Napkin Sketches is a podcast by Gorrie that uncovers how bold ideas become unforgettable brands. From early sketches to full-scale strategy, we talk with the thinkers, makers, and leaders shaping the future of marketing and design. Each conversation reveals the creative sparks, smart risks, and real stories behind building brands that last.
Building a Legacy: Lessons from Family Business Leaders
In this episode, industry leaders Ashley Gorrie, Kim Tchai, Bob Gorrie and Ed Tchai share insights on family business, global collaboration, innovation, and adapting to technological change. They discuss their journeys, challenges, and the importance of trust, heritage, and future-focused strategies.
family business, global collaboration, innovation, leadership, heritage, adaptation, technology, entrepreneurship, sustainability, future of retail
Family business succession and transition
Global industry collaboration through GIC
Innovation and re-inventing companies
Balancing heritage and modernity
Leadership and trust in business
Adapting to technological advancements like AI
Sustainable practices and environmental responsibility
The importance of human connection in digital age
Lessons learned from past ventures and failures
Preparing the next generation of leaders
Kim Tchai
Ed TchaiAshley Gorrie
Robert Gorrie
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to the GIC and Industry Connections
00:30 The Role of GIC in Global Industry Sharing
01:28 Starting Collaborations and Shared Business Models
02:25 Early Ventures and Lessons in India
03:19 Learning from Past Failures and Timing in Markets
06:35 Experience with Blackberry and Standardization
07:28 Building Trust and Deep Connections in Business
08:41 Family Business Heritage and Leadership Transitions
10:07 Using Heritage to Define Modern Identity
12:02 The Importance of Quality and Customer Service
13:17 Challenges of Multi-Generation Family Businesses
14:11 Adapting to Rapid Technological Changes
15:50 Balancing Family and Business Life
17:02 Transitioning Leadership and Ownership
19:23 Empowering the Next Generation of Leaders
22:57 Learning from Past Crises and Building Resilience
25:34 Maintaining Customer Focus and Innovation
27:14 Long-Term Vision and Future of Retail
28:10 Building Self-Organized and Adaptive Companies
29:33 Embracing Technology and Creativity
34:00 The Impact of AI and Future Technologies
36:09 Environmental Responsibility and Sustainability
37:48 Preparing Future Generations and Leadership
39:17 Advice for Aspiring Leaders and Entrepreneurs
40:05 Understanding Client Needs and Industry Trends
42:24 Lessons Learned as Entrepreneurs
43:42 The Value of Expanding Vision and Creativity
45:00 Balancing Family, Business, and Personal Life
resources
Global In-Store Communications Association (GIC) - https://gic.org
guest links
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimtchai/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/edtchai/LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobgorrie/
25 May 2026
Pop-Ups, the World Cup, and the Future of Physical Retail — with Nick Iozzo, Founder of Ancillary Agency
What turns a shopping mall, hotel lobby, or downtown plaza into a place people actually want to show up for? In this episode, Ashley sits down with Nick Iozzo — founder of Ancillary Agency and a 25-year veteran of Canadian commercial real estate — to unpack the creative, short-term side of the industry that most people never see.
Nick spent 14 years at Rogers building out their retail real estate strategy, then crossed the boardroom table to lead specialty leasing at Cadillac Fairview and Oxford Properties. Five years ago, in the middle of the pandemic, he launched Ancillary Agency to fill a gap no one else was serving: third-party support for pop-ups, brand activations, sponsorships, and film productions across every Canadian province and territory.
In this conversation:
The three things every great brand activation delivers — revenue, traffic, and guest experience
Why most retailers still aren't profitable online, and how the return-rate math is pushing brands back into physical stores
The story of a K-pop pop-up that drew overnight lineups from hours away
How FIFA's strict two-kilometre sponsorship exclusion zone is shaping brand strategy for the 2026 World Cup in Toronto and Vancouver
What we learned from the Eras Tour about managing major events in major cities
Why Gen Alpha is rediscovering the mall — and what the 90s revival means for retail
The split happening in shopping centres: AAA malls thriving, mid-tier under pressure, small markets adapting
Whether you work in retail, real estate, brand marketing, or you're just curious about why the physical world still matters in a digital one, this episode is worth your time.
Guest: Nick Iozzo, Founder, Ancillary AgencyHost: Ashley Gorrie
1 Jan 2026
The Power of Advisory Relationships: Insights from Tom Wright on Navigating Life and Career
Ashley Gorrie and Tom Wright explore the dynamics of advisory relationships, the importance of balancing personal and professional life, and the role of sales in business. They delve into Tom's experiences with the UFC and how advocacy and leadership play crucial roles in building a brand. The discussion emphasizes the significance of relationships and community involvement in achieving success.
takeaways
The relationship between an advisor and advisee is two-way.
Balancing work, family, and community is essential for personal fulfillment.
Sales is not just about selling; it's about solving problems.
Building a brand requires commitment and understanding of the local market.
Advocacy for your team and brand is crucial for leadership.
Managing what you can control helps in navigating challenges.
Relationships are foundational to problem-solving in business.
Understanding the facts over emotions leads to better decision-making.
Community involvement enriches personal and professional life.
Success is about aligning personal values with business goals.
8 Dec 2025
The Evolution of Global Brand Marketing with Jonathan Johnson
In this enlightening conversation, Ashley Gorrie and Jonathan Johnson (JJ) explore the evolution of marketing strategies in the digital age, focusing on the importance of data, the role of AI, and the dynamics of agency-brand relationships. JJ shares his career journey from graphic design to e-commerce, highlighting key insights on global marketing, brand consistency, and the necessity of adapting to consumer expectations in retail. The discussion emphasizes the balance between data-driven decision-making and creative storytelling, offering valuable advice for emerging brands navigating the complexities of both digital and physical retail environments.
17 Nov 2025
Building Brands: Lessons from Crocs and BioSteel with Andrew Nichols
In this engaging conversation, Ashley Gorrie and Andrew Nichols explore Andrew's journey from his early days in sales to his pivotal roles at Crocs and BioSteel, and now at Warroad Hockey. They discuss the importance of strong partnerships, the challenges of scaling a business, and the unique role of a Chief Revenue Officer. Andrew shares valuable insights on brand growth, market dynamics, and the significance of aligning passion with purpose in one's career.
28 Nov 2024
Ralph Dunning - Finding Freedom with Foreign Rider
On this episode of Napkin Sketches, Ash chats with Ralph Dunning about life as an entrepreneur, where passion and wellness intersect and how to find freedom in ourselves.
Ralph is a seasoned entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience in the fashion and sportswear industries. His career began in 1993 with the founding of Rip N Hammer, a brand focused on functional, high-quality clothing for the cycling, surf, and motocross communities. His passion for performance-oriented apparel laid the groundwork for his future ventures.
In 2001, Ralph shifted his focus to the golf apparel market and founded Dunning Golf. Recognizing a need for high-performance yet stylish golf wear, he pioneered a new approach by combining advanced technical fabrics with classic design. This innovative blend made Dunning Golf a standout brand, quickly gaining a loyal following among both professional and amateur golfers.
Ralph's most recent venture, Foreign Rider Co., was launched in 2009. The brand represents the culmination of his decades of experience, offering premium, ethically produced apparel that merges performance with lifestyle.
Throughout his career, Ralph Dunning has been a visionary in the apparel industry, known for his ability to predict market trends, his commitment to quality craftsmanship, and his ability to combine functionality with style.
26 Aug 2024
The Legacy Formula: Gorrie x TCHAI
Join the Gorrie & TCHAI teams as they take us on an inspiring journey through the evolution of their multi-generational companies.
Discover the secrets behind their triumphs, learn from their stumbles, and gain valuable insights from the critical lessons they've mastered along the way.
Whether you're an entrepreneur or simply curious about building a lasting legacy, this episode is packed with wisdom that spans generations.
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