Welcome to the Atlantic Ambition podcast - the home of entrepreneurs changing the game in Canada.
From business successes, to challenges, and how they're growing their businesses for generations to come, we cover all on our weekly episodes! Hit that subscribe button so you don't miss any. I hope you enjoy!
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FLEXIBLE WORK SCHEDULES TRANSFORMED THIS SERVICE BUSINESS | Layla Crouse | Atlantic Ambition Podcast
From stay at home mom scrubbing houses on the side to winning government contracts and leading a rural Nova Scotia cleaning empire, Layla Crouse of Salty Swabbers is proving that the most underestimated women in the smallest towns are building the most unstoppable service businesses of this generation.
🏛 The Rural Empire Blueprint: Flexible team building without burning anyone out
💼 The Eight VA Revolution: The delegation shift that multiplied output overnight
📋 David Beats Goliath: How a small cleaning company won a government tender
🧠 ADHD to CEO Clarity: Why slowing down became her fastest growth move
If you are a property owner, Airbnb host, municipality, senior in need of support or a mother looking for flexible meaningful work in Nova Scotia, Salty Swabbers was built for you.
You can get in touch with Layla Crouse here on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/layla-crouse/
Website: https://www.saltyswabbers.ca/
#businessessentials #advice #podcast #businessowner #businesstips #growth #businessgrowth #businesslesson #businessessentials #howtostartabusiness #businessstrategy #businesspodcast #motivation #success
19 May 2026
FOUNDERS ARE REPLACING SALARIES WITH OWNERSHIP | Christopher Gourley | Atlantic Ambition Podcast
In an industry most people completely misunderstand, Christopher Gourley reveals the uncomfortable reality behind airport parking and vehicle storage, exposing how an overlooked asset class, outdated parking models, and broken service systems are being replaced by a new era of 24 hour hospitality driven parking platforms that most investors are still ignoring. From family legacy agriculture roots to scaling a high growth airport infrastructure business, this is the hidden playbook behind one of the fastest evolving local services industries.
Christopher Gourley is the Founder & President of Summit Airport Parking & Summit Vehicle Storage, a rapidly expanding platform redefining airport parking through premium service, operational excellence, and customer first thinking. In this episode of Business Spotlight, he shares how a 10 unit idea evolved into a 500 vehicle operation and a scalable airport ecosystem.
We explore how disciplined execution, community trust, and hands on leadership created consistent growth, alongside bold insights on airport infrastructure, real estate backed parking assets, and service innovation. Christopher also breaks down why human connection still outperforms digital marketing in local markets and how community integration becomes a powerful growth engine for expansion.
This conversation uncovers how family business foundations, calculated risk taking, and long term thinking combine to build durable companies in competitive industries.
#podcast #businessowner #businesstips #growth #businessgrowth #businesslesson #businessessentials #howtostartabusiness #businessstrategy #businesspodcast #motivation #success
2 Mar 2026
NAVIGATING THE ICE: FROM PROFESSIONAL PLAYER TO PRESIDENT | Joey Haddad | Atlantic Ambition Podcast
In this episode of the Atlantic Ambition podcast, host Barrett McDonald sits down with Joey Haddad, President of the Cape Breton Eagles, to unpack his remarkable journey from pro hockey player to running one of the QMJHL’s most community‑driven franchises.
Joey shares how:
Growing up in Cape Breton and playing in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) shaped his career
A 13‑year pro career in AHL, ECHL, and Europe (UK) and earning his MBA prepared him for life after hockey
He built a successful home inspection business and coached U18 AAA before returning to the Eagles
A sales role offer turned into a roadmap to President & GM of Business Operations
The Eagles rebuilt sponsorships, season tickets, and attendance and “won back” the community
The organization is modernizing its operations and arena, Centre 200, as a true island‑wide events hub
They’re positioning for a future Memorial Cup bid (2028 or 2031)
You’ll also hear Joey break down:
How he hires and builds his front‑office “business team”
Why energy, enthusiasm, and love of the game matter more than a perfect résumé
What a full year of business operations looks like for a junior hockey club—from draft and sales to playoffs and off‑season planning
How community partnerships, fan experience, and on‑ice performance all connect
If you’re interested in sports business, leadership, or community‑driven organizations, this conversation is full of practical insight and real‑world examples from inside a modern junior hockey franchise.
Suggested Chapters (Adjust times once edited)
0:00 – Welcome & introduction to Joey Haddad
0:40 – Joey’s junior career and pro hockey journey
2:00 – Playing in Europe and earning an MBA
4:00 – Transitioning out of hockey and starting a home inspection business
6:00 – Coaching U18 AAA and first approach from the Eagles
7:30 – Negotiating a bigger role and roadmap with new ownership
9:00 – Rebuilding the business: sales, sponsorships, and community trust
11:30 – The playoff run that signaled “the Eagles are back”
13:30 – Arena modernization and Centre 200 as Cape Breton’s epicenter
15:30 – Building a front‑office team & what Joey looks for in hires
19:00 – A year in the life of the Eagles’ business operations
Enjoy the episode?
👍 Like, 💬 comment with your favorite insight, and 🔔 subscribe for more conversations with leaders making an impact in business and community.
#CapeBretonEagles #JoeyHaddad #QMJHL #HockeyBusiness #SportsBusiness #CapeBreton #JuniorHockey #Leadership #BusinessSpotlightSeries#business
#advice #podcast #businessowner #businesstips #growth #businessgrowth #businesslesson #businessessentials #howtostartabusiness #businessstrategy #businesspodcast #motivation #success
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