VOL 24 ISSUE 2
WAVES END RV & CAMPGROUND MOUNTAINS, OCEAN VIEWS & CAPE BRETON HOSPITALITY
OLD ORCHARD INN & SPA WHERE EVERYTHING BLOSSOMS SHIP’S COMPANY THEATRE MAKING WAVES FOR 40 YEARS
ALLI WALKER ISLANDER BRINGS HER PIPES TO MUSIC CITY
SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE • VOL 24 ISSUE 2 1 FRIENDS, MUSIC & MEMORIES 2024’S NORTH AMERICAN BIG SUMMER MUSIC FESTIVAL BUCKET LIST
An AIDACA MEDIA Publication
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Editor’s Spotlight
MANAGING DIRECTOR Rod Gregg EDITOR Lee Ann Atwater ACCOUNTS & ADMIN Calli Gregg COMMUNICATION, RESEARCH & ADMIN Tristyn Gaudette Jill McGuire EDITORIAL & PROJECT MANAGER
Most of our readers recently experienced the solar eclipse, which offered a spectacular total solar eclipse visible across parts of North America, from Mexico to Canada. Now we shift our focus to a rising star from Prince Edward Island, Canada with island-born and raised country music singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and self-professed tomboy Alli Walker. We sat down with Alli in Nashville to chat about her incredible journey that started as a love for bagpiping before finding her passion for singing late in high school and moving to Toronto to find herself and develop as an artist before taking her pipes and big dreams to Music City and signing her first record deal. Now Alli’s single “I Like Big Trucks” is blowing up on radio stations in the US and Canada and her new single “Creek” will be hitting the airwaves and streaming sites soon. Many of our readers look to put a music festival on their to-do list every summer, so we share our annual North American Big Summer Music Festival Bucket List Finalists to spotlight the best of the best music festivals in our opinion, from Washington to Newfoundland that are bucket list-worthy for 2024. Looking for entertainment on a smaller scale? We sat down with Ship’s Company Theatre’s Artistic Director Laura Vingoe-Cram. As the crew gets ready to celebrate 40 Years of Atlantic Canadian Theatre on board the MV Kipawo, we discuss what is on the playbill for this season of celebration and the next 40 years of this amazing rural theater in Parrsboro, Nova Scotia that has been passionate about highlighting artists, stories, and communities anchored in the Atlantic region. We sat down with the General Manager of the Old Orchard Inn, James Clouthier to chat about the inn’s historic past, what it offers its guests today, and what developments are in store for the future. We also spoke about the initiatives that the region’s premier accommodation is doing to promote tourism in the Land of Orchards, Vineyards, and Tides. For over a decade, Jason Harder honed his keen eye for detail by creating software for scheduling healthcare workers into his first business. But after a visit to Cape Breton, he became enamoured with the land, the ocean, and the people. Jason explains how his love for Cape Breton grew into his second business, Waves End RV & Campground which is a little paradise nestled between mountains and overlooking the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Our 2024 Craft Brewing and Distilling Series continues as we spotlight the recently held Revelstoke Beer Festival and Together We Brew NS Beerfest along with the upcoming TAPPED Truro Craft Beer Fest and the Calgary International Beerfest, which is one of the largest events of the year for the industry. As always, my team and I want to thank everyone who made this issue possible, and we look forward to sharing more stories about growing industries, successful businesses, and brands, and the entrepreneurs making it all happen. Lee Ann Atwater Editor
Ashley Davis Kate Lindsay CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Cortney Ellis Jody Euloth Shannon Ferguson Will Gibson Deborah Jaremko Ashley MacInnis Kris McCarthy Ryan Myson Teresa Siqueira
Elizabeth Spencer Amanda Stellisano WEB DESIGN & DEVELOPMENT Joe Uttaro GRAPHIC & LAYOUT DESIGN Misha Mahmood Bailee Oderkirk Brittany Pickrem Aryana Shah SOCIAL MEDIA Troy Gregg PUBLISHER AIDACA Media ALLI WALKER COVER IMAGE - Lee Zavitz
Halifax | Nova Scotia | Canada E: info@spotlightbizmag.com spotlightonbusinessmagazine.com
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12 What’s in the ALLI WALKER ISLANDER BRINGS HER PIPES TO MUSIC CITY ON THE COVER & IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Prince Edward Island-born and raised country music singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and self-professed tomboy Alli Walker sat down with Spotlight on Business to tell us about her incredible journey. Alli explains how she fell in love with bagpiping before discovering her singing voice late in high school and moving to Toronto. Developing as an artist and an individual for over a decade before taking her pipes and big dreams to Music City and signing her first major record deal and now having her single “I Like Big Trucks” blowing up on radio stations in the US and Canada.
FRIENDS, MUSIC & MEMORIES 2024’S NORTH AMERICAN BIG SUMMER MUSIC FESTIVAL BUCKET LIST 54
OLD ORCHARD INN & SPA
WHERE EVERYTHING BLOSSOMS
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Nestled within the trees of Annapolis Valley just outside of Wolfville lies the Old Orchard Inn which has been welcoming guests for over half a century. We spoke with General Manager, James Clouthier about the inn’s historic past, present, and what developments are in store for guests in the future plus what the region’s premier accommodation provider is doing to promote tourism in the Land of Orchards, Vineyards, and Tides.
It is that time again when the weather starts to get warmer, and our readers start planning and putting their checklists together for the summer. If you are looking to put a music festival on your to do list this summer, then here is our annual Big Summer Music Festival Bucket List to help with your decision as we find and spotlight the best of the best from both sides of the border from Washington to Prince Edward Island that are bucket list-worthy for 2024.
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Spotlight
SHIP’S COMPANY THEATRE MAKING WAVES FOR 40 YEARS We sat down with Ship’s Company Theatre’s Artistic Director Laura Vingoe-Cram. We chatted about their history and reputation for delivering high-quality theatrical and music events along with offering quality programs to the community. As the crew gets ready to celebrate 40 Years of Atlantic Canadian Theatre on board the MV Kipawo, we discuss what is on the playbill for this season of celebration and the next 40 years of this amazing rural theater in Parrsboro, Nova Scotia that has been passionate about highlighting artists, stories, and communities anchored in the Atlantic region.
03 EDITOR’S SPOTLIGHT 04 WHAT’S IN THE SPOTLIGHT 08 HEADLINES IN THE SPOTLIGHT 10 UPCOMING EVENTS 24 PROTECTING REAL ESTATE INVESTMENTS 40 REVELSTOKE BEER FESTIVAL 43 TOGETHER WE BREW NS BEERFEST 46 TAPPED TRURO CRAFT BEER FEST 49 CALGARY INTERNATIONAL BEERFEST 102 ENERGY & THE ENVIRONMENT 106 MAKING A CONNECTION 112 NEW TRAINING & EMPLOYMENT PORTAL Tips & Tricks for In-Person Networking New National Campaign Aims to Solve Worker Shortage in Canada’s Energy Sector Expert Strategies for Success Midpoint on the Mountain! Hops at the Harbour Getting Hop Up in Hubtown! Western Canada's Largest Beer Festival! Three Indigenous women who are leading the future of Canadian LNG
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For over a decade, Jason Harder honed his keen eye for detail by creating software for scheduling healthcare workers. Then he turned that software into a business. But upon visiting Cape Breton with a friend, he became enamoured with the land, the ocean, and the people. We chat with Jason about how this love for Cape Breton grew into his second business along with his inspiration, and his vision for the future of this paradise nestled between mountains and overlooking the Gulf of St. Lawrence. WAVES END RV & CAMPGROUND MOUNTAINS VIEWS, OCEAN VIEWS & CAPE BRETON HOSPITALITY
118 FAINT OF HEART
What Does it Really Take to Become an Entrepreneur?
122 IT’S A MENTAL GAME
What Experts Have to Say
SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE • VOL 24 ISSUE 2 5
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6 SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE • VOL 24 ISSUE 2
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HEADLINES
FRIENDS AND FAMILY CAN POOL FREQUENT FLYER MILES ON UNITED United Airlines recently announced that they will start allowing members of its MileagePlus loyalty program to pool their frequent flyer miles and tap into that stash for trips on United. A “pool leader” can pick up to four other family members or friends to participate in the joint account. The leader must be at least 18 years old, but pool members can be any age, so families can use their children’s miles piles toward tickets. Customers will still retain their own MileagePlus accounts and can decide how much they want to contribute to the pool. Those miles can be redeemed for flights and other products on United’s site or app. JetBlue Airways lets up to seven customers pool frequent flyer miles, while Frontier Airlines allows up to eight people to pool miles. Airlines also generally allow customers to transfer miles to others, but that often comes with a fee.
GRAND SLAM OF CURLING SERIES SOLD
The Grand Slam of Curling, the tour elite series featuring the best men’s and women’s teams from across Canada and around the world, has been purchased by a new sports business venture group. The Curling Group, led by chief executive officer Nic Sulsky, has purchased ownership and operations of the Grand Slam of Curling from Rogers Sportsnet. The network will continue to be the exclusive Canadian broadcast rights holder. Sulsky said that two-time Olympic champion John Morris and Olympic champion Jennifer Jones, who is retiring at the end of this season from the four- person game. Will play a key role in shaping the Grand Slams moving forward, that’s why curling legends like Morris and Jones have been brought in from the beginning. Under the merger, the company will continue to operate under the brand name Nobull and aims to become a complete wellness company.
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IN THE SPOTLIGHT
THE TAYLOR SWIFT ECONOMY
U.S. SMALL BUSINESS OPTIMISM HITS 11- YEAR LOW Small business confidence hit its lowest level in more than 11 years for March as proprietors worried that inflation is still a problem. At a time when other data points show inflation receding, the National Federation of Independent Business recently reported that its survey showed a reading of 88.5, down nearly a point from February and the lowest since December 2012. A quarter of all respondents reported that rising costs were the biggest problem. With respondents specifically citing inflation, and in particular higher input and labor costs, as their most pressing issue. A net 28% reported raising average selling prices for the month and 33% planned additional price hikes, according to seasonally adjusted data. A Commerce Department measurement of personal consumption expenditures prices put the annual inflation rate at 2.5% in February.
The economic impact of Taylor Swift’s Eras tour has been measured in national retail sales figures, global inflation, and municipal economic bumps where concerts were held. Even Taylor Swift events that don’t involve Taylor Swift showing up like watch parties at drive-ins to bar crawls, cruises, dance parties, and more all have an impact on local economies as small businesses are trying to cash in on the Swift phenomena in all corners of North America, and cuts across all demographics. While quantifying actual data is challenging, it also makes perfect sense for small businesses to try to get a cut of the Taylor action. Taylor Swift’s team is very careful concerning events, items, and officially trademarked products by the singer, but entrepreneurs are capitalizing on the opportunity to ride the Swift wave across North America with many making business plans to coincide with a new music dropping from by the multi-Grammy award-winning American singer- songwriter superstar.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
MEATEX CANADA June 5th to 7th, 2024 Enercare Centre | Toronto, ON Canada
CANADIAN INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON EDUCATION, TEACHING & TECHNOLOGY June 15th to 16th, 2024 University of Toronto | Toronto, ON Canada Explore the intersection of cutting- edge educational practices and innovative technologies. Join us as we gather leading experts, researchers, and educators from around the globe to discuss the future of learning. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with the latest trends, share insights, and shape the future of education. Register now for an enriching experience at the premier Education, Teaching & Technology conference of the year!” EduTeach2024 Canada is a premier knowledge-building event in Education, Teaching, and Technology at a global level organized by the Unique Conferences Canada with the participation of eminent faculty members from around the world who excel in their respective fields. We cordially invite you to present your research findings at this important global conference conducted at the University of Toronto, Canada. This event, now in its 8th year, is renowned for its thought-provoking, cutting-edge content, unrivaled networking opportunities, and a presenter- friendly atmosphere. Formoreinformationonthiseventgo to https://educationconferencwe. info/
Every June, Canada’s Farm Show (CFS) comes alive, bringing exhibitors, producers, and international buyers together for an exhilarating three-day event. As one of North America’s biggest and most important agricultural shows, CFS showcases the latest equipment and technology, attracting thousands of visitors from Canada and around the world. At Canada’s Farm Show, there’s something for everyone. You can dive into educational sessions to learn more about the ins and outs of the agricultural business. It’s also a prime opportunity to market your products to a global audience and get a glimpse of the industry’s freshest innovations. You’ll have the chance to learn from informative sessions and make valuable connections with others. Plus, you’ll get to see firsthand the latest and greatest advancements in agriculture. It’s an opportunity to dive into a world of knowledge, meet new people, and witness the cutting-edge of farming technology. For more information on this event go to https://realdistrict.ca/events/ canadas-farm-show/ CANADA FARM SHOW June 18th to 20th, 2024 AGT Lounge, Mosaic Stadium | Regina, SK Canada
At MeatEx Canada, due to our clear vision and well-defined strategies, everything revolves around the most valuable of all foodstuffs: MEAT, Poultry, and Seafood. MeatEx highlights the most important ways the meat, poultry, and seafood industries move into the future. From high-tech processing facilities to the latest packaging and food safety trends as well as growing expectations of product quality, the exhibitors will showcase innovative solutions to the demands of the slaughterhouses,processing industries, and the butchers/retail trade. For 3 days, MeatEx Canada will be the foremost innovation platform to bring together all the key Canadian and international players from these important industries, retail and butcher trade in Toronto. For more information on this event go to https://meatexcanada.com/
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COSMOPROF NORTH AMERICA-LAS VEGAS July 23rd to 25th, 2024 Mandalay Bay Convention Center | Las Vegas, NV USA America (CPNA) is the leading business-to- business (B2B) beauty exhibition in the Americas. Recognized for its dynamic growth and unique programs, the event offers the entire beauty industry an opportunity to come together to make new relationships and foster collaborations. Cosmoprof North CPNA serves as the premier launching pad for new beauty brands by introducing revolutionary technologies, product innovations, and new channels of manufacturing, packaging, and distribution. The 21st Edition of Cosmoprof North America Las Vegas will return to the Mandalay Bay Convention Center Formoreinformationonthiseventgo to https://cosmoprofnorthamerica. com/las-vegas/
Established in 2006, Texworld New York City serves as a place of inspiration for designers, buyers, and industry professionals with exclusive trend forecasts and educational seminars hosted by industry-leading professionals. Texworld New York City is one of the largest sourcing events on the East Coast for apparel fabric buyers, research and product development specialists, designers, merchandisers, and overseas sourcing professionals. This international business platform offers a wide product range covering the entire fabric spectrum. From casual cotton to functional fabrics and sophisticated knits to intricate laces, season-to-season attendees discover textiles of innovative structures, material mixes, and surprising color palettes. For more information on this event go to https://texworld-usa. us.messefrankfurt.com/new-york/ en/OurShows/texworldnewyorkcity. html TEXWORLD NEW YORK CITY July 16th to 18th, 2024 Javits Convention Center | New York, NY USA
LAS VEGAS MARKET SHOW July 28th to August 1st, 2024 World Market Center | Las Vegas, NV USA
Known as the sourcing destination on the West Coast, Las Vegas Market is the place to find your next bestseller while creating long- lasting connections. If this is your first time attending Las Vegas Market, we have all the tips and tricks you need to navigate the market like a seasoned expert. Compelling and immersive, Las Vegas Market is the premier West Coast sourcing destination. Home to thousands of cross-category resources including, furniture, gift, and home décor, the depth of product and dynamic brands here is second to none. The state-of-the- art four-building campus is home to a wide range of permanent and temporary exhibitors, with thousands of brands that inspire retailers and designers from around the world. For more information on this event go to https://www.lasvegasmarket. com/
WANT TO HAVE YOUR EVENT IN THE SPOTLIGHT?
Send an email 4 weeks in advance to events@ spotlightbizmag.com with all the details of your event.
SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE • VOL 24 ISSUE 2 11
Islander brings her Pipes to Music City
by Ashley MacInnis Alli Walker is a Prince Edward Island- born and raised now Tennessee-based country music singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist. This self-professed tomboy and bagpiper didn’t start singing until she auditioned for ‘Footloose” in high school. Alli sat down with Spotlight on Business in Nashville, sharing her incredible journey, from small-town Prince Edward Island, finding her voice in high school, moving to Toronto on her own to develop as an artist before taking her pipes, talent, and big dreams to Music City and signing her first record deal.
Photo Credit - PJ Brown
Spotlight on Business: Tell us a little about yourself and your ties to PEI. What do you like to do in your spare time? Alli Walker: I grew up in Summerside, Prince Edward Island and I spent a lot of time playing instruments and playing sports as a child. I started with the drums and piano and then I discovered bagpiping. Playing the bagpipes was a huge part of my life! There’s a place called the College of Piping in Summerside, and my mom worked there. I grew to love playing the pipes. I did the Highland Games Band competitions; and the North American Championships in Scotland, and for a while, I thought I was going to be a professional bagpiper. I was offered a scholarship to the University of Arkansas after high school, but I didn’t take it because I found my love for singing and country music. I always loved country music as well as other genres, but when Taylor Swift rose to fame, I related to her and her songwriting. We’re the same age. She inspired me to get involved in the industry. I’d never done any singing in public before but, in grade
12, I auditioned for my school musical, and I was cast as the lead female role in “Footloose.” That one decision and opportunity changed the entire trajectory of my life. I got the singing and performing “bug” and took lessons from a professor at the University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI). I then went to UPEI as a vocal major for one year but, because it was more classical, it wasn’t quite the right fit for me. So, at 19, I packed up and moved to Toronto by myself and started my artistic journey that led me to Nashville. “In grade 12, I auditioned for my school musical, and I was cast as the lead female role in “Footloose.” That one decision and opportunity changed the entire trajectory of my life.”
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SoB: Wow, and you played at Cavendish Country Music Festival a few years back, correct? AW: Yes! I have a whole history with Cavendish, so it felt very full circle to be on stage there a few years ago. I went to the first few festivals when they started years ago, and I was very inspired by the artists and wanted to be up there on the stage in front of the crowds at Cavy. When I moved to Toronto, I applied to be a server for the Cavendish Beach Music Festival in their VIP Sections because Taylor Swift was performing, and I was sure I could meet the right person and get a chance to go backstage and meet her. I got the job, I talked to the right person, and I got to go backstage and meet Taylor Swift in person. And then it was like, “ok, now I want to get on that stage.” Fast forward several years and I found the right contacts and was able to play at the Cavendish Beach Music Festival on the side stages. I was the first act on the smallest side stage, but it was such a cool moment for me because it was my first time playing on stage at home. It’s tough to be the first act but lots of people came out and it was an awesome experience, but then I knew I wanted to get back to Cavy and play the mainstage. So, this past summer, I got the opportunity to come back and play on the big stage at the Cavendish Beach Music Festival which was so awesome. Now the next goal is to have a better slot on the main stage because I was the first person to take the stage last year at Cavy but it was still so cool to be there and live that moment.
SoB: You mentioned Taylor Swift having a huge impact on your career and also, playing the lead role in Footloose in high school as changing your life. Is there any particular person or people who have influenced you to get into songwriting? AW: I think one of the best songwriters and most successful women in the entire music industry is Taylor Swift, so I think I would just keep falling back on her as a major influence for me. I love so many other artists, too: Keith Urban, Brad Paisley, Brooks and Dunn, Alan Jackson, Gretchen Wilson – they’re all artists who I have loved and related to over the years. I’m also inspired by Kacey Musgraves; she has such a unique and fresh perspective on songwriting that I find so interesting. Maren Morris brings a totally badass approach to things, so I’m inspired by her. Probably my favourite artist right now is Morgan Wallen. He is a great songwriter, but he also cuts outside songs from incredible songwriters too, because there are just so many amazing songwriters in Nashville that send millions of songs that never get heard. So, I guess you could say I’m inspired by artists, but I’m also really inspired by songs. Sometimes, I’ll hear a song and I think, “Wow, that was so well written”. It’s special when a song hits you a certain way.
Photo Credit - PJ Brown
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ZAC BROWN BAND Sunday, July 7
BROTHERS OSBORNE
TYLER CHILDERS Saturday, July 6 HAILEY WHITTERS CORB LUND MADELINE EDWARDS DAN DAVIDSON SHANTAIA
Friday, July 5
MACKENZIE PORTER SAM BARBER OWEN RIEGLING HAILEY BENEDICT BEN CHASE
WARREN ZEIDERS KYLIE MORGAN TIM & THE GLORY BOYS NICE HORSE SHANE DOUTHWRIGHT
SEE YOU AT THE BEACH!
CavendishBeachMusic.com
JULY 5-7, 2024
CAVENDISH, PEI
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SoB: It sounds like you’ve had quite a journey of inspiration so far. Can you tell us a bit about what your journey has looked like from Summerside to Toronto and now, Nashville? What was that process like? AW: I went to Toronto, and I didn’t know a single person in the music industry. Within a year, I was working in a bar, and I was introduced to my now-husband, who at the time was retiring from being a touring drummer. The person who introduced us told him I needed help, so he took me under his wing and started co-writing with me (he’s a songwriter, too) and working with different people to co-write. He saw that I was pretty green and needed a lot of development and experience within the industry so we formed a cover band, and we played every little dive bar in Ontario, at Legions, weddings, Ribfests – wherever we could get on stage. I didn’t realize it at the time, but that experience was invaluable. It’s not fun playing in front of a bunch of drunken people or people who really aren’t listening to you as you are just the background noise. That being said, I learned hours of material, I learned how other people wrote, how to co-write songs, how to perform, what to do when no one is listening, what to do when the mic stops working, and so on. We did that for ten years until I started playing my own, original music. My husband knew one guy in Nashville so I went down when I was 20 or 21 and started working with him, co-writing, and he would hook me up with other writers to work with to develop my writing skills. I learned how to record in a studio. And he gave me great advice: “You only get one first impression.” I’ve taken that
Photo Credit - PJ Brown
advice seriously. I had a lot of development to do that I didn’t want to do in the public eye of Nashville. Once you build these relationships, they remember you at that level. At 20, I was inexperienced, I wasn’t necessarily the best singer, and so I wanted to do all of that development under a cover band name, not putting myself out there until I was ready, but at the same time as I was performing under the cover band, I was coming to Nashville to write. It was a different experience in Nashville for me back then – I would go down for two weeks at a time, get hotels and drive or fly down and have all of these writing sessions booked and literally every one of them would be canceled because those writers weren’t interested in spending their time writing with someone who wasn’t putting music out. I was a “nobody” then. I got a lot of “nos” and “not yets”. But now, getting to come down and write with incredible people who have so much experience, and who’ve written Number One songs is so amazing. It was hard back then to always hear “no” but it’s also so cool to have gone from that experience to where I am now.
Photo Credit - PJ Brown
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“I think one of the best songwriters and most successful women in the entire music industry is Taylor Swift, so I think I would just keep falling back on her as a major influence for me”
SoB: It says a lot about you, as an individual, to have recognized the need to put in that work and take the long road but you’ve done it and you’ve been so successful. Now that we’re on memory lane, take us back to the first time you heard your song on the radio. What were your thoughts when you heard your song on the radio or Spotify? AW: There have been a lot of moments like that. One thing people don’t always realize is that your song might get played on the radio as a little feature, but they might only spin it once. One of the coolest experiences for me is with my current single, ‘I Like Big Trucks.’ A radio station in Houston, TX, which is one of the top two stations in America for consumption, started spinning my song. That can move the needle on having other stations be interested in playing it. My mind was blown when it happened and I’m so grateful for that. And then, the first spin of that single in Canada was on Country 104 in Woodstock in Southern Ontario. I’ve gotten videos from people when it’s playing. And I’ve heard it’s playing on the radio in PEI, too, which is so special.
Photo Credit - PJ Brown
“You only get one first impression.”
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could have signed with others, but they would want to try and mould me into somebody that I didn’t want to be. I’m very grateful that I got to make my own mistakes and discover who I am as a human. Plus, it gave me the opportunity to know what my brand was and what I wanted to represent as an artist which is important. Some artists are signed young or inexperienced and they become a puppet. Well, what I mean is that they have little to no control and are just doing what they’re told to do, and while that doesn’t mean it’s wrong or it’s not what they want as an artist, it just wasn’t what I wanted to do or be part of my journey. I think it’s important to be true to yourself and put music out that is true to who you are, that you can sing for the rest of your life. For me, getting a record deal now means so much more because I’ve worked so hard to get here. RECORDS was the best team for me, hands down. They’re small but they’re still under Sony Nashville. My marketing team is out of New York City. It’s a massive team but it feels small and intimate – I can chat with them all. It’s not like I’m one of 50 artists on a massive major label. It’s cool to have the support and expertise of this team – I’m not trying to do it all anymore so I can focus on creating music and being creative. SoB: Congratulations, again, on the record deal. Fun fact time: What was the first festival you ever attended as a fan? AW: I think it was The Rolling Stones in Halifax at Citadel Hill with The Tragically Hip and Our Lady Peace. I remember going there with friends and their mom. It was this massive rock show, and we of course wanted to be in the front row for the show. It was so wild, but it came at a price as I remember getting peed on numerous times because the guys behind us didn’t want to lose their spots! I also got to experience crowding which was another first. SoB: And what about your first festival as a performer? AW: Cavendish! When I was playing on the side stages there that first time. I mean, I had done other
“It was hard back then to always hear “no” but it’s also so cool to have gone from that experience to where I am now.” And, you know, these days Spotify and Apple Music are huge. Getting those opportunities, getting on the radio stations, that’s the equivalent of getting on someone’s playlist and people are automatically listening to those playlists every day. A really cool moment for me was when Spotify put me on a billboard in downtown Toronto. When I first moved to Toronto, I got a job at Jack Astor’s and there were all these billboards in that area around Dundas Square and I said, “I’m going to be on that billboard for music one day.” I didn’t know it was going to take 13 years to get there, but Spotify put me on that exact billboard in front of my first job in Toronto. It was such a cool moment for me to have support from such a big company. SoB: Talking about moments, tell me about going from being an independent artist to signing a record deal in Nashville. AW : I’ve been an independent artist for 15 years and I look back with so much gratitude that I waited, that I’d been patient to sign on with the right team because I
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ticketpro.ca
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small festivals as a cover band, but I held off so long on doing original music. The process is sort of like, you put your original music out and then you start booking gigs but it’s so far out – festivals often book a year in advance. “I think it’s important to be true to yourself and put music out that is true to who you are, that you can sing for the rest of your life.” SoB: What is your favourite part of being an artist – what aspect would you say you enjoy the most? AW: It changes all the time. I used to hate performing. My only experience was as a cover band for so long and my husband, who had been touring for years, kept telling me I was going to love performing when I played my original music. I used to get so anxious before performing my own music on stage. It wasn’t until I was opening for Luke Bryan in Texas at the American Rodeo that I didn’t have an ounce of nerves before that show. It was this moment when I felt like I was finally where I was
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supposed to be and since then I have loved performing live. It’s incredible. SoB: That’s exciting! Thinking back over the last 15 years as an artist, what do you think is the biggest lesson you’ve learned on this journey? AW: It sounds simple, but I think the biggest lesson I learned is that you can’t give up. I’ve seen so many of my fellow musicians and artists give up because it was taking so long but the opportunities could be right around the corner. The other big lesson I’ve learned is that your priorities change and that’s OK. Maybe you want a family, or your passion has changed. But mostly, I think what helped me get here is that I didn’t give up. I had said if I didn’t have a record deal by 30, I’d quit but then I turned 30 and I thought, dang – I’ve already put in 11 years. I can’t give up now! So, I kept going and it took me to 33 to get my first record deal. SoB: Perseverance! That’s really what it’s all about. What would you say is the biggest surprise along the way so far? AW: Honestly? It’s the same answer.
Although many think it does, it truly doesn’t happen overnight. You must be the hardest worker in the room, and no one can want it for you more than you want it for yourself. There was a time when I questioned if this was what I wanted for myself and my husband said, “I can’t want this for you more than you want it for yourself,” and that stuck with me. It almost rewired my brain, and I worked harder than ever to make it happen. We sometimes see artists shoot to big fame and they’re called “overnight successes”, but no one sees the years of work it took to achieve that so-called overnight success. “You must be the hardest worker in the room, and no one can want it for you more than you want it for yourself.”
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SoB: What advice would you give someone who wants to get into the music industry, what would it be? AW: Live life first. You need to make mistakes and figure out who you are as a person and an artist. If you don’t, you’ll sound like everyone else. You need to have life experience to have something to write about! Whether you’re a male or female artist, you need to stand out and find something about you that’s different. The music business is so saturated. Anyone can record a song at home, pop it up on Spotify, and they could go viral on TikTok. There’s just so much competition. I think the key is learning who you are and what makes you unique is the best advice I could give anyone. It’s so important to market yourself and be your biggest promoter. As an artist, you are your brand, and your reputation is a part of that. You also need to hold your tongue sometimes, even when you don’t want to. But if it is important to you as a person and artist then by all means speak your mind, but it is important to remain professional. It is also important to be nice, remain humble, and help other artists who are trying to make it in the industry – that attitude pays off. You don’t want to piss someone off along the way and find out, ten years down the line, that they’re the gatekeeper to something you want. “It sounds simple, but I think the biggest lesson I learned is that you can’t give up.”
SoB: Alli, we wanted to finish off with a few Rapid-Fire questions if you are okay with that. AW: Yes, let’s go! SoB: Indoor or Outdoor Concert? AW: Indoor because you can control the sound a bit better. And I hate sweating and freezing. SoB : Red Wine or Whiskey? AW: Red wine, I am a big J. Lohr Cabernet Sauvignon gal! SoB: You like big trucks, so Dodge or Ford? AW: Obviously, Dodge SoB : Idaho or PEI Potatoes? AW: Well, I’ve never had an Idaho potato, that I know of. And, obviously being from PEI, it’s PEI potatoes but specifically, new potatoes from PEI in July and August. They are just the best potatoes in the world, trust me! SoB: Ben & Jerry’s or Cows’ Ice Cream? AW: Obviously Cows, and either Wowie Cowie or Gooey Mooey. One of my first jobs was working at Cows as an ice cream scooper. I loved it. I went home with a pint of ice cream every single night. You can find Alli’s music and her latest singles, “I Like Big Trucks” and “Creek” on all streaming platforms. You can find all of Alli’s upcoming tour dates and her music on her website https://www.alliwalker.com/. Be sure to follow all of Alli’s socials to stay updated with her latest music and performance dates.
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PROTECTING REAL ESTATE INVESTMENTS Expert Strategies for Success by Teresa Siqueira
Investing in real estate can be a great way to grow your money, but it can also be challenging. You’ll need to familiarize yourself with how it all works. Boosting the value of your property isn’t just about keeping things as they are – it’s also about finding ways to make it grow. Seeking advice from a personal financial advisor can be invaluable in this journey. You must manage risks well to ensure your investment stays profitable in the long run. Protecting real estate investments involves studying the market, planning smart moves, and taking good care of your property. Knowing how real estate works, from big-picture economic stuff to the small details of upkeep, will help you
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• Stay informed about market trends, economic indicators, and local developments. It will help you make well-informed decisions on where to invest, property type, location, and whether it’s a good time to buy or sell. • As you navigate the complexities of real estate investment, it’s also crucial to stay prepared for tax season. Effective planning and organization throughout the year can streamline the process of filing taxes and identifying potential deductions related
Securing your real estate investment You must care for your property to keep your real estate investment safe. • Do regular maintenance and make the necessary upgrades to keep or even boost its value. Make sure you follow safety rules and regulations if you do any renovations or fixes to your property.
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to your real estate activities. Keeping accurate records of expenses, renovations, and income is key. Additionally, consulting with a tax professional who specializes in real estate can provide invaluable insights, ensuring that you’re leveraging all possible benefits while staying compliant with tax laws. • Deal with risk by having good insurance if unexpected things like natural disasters or accidents mess with your property. Spread your investments around so you don’t increase the risk if the market goes up and down. Keep up to date with the rules and laws about real estate. They can affect how you take care of your property and decide what to do with it. What the experts say As you get familiar with the ups and downs of real es-
tate, we put together the advice and insights of some experts to help you make smart decisions, ensuring your portfolio keeps growing and stays protected for the long run. What key factors should I prioritize to maintain and increase the value of my real estate investments and effectively manage risks to ensure long-term profitability? “It is crucial to prioritize key factors that can help increase the long-term profitability of real estate investments. This includes risk mitigation and compliance to safeguard assets against potential losses. For instance, property maintenance is essential to protecting the functionality and value of the property in case the time comes, and you need to
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What are the most common risks I might face as a real estate investor? Analysis Paralysis – there are countless ways to analyze investment opportunities, and there’s no scientific way to determine what investment is good for a particular individual. Investors can easily become a victim of inaction based on their over-analysis of an opportunity and getting caught up with achieving a certain metric in their pro formas. A big risk that investors face is missing out on the long-term benefits of owning investment property simply because they are waiting for a perfect deal. Relying On Other People’s Advice – getting educated and thinking for yourself is crucial as a real estate investor. I’ve coached countless investors who heavily relied on a real estate agent’s opinion of a
sell. Investing in comprehensive real estate insurance can further protect investments by covering liability claims, tenant disputes, and property damage. A good policy can decrease the financial burden of repairing or replacing big-ticket items. Like insurance, property management services offer added peace of mind to owners through thorough tenant screening, market analysis, proactive upkeep, legal compliance, and proper cash flow management. Staying informed about economic indicators such as inflation, rising interest rates, unemployment, market trends, and local regulations allows investors to navigate changing circumstances that are inevitable in the real estate industry. By focusing on these factors, investors can effectively manage risks and secure the long-term profitability of their real estate investments.” Eva Rose from Bay Property Management Group
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real estate investments? “Vacation rental management software empowers property managers to enhance security and maintenance, elevating the worth of their real estate investments. By centralizing property supervision, the software provides a comprehensive overview of security measures and maintenance needs. Advanced access solutions, like digital key management, bolster security, while real-time monitoring ensures prompt resolution of any issues. Automated scheduling of routine maintenance tasks guarantees consistent property upkeep, preserving its long-term value. In addition, guest verification tools contribute to heightened security without compromising the guest experience. Seamlessly integrating with existing security systems, such as surveillance cameras, the software offers a comprehensive security solution. Performance analytics enable property managers to evaluate the effectiveness of their security and maintenance efforts, empowering them to make data- driven decisions for optimized property value.
property’s resale value, only to be surprised when the agent’s comps were pulled from another zip code, subdivision, or market area that made the appraisal irrelevant. Without personally verifying valuations, property condition, and repair costs for one’s self, investors may put themselves in a situation where their entire investment can be lost. Not Knowing Your Numbers – investors who do not understand the fundamentals of analyzing an investment property, whether it’s for wholesale, fix- and-flip, or rental, are simply guessing. The most savvy, successful investors can look at any property investment and know what to look for to determine its feasibility. This type of knowledge can help investors mitigate risk by ensuring their pro formas are not only conservative but realistic.” Ryan Zomorodi from Real Estate Skills How can I utilize vacation rental management software to enhance the security and maintenance of my properties, thereby protecting and increasing the value of my
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In summary, vacation rental management software equips property managers with efficient tools to reinforce property security and maintenance, effectively safeguarding and enhancing the overall value of their investments.” Maria Pedregosa from Hostify How can I leverage online real estate platforms to safeguard my investment property while selling, ensuring maximum security and value retention? “Online real estate platforms can be a powerful tool to safeguard your investment property and maximize its value during selling. Here are some ways you can leverage them: Security: Screen potential buyers: U tilize platforms that offer pre-qualification tools, background checks, and verification of financial information. This
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helps ensure only serious and qualified buyers are interacting with your property. Control access and information: Many platforms allow you to control who can access details about your property and schedule showings. This helps prevent unauthorized entry and protects sensitive information. Virtual tours and 3D scans: Offer virtual tours and 3D scans of your property. This allows potential buyers to explore the space remotely and reduces the need for physical showings, minimizing potential risks. Value retention: Competitive pricing: Analyze market data and use the platform’s analytics tools to set a competitive asking price. This ensures you attract serious buyers while maximizing your potential return. Professional photos and descriptions: Invest in high- quality and compelling descriptions showcasing your property’s best features. This helps your listing stand out and attract more interest. Negotiate Online: Some platforms offer features like online offers and counteroffers. This allows you
to negotiate with potential buyers efficiently and transparently, potentially securing a better deal.” Vatsal from Houzeo What crucial tips should I consider to protect my property from fraud? “Most homeowners don’t think about having their homes stolen. After all, it’s attached to the ground and hard to move. An alarming trend we’ve seen in recent years is fraud perpetrated against a property owner in the form of theft of title, which, in extreme circumstances, can result in the transfer of legal ownership. Title theft can occur when someone is able to steal your personal information and then access accounts and services in an effort to impersonate you. Alternatively, they can glean enough information to create a fake deed and have it recorded against your property. While not completely preventable, the good news is that there are several things you can do to avoid this type of fraud, including to make sure your home internet is secured (and you change your password often), retrieve
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Portfolios can also become a drain on both time & money if they aren’t built properly, and just because a portfolio contains a large number of properties does not necessarily mean that it performs well. Most savvy investors understand that real estate investing is not just about buying low and trusting that the property appreciates in value over time to generate a positive return on investment. They also know how to conduct a proper cash flow analysis to ensure that their investments cover ongoing expenses & generate positive net income. In addition, they understand all of the tax advantages that can be realized by the different types of investments they might make. They know how to compare different types of investment properties against each other by calculating capitalization rates, gross rent multipliers, cash-on-cash returns, debt service coverage ratios, and other numerous investment formulas. Conducting these analyses systematically prior to purchasing each property is what creates strong!” Brian Icenhower from Icenhower Coaching & Consulting
your physical mail soon after it’s delivered (or better yet arrange to pick it up at the post office), and refuse to answer phones calls from numbers you don’t recognize (and never share sensitive personal information with a stranger, no matter who they claim to be). Should you suspect you’ve been a victim, contact your real estate broker, title company, credit bureaus, and the local police. There are also title monitoring services that inform you when a change in your title is attempted. Happy Investing!” Robert Helms from The Real Estate Guys Radio Program & Podcast What strategies should I adopt to manage and grow my real estate investment portfolio successfully, as leading industry coaches and consultants advised? “The key to building a real estate investment portfolio is knowing your numbers before you actually start investing! Too often, clients will hire our coaches to help their underperforming portfolios produce as they had initially hoped back when they started investing.
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mortgage company to get a loan, the owner will do this for you. The benefit of seller financing is that you may be able to put less money down, and you’ll also save on closing costs! Instead of 20% down, which is normally the minimum for an investment property, you may be able to find a seller willing to work with you and do 5-15% down. Another creative way to minimize your out-of-pocket costs is to find a property owner with an assumable mortgage! Someone may be in need of getting out of their current property for personal reasons, and taking over the mortgage from them could benefit you. There is a potential to get into a deal like this with no money upfront – win-win for both sides!” Melissa from Beach Life Bliss! Can you provide me with the best tips for finding a successful investment property? “Finding a successful investment property hinges on three key factors: location, financials, and growth potential. First, location is paramount. Look for areas with strong rental demand, evidenced by low vacancy rates and consistent rent increases. Anecdotal evidence supports this; one of my clients saw remarkable returns by focusing on up-and-coming neighborhoods near major employment centers. Second, scrutinize the property’s financials. Beyond the purchase price, consider the costs of maintenance, property management, and potential renovations. A property might appear lucrative at first glance, but hidden expenses can erode profits. I recall a case where unexpected maintenance costs turned a seemingly profitable property into a financial burden. Finally, evaluate the property’s growth potential. This isn’t just about immediate returns but long-term appreciation. Research local development plans and market trends. For instance, a property near a planned transit hub may appreciate significantly.” Dennis Shirshikov from Awning How can I protect and profit from short- term rentals? “Turn your worrying about your short-term rental into profit by thinking of ways to enhance your property for your customer and protect it at the same time. When you think about what your customers want, you need to think like you are your own customer. You also want to have good people stay in your place and keep the bad or potentially destructive people out at the same time. After all, as you keep your property in good shape, you will attract better-quality customers. And those customers will take care of your property better.
How can I leverage CRM-generated insights to enhance customer experience in my rental properties, thereby increasing tenant retention? “By leveraging CRM-generated insights, you can create a tenant-centric approach that enhances customer experience, fosters tenant satisfaction, and increases tenant retention. Let’s have a quick look at three practical approaches to CRM-generated insights: Approach #1: Tracking retention rates and identifying areas for improvement. Within a CRM system, you can analyze client engagement history, maintenance response times, and amenity satisfaction. Having that, you can then identify areas for improvement required to enhance the tenant experience. Approach #2: Identifying and prioritizing tenant needs and preferences. CRM data provides a treasure trove of information about tenants, including their demographics, communication preferences, and property preferences. By analyzing this data, brokers can gain insights into the needs and preferences of their tenant base. This information can tailor marketing campaigns, provide personalized communication, and prioritize maintenance requests aligning with tenant priorities. Approach #3: Staying on top of clients’ minds by reminding them about yourself. Successful customer experience and tenant retention are based on regular reminders about your services as a real estate broker. For example, when you remind clients about the lease expiration and then offer suitable property that suits their needs, you enhance your stellar reputation as a broker who considers the needs of every client no matter how long your last communication was. As a result, your name comes first when it’s time to buy, sell, or lease.” Wes Snow from Ascendix Technologies What’s the best way for me to invest in a rental property with a limited budget? “If you’re eager to get started in real estate by investing in a rental property, there are a few ways you could go! One of my favorite options lately is finding properties that are listed where the seller is open to financing the deal themselves. This is called seller financing. Essentially, instead of using a bank or
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