The Best Bavarian Hefeweizen in the World - Jochen Fahr | LMFAB 126
Meet Jochen Fahr, founder of Brauerei Fahr, the award-winning brewery celebrated for its authentic German beers. Born and raised in Ebringen, Germany, Jochen’s love for brewing started early, influenced by his father’s work at the historic Fürstenberg Brewery. Years later, Jochen’s passion and appreciation for local farming converged in Alberta, where he established Brauerei Fahr in 2015. With a steadfast commitment to brewing “beer-flavoured” beer, Jochen brings the flavours of Germany to Canada, using local ingredients and traditional recipes to craft his beloved brews.But Jochen’s story goes beyond beer. After facing personal losses in 2023, including the passing of his brother to ALS and his father shortly after, Jochen found himself reevaluating life’s priorities. Determined to heal and rebuild resilience, he embraced fitness as a cornerstone of his wellness journey. From joining F45 workouts to taking on the HYROX fitness challenge and signing up for his first marathon, Jochen has learned the power of setting goals, finding balance, and prioritizing both mental and physical well-being.Join us for an inspiring conversation as Jochen shares his journey from scientist to brewmaster, his dedication to local farming and authentic brewing traditions, and how fitness and wellness have become essential ingredients in his life and business.Guest:Jochen Fahr: LinkedInFahr Beer: Instagram | Facebook | WebsiteHost:Mark Kondrat: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | WebsiteLMFAB Podcast: Instagram | TikTok | Website
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How can we influence the culture, but work within it at the same time? - Christine & Roger | LMFAB 125
Meet Christine Sandford and Roger Létourneau—seasoned chefs and founders of Lessig Ferments and Vagabond Pop-Ups.Roger founded Lessig Ferments in 2021, blending his French and German heritage with a deep passion for fermentation. Christine joined him as co-owner in 2023, and with combined experience from top restaurants in Edmonton, Belgium, Denmark, and France, the duo brings an impressive blend of creativity, sustainability, and craftsmanship to their ventures. Recently, they launched Vagabond, a pop-up dinner series born out of their love for travel and local ingredients, where they design unique menus inspired by their culinary adventures.Tune in as Christine and Roger share their journey from traditional kitchens to entrepreneurial life, their dedication to artisanal, locally sourced fermentation, and their love for creating community-driven culinary experiences.Guest:Christine: Instagram | Roger: InstagramVagabond Pop-Ups: InstagramLessig Ferments: Instagram | Website Host:Mark Kondrat: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | WebsiteLMFAB Podcast: Instagram | TikTok | Website
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It’s not just about making a dollar, it’s about doing good in the community. - Matt Livingstone | LMFAB 124
Meet Matt Livingstone, Sales Director at Village Brewery.Matt’s career started at McDonald's, where he learned the values of hard work, customer service, and teamwork. These experiences sparked his passion for connecting with people and led him into the fast-paced world of food & beverage.From there, he spent several years selling imported beers, gaining a deep appreciation for global brewing traditions and learning the ins and outs of the beer market. Now, with a decade at Village Brewery, Matt has combined his love for beer with his sales expertise, helping the brand grow and connect with beer lovers across the community.Join us for a laid-back conversation with Matt as he shares his journey from fast food to craft beer, his insights into the beer industry, and his passion for fostering relationships in the local community.Guest:Matt Livingstone: Instagram | LinkedIn Village Brewery: Instagram | Facebook | Website Host:Mark Kondrat: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | WebsiteLMFAB Podcast: Instagram | TikTok | Website
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When you can go do something you’re passionate about, it feels purposeful - Luke Butterworth | LMFAB 123
Meet Luke Butterworth, Cofounder of EPIC Market - Edmonton-based food hall, events and media company. Luke’s passion for innovation and entrepreneurship was sparked early, leading him down a diverse path in the startup world. While earning his Executive MBA from the University of Alberta, he co-founded three startups in Telehealth, Robotics, and AI/ML. His experience at the NEXT36/NextAI incubator in Toronto further solidified his commitment to entrepreneurship, shaping his vision for the future. Though his career started in software, Luke’s passion has evolved, leading him to the world of hospitality and events. He believes in the power of startups to drive economic prosperity and is a dedicated advocate for the Edmonton startup ecosystem.As the leader of the ICE Incubator at the University of Alberta, Luke is deeply involved in supporting emerging businesses and their founders. His work with EPIC Market and his ongoing mentorship roles highlight his commitment to fostering innovation and community in Edmonton.Join us for a conversation with Luke about his entrepreneurial journey, his vision for supporting startups, and his passion for building community in Edmonton.Guest:Luke Butterworth: LinkedIn Epic Market: Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | Website Host:Mark Kondrat: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | WebsiteLMFAB Podcast: Instagram | TikTok | Website
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You've got to be comfortable with being uncomfortable - Steve McVicker | LMFAB 122
Meet Steve McVicker, co-founder and Chief Brand Officer of the iconic Canadian Caesar brand, Matt & Steve's. Matt & Steve’s journey began with a single goal: to make the classic Caesar even better. Growing up in a family of entrepreneurs, Steve’s entrepreneurial flame was ignited at a very young age. Alongside his best friend Matt, Steve set out to elevate the classic Caesar, creating a product that would soon become a staple for Caesar lovers everywhere. What started with The Extreme Bean has now expanded to a full line-up of Caesar essentials, including Caesar Rimmer, Asparagus, Baby Dills, and the Original Spiced Caesar canned cocktail.As Chief Brand Officer, Steve is the creative force behind the brand’s identity. His ability to connect with people and his relentless drive have been key to the success and growth of Matt & Steve’s.Crack open a spicy Caesar and join us for a conversation on the evolution of Matt & Steve's, Steve’s entrepreneurial journey, the art of building an iconic brand.Guest:Steve McVicker: LinkedInMatt & Steve's: Instagram | Caesar Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | Website Host:Mark Kondrat: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | WebsiteLMFAB Podcast: Instagram | TikTok | Website
Mark Kondrat is the CEO of Alberta Beer Festivals, a company that produces some of the world's largest and most unique beer festivals. Each week, Mark talks with the artists, scientists, and dreamers that make up our unique community.
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