Lifetime at Work: Interviews with Founders, Investors and Advisors
Greg Martin
Interviews with leaders in the business world to inspire your work, career and the mark you leave. Greg Martin, a Toronto based investment banker and M&A adviso...
Move Over Startups, Working in Government is Even Cooler with Molly Magarik
Episode 72. In this episode of the 'Lifetime at Work' podcast, host Greg Martin interviews Molly Magarik, a seasoned professional in government and political consultancy. The conversation explores Molly's career journey from a political science major with healthcare interests to a deputy cabinet secretary during the COVID-19 pandemic. Molly shares insights on the interplay between campaigns and government service, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on public health policies, and the intricacies of working in a politically charged environment. They also discuss the personal and societal dynamics of political careers, the importance of internships, and advice for those looking to enter the political arena. Molly's reflections on the recent presidential election, change management, and the future of political dialogue in the U.S. offer valuable food for thought.00:00 Introduction to the Podcast00:17 Meet Molly McGarrick00:21 Molly's Early Career and Political Beginnings01:12 Career Path and Personal Insights06:23 The Impact of Internships07:37 Fast-Paced World of Political Campaigns13:01 Navigating Government and Public Health15:23 Challenges During the COVID-19 Pandemic21:44 Political Philosophy and Career Motivation26:46 Making Tough Decisions in Leadership27:52 Reflections on the Recent Election28:20 Understanding Disaffection in America29:37 Challenges of Change Management30:17 Fear and Change in Society31:22 The Role of Conversations in Society32:58 The Impact of the Pandemic on Social Dynamics34:06 The Entrenched Political System39:11 Advice for Aspiring Politicians39:59 The Value of Internships and Networking45:05 Personal Reflections on Career and Mentorship48:29 Future Goals and Career Aspirations52:05 Closing Thoughts and Contact Information
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A Wild Ride on Venture Capital and Mushrooms with Adam DeMartino
Episode 71. In this episode of the Lifetime at Work podcast, host Greg Martin interviews Adam DeMartino, co-founder of the once very hot venture capital backed mushroom startup called Smallhold.DeMartino shares his entrepreneurial journey to get him to starting Smallhold, from discovering his love for early stage business, to the highs of raising significant venture capital and facing the challenges that led to the company's bankruptcy and restructuring. They discuss the intricacies of mushroom farming, the impact of venture capital, and the values that drive DeMartino's work. This candid conversation offers insights and lessons for current and aspiring entrepreneurs as they question what it means to be successful and to fail.00:00 Introduction to the Podcast00:17 Meet Adam DiMartino00:19 The Rise and Fall of Smallhold01:34 Adam's Journey Before Smallhold06:07 The Birth of Smallhold06:16 Adam's Motorcycle Adventure10:44 Entrepreneurial Spirit and Family Influence12:56 Building the Mushroom Business15:13 Scaling Up and Seeking Investment26:25 Expanding to the Texas Market26:49 Pandemic Accelerates Growth27:08 Mushroom Kits: A Pandemic Success29:06 Building Farms in Texas and New York29:31 Facing Bankruptcy and Reorganization32:42 Lessons from the Journey38:09 The Importance of Fungi43:24 Advice for Young Entrepreneurs47:42 The Power of Mushrooms49:04 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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From Toronto Private Equity to Launching His Own Fund with Eugene Polevoy
Episode 70. In this episode of the Lifetime at Work podcast, host Greg Martin interviews Eugene Polevoy, co-founder of Blue C Capital, a private equity firm focused on investing in service-based businesses. Eugene shares his career journey from being an automotive mechanic to starting his own private equity fund. They discuss Eugene’s early days in investment banking at BMO, his extensive experience in private equity at ONCAP and Imperial Capital, and his strategic approach to investing in service-based businesses. Eugene highlights the importance of having a unique angle, leveraging digital marketing skills, and making data-driven decisions. He also talks about the challenges he faced and the factors that led him to establish his own firm.00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest01:11 Eugene's Current Role and Focus03:25 Early Career and Background07:05 Transition to Private Equity11:16 Learning and Growing in Private Equity14:49 Insights on Investment Banking19:10 Developing Investment Strategies22:52 Balancing Fund Mandates and Flexibility25:38 Leveraging Digital Marketing in Business Growth27:22 Transition from ONCAP and New Opportunities27:53 Exploring the Auto Aftermarket and Housing Industries30:46 Challenges and Decisions in Private Equity33:15 Building Frontier and Entrepreneurial Ventures38:55 Raising Capital and Investment Strategies46:35 Finding Your Niche in Service-Based Industries50:27 Conclusion and Contact Information
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Competing with Beverage Goliaths Through Family Power with Matt McLean
Episode 69. In this episode of the Lifetime at Work podcast, host Greg Martin interviews Matt McLean, founder of Uncle Matt's Organics. Celebrating its 25th year, Uncle Matt's is America's leading organic juice brand. Matt shares his family's deep roots in Florida's citrus farming, transitioning from conventional to organic agriculture, and the journey of building a national brand. The conversation explores topics such as selling the business to Dean Foods, buying it back after their bankruptcy, competing against industry giants like Coke and Pepsi, and advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. Matt emphasizes the importance of leadership, sales skills, and financial literacy in building a successful business.00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest01:53 Matt McLean's Business Roots and Early Career04:00 The Birth of Uncle Matt's Organics06:38 Challenges and Successes in Organic Farming12:44 Building and Scaling the Business16:16 Selling and Reacquiring the Business22:15 Navigating the Orange Juice Industry22:57 Commitment to Organic Farming24:09 Innovations in Juice Products25:21 Challenges Competing with Giants28:23 Expanding Product Lines30:53 Lessons from Failures33:53 Family Dynamics in Business38:51 The Perfect Glass of Orange Juice42:06 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs43:33 Where to Find Uncle Matt's Products
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Mastering Startup Fundraising with Annie Bergevin
Episode 68. In this episode of The Lifetime at Work Podcast, host Greg Martin interviews Annie Bergevin, a fractional CFO and advisor for tech startups based in Montreal. As the founder of On Point Business Plans and a guest lecturer at Columbia Business School, Annie shares her career journey from investment banking at Credit Suisse and CIBC World Markets to entrepreneurship. The conversation dives into her role in helping startups raise capital from VCs, tips for creating the perfect pitch, and the importance of a solid financial foundation. Annie also discusses the evolving landscape of startup funding and educational changes for MBA students aspiring to enter the entrepreneurial world.00:00 Introduction to the Podcast00:16 Meet Annie Bergevin: Fractional CFO and Advisor01:11 Annie's Role in Helping Startups04:15 Annie's Career Journey06:26 Starting On Point Business Plans07:44 Navigating the VC Landscape09:24 Raising Capital: Tips and Challenges12:39 The Importance of Financial Organization19:11 The Role of Personality in Entrepreneurship21:17 The Current State of Venture Capital33:22 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs37:26 Annie's Future Goals and Final Thoughts39:04 Conclusion and Farewell
About Lifetime at Work: Interviews with Founders, Investors and Advisors
Interviews with leaders in the business world to inspire your work, career and the mark you leave. Greg Martin, a Toronto based investment banker and M&A advisor, hosts Lifetime at Work, featuring interviews with industry leaders across the business world. The show aims to share advice and lessons learned with the hopes of answering the question "why do we do it?".The podcast explores the founders and leaders of some of North America's most successful businesses. It speaks with investors across private equity, public markets and venture capital to explore their successes, failures and advice. The show also interviews advisors, consultants, investment bankers and others who influence great companies.
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