire change✅ Order Takers vs. Order Makers:A barista that just fills your order is replaceable. One that recommends a better drink you’ll love? Memorable. Paul explains how proactive engagement creates value.✅ The Dessert Experience:Don’t just offer value—show it. Create irresistible, sensory-rich experiences that spark emotional desire, loyalty, and upsells. Think dessert tray vs. "want dessert?".✅ Confidence Without Pressure:True confidence in sales comes from preparation and purpose. Paul shares a story where one powerful question turned a no into one of his largest clients. 📘 Free Resource:Download Paul’s free Askology eBook:👉 Askology Method – Free eBook 🙋‍♂️ About the Guest:Paul Kirch🎯 Sales Consultant, Trainer, Speaker🌐 PaulKirch.com🔗 Connect with Paul on LinkedInFounder of Sellience and BOSS Academy, Paul empowers businesses to use smart questions and confident assumptions to boost revenue, deepen relationships, and increase close rates. 🤝 With Thanks To:📣 This episode is proudly supported by Canada Growth Network — helping Canadian entrepreneurs connect, grow, and thrive. https://canadagrowthnetwork.com/ 👥 Want to engage with more thought leaders like Paul?Join our next East Trade Winds Tuesday event from 8–9 AM EST. 📅 Register here 📩 Let’s TalkGot a question, idea, or guest suggestion?Reach out to us at info@kreativinsight.com Call to Action▶️ Watch the full YouTube replay now:Ask Better Questions, Sell More Using Assumptive Hero💬 Drop your thoughts in the comments. What’s your favorite type of Askology question?📲 Connect with Paul here or visit Sellience.📆 Don’t miss the next East Trade Winds live event.Register now to network, learn, and grow your business. Disclaimer: Please note that the East Trade Winds podcast episodes are meant solely for educational and general informational purposes. The information and opinions contained within are not intended to be professional advice on any subject matter. The thoughts, views, and opinions expressed by the participants are their own beliefs and do not represent the views of the podcast hosts or any affiliated organizations.It is important to note that this podcast is not a replacement for consulting with certified experts in your area who possess knowledge of your unique situation. The hosts of the podcast, along with any participants or affiliated groups, do not take responsibility for any actions taken or not taken based on the information presented in this episode.It is highly recommended that individuals seek guidance from their advisors in fields such as accounting, law, or other pertinent areas prior to undertaking any actions or making decisions that may impact their financial, legal, or other aspects of life.
    Show More Show Less
    16 mins
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