Renovation can feel like a gamble ,deposits, delays, and promises that fade when the drywall dust settles. Our conversation with Jerome Sammy, owner of Finnish Basement Inc., shows what it looks like when a contractor replaces uncertainty with structure, clarity, and a steady hand. With more than 40 years of service in the GTA, Jerome brings a musician’s ear for timing to the building world, coordinating trades in a tight, week-by-week rhythm that keeps projects moving and homeowners informed.

We unpack the company’s signature approach to basement remodels, where speed doesn’t mean shortcuts. Jerome walks through a clean sequence demolition, framing, insulation, electrical, plumbing, drywall, and finishes so each crew hits the site at the right moment. He speaks plainly about industry myths, from disappearing contractors to inflated expertise, and explains how clear scopes, documented changes, and honest pricing build confidence. If you’ve ever wondered why timelines slip, his answer is simple and actionable: protect the sequence and treat change orders with rigor.

Marketing and momentum get real, too. Jerome outlines who they serve homeowners with stable income who value reliability and how a mix of website portfolios, Facebook, Instagram, and Google Ads fuels demand. A standout chapter traces their TV work on Income Property with Scott McGillivray and the surprising long tail of reruns that still send leads years later. Beyond the job site, Jerome shares how music, family, and grandkids keep him grounded, and why he’s considering launching a podcast to teach more people how to renovate with confidence.

If you care about results you can measure and a crew that shows up when they say they will, you’ll find practical takeaways you can use on your next project: how to vet a contractor, how to read a schedule, and how to keep budget and scope aligned. Enjoy the story, take the notes, and if this helped, subscribe, share it with a friend planning a reno, and leave a quick review so more homeowners can find it.

Ever wonder what truly separates a great recruiting partner from a resume mill? We sit down with founder Zag Dutton of Career Connections Canada to unpack how a boutique firm delivers consistent results for pharmaceutical manufacturing and third‑party logistics teams and why trust, clarity, and relentless questions are the real edge.

Zag traces her journey from launching branches at a national agency to building her own company for greater autonomy and higher standards. We explore the crucial differences between permanent recruitment and temporary staffing, including the day-to-day realities of serving as employer of record, handling sick calls and time issues, and designing systems that keep operations compliant and smooth. Her process starts with defining outcomes: why the role exists, what must improve in 90 days, and what team dynamics shape success. With precise inputs, sourcing shifts from keyword matching to culture and performance fit, boosting retention and saving hiring managers time.

We also take on industry myths that mislead candidates. Agencies can’t “manufacture” jobs; they fill specific roles that clients request. And candidates should never pay an agency fees belong on the employer side, full stop. Zag shares how her team coaches candidates on resumes and interviews, helps them tell measurable stories, and encourages thoughtful questions that reveal whether the work is right for them. On the client front, she highlights why pharma and 3PL needs align, how referrals fuel growth, and how consistent delivery earns an invitation when leaders change companies.

If you’re hiring, expect better outcomes when you share honest constraints and answer your recruiter’s questions thoroughly. If you’re job seeking, protect your wallet, refine your narrative, and pursue roles where you can deliver impact. Subscribe for more candid conversations with local leaders, and if this helped, share it with a friend and leave a review to support the show.

Zag Dutton

Career Connections Canada Inc.

+19052813538

https://www.careerconnectionsinc.com

Connecting Great People with Great Companies Since 1995
At Career Connections Canada Inc., we specialize in permanent, contract, and temporary recruitment solutions that drive organizational success. For over 30 years, we’ve built a reputation for excellence—delivering top-tier candidates and personalized service that sets us apart.
Our mission goes beyond filling positions. We identify professionals who not only meet your immediate needs but also become long-term contributors to your growth. With deep industry expertise and a commitment to quality, Career Connections is your trusted partner in building strong, sustainable teams.
Discover the difference. Let’s connect today.

A quiet salon, a steady hand, and a plan built around your dog’s comfort can turn grooming from a chore into genuine care. We sit with Tanya Ellis, owner of Pooches N' Pals in Port Credit, to explore why one-on-one appointments, quick turnarounds, and close attention to detail can change a pet’s health journey for the better.

Tanya shares how she left corporate life to take over a local grooming shop and build it into a trusted Mississauga staple over thirteen years. We talk through the practical side of grooming that pet parents rarely see: tracking coat and skin changes over time, noticing new lumps or sensitivity around joints, and communicating clearly with veterinarians when something seems off. While groomers aren’t vets, the best ones act as early spotters and stress reducers, creating a calmer experience that helps dogs return happily. Tanya explains her low-stress model, from one-on-one sessions to a quick pickup call, often within minutes of finishing, to keep anxiety low and trust high.

We also get explore the breadth of services beyond dogs, including nail trims for cats, rabbits, and guinea pigs, as well as into the breadth of services beyond dogs, including nail trims for cats, rabbits, and guinea pigs, plus how mindset and routines outside of work shape the way a team cares for animals. Tanya opens up about her upcoming online grooming course, designed for aspiring professionals seeking practical techniques, safety protocols, canine body language, and Client communication all in one place. For locals looking for a groomer in Mississauga or Port Credit, and for anyone curious about what excellent grooming really means, this conversation offers a clear, human look at care, craft, and community.

If this story helped you rethink pet care, follow the show, share it with a fellow pet parent, and leave a review to tell us what resonated most.how one-on-one appointments, quick turnarounds, and close attention to detail can improve a pet’s health journey

Tanya Ellis

Pooches N' Pals

+19052782275

www.poochesnpalsinc.com

"We are a pet grooming salon services dogs and cats, small animals such as Rabbits and guinea pigs. We focus on one on one with each pet in our care. Safety is of utmost importance and is the main focus, we make sure your pet has a safe grooming experience. We also want to make sure the pet parents experience is calm and felt cared for. We love every pooch and pet parent that we meet who let's us ensure their pet has the best experience for their needs!"