It is our honour to recognize amazing businesses and leaders within our community through the Mayor’s Innovation Awards. As we approach the ceremony, we would like to introduce the nominees, as nominated by our business community.
Our fourth category to recognize is Shift Disturber. This award is a fan favourite, designed to recognize an individual who has championed innovation in their business, organization or community. Where others see opposition, they see opportunity. This individual is a powerhouse of creative problem solving, shaking up norms and spearheading strategic solutions in the midst of uncertainty.
This year’s Shift Disturber Award is proudly sponsored by Adams Hamilton, a local business consulting firm. Adams Hamilton works with businesses that are encountering unprecedented marketing and technology obstacles, with a strong belief that within these obstacles lie opportunities for growth. Harnessing the power of innovative digital marketing, Adams Hamiton helps companies scale their businesses and realize their untapped potential.
This year’s Shift Disturber nominees include:
Andrew Monkman – Raytheon ELCAN
Andrew is acknowledged for creating a world-class Environment, Health and Safety (EHS) program at Napoleon, managing 10+ facilities, implementing safety initiatives like Safety Week, and reducing injuries under the brand "WorkSafe Napoleon." His dedication earned him recognition as a finalist for the ECO Impact – Environmental Professionals (EP) award and the Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists (OACETT) George Burwash Langford Memorial Award for bringing recognition to the profession of engineering/applied science technology. Andrew's innovations led to positive impacts on job creation, waste diversion, and energy conservation. Joining Raytheon ELCAN, he replicated this success, fostering culture change, and is gaining recognition in Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Canada's Top 25 Under 40.
Angie Ricci – Driver DX
Angie is recognized for her transformative impact on the transportation industry, shifting gears after the pandemic sidelined her successful bus line company, Angel Tours. In response to changing driver preferences, she founded DriverDX, a tech startup connecting drivers with companies. Overcoming industry challenges, Angie modernized driver processes, leading DriverDX to become the first-of-its-kind platform for commercial bus, truck, and van operators. The initiative not only addresses the driver-supply chain shortage, but also showcases the potential of Barrie's tech ecosystem, with partnerships formed through the Sandbox Centre, Henry Bernick Entrepreneurship Centre (HBEC), and accelerators like Founders Institute and Creative Destructive Lab. DriverDX not only streamlines operations but is a reflection of Angie's dedication to improving the lives of drivers and contributing to economic development in Simcoe County and beyond.
Arkady Spivak - Talk is Free Theatre
Arkady, the visionary founder of Talk is Free Theatre, has left a lasting mark on the theatre scene in Barrie and beyond. Renowned for pioneering immersive productions like "The Curious Voyage," the ultimate experience as viewer becomes the participant, Arkady's work has garnered national and international acclaim, putting Barrie on the cultural map. He’s also introduced Artist BIG, the first Basic Income Guarantee for independent Canadian artists, offering financial stability and creative empowerment. His initiatives, including the GIANTS IN THE SKY Performance Festival, not only provided a sustainable career path for artists but also positively impacted the Barrie business community by attracting audiences and tourists. Arkady's collaborative approach, involving multiple partners and international theatres, exemplifies his commitment to innovation, support, and recognition in both the arts and business sectors.
Ashley Hammell and Kelly Patterson McGrath – Pollinate Barrie
Pollinate Barrie, led by Ashley and Kelly, is an initiative that addresses ecological needs in Barrie by providing tailored resources for individuals to contribute to biodiversity. The co-founders, recognizing the decline in biodiversity, established a volunteer-driven effort, creating a social media community, educational resources, and a website with free garden plans. Offering plans, practical guides, and access to seeds, they empower residents to participate in habitat gardening seamlessly. Beyond education, the initiative includes planting pollinator-friendly gardens in public spaces, offering native plants on a pay-what-you-can basis, and organizing engaging events. Pollinate Barrie simplifies resources, removing barriers for individuals to join the ecological sustainability movement. Collaborations with Living Green Barrie, the Barrie Public Library, and other local entities showcase Pollinate Barrie's community-driven approach and commitment to fostering a sustainable and biodiverse habitat in Barrie.
Beatrice Seguin - Estra Media
Beatrice's initiative, Estra Media focuses on women's health and wellness, specifically addressing the challenges faced by women from midlife to menopause. The concept originated from Beatrice's personal experience with (peri)menopause and the realization of systemic barriers in the healthcare system. With a vision to create a supportive community, Estra encompasses a health and wellness brand and a curated YouTube podcast, "This Time of The Month," offering evidence-based health information and lifestyle tips, showcasing local talent and experts. Beatrice's dedication to disrupting the menopause industry and providing needed, actionable content has received positive feedback, emphasizing the transformative impact of Estra in women's lives.
Chad Solomon – Biskane
Chad has created the platform Biskane, connecting Indigenous entrepreneurs with authenticated producers, preventing the appropriation of Indigenous products and ensuring authenticity for consumers. Drawing from his experience as an Indigenous artist, Chad developed this platform during the pandemic, addressing the disconnect between artists and retail stores. The B2B/B2C marketplace now boasts 165 artists, 30 stores, and approximately 150 customer accounts, with recent innovations including an online shopping channel on YouTube. The platform is free for artisans, offering new opportunities for those unfamiliar with online selling and expanding artists' digital reach. Collaborators include HBEC, MaRS, National Research Council, Economic Development Lethbridge and Innovate Calgary.
Dale Boyle - The Gilbert Centre
The Gilbert Centre, a distinguished not-for-profit organization, has been a vital force in community service for over 25 years, initially as the AIDS Committee. Committed to radical compassion and elevating marginalized voices, the Centre has recently undergone institutional changes, including leadership transitions, enhanced policies, and renewed advocacy efforts for the marginalized. The Gilbert Centre's impact continues to be profound, providing life-enriching and often life-saving support for those affected by AIDS and within the LGBTQ community. Serving as a crucial social service hub in Barrie and Simcoe Muskoka, the Centre's non-judgmental care and services create a supportive space where individuals can be their authentic selves.
Dan Saso – Beaver Rock
Dan Saso, a coffee industry innovator, has been reshaping the coffee vertical for the past five years through ventures in importing, roasting, packaging, branding, and private-labeling for major grocery retailers in addition to operating a retail store under the Beaver Rock brand. One of Beaver Rock’s core goals is to address the environmental and health concerns by transitioning to home compostable packaging to reduce the burden of single-serve beverage container waste on municipalities and our landfill sites. Dan recently completed a research and innovation project with Georgian College to automate coffee pod packaging, enhancing competitiveness and expanding reach in North America.
Dr. Claudine Cousins - Empower Simcoe
Dr. Claudine Cousins, the CEO of Empower Simcoe and an esteemed community leader, is recognized for her innovative contributions as a thought leader, strategist, and community change maker. At Empower Simcoe, her focus on community solutions has established the organization as synonymous with partnerships and collaborations. With a no-wrong-door approach, the agency addresses various social determinants of health, making a significant impact on individuals at different stages of life. Additionally, Dr. Cousins played a pivotal role in founding the Simcoe Excellence Multicultural Business Awards, filling a gap in recognizing Black and multicultural businesses in Simcoe County. This grassroots initiative, supported by contributors from diverse backgrounds, has expanded its reach beyond Barrie, educating the public about multicultural contributions and fostering knowledge transfer.
Drive Wise
Drive Wise identified the critical shortage of AZ/DZ drivers in the commercial trucking industry and collaborated with the City of Barrie to address the issue. Recognizing misconceptions about the lifestyle and compensation of truckers as barriers to recruitment, the Drive Wise team pioneered an open-house event to showcase diverse career opportunities in the transportation sector. The event, supported by Invest Barrie and industry experts, attracted over 200 attendees and successfully educated the public on the industry's attractiveness and flexibility. With over 400 fleet clients facing driver shortages nationwide, Drive Wise's innovative approach not only addressed this industry-wide challenge but also contributed to filling commercial driver positions in Simcoe County. The event's impact extended beyond the organization, promoting collaboration among stakeholders and fostering diversity in recruitment, with a surge in enrollments across all license classes.
Dr. Lohitha Samarawickrema - Medzcann Inc
Dr. Samarawickrema has successfully established a group of companies in Sri Lanka and is now working to replicate his success in Barrie. His current project involves food processing, importing unique products, and initiating an innovative agricultural project recognized by The International Atomic Energy Agency called "Plants Factory." This project employs cutting-edge systems to achieve more than five times the yield of conventional farming with minimal land and water use. Dr. Samarawickrema's visionary contributions extend to the health sector, as evidenced by Sri Lanka's preparedness for the COVID-19 pandemic with products his companies manufactured, including sanitizers, masks, oxygen, and PPEs.
Jaclyn Byles – Better Battery Co.
Better Battery Co., co-founded by sisters Jaclyn Byles and Jessica Jenkins, addresses the need for a sustainable approach to using, storing, and recycling alkaline batteries. Recognizing the global issue of inadequate battery recycling (only 5%), they established Better Battery Co. (BBCo) with a commitment to zero percent landfill and a certified carbon-neutral status. Partnering with Carbonfund.org for carbon offsetting and Raw Materials Company for sustainable battery recycling, BBCo has influenced the wider community through educational efforts and a comprehensive business-to-business offering, providing bulk batteries and customized recycling programs for various industries. BBCo emphasizes conscious consumer choices, environmental awareness, and sustainable partnerships.
Jan Bailey - Ovation Speaker Training
Jan, the driving force behind Ovation Speaker Training, is recognized for her exceptional support to various industries in Barrie and the surrounding area. Ovation stands out for its unique approach to disruption in communication. Jan's innovation lies in her ability to disrupt ingrained habits and patterns, fostering awareness and encouraging individuals and groups to explore new ways of thinking and communicating. Leveraging improvisation, she guides clients to step out of their comfort zones, fostering moments of inspiration and self-discovery. Jan's disruptive business model has had a notable impact, making her a visible figure associated with communication, evaluation, and awareness in the Barrie business community.
Jesse Kerr – Sandbox Centre
Jesse is a true connector within the regional business community, embodying a collaborative and community-focused approach to doing business. As the face of an organization that strives to create new opportunities for the business community, Jesse often finds himself at the forefront of change in the regional ecosystem. Jesse takes on a visible role in client development and connecting people. His innovative initiatives include leading the recON group, fostering connections with business support agencies and academia, and developing programs like SBX Think Tank and Good to Grow to support vulnerable and scalable businesses. Additionally, he establishes relationships with high school teachers to connect students with business support organizations and serves as the lead advisor for Junior Achievers, a national business program for high school students. Jesse's ability to build relationships, make meaningful connections for businesses and present opportunities with a growth mindset makes him a local champion and disruptor.
Jessica Russell – Sunday Stroll
Sunday Stroll, founded by Jessica Russell during the Covid-19 pandemic, transforms discarded furniture into unique pieces with a focus on sustainability. Initially selling locally through direct messages, the business expanded by sourcing pieces from yard sales and online marketplaces, later launching an online storefront in 2021. Sunday Stroll evolved into a brand, offering custom work as Sunday Bespoke. Jessica's community involvement and participation in small business support programs, including the Desjardins Goodspark Grant and Starter Company Plus, contributed to the business' success. Sunday Stroll reshapes the furniture retail industry by providing affordable, quality, and unique pieces, reviving 412 items in Simcoe County to date.
John Tom - SUPERIOR Home Health Care
John Tom, the owner of SUPERIOR Home Health Care Barrie, has transformed the company into the most customer-centric provider of home medical equipment in Simcoe County and Muskoka District since acquiring it in 2003. Initially focusing on Ontario-funded medical items, the business has strategically shifted towards aging-in-place renovations, aiming to provide affordable solutions for seniors to live independently. John's innovation includes joining the Simcoe County Home Builders’ Association, becoming a Qualified Adaptiv Home Professional, and hiring in-house renovators. In the past 16 months alone, the company increased networking and charitable support by 50% by actively engaging in community initiatives, such as Barrie Ukraine Support, the Breaking Down Barriers program through the Town of Innisfil, and sponsoring the 2024 Raw and Reflective Calendar for Gilda’s Club.
Katrina Komar - Halcyon Property Specialists
Halcyon Property Specialists, a boutique style restoration company, owned by two sisters Katrina and Nicole Komar, made a significant mark in a male-dominated industry by strategically obtaining certification from the Women Business Enterprise (WBE) community. This not only served as a tool to attract clients, but also opened doors to a network of valuable connections and support within the WBE community. Utilizing this certification, Katrina and Nicole expanded their reach by joining various organizations, fostering growth and collaboration, while creating opportunities to support other women-owned businesses and establish meaningful connections.
Maria Jose Diaz - The Mate Store Co.
The Mate Store, founded by entrepreneur Maria Jose Diaz who is passionate about Yerba Mate herbal tea, stands as a unique bridge between Argentina and Canada, offering health-conscious products rooted in South American culture. Maria's journey reflects resilience and determination, transitioning to establishing a business that introduces the benefits of Yerba Mate to the Canadian market. The innovative fusion of Yerba Mate with various flavors, inspired by successful coffee shop models, has gained traction, meeting the growing demand for organic and health-focused alternatives. The Mate Store contributes to cultural exchange in the Barrie community, providing not just a beverage but a connection between two countries. With a vision for growth and collaboration, the venture aims to expand through joint ventures and strategic alliances while promoting the rich cultural experience of Yerba Mate in Canada.
Robert Stewart - White Tuque
Robert Stewart is a true shift disturber in the world of CyberSecurity services, having founded White Tuque with a vision of supporting small and medium-sized businesses. His leadership has not only elevated the company's revenue into the millions annually but has also allowed him to strategically bring key industry leaders on board. The core of White Tuque's success lies in Robert's innovative thinking, evident since the company’s inception. Notably, he disrupted the conventional business landscape by forging a partnership with The County of Simcoe and Nottawasaga Future by leveraging the Canada Digital Adoption Program (CDAP) to provide local businesses access to the program, making a cyber assessment free of charge.
Roxann Wittington – Ms. Hotty Hotty Jerk Marinade
Roxann's Ms. Hotty Hotty Jerk Marinade has become a cultural bridge, filling a void in the local culinary landscape. Inspired by a personal need to reconnect with Jamaican flavors, Roxann turned a homemade recipe into a sought-after product. Roxann's collaboration with HBEC, involvement in programs like 'Further, Faster,' and sponsorship of the 'Black Education Empowerment Fund, Scholarship' highlight her commitment to community support and entrepreneurship. The success of Ms. Hotty Hotty Jerk Marinade showcases the potential for innovative ideas to thrive in the local market, creating a more inclusive and culturally rich business community in Barrie.
Sara Bentham - Canadian Venture Capital and Private Equity Association
Sara is a driving force behind several successful events, including the Xcelerate Summit, Reignite conference, and the XcelerateNow and XcelerateHER event series, contributing significantly to the investor, startup, and entrepreneur ecosystem across the region. Her vision is to bring more financial resources into the region and foster diversity and inclusion within the entrepreneurial community. Notably, XcelerateHer addresses the unique challenges faced by women entrepreneurs, creating a supportive community and increasing visibility. Sara's involvement in Xcelerate Summit for 10 years and XcelerateNOW, which caters to newcomers and international students, has impacted over 600 entrepreneurs. Sarah’s dedication to innovation has played a crucial role in expanding mentorship programs, hack-a-thons, and collaborations with various partners, strengthening the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Barrie.
Shak Edwards - Shak's World Community Centre
Shak Edwards, through Shak's World, has created a positive space for youth development. Originating from her personal struggles as a young black woman, Shak's World has evolved into a multifaceted initiative, including the establishment of the Shak's World Community Centre (SWCC). SWCC serves as a hub for youth engagement, offering basketball training, mentorship, and various programs led by youth aged 29 and under. Edwards, the youngest black woman ever to run for Barrie City Council, has fostered partnerships with notable organizations, such as Canada Basketball, NIKE, and mental health entities. These collaborations have allowed SWCC to address issues like addiction, homelessness, and mental health challenges, providing on-site counseling services and after-school programming to over 300 youth monthly. Edwards' innovative and dedicated approach has garnered substantial community support, making a lasting impact on BIPOC youth in Simcoe County.
Tyneisha Thomas - Ty the Poetess
Tyneisha Thomas is a dynamic force in Barrie and Simcoe County. In 2022, Tyneisha presented a groundbreaking tourism concept for rap and poetry concerts, which was recognized as part of the Simcoe County "Spark" Program. With a keen focus on supporting local artists post-COVID-19, she launched successful rap and poetry concerts, fostering an expansive network of diverse artists, partners, and community supporters. Tyneisha's innovation significantly contributes to the cultural growth of the City and broader region, offering unique arts and culture events locally and promoting diversity, equality, and inclusion. Her impactful efforts have garnered widespread community support, marking her as a local source of creativity, innovation, talent, and positivity.
Congratulations to the nominees in the Shift Disturber category! Your resilience, creativity and willingness to shake up norms has set a high bar for our community. The Shift Disturber award recognizes those who have championed innovation in their business, organization or community. Your innovative thinking and opportunistic mindset have built strategic solutions and inspired a more dynamic and forward-thinking community. Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition in the Shift Disturber category!
Thank you to the sponsors of the 5th Mayor’s Innovation Awards, Adams Hamilton, Grant Thornton, Ain Whitehead LLP, Meridian Business Banking, AGEMA Work and Innovative Automation, for recognizing the importance of these local businesses.
Watch the ceremony on the City of Barrie YouTube and Facebook channels, where it will premiere Thursday, December 7th at 7 p.m.