MARCH/APRIL 2022
READY REFRIGERATION INC NOVA SCOTIA’S HEATING & COOLING EXPERTS TREETOP SOLAR INC LOCAL. SAFE. CERTIFIED. SOLAR INSTALLERS YOU CAN TRUST.
MARCH/APRIL 2022 • SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE IN THE SPOTLIGHT BRETT LAUTHER CFL VETERAN KICKER & FOOTBALL AMBASSADOR MUSIC FESTIVALS ARE BACK!!!
SUN KISSED ENERGY INC KISS YOUR POWER BILL GOODBYE!
A SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MEDIA Publication
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Editor’s Spotlight I am willing to bet that since the invention of electricity by Benjamin Franklin in 1752 that we have been complaining about the costs, whether that was getting the power grid infrastructure developed to the high cost of electricity today and the impact of meeting our needs for power has on the environment. In this issue we chat with members of Solar Nova Scotia and with Janet Tobin, Com- munications Lead at EfficiencyOne about Nova Scotia and the world becoming more energy efficient and how they can help make that happen. In our modern go-go world, we can be very short-sighted and focused on trying to get bigger, grow stronger, and go further. But, at what cost? Well, Stephen Vezina owner of TreeTop Solar Inc helps answer these questions when we chat about his childhood curiosity that has transformed into a career path for him, and his hopes for the future of his business and the sustainable energy industry but more importantly, the planet! With risingenergy costs, most people are looking for away to saveby becoming more energy efficient. Solar energy continues to be one of the most effective ways of reducing our energy costs and carbon footprint. We sit down with Mark Shelley from Sun Kissed Energy to find out how you can become more efficient and how his business can help switch you to green energy. Brett Fletcher, VP of Operations, for Ready Refrigeration shares about the company’s start in the ‘ice business’ to becoming a full-blown heating, cooling, and HVAC company, organically! Brett sat down with Spotlight on Business Magazine to give us an idea of how they’ve managed to have so much success, and how they hope to continue that in the future. Residential, commercial, and industrial customers in Nova Scotians are looking for straightforward reliable solar energy systems and other electric services that can eliminate their power bills and give them reliable green energy for many years to come. We chat with Doug Penner, owner of Pineland Electric, about how he is continuing his dad’s work, while staying relevant and adapting to the ever-changing Energy Market. We caught up with Brett Lauther, veteran CFL kicker for the Saskatchewan Roughriders in the off season, for ‘in the spotlight’, which is not an easy task! Brett is always on the go, either getting ready for the season or promoting the game that has given him so much. Thankfully he took a time out to talk to Spotlight on Business about his path to professional football, the upcoming Touchdown Atlantic Game in Wolfville and why Nova Scotia has always had a special place in his heart and what it would mean for the Maritimes to get a CFL team in the region. As always, my team and I want to thank everyone that made this issue possible, and we look forward to sharing more stories about growing industries, suc- cessful businesses, and brands, while spotlighting the people behind and in front of making it all happen.
MANAGING DIRECTOR Rod Gregg EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Lee Ann Atwater COMMUNICATION, RESEARCH & ADMIN Tristyn Gaudette Ashley Tanner CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Megan Callahan Shannon Ferguson Allison McKinnon Ceiledh Monk Dan Monk Ryan Myson Teresa Siqueira Elizabeth Spencer Tamara Vallis
SOCIAL MEDIA Troy Gregg GRAPHIC DESIGN Aaron Jeffrey
WEB DESIGN & DEVELOPMENT Joe Uttaro PUBLISHER AIDACA Media
Lee Ann Atwater Editor
P.O. Box 35007, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada B3M 0G3 P: 902 405 2000 E: info@spotlightbizmag.com spotlightonbusinessmagazine.com
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What’s in the Spotlight on the cover
PINELAND ELECTRIC STRAIGHTFORWARD SOLAR ENERGY SOLUTIONS
In our modern go-go world, we, as a species, can be very short-sighted. We are always trying to get bigger, grow stronger, go further. But, at what cost? These are the types of questions you’re left asking yourself after sitting down TREETOP SOLAR INC LOCAL. SAFE. CERTIFIED. SOLAR INSTALLERS YOU CAN TRUST.
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08 HEADLINES IN THE SPOTLIGHT 10 UPCOMING EVENTS 26 THEIR BACK ON STAGE Our Big Venue Music Festival Bucket List for 2022 38 SEAFOOD, SCENERY, SOCIABLES & SONG Small Town Nova Scotia welcomes back the Sounds of Summer 54 BANKER OR BROKER? Why choose a Mortgage Broker? 58 EFFICIENCYONE Helping people build a better world through efficiency 70 PROJECT QUOTES & ESTIMATES Free isn’t always worth the price! 76 DESIGN OF THE TIMES Finding Your Inner Interior Designer 82 SPRINGING BACK Resilience in Business is the Key to Success 110 THE WORK-LIFE BALANCE CHALLENGE How to Achieve a Healthy Work-Life Balance 120 GUILTY CHOCOHOLIC MAMA Mom and Dad, I Need You to Love Me Through This
Pineland Electric is a Nova Scotia run business that offers solar energy systems and other electric services for residential, commercial, and industrial customers. They know that with energy prices always increasing, more and more Nova Scotians are looking for straightforward reliable solar installation that can eliminate their power bills and give them reliable green energy for many years
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with TreeTop Solar Inc owner Stephen Vezina. Believe it or not, what started as a childhood curi- osity has transformed into a career path for Stephen, and he sat down with Spotlight on Business Magazine to talk about sustainable energy, and his hopes for the future of his business, an industry but more importantly of the planet!
to come. That’s where Pineland Electric comes in! We had a chance to sit down with Doug Penner, owner of Pineland Electric, to find out more about how he is continuing his dad’s work, while at the same time, staying relevant and adapting to the ever-changing Energy Market.
READY REFRIGERATION INC NOVA SCOTIA’S HEATING & COOLING EXPERTS
SUN KISSED ENERGY INC KISS YOUR POWER BILL GOODBYE!
BRETT LAUTHER CFL VETERAN KICKER & FOOTBALL AMBASSADOR in the spotlight
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Using the word ‘organic’ to describe a company’s growth seems too on the nose when talking about a refrigera- tion company. But then you start listen- ing to Brett Fletcher, VP
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We caught up with Brett Lauther, veteran CFL kicker for the Saskatche- wan Roughriders in the off season, which is not an easy task, because he is always on the go, either getting ready for the season or pro- moting the game that has given him so much. Thank-
With rising energy costs all over the world, every single person is looking for a way to save. Solar energy continues to be one of the most effec- tive ways of reducing costs while also reducing your carbon footprint, some might say it’s a win/ win! Which is why we sat down with Mark Shelley from Sun Kissed Energy to find out about how he got here, how he runs his business, and where he sees the future of green energy.
of Operations, talk about Ready Refrigeration. From a start in the ‘ice business’ (we’ll explain that later) to a full-blown heating, cooling and HVAC company, the growth of Ready Refrigeration has been truly organic! Brett sat down with Spotlight on Business Magazine to give us an idea of how they’ve managed to have so much success in the past, and how they hope to continue that in the future.
fully he took a time out to talk to Spotlight on Business about his path to professional football, the upcoming Touch Down Atlantic Game in Wolfville and why Nova Scotia has always had a special place in his heart and what it would mean for the Maritimes to get a CFL team in the region.
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HEADLINES IN THE SPOTLIGHT
BIG JOB GROWTH FOR ECONOMY, BUT SME’S STILL A STRUGGLE TO FIND WORKERS The latest nonfarm payrolls report shows a labor market nearing a recovery to pre-pandemic levels, but small business owners across the U.S. and even Canada say that finding and keeping qualified employ - ees remains one of their biggest challenges. February job growth posting its biggest monthly gain since July, with nonfarm payrolls for the month rising by 678,000 and the unemployment rate at 3.8%, its lowest level since before the pandemic, according to reports from the Labor Department’s Bureau of Labor Statistics. In 2021, 6.7 million jobs were added in the U.S. the largest single-year gain in American history. However, the job market is still about a million workers short of where it was pre-pandemic. Small Businesses are seeing most of this labor struggle as companies with 500 or more workers added 552,000 positions, while those with fewer than 50 employees recorded a loss of 96,000 employees during the month. Small businesses continue to struggle to find quali - fied people, almost a third saying they have positions that have been open for at least three months. Over three quarters of the small businesses with more than 50 employees say they expect turnover to likely be a problem for their business six months from now.
ELON MUSK MAKES $43 BILLION UNSOLICITED BID FOR TWITTER
APPLE WORKING ON IPHONE SUBSCRIPTION FOR POSSIBLE LAUNCH THIS YEAR
REDESIGNED MODERNA COVID VACCINE STRONGER IMMUNITY AGAINST OMICRON
Billionaire entrepreneur, investor, and business magnate Elon Musk offered to take Twitter Inc. private in a deal valued at $43 billion, saying he’s the person who can unlock the “extraordinary potential” of a communication platform used daily by more than 200 million people. Musk has said that he is willing to pay $54.20 USD per share in cash, 38% above the price on April 1, the last trading day before Musk went public with his stake. The social media company’s shares saw little change on the new that show signs there’s skepticism that one of the platform’s most outspoken users and critics of the current board will succeed in his takeover attempt. Musk, 50, announced the proposed deal in a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, after turning down the chance to take a board seat at the company. Musk, who also controls Tesla Inc., first disclosed a stake of about 9% on April 4, making him the largest individual investor. Tesla shares fell about 3% on concern that the attempt to acquire Twitter will be a distraction for Musk.
It has been said that Apple is preparing a hardware subscription service for iPhones that could launch as soon as the end of this year. The service would allow customers to buy an iPhone through monthly payments, similar to how users cur- rently subscribe to iCloud, but Apple declined to comment on this at this time. The move would represent the culmination of a longtime Apple investors desire for the company to sell its hardware as a subscription. Doing so would boost recurring revenue and could lead to an increase in the stock price. Analysts have long been wary that Apple’s prodigious hardware sales are a “hits business” and believe that increasing predictable subscription revenue could prompt investors to value Apple more highly. Apple already offers several methods to pay for iPhones on a monthly basis, including the iPhone Upgrade Program, which bundles iPhones with a warranty and free upgrades for a monthly fee, and financing with the Apple Card.
Moderna released clinical data demonstrating that a new version of its Covid-19 vaccine that targets several mutations produced a stronger immune response against the major virus variants, including omicron and delta, than the company’s current shots on the market. The biotech company’s redesigned vaccine targets nine mutations found in the beta Covid variant, as well as the original strain of the virus that first emerged in Wuhan, China in late 2019. Four of the mutations targeted by the updated vaccine are shared with omicron. Moderna and Pfizer are developing new shots that target multiple virus variants in the hope of producing shots that provide longer-lasting protec- tion against infection. The current vaccines were developed to recognize the spike protein, which the virus uses to invade human cells, of the Wuhan strain of Covid. The more the spike protein has evolved, the less likely the antibod- ies produced by the vaccine are able to recognize the virus and fight it, reducing the efficacy of the shots as a result. Two doses of the original vaccines still provide strong protection against hospitalization, though effectiveness against severe illness has also dropped. Third shots of the current vaccine also boost protec- tion against infection and hospitalization.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
GROW UP CANNABIS CONFERENCE AND EXPO June 20th – 22nd, 2022 Victoria Conference Centre| Victoria, BC, Canada Grow Up Cannabis Conference and Expo goal is to educate, inform and promote the development and growth of the cannabis growing industry in Canada and the U.S.A. Join top growers, suppliers, man- ufacturers, extraction equipment/ services, hundreds of top speakers/ keynotes, and thousands of dele- gates together to bring you up-to- date on proven methods, innova- tions, and technology. For more information on this event go to https://growupconference. com/victoria/
WORLD DIVERSITY IN LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE June 20th – 24th, 2022 Shaw Conference Centre | Edmonton, AB, Canada This is an annual event where experts and researchers in equity, diversity & inclusion come together to discuss the challenges and strategies to improve diver- sity at the workplace. Over the past year, we have seen a signif- icant increase in employee and customer concern over issues of immigration, race, gender expres- sion, and faith. Organizations that do not address these issues risk losing great talent, cultivating toxic work environments, compro- mising performance, and poten- tially damaging the brands value. To succeed, organizations must build bridges constructively and respectfully, creating cultures where everyone feels they can contribute and belong. Come and learn from interactive sessions, in-depth cases, and inspiring presentations by acknowledged thought leaders & researchers. For more information on this event go to https://diversityconference. ca/
CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE STRATEGIES SUMMIT June 13th – 14th, 2022 Hilton Toronto| Toronto, ON, Canada Customer Experience Strategies Summit is the largest and lon- gest-running CX conference featur- ing customer experience experts from North America’s most trusted brands. Over the course of two days, they will share their knowl- edge on creating exceptional CX programs and how to build lasting brand loyalty with transformative customer engagement initiatives, strike the perfect balance between high-touch and digital touchpoints, and reduce consumer anxiety as customers transition back to in-per- son experiences. For more information on this event go to https://www.customerexperi- encecanada.com/
RESTAURANTS CANADA SHOW May 9th – 11th, 2022 Enercare Centre | Toronto, ON, Canada Restaurants Canada Show is the largest foodservice and hospital- ity event of the year, showcasing cutting-edge products, pioneer- ing people and trans-formative ideas. Restaurants Canada is excited to welcome back the industry for an in-person, new and improved hybrid event. This year our broad- cast quality stage programming will be available for live viewing on a state-of-the-art technology platform to extend reach virtually to a global audience. RC Show 2022 will support the industry’s REVIVAL with business solutions for restaurants, hotels and foodservice establishments that continue to evolve and reimagine their operations. We will safely unite the foodser- vice & hospitality industry. We are stronger together! For more information on this event go to https://www.rcshow.com/
INTERNATIONAL CONFER- ENCE ON SCIENCE, ENGI- NEERING & TECHNOLOGY - ICSET 2022 May 17th – 19th, 2022 Metro Toronto Conven- tion Centre | Toronto, ON, Canada The primary goal of the con- ference is to promote research and developmental activities in Science, Engineering & Technol- ogy. Another goal is to promote scientific information interchange between researchers, engineers, scientists, academicians, devel- opers, students, and practitioners working in and around the world. The conference will be held every year to make it an ideal platform for people to share views and experiences in Science, Engineer- ing & Technology related areas.
DIGIMARCON TORONTO 2022 May 12th – 13th, 2022 Toronto Marriott Downtown Eaton Centre Hotel | Toronto, ON, Canada The 6th annual DigiMarCon Toronto, the Premier Digital Mar- keting, Media and Advertising Con- ference & Exhibition in Toronto returns. Join your peers in-person or online for 2 days jam packed with digital marketing best prac- tices, latest trends, practical solu- tions, strategy and networking, also check out the next generation of technology & innovation: Internet, Mobile, AdTech, MarTech & SaaS Technology. Be a part of DigiMarCon Toronto 2022 and discover how to thrive and succeed as a marketer in a rapidly evolving digital world. Top keynotes, case studies, strategy sessions, networking and more in a safe and hygienic environment! See why people keep coming back year after year to this must-attend event! For more information on this event go to https://digimarcontoronto.ca/
WANT TO HAVE YOUR EVENT IN THE SPOTLIGHT? Send an email 4 weeks in advance to production@spotlightbizmag.com with all the details of your event.
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IN THE SPOTLIGHT CFL VETERAN KICKER & FOOTBALL AMBASSADOR by Ryan Myson BRETT LAUTHER W e caught up with Brett Lauther, veteran CFL kicker for the Saskatchewan Roughriders in the off season, which is not an easy task, because he is always on the go either getting ready for the season or promoting the game that has given him so much. Thank- fully he took a time out to talk to Spotlight on Business about his path to professional football, the upcoming Touch Down Atlantic Game in Wolfville and why Nova Scotia has always had a special place in his heart and what it would mean for the Maritimes to get a CFL team in the region.
Like a lot of kids from a small town, I grew up playing a bunch of different sports, but my first love was hockey, won a Midget AAA provincial championship, played a little bit of junior hockey when attending St. Mary’s University and it’s a game that I still enjoy playing today. My passion for football started in my first year of high school in grade 10. I knew nothing about the game, the coaching staff at CEC were extreme- ly supportive and motivating from the first day I walked onto the field. For me, it was a new challenge, I just thought the game was so unique compared to a lot of other sports I had played, because there are so many moving parts, that all
“I love going back East to Nova Scotia to see family, friends and the culture there, it is hard to explain you need to experience it, to under- stand.”
Spotlight: Tell us a little about yourself as there may be some readers that might not know your connection to Nova Scotia? What was it like growing up in the hub of the province in Truro? Where did you get your love for football? Brett Lauther: Well, my family is from Nova Scotia. I love getting back to the East Coast whenever I can. It always feels like home even though these days the visits seem to be fewer and farther in between. I love going back East to Nova Scotia to see family, friends and the culture there, it is hard to explain you need to experience it, to understand.
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had to work together to be successful. I had the opportunity to play many positions on the team, which developed my understanding and love for the game which got me ready for what has been my football journey. Spotlight: Truro, Nova Scotia is a big football town, and the Cobequid Educational Centre Cougars have a very solid football program, during your time at CEC, the team appeared in three consecutive Provincial Tier 1 Champion- ships with CEC winning two. What was it like to be a Cougar and how did the program that just celebrated its 50th anniversary this past season, get you ready for what was to come in your career? Brett Lauther: I was very fortunate to have the opportunity to play for CEC and for a player just starting out well you couldn’t really find a better program for how the coaches treated the players.
The program at CEC is larger than the game, it teaches you so many life skills that go far beyond football. With CEC being a larger High School, having a lot of friends as teammates kind of helped me early on. There is a tradition, amazing coaches and some great players coming up and going through the program at CEC, especially back when I first started. I feel fortunate to have had those coaches and mentors as I got my start into football. There has been a lot of people help me along the way that’s for sure.
Spotlight: After high school you committed to a football powerhouse in Saint Mary’s University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, where you and your Huskies teammates made it to the AUS Championship four consecu- tive years winning 2 Championships. What was it like be part of the program and how did it get you ready for turning pro? Brett Lauther: Thinking about the next chapter in my football journey really started during and after my grade 11 year. I didn’t want to just go through the motions I wanted to become the best and get ready for that next level. So, I did a lot of training in the off season. In Grade 11 a lot of teams from the college level started floating around from different areas in Canada looking to recruit players, especially schools in the AUS. Me committing to Saint Mary’s was started by Scott Annand, who was a biology teacher of mine at CEC. Scott is a well-respected football player and coach with experience and success at all levels including professional- ly with a couple of CFL teams including the Saskatchewan Roughriders as an assistant coach and as the football operations coordinator for the 2016 and 2017 seasons.
“There is a tradition, amazing coaches and some great players coming up and going through the program at CEC,”
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opportunity to work on my skill set and develop as a player, to take the next steps towards my goal of playing professionally. I just kept working hard and stayed focused on my goals as a student and as an athlete. In my third year at SMU, I had the opportunity to play in the East West Bowl and as it sometimes happens during any game, my team was struggling to score touchdowns, so I had lots of opportunities to get out on the field and put some points on the board with field goals for that game.
“I committed to Saint Mary’s University as a receiver, but they gave me the opportuni- ty to work on my skill set and develop as a player, to take the next steps towards my goal of playing professional- ly.”
Scott was the Defensive Line Coach with Saint Mary’s. So, I am sure he was always plugging my name to Coach Blake Nill and Coach Steve Sumarah of Saint Mary’s to give me a shot and I respected that. So even when the Ontario and Western schools were calling, I knew that I wanted to stay in my home province to play football so, committing to Saint Mary’s was an easy choice, I knew that if Scott was there, it would be a good place for me. Plus, they had and still have an excellent program, it also gave me the opportunity to play with a few of my teammates from the Football Nova Scotia and CEC Cougar football programs, making the tran- sition to the university level a lot easier. When I arrived at Saint Mary’s the football program was very much like my experience my first year with CEC. The coaching staff and the people associated with the team were amazing and supportive. I committed to Saint Mary’s University as a receiver, but they gave me the
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I was excited for my last year at SMU, we had a really good team and looked to be a solid contend- er for an AUS or even National Championship that year. Unfor- tunately our quarterback broke his neck in our first game against Acadia that year. So that led to me doing a lot more kicking attempts that year, which looking back probably helped me at the time and earned me the team MVP for my last year at SMU. I was fortunate to get an invi- tation to the national combine which was a huge deal for me and especially coming from the AUS which doesn’t get the exposure the other conferences do. Once the combine was done, I really focused on training full time with a lot of guys that were going to be in the draft on my team. We were doing four or five days a week of 6 am workouts and then field work and then also class. But my hard work paid off and I was drafted by the Hamilton Tiger-Cats with one of my Saint Mary’s Huskies Teammates, Neil King. It was an amazing experi- ence and Neil is one of my good buddies to this day. Spotlight: What was it like to be drafted to play for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the Canadian Football League in the 2013 CFL Draft? What was it like to play your first profes - sional football game in front of a Maritime crowd as part of Touchdown Atlantic? I had the pleasure to see that game, and I am sure you remember it well as you went 4 for 4 for field goal attempts that day, what was that experience like?
Brett Lauther: The CFL draft was a lot different back then. It didn’t get the publicity that it gets now. I will be honest; I wasn’t expect- ing to get drafted but my agent said there were some whispers of me potentially getting the call during the draft. I knew I had a good year, my final year at Saint Mary’s, and had a good showing at the East West Bowl and felt that my interviews, and National Combine went very well. So, I was obviously hoping to be drafted but truly had no pre-set expectations and just went about my day. Then I remember getting the call from the Hamilton Tiger-Cats organization and talking to Kent Austin, Drew Allemang, Shawn Burke and Jeff Reinebold of the Hamilton program. And yeah, it was obviously a life changing call and I was extremely excited to get drafted and to have an opportunity to play professional football, it validates all my efforts along with those of everyone else that helped me get there along the way. So, it was a cool day for family, friends, teammates, and a lot of coaches and especially my dad. I remember just being at home with him, and we’re kind of keeping it very low key with no expectations. When it came up that Hamilton was on the ticker, and I got the phone call that I was drafted, it was pretty cool and awesome that I got to share that moment with my father.
“it was obviously a life changing call and I was extreme- ly excited to get drafted and to have an opportu- nity to play pro- fessional football, it validates all my efforts along with those of everyone else that helped me get there along the way.”
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My first game ever as a professional was in the Maritimes making a truly unique experience. Long story short, I was drafted to Hamilton, went to training camp with six others including Luca Congi and Josh Bartel, the kicker and punter from the previous year. So, after camp and pre- season basically the Ticats were going to go with Luca and Josh again obviously, that made sense after all the two guys were the All Stars the year before. But the coaching staff had decided that they were going to have another guy also, just in case as football is a rough sport and anything can happen. I knew that I had a pretty good camp and preseason game in Montreal, so I was confident I had a chance. I was added to what was called the Nine Game Injury List back then. It was basically a way to keep a player around but not on your practice roster where someone else could sign them. You got paid, which was excellent, but you couldn’t play any games for at least nine weeks. So, it was week 13 of the season and Luca, who was a great kicker and a great mentor especially for my first year of professional football, unfortu - nately had a couple of games where he was off. I never really thought anything about it, I knew he would work it out and wasn’t expecting to play. I remember the week, just going in and seeing my name first on the depth chart and having the coaches talk to me that I was getting the start for the Touchdown Atlantic Game in Moncton, New Brunswick. I remember calling my dad, it was a pretty crazy call. It was a whirlwind because it was something that neither of us were expecting, especially 13 weeks into a season. What added to the excitement was being able to play my first regular season game ever in the Maritimes, in front of family, friends and coaches that had helped me get to this point, it was something I’ll never forget that’s for sure. Spotlight: Now we jump ahead, 9 years as Touchdown Atlantic returns to the Maritime region on Saturday, July 16 as your Saskatch- ewan Roughriders take on the Toronto Argo- nauts at Acadia University’s Raymond Field in front 10,000 fans in Nova Scotia’s first-ever Canadian Football League (CFL) regular season contest, what are your feelings about playing a regular season game, in your home province and with all your friends and family in the stands?
I always try to say this, I guess because I didn’t really grow up knowing a lot about the CFL because we did not have a team in the Maritimes, nor a stadium that could host a game without a lot of work to get a venue ready. Having a CFL stadium is so much more than about football and the games that are played there. I feel like it’s exactly what the province and region need, because it is not just about having a CFL team that’s going to have nine home games a year, you’re also going to have a venue that can draw bigger concerts and host bigger festi- vals. Having a multi-sport facility for kids does amazing things to help develop future athletics. I remember when I was a kid, we got to play a game in the Metro Center. I felt like I was playing in the NHL. With a multi-sport facility soccer, football, rugby, lacrosse players and teams would have that same opportunity of playing on the turf where they could have championship games and dream of going pro, and as a kid that is a big deal, at least it was for me and for many others. In Saskatchewan, Mosaic Stadium just hosted the Winnipeg Jets and Calgary Flames for a winter
classic game, which was an amazing success. I could only imagine having Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins versus Nathan MacK- innon and the Colorado Avalanche playing in the Winter Classic or hockey game outdoors here, that would be absolutely amazing and just imagine what they would do for the hospitali- ty industry in the province. Like I said, having a stadium is so much bigger than football and something that I think the province needs, not only for keeping younger people here, but also for the tourism that it would generate. Yes, a stadium is a lot of money and hard to justify especially when we are still recovering from the pandemic. But when you travel, and you see what these stadiums do for other provinc- es, and positive economic spinoff you see the need. Sorry I got off topic, so jumping back, I am very excited to be coming back to Nova Scotia for a regular season game and to be playing on Acadia University’s Raymond Field in Wolfville, where I played the last game of my AUS career against the Axemen. I am looking forward to the opportunity to show my coaches and teammates everything that this province that I’m from has to offer and just how awesome and unique it is. And I’m really looking forward to bringing the CFL game I love to the people of Nova Scotia. Spotlight: Tells us about what you do in the off season to prepare yourself to get back on the field for the start of the season? Last year’s numbers were amazing with you going 40/47, which is 85%, how do you keep your leg and body in shape? “a stadium is a lot of money and hard to justify especial- ly when we are still recover- ing from the pandemic. But when you travel, and you see what these stadiums do for other provinces, and positive economic spinoff you see the need.”
Brett Lauther: Yeah, obviously it’s just some- thing that’s surreal. I feel very fortunate to have played my very first game in Moncton and now to be on a different team nine years later, getting the opportunity to play in the first ever regular season CFL game in Nova Scotia. It’s something that is hard to put into words, really. For a lot of friends, family and coaches that have support- ed me, they have not been able to get out to a game in Saskatchewan or when I have played out East, so it’s definitely something I’m looking forward to, for them to see a game and for CFL fans in general to get to experience the game. I hope that this is a building block for Nova Scotia and the other Maritime provinces to hopefully be taking further steps forward to potentially getting a stadium, a team, and a fan base here. I see a team here being very much like the Sas- katchewan Roughriders. We are not the Regina Rough Riders just like this team isn’t called the Halifax Schooners, it’s called the Atlantic schoo- ners for a reason. It’s more than just Halifax or Nova Scotia, it’s all about representing all Mari- timers and the Atlantic coast.
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SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE • MARCH/APRIL 2022
Brett Lauther: It might sound cliche but for me there’s not really an offseason, even though there is six months between. So, once the season ends and we head into December I’m not training like we’re heading into a playoff run or anything like that. I like to take some time to get back to Nova Scotia, see my family, friends, have a couple of beers and just enjoy the time home. Once the new year comes, in January, it’s more or less maintaining and just staying in good shape and not letting yourself go. I’m in my ninth offseason so I have it figured out, to a certain degree, what I need and don’t need to get ready for the upcoming season. Plus, I’m starting to get to the age, at 31, where less is sometimes more and it’s definitely more mental preparation than people think. This year I have been traveling a lot more attending the PA meeting in Vegas then straight to Toronto for the men- torship program, back to Alberta for a couple of weeks before heading East to Nova Scotia for the Touch Down Atlantic announcement and now down here in California for training. So, this offseason it’s been a little more unique but it’s just getting your workouts in each day, staying on the field and just maintaining your leg to make sure it stays fresh and staying focused on a routine of what I need to do. There are no real secrets to my routine, just keep focused, put in a lot of hard work and stay dedicated. And if you have that along with the right mindset, whatever you want to do in life, you’re going to be able to do it, whether it’s sports or outside of it. So, if you work hard, and stay focused, have a goal and get better everyday you can make it happen. The numbers that you mention from last season, that’s not just me going out on the field and kicking the ball. We play as a team; we have a great o-line, snapper, and holder in Saskatchewan, along with great coaches and a lot of other people that are part of what I do. They are focused on their job and being the best, just like I am, so that we can all succeed together as a team. Spotlight: Lets change it up a little bit, what do you like to do when you are not training? Brett Lauther: The number one thing is just getting back home to see family and friends. I spend a lot of time away now so anytime I can get to see them I do, especially every December I head home to Truro. As I had mentioned I enjoy playing hockey so every Boxing Day I host a hockey tournament, called the Boxing Day Winter Classic, which is a group of all my buddies from junior high and high school getting back together again to play a little hockey and have a lot of fun. Unfortunately, because of the pandemic
“There are no real secrets to my routine, just keep focused, put in a lot of hard work and stay dedicated. And if you have that along with the right mindset, whatever you want to do in life, you’re going to be able to do it, whether it’s sports or outside of it.”
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SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE • MARCH/APRIL 2022
it has been postponed for a couple of years now, but this year it will be coming back bigger and better than ever. This year we have some local businesses and sponsors now coming on board and getting involved in the game and funds gen- erated being donated to a local charity. So like I said, spending time with family and friends, getting some traveling in, those are the kinds of things that I like to do in the offseason. Spotlight: You spend a lot of time promoting the game of football, whether it is at the minor or professional levels, why is that important to you? Brett Lauther: I remember being a young kid and the impact it had going to Bearcat games and getting to talk to the players after the games or a part of a public skate or some other event. Whenever current or former professional athletes or coaches came to our schools or took the time to speak with me, I remember how much it meant to me at that time. So, to be in a position where I can do that now means everything to me. I guess it never feels normal to me that a kid would think that I am a big deal, but I was that kid. Plus, it is so rewarding to see the kid’s excitement and the smiles on their faces. It is the best and I think it is one of the things that keeps me young. Plus, it is fun for me because kids don’t always have a filter and they make me laugh so much just with what they say and the questions they ask, because it reminds me of when I was their age. I don’t really think anything can replace it. I know a lot of the stuff or appearances that athletes do they might get paid for, but putting a smile on a kid’s face is irreplaceable, there’s not a monetary amount you could put on that feeling. It is so rewarding in itself. Spotlight: What mentors did, or do you have now? Who inspires you and why? What advice do you have for athletes looking to take a shot at going professional? Brett Lauther: Wow, that is a tough one, because there is not just one person but many. My dad obviously growing up and even now as an adult. But it’s like I said, the many coaches I’ve had from every level from high school, university and even now at the professional level to friends and
“I guess something else I can add is people always try to say, and I think it’s the worst advice ever, ‘just be realis- tic.’ I think it’s the opposite, I say ‘don’t be realistic’ don’t limit yourself and just shoot for the stars. Because even if things didn’t work out, you’re still going to be in a better place than you were before.” As for advice, the biggest I can give is to work hard and stay dedicated. It sounds cliche, but that’s all it really is. Even with myself, it’s just about keeping working hard and trying to figure things out. Everyone has a different path and a unique journey. And not everyone has a clear-cut path of how it is going to work out. I’m a prime example of that from playing for a couple years to not playing for a few and staying focused and family, there has never been a lack of motivation for getting up or getting in the gym. I feel like I’m very self motivated. But on some days, you’re not feeling it as much as others, so you just kind of have to think about all those people and how much they’ve done and sacrificed for you. working hard and to make my way back. I guess something else I can add is people always try to say, and I think it’s the worst advice ever, ‘just be realistic.’ I think it’s the opposite, I say ‘don’t be realistic’ don’t limit yourself and just shoot for the stars. Because even if things didn’t work out, you’re still going to be in a better place than you were before. So, whether it’s sports or business or whatever you’re doing in life, just work hard and don’t listen to the negativity of others and always believe in yourself and what you want to do in life.
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SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE • MARCH/APRIL 2022
THEIR BACK ON STAGE OUR BIG VENUE MUSIC FESTIVAL BUCKET LIST FOR 2022 BY RYAN MYSON W el l , i t i s hard to bel ieve that i t has been s ince the summer of 2019 s ince we have been able to get to some of these larger event s because of the pandemi c and nothing says summer l i ke get t ing out to these big venues to enjoy your f avor i te ar t i s t s coming together in one place wi th al l thei r f ans . Af ter a t wo -year hiatus we are exc i ted to publ i sh our Big Venue Mus i c Fes t i val Bucket L i s t of the mus t at tend mus i c fes t i val s for 2022 as mus i c lover s s t ar t planning thei r summer mus i c excur s ions . Ever y year there are more new event s mak ing thi s a ver y compet i t i ve mar ket as fes t i val organi zer s bat t le ever y year to get the bes t in mus i cal t alent for thei r event s whi le adding more and more event s , per ks and bet ter venues f ac i l i t ies ever y year to keep you and your fes t i val money coming back and 2022 ’s l ine up i s no except ion.
We reviewed over forty-five large venue festivals that are looking to capture your dollars this summer, whether that’s for ticket sales or your corporate sponsorship. We have selected the following for our Big Venue Music Festival Bucket List for 2022. Other than by date, there is no particular order for these festivals as we believe they all offer amazing venues and spectacular artist line-ups as we get back to enjoying these outdoor events this summer. We are confident that you, our readers, will find that perfect festival that is just right for you, but we do recommend you do not take too long to decide as these events are selling out fast! CMA FEST 2022 When: June 9th – 12th, 2022 Where: Nashville, TN, United States Why: Well, if this was NASCAR, this event would be the Daytona 500 and it only seems right that is would happen in Music City to kick off the summer music festival season after a two-year hiatus. Like we said in the opening the festivals are not in any particular order, other than by date, so it is purely by coincidence that the festival at the top of our bucket list, would also be the first we put on our list for 2022. To be honest it would be easier to list who is not performing at this year’s CMA Fest than who is, as the who’s who of Country’s Music Artists take to the stage to kick off the largest event of the summer. CMA Fest features literally the A to Z of Country’s Music superstars with Jason Aldean, Kelsea Ballerini, Gabby Barrett, Dierks Bentley, Kane Brown, Luke Bryan, Luke Combs, Russell Dickerson, Alan Jackson, Lady A, Parker McCollum, Carly Pearce, Thomas Rhett, Darius Rucker, Cole Swindell, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, Lainey Wilson, Zac Brown Band all performing at Nissan Stadium over the 4-day event. Plus, at the Chevrolet Riverfront Stage, which is the epicenter of daytime music with Lauren Alaina, Jimmie Allen, Tenille Arts, Priscilla Block, Danielle Bradbery, Blanco Brown, Maddie & Tae, Scotty McCreery, Lainey Wilson plus 30 other must-see artists, featuring the newest faces and the legends of Country Music you know and love. The best part is it is completely FREE! Plus Four-day CMA Fest pass holders get early access at 9AM with music starting at 10am. Over 100 additional artists, including High Valley, MacKenzie Porter, The Reklaws and Jake Hoot on the Dr Pepper Amp Stage, Chevy Vibes Stage and the Maui Jim Reverb Stage. Their inaugural event in 2015 brought in over 20,000 attendees, and has grown every year, with their most recent edition in 2021 saw the addition of a fifth stage to accom - modate more artists and larger crowds, welcoming 35,000 music fans and festival goers to a SOLD-OUT festival. Showing that this is one festival that you need to strongly consider for your own bucket list. Ticket Prices:
Single Day Passes starting at: $82.00 USD Full Festival Passes starting at: $235.00 USD For more information on this event go to: https://cmafest.com/
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THE COUNTRY FEST When: June 15th – 18th, 2022 Where: North Lawrence, OH, United States
BAREFOOT COUNTRY MUSIC FEST 2022 When: June 16th -19th, 2022 Where: Wildwood, NJ, United States
Why: What we like about this festival is that it was started by two guys that just loved music. Aaron Green and Joel Beichler started The Country Fest back in the summer of 2009, with little to no connections or knowledge about music festivals. With some luck, a lot of hard work and the constant drive to improve the festival and the venue, they have grown to be one of the largest privately family owned and operated festivals in the U.S.A. So, we recommend that you get this on your bucket list and join Aaron and Joel, their families and music fans as they celebrate their 10-year anniversary this year with a kick of party with Granger Smith and Kameron Marlowe, then Headliners Jason Aldean, Brantley Gilbert, Morgan Wallen along with others like Gabby Barrett, Chase Rice, Hardy and a half a dozen other rounding out the celebrations. Ticket Prices: Single Day Passes starting at: $69.00 USD Full Festival Passes starting at: $229.00 USD For more information on this event go to: https://www.thecountryfest.com/
Why: BCMF 2022 will feature 40+ of Country’s hottest artists across 5 unique stages on the shores of Wildwood, NJ bringing a unique blend of today’s country headliners like Eric Church, Jason Aldean, Florida Georgia Line, Cole Swindell and other such as Dustin Lynch, Walker Hayes, Chris Janson, Bret Michaels plus regional stars, up-and-comers and locals artist favorites performing. With the combination of country music and the scenic Wildwood’s backdrop, this family-friendly, four-day fest is worthy of anyone’s summer music bucket list. Ticket Prices: Single Day Passes starting at: Not available at time of publication Full Festival Passes starting at: $199.00 USD For more information on this event go to: https://barefootcountrymusicfest.com/
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SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE • MARCH/APRIL 2022
COUNTRY SUMMER MUSIC FESTIVAL When: June 17th - 19th, 2022 Where: Santa Rosa, CA, United States
OTTAWA BLUESFEST When: July 7th - 17th, 2022 Where: Ottawa, ON,
Canada Why: Well since 1994, this festival has offered a wide variety of world-class music which has been essential to the success of the Blues- fest over the past 25 years. Who would have thought that when Clarence Clemons, Randy Bachman, and Buckwheat Zydeco took the stage for the inaugural edition of the Ottawa Bluesfest in 1994 it would help kick off what would become Canada’s fastest growing outdoor music festival. Five thousand people descended on Major’s Hill Park that first year, probably not realizing the tra - dition they were helping to create. The 25th anni- versary line-up for the 2019 kept music fans coming back for more, throughout the 10-day event as each artists drew a close-to-capacity crowd of 30,000+ avid fans, with the overall estimated total atten- dance in the neighbourhood of 300,000. With this year’s list of superstar headlines from all genres like Alanis Morissette, Alessia Cara, Alexisonfire, Colin James, Crash Test Dummies, Luke Bryan, Luke Combs, Sarah McLachlan, Sum 41, Three Days Grace, TLC and 85 others taking the stage over this 10-day event the Ottawa Bluesfest truly offers something for everyone and making it attend on our bucket list for 2022. Ticket Prices: Single Day Passes starting at: $65.00 CAD 3 Day Passes starting at: $129.00 CAD 10 Day Full Festival Passes starting at: $269.00 CAD
Why: Well for starters, Country Summer is Northern California’s biggest country music festival and Sonoma County’s biggest party, attracting more than 30,000 fans each year. Since its inau- guration in 2014, Country Summer has gotten bigger and better every year with a lineup of country music superstars and big-name entertainers like this year’s performers Kelsea Ballerini, Blake Shelton, Chris Young, Jimmie Allen, Justin Moore, Lainey Wilson and the many more that will perform at the 5-acre Carnival field at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds in Northern California which sets the scene with spectacular video walls and state-of-the-art staging and sound. Plus, between headliners on the Chevy Silver- ado Stage, a secondary stage features up and coming musicians from the regional area. While performances by country music artists are the main attraction, great festivals are more than great music. Country Summer is a big country music celebration with interactive activities, a variety of culinary delights and an array of libations which puts it on our bucket list for one to check out in 2022. Ticket Prices:
Single Day Passes starting at: $89.00 USD Full Festival Passes starting at: $249.00 USD
For more information on this event go to: https://countrysummer.com/
For more information on this event go to: https://ottawabluesfest.ca/
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SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE • MARCH/APRIL 2022
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