Local Grit – Détails, épisodes et analyse

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Local Grit

Alex Hobcraft

Business & Entrepreneuriat

Fréquence : 1 épisode/12j. Total Éps: 30

Alex Hobcraft Hamilton local businesses share their stories about starting, running and growing (or not growing) their business. Learn about small business, marketing, copywriting, social media, growing and maintaining a small business in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.

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Données mises à jour le 06/10/2026

Classements récents

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Apple Podcasts

🇨🇦 Canada - Entrepreneurship
06/10/2026
#95

Spotify

Aucun classement récent disponible

Liens partagés entre épisodes et podcasts

Liens présents dans les descriptions d'épisodes et autres podcasts les utilisant également.

https://linkedin.com/in/catherine
2 partages
https://linkedin.com/in/katherineyager
2 partages
https://linkedin.com/in/callum
2 partages

https://www.instagram.com/demelo4councillor
2 partages
https://www.instagram.com/localgrit
1 partage
https://www.instagram.com/erindunham
1 partage

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Score global : 58%

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$2 million in free lessons - Astrid Hepner Hamilton Music Collective

Saison 2 · Épisode 7

mercredi 30 septembre 2026 • Durée 57:37

Astrid Hepner on building the Hamilton Music Collective and getting music into kids’ hands

Astrid Hepner shares how her career took her from Blue Note Records in New York to founding the Hamilton Music Collective in Hamilton. The conversation covers how the organization grew from a small idea into a citywide music education hub, why jazz and improvisation matter for young people, and how the collective sustains accessible programs without losing sight of equity.We discuss how the Hamilton Music Collective started, how it secured early support, and why it now focuses on sustainability, partnerships, and expanding music production opportunities for kids and youth.

Key topics

Astrid explains why she left New York after 9/11 and moved to Hamilton to build a calmer life for her family.
She shares how her early work at Blue Note Records shaped her leadership, marketing instincts, and professional standards.
Astrid describes the organic beginnings of the Hamilton Music Collective, including early fundraising relationships and the first major funding pledge of $150,000 over five years.
She talks about Jazz in the Hubs, an early school-based initiative that brought live jazz and instrument stations into inner-city classrooms.
She explains why the program is not jazz-only or classical-only, but intentionally genre-inclusive so children can connect through many styles of music.
She describes the move into the Gasworks building and how the renovation created rehearsal spaces, a recording studio, and a performance center.
We discuss how the organization works with schools, rec centres, the library, the Boys and Girls Club, and local festivals like Supercrawl.
Astrid shares the shift from expansion at all costs to sustainability, arguing that growth should mean deeper access and fairness, not just more programs.
She talks about new music production and DJ programming, including teaching Ableton and giving students hands-on experience in recording and live sound.
She reflects on why music education matters beyond music itself, saying creativity helps kids become better scientists, business people, and problem-solvers too.

Timestamps

00:00 - From Blue Note Records to Hamilton: Astrid’s path to the city
05:22 - Why Hamilton became home after New York felt unsafe
08:13 - The fundraising network that helped spark the collective
16:00 - Jazz in the Hubs and bringing live music into schools
18:19 - The first major pledge and the idea of an instrument for every child
21:13 - Why the program is genre-inclusive, not jazz-only
26:40 - Finding a home at the Gasworks and building a performance space
30:48 - Renovations, rehearsal rooms, and the recording studio
32:11 - Partnerships with schools, rec centres, the library, and festivals
34:05 - Hiring teachers, admin staff, and building a professional organization
36:57 - How marketing and visibility helped the program grow
40:00 - Lessons Astrid brought from Blue Note and Bruce Lundvall
47:09 - Why the next phase is about sustainability, not just expansion
48:35 - Music production, DJ classes, and Ableton training
54:29 - Why sponsors and supporters come to them now
56:18 - Why creativity matters for kids, not just musicians

Notable quotes

Copy

“Blue Note was my university, which was paid.”

Copy

“We’re not begging for money. We provide people with an opportunity to support the community and do something worthwhile with their marketing money.”

Copy

“It’s incredibly important for kids to be creative.”

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City Councillor Ward 3 - Chris De Melo

Saison 2 · Épisode 6

jeudi 24 septembre 2026 • Durée 39:18

Where to Find Chris

NO VIDEO. Chris was unable to be on camera, but his message is still there!

https://demeloforcouncil.ca/

https://www.instagram.com/demelo4councillor

https://x.com/Demelo_ward3

Chris De Mello on Ward 3, small business, and fixing Hamilton’s slowest systems

Chris De Mello, a custodian and maintenance worker with the Peel District School Board and longtime union leader, lays out his run for Hamilton City Council in Ward 3. He argues Hamilton needs faster, fairer city processes for small businesses, stronger enforcement against negligent landlords, and a more practical approach to growth that helps people on the ground. We discuss how his labour background shapes his politics, why he thinks Hamilton’s bureaucracy is holding back business, and why he believes the city should focus less on slogans and more on accountability, licensing, and usable support.

Key topics

Chris explains why he’s running now, saying Hamilton is getting more expensive while services feel stagnant or worse.
He argues the city already knows who the repeat-offending landlords are and should enforce existing property standards instead of treating everyone the same.
In the episode, storefront vacancies, boarded-up buildings, and residential conversions of commercial space come up as signs of poor stewardship.
He makes the case for a dedicated city liaison to help small businesses move through permits, departments, and paperwork faster.
Chris says his union experience taught him to think in terms of costs, risks, and incentives, which he believes applies directly to small business and housing policy.
He wants incentives that reward good actors, including grants and targeted support, rather than blanket red tape or constant tax hikes.
The conversation covers vacant property taxes, the idea of charging owners more for leaving space empty, and examples from other cities that may be worth adapting carefully.

Timestamps

Magazines Aren't Dead - Meredith MacLeod

Saison 2 · Épisode 5

lundi 14 septembre 2026 • Durée 51:01

Meredith MacLeod, the director and publisher of Hamilton City Magazine, shares the story of the magazine's inception, the challenges of print media in the digital age, the content and distribution strategy, the role of the magazine in the community, and the business challenges related to advertising and sustainability. The conversation covers the urbanization of Hamilton, the impact of urban development, the importance of downtown Hamilton, addressing homelessness and mental health, local community support and sustainability, and the value of supporting local businesses.

Takeaways

The importance of preserving print media in the digital age
The value of local, independent media in celebrating and improving the community Urbanization has had a significant impact on Hamilton's development.
Supporting local businesses is crucial for community sustainability.

Chapters

00:00 The Birth of Hamilton City Magazine
06:11 The Print vs. Online Debate
09:01 Content and Distribution
12:03 The Role of the Magazine
28:57 Advertising and Business Challenges
33:47 The Urbanization of Hamilton
34:25 The Impact of Urban Development
35:21 The Importance of Downtown Hamilton
36:49 Addressing Homelessness and Mental Health
44:20 Local Community Support and Sustainability
59:08 The Value of Supporting Local Businesses

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Architecture inside Hamilton - Bill Curran

Saison 2 · Épisode 4

lundi 7 septembre 2026 • Durée 51:52

Summary

In this episode, architect Bill Curran shares his journey from early career to founding CAI, emphasizing the importance of design, relationship building, and continuous learning in architecture and real estate development.

Keywords

architecture, real estate, design, Hamilton, community development, entrepreneurship, creativity, travel, education, sustainability

key topics

Bill Curran's career path from employee to founder of CAI

The importance of relationship building over social media

The role of drawing and design in architecture

The influence of travel and diverse influences on creativity

Balancing architectural quality with client needs and budget

The integration of real estate development and architecture

Community engagement and social responsibility in design

The impact of education and mentorship in architecture

sound bites

"Our landscape looks as shitty as it does because of culture"

"Architectural skills are completely different from business skills"

"Authenticity and due diligence are key in architecture"

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Bill Curran and his work in Hamilton

02:15 Bill's early career and decision to start his own firm

A Better Space Means a Better Results - Sara Auld

Saison 2 · Épisode 3

mercredi 26 août 2026 • Durée 30:30

Gather Canada website

Summary:

Season two of Local Grit kicks off with a conversation with Sara Auld from gathercanada.com, an event space. Sara shares her journey from a career in bond insurance to becoming a lawyer and eventually starting Gather Canada. The space is designed to bring nature indoors and foster real conversations and relationships. The business model, pricing, and the importance of referrals are discussed, along with the impact of the pandemic on the business. The conversation delves into the emotional and experiential aspects of the space, the importance of location, and the challenges and rewards of starting a business.

Takeaways

Nature-Inspired Spaces
Exclusive Use Model
Importance of Referrals
Emotional Connection in Business
Challenges of Starting a Business

Chapters

00:00 Introducing Gather Canada
01:05 Sarah's Journey and Background
02:27 Creating a Nature-Inspired Space
04:46 Challenges of Finding the Right Location
07:35 Pricing and Business Model
13:39 The Impact of Lockdown on the Business
15:36 Marketing and Community Building
19:23 The Emotional and Experiential Aspect of the Space
26:13 Location and Expansion
27:24 Reflections on Starting a Business

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When Your Business Needs To Change - Jodi Laking

Saison 2 · Épisode 2

mardi 19 mai 2026 • Durée 49:20

Title: Navigating Entrepreneurial Disruptions: From Burnout to Support with Jody LakingIn this episode, Jody Laking shares her personal and professional journey through life-disrupting events and how they shaped her latest business pivot to focus on supporting entrepreneurs in crisis. Discover practical tools, unique frameworks, and AI solutions for entrepreneurs managing overload, burnout, or major life upheavals.

Key Topics:

Jody’s transition from business coaching to a "business triage" approach
The impact of personal crises, like separation and loss, on entrepreneurial capacity
The concept of "steady" as a sign of recovery post-disruption
The importance of mental health and lifecycle support for solopreneurs
Practical AI tools for automating communication, boundary setting, and process simplification
The "Not to Do" list as a strategy for reducing overwhelm and reclaiming capacity
The role of emergency-style business support in crisis versus long-term coaching
How to encourage entrepreneurs to ask for help without shame
The significance of timing, self-awareness, and choosing the right moment for support
Personal stories of resilience, pivoting, and redefining success amidst adversity

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction and Jody's personal story of pivoting during crises
02:21 - Overview of Jody’s long-standing work helping entrepreneurs scale and sell businesses
03:44 - Recognition of life disruptors impacting entrepreneurs during COVID and beyond
06:29 - The need for support during life crises and the emergence of "business triage"
09:46 - Personal experience with separation and the realization that entrepreneurs are unprepared for such times
12:40 - The gap in support systems for entrepreneurs facing trauma and life-disrupting events
15:33 - Transition from traditional coaching to crisis-focused support and Jody’s own evolution
20:18 - The importance of understanding capacity, boundaries, and prioritization during heavy

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Everyone Can Start A Business - Alex hobcraft

Saison 2 · Épisode 1

lundi 11 mai 2026 • Durée 37:04

Building Community and Innovation: The Entrepreneurial Journey of Alex Hogcraft

Discover how Alex Hogcraft transformed setbacks into opportunities, blending music education with digital marketing and AI technology to support small businesses in Hamilton. This episode explores resilience, community engagement, and leveraging technology to adapt in challenging times.

In this episode:

Alex's early career and how the 2008 financial crisis catalyzed his shift to entrepreneurship
The evolution of Footprints Music from a small guitar school to a community hub
Navigating COVID-19: shifting to online lessons and the impact on growth
Lessons learned from construction delays and pandemic restrictions
The emergence of the Digital Main Street program and its impact on local businesses
Launching and scaling the Local Grit podcast to spotlight Hamilton’s entrepreneurs
The future of AI voice technology tailored for trades and service businesses
Practical advice for small business owners facing external disruptions
Building a sense of community and supporting local businesses in Hamilton

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction: Alex Hogcraft's journey from music teacher to community leader
01:29 - The 2008 financial crisis: transitioning from manager to entrepreneur
02:52 - Starting Footprints Music in Toronto: challenges and lessons
04:30 - Moving to Hamilton and expanding the business
05:54 - Impact of COVID-19: transitioning to online lessons and their effects
08:11 - Construction delays and external challenges faced by small businesses
09:37 - Lessons learned: when to close or pivot during crises
13:37 - Embracing digital marketing through Digital Main Street
14:16 - Becoming a Digital Main Street ambassador and supporting local businesses
18:43 - Launching the Local Grit podcast: inspiration and vision
21:05 - Highlighting Hamilton’s diverse and vibrant entrepreneurial scene
24:14 - Upcoming season highlights and local business stories to feature
27:47 - How to connect with Alex and explore AI voice solutions for small businesses
29:22 - Visualizing AI voice assistance for tradespeople and service providers33:26 - The future of AI in local business customer service35:02 - Current status of Local Grit AI services and how to get involved36:24 - Closing thoughts: gratitude for community and future plans

"Own Your Lane" - Erin Dunham of The Mule/The Other Bird

Saison 1 · Épisode 20

mardi 31 mars 2026 • Durée 34:00

Title:

Building Restaurants and Brands With PurposeJoin Erin Dunham as she discusses her journey from corporate life to hospitality entrepreneurship, focusing on innovative branding and community engagement.

Highlights:

Transition from corporate to hospitality
Crowdfunding The Mule restaurant
Communication skills from an English degree
Lessons from opening and scaling businesses
Unique branding across restaurant concepts
Managing franchise partnerships
Hamilton's food scene vs. Toronto
Coping with rising costs and inflation
Team culture and leadership
Balancing passion and business growth

Resources:

Connect with Erin:

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"Always Iterating" with David Levy of Chocolate Tales

Saison 1 · Épisode 20

lundi 23 mars 2026 • Durée 39:01

Business management in specialty food (chocolate and culinary experience), balancing creation and systems, customer experience, staff hiring, and seasonal challenges

Mastering a Niche Business: Insights from the Founder of Chocolate Tales

David’s journey from restaurant work to chocolate entrepreneurship
Managing multiple business components—studio classes, online sales, corporate events
The importance of continuous refinement and learning in business
Building customer experience and handling feedback
Strategies for staffing, hiring, and maintaining team culture
Navigating seasonal fluxes, especially around holidays and peak periods
Systematic approaches to prevent no-shows and manage logistics
The value of low-tech systems for operational simplicity and client connection
Lessons learned from scaling and starting small
Advice for new entrepreneurs: authenticity and focusing on core strengths

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction and David’s background in chocolate entrepreneurship
02:07 - How David manages diverse business streams and workshops
03:25 - Transition from product to experience-driven business model
04:50 - The significance of continuous refinement over perfection
05:47 - Using analytics and customer feedback to refine offerings
07:18 - Mistakes in pricing and advice from industry gurus
08:47 - Differentiating sales channels: corporate vs. individual clients
10:16 - Navigating market responses during COVID and adapting business models
11:14 - Choosing in-person over online experiences post-pandemic
12:55 - Handling nut allergies and the importance of inclusive facilities
14:14 - The four rules of good business practice
15:18 - Challenges in hiring and improving team quality
16:46 - Building client loyalty through personal connection
18:07 - How to keep product quality high during peak seasons
19:33 - Ensuring team engagement and staff meetings for continuous improvement21:36 - Feedback loops and fostering team involvement in service excellence23:22 - Managing dissatisfaction and knowing when to reach out25:27 - The role of communication systems with customers and staff26:52 - Unique challenges of seasonal spikes like Valentine’s Day29:36 - Handling logistics during busy periods and unforeseen no-shows32:36 - Protecting margins with policies on late payments and cancellations34:37 - Lessons from scaling: the importance of realistic growth and core focus38:19 - Starting with authenticity and understanding your true business size39:03 - Final thoughts from David on being authentically you

Connect with David Levy:

Ryan Moran - CoMotion + Locke & King

Saison 1 · Épisode 18

lundi 16 mars 2026 • Durée 01:04:03

Building Community and Brands: Insights from Ryan Moran's Entrepreneurial Journey in Hamilton

This episode features Ryan Moran, a Hamilton-based serial entrepreneur, sharing his insights into building businesses rooted in community, storytelling, and authenticity. From dynamic marketing campaigns at Niagara Parks to launching a watch brand during the pandemic, Ryan offers valuable lessons in resilience, ethical marketing, and following your passion.

Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction to Ryan Moran and Hamilton's grit
01:15 - Ryan's early entrepreneurial influences and community involvement
02:45 - The shift from politics and theatre to community building and advocacy
04:05 - Growing up in Hamilton — nostalgia and city changes discussed
05:52 - The role of Hamilton's community support in entrepreneurship
07:10 - The unique appeal of Hamilton for business building over Toronto
09:15 - Case study: Building Niagara Parks' online community ethically
10:50 - The impact of social media growth on regional branding
12:40 - Launching Lock and King during COVID: challenges and bootstrap tactics
15:20 - Storytelling in marketing and the power of product narrative
16:50 - The significance and future of artistic collaborations and partnerships
18:25 - Managing multiple ventures: balancing time and passion
20:14 - The importance of patience and consistent effort in growth
22:03 - Social media posting frequency — what works for engagement
23:38 - Differentiating between product brands and service-based ventures
25:10 - The evolution of Hamilton's retail and tourism landscape
27:20 - Handling business transitions and managing legacy businesses
28:45 - Protecting small businesses from scams and cyber threats
32:46 - Developing a microbrand watch: craftsmanship, sourcing, and pricing
36:08 - Market positioning: balancing quality, price, and storytelling
39:00 - The crowded watch industry and Ryan's unique approach
41:45 - Plans: new models, collaborations, and community-centric expansions
45:15 - Case study: Managing a space takeover and SEO scams within local business spaces
50:10 - Recognizing scam patterns and online security practices52:55 - The future of Ryan's ventures and community development in Hamilton55:15 - Transitioning the coworking space to neighbourhood hubs and community centers58:15 - Insights into Ryan's role in Central Rail Supply and legacy management61:09 - Education efforts: teaching entrepreneurship at Mac and DeGroote63:02 - Balancing family, work, and personal growth — the entrepreneurial lifestyleRyan Moran:

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