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.
The Shift Disturber 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:
Arkady Spivak – Talk is Free Theatre
Since 2003, Arkady Spivak has been changing the landscape of Canadian theatre by introducing Barrie, and audiences the world over to immersive, site-specific, out-of-the-box (and often out-of-the-theatre) performances that leave us wanting more. As Artistic Producer for Talk is Free Theatre, Arkady has shown his artists and audiences that the unimaginable is possible, taking audiences on The Curious Voyage, a 3-day journey, during which each patron became the protagonist of their own story and was transported, quite literally, from Barrie, Canada, to London, UK; on bus tours in communities across the globe with Tales of an Urban Indian (which staged it's 750th performance on a city bus just last week); and on physical and emotional journeys of all other kinds in between. Beyond his artistic innovation is his innovation in the realm of professional development, artistic services and audience development. He has created and championed programs such as Basic Income Guarantee for Artists, the Canadian Musical Theatre Database, Augmented Reality for Immersive Accessibility (ARIA), the Theatre Artist Training Program and childcare subsidies for cast and crew members. Arkady has truly shifted the cultural landscape of Barrie with the work he has done with Talk is Free Theatre.
Azadeh Mostaghel – Orchid Analytics
Azadeh Mostaghel is Founder & CEO of Orchid Analytics, who are delivering tailored, practical, data-driven solutions through collaboration with healthcare leaders and use of leading-edge quantitative decision tools. Hospitals are notoriously difficult to innovate within, but as a health tech founder, she believes that with the right approach, she can make a real impact. Having now completed 16 projects and pilots within the space, Azadeh is often called upon to share her insights from the frontlines of startup-hospital collaboration, the necessary critical mindset shifts and strategies required to expedite the successful adoption of innovative startups within these complex organizations, empowering them to embrace and drive meaningful change, ultimately revolutionizing the healthcare sector.
Becky Kurtz – Aspire Community & Developmental Services
Founder of Aspire Community & Developmental Services, Becky Kurtz empowers neurodivergent young people to gain independence, connect with their community, and rise to their fullest potential through various programs, techniques and partnerships. Aspire Services offers life skills coaching and small group programs to neurodivergent youth and young adults who are beginning or continuing their transition to adulthood. These skills include social skills, domestic skills, cooking and kitchen safety, study skills and assignments completion, executive functioning and many others. In May 2024, Becky opened her first location in central Barrie and is now able to host Aspire’s small group programs and some coaching sessions at the office space. Becky’s coaching is designed to be positive, empowering and flexible, meeting the goals of her young people and providing strategies and tools to help them reach their fullest potential.
Candice Thomas – Evergreen Wellness Studio
Candice Thomas has been in the health care industry for 15 years and within those 15 years, has seen how separated physical and mental wellness is when looking for services. Her goal for not only her business, but her driving force of being an entrepreneur, is to bridge that gap. What started as a proposal through Henry Bernick Entrepreneurship Centre’s Further Faster program, has quickly transformed into an ever-expanding brick-and-mortar business. At Evergreen Wellness Studio, Candice and her team are dedicated to providing integrative and collaborative care for both mental and physical wellness. In the health care world, people have lost faith in this industry and Evergreen Wellness are constantly trying to restore that trust, one patient at a time. Outside of the business, what drives Candice is advocating for perinatal services, care and education within our community, which she achieves by leading the annual Flora Walk here in Barrie.
Craig Busch – Sandbox Centre
Craig Busch has belonged to the Innovators Alliance and MacKay CEO Groups for several years. He used to come back to his office and share all of these new exciting ideas from his meetings with his leaders, which was received with mixed enthusiasm. One day, he realized that they were not getting the sort of peer learning that he was and he thought about how to create something for them where HR People from different local companies could meet, share and learn with other HR Leaders…the same for Finance, Ops, Sales etc. That is the origin of the SANDBOX! Over time, the idea evolved to include building Community and Connectivity within our business community and creating the critical mass of businesses in one place in order to bring speakers, education and training to all collectively and affordable so that it didn’t have to be sought out individually and travelled for. The operating model envisioned was different than any other models that existed. The core of the model was the larger member companies that had multiple managers with different areas of expertise who would benefit by connecting and sharing. Today, so many local and regional businesses are working together, doing business together and are supporting one another every day through good times and bad, thanks to the Sandbox Centre.
Dina Tzirakos-Hawker – Sandbox Centre
Dina Tzirakos-Hawker came on board to the Sandbox Centre team as Managing Director, over a year ago. When she joined, Dina focused on aligning operations and identifying how the Sandbox Centre could evolve to better serve its community. To ensure the success moving forward, Dina reached out to the community to understand the existing services and assess what was missing from Sandbox’s offerings. Dina started transforming the Sandbox Centre by refocusing each team member on the shared mission and began developing new programming focused on skill-building for staff. Dina also brought in co-op students to create a continuous learning environment and strengthen connections with the community. A key innovation was the creation of new partnerships to support targeted programming. One of these initiatives was the New Roots, New Routes program, an 11-week newcomer entrepreneur program that connects participants with mentors and local businesses to support their growth. This program will run in two cohorts in 2025. Additionally, Dina co-created TARA Talks, a Women in Business event that has helped foster a peer group for women entrepreneurs. The impact of these efforts has been transformative for both the organization and the wider Barrie business community. In a year, she has completely revitalized the meaning of a Shift Disturber and a leader in our business community.
Don Bourne – Henry Bernick Entrepreneurship Centre
Don has spent more time in Barrie’s business ecosystem on all fronts than your average member of the community as an entrepreneur, employer, owner/operator, teacher, volunteer & now mentor. Through his work, he has been able to help hundreds of small business owners each year across the Georgian Triangle. Don's work as a shift disturber goes beyond his known and daily domain, touching on charitable activity where he commits his time for his unspoken passion; to create opportunity for all - regardless of ability. Don Bourne has been making the Barrie ecosystem go 'round for some time now. Don truly feels that his efforts along with many others within our community have fostered a more inclusive ecosystem for Barrie’s business community.
Dr. Mira Ray – Georgian College’s Department of Research, Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Dr. Mira Ray has been a driving force for both innovation and opportunity in our region. As the Executive Director of Research, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship, as well as Social Innovation, she has led the community's collaborative efforts through her non-traditional background to build the next generation of scholarly leaders. Despite facing opposition over the years, Mira has remained resolute, recognizing the potential to provide services and resources that will create lasting positive impacts on the local economy. Through her leadership, she organized and facilitated numerous exploratory meetings that identified common goals and developed a working plan to benefit all stakeholders. Her efforts over her time at Georgian College has seen millions of dollars raised for research and innovation projects, thousands of students allowed the opportunity to receive real, tangible research experience, and an increase in the caliber of programming and mentorship. Mira has continued to be a supported that builds for the community at large and encourages inter-collaboration throughout Simcoe County.
Jesse Kerr – Sandbox Centre
Jesse embodies the spirit of a true "Shift Disturber." As the lead connector at the Sandbox since 2018, he consistently initiates strategic partnerships that result in innovative solutions for our region. His powerhouse personality drives him to keep pushing, even when his voice is gone, he simply keeps making things happen. Over the years, the community has witnessed Jesse build creative solutions for challenges within our ecosystem, often met with resistance but ultimately proving to be both necessary and successful. Some of the initiatives Jesse has been responsible for implementing include bringing the Junior Achievers Company Program to the Sandbox Centre, implementing SBX Think Tank and Good to Grow programs, and founding regional ecosystem collaborative ONtario (recON), to name a few.
Justin Walker – Big Ass Plans
Over two years ago, the seeds of an innovative idea were planted in founder Justin Walker’s head, with the aim of revolutionizing the way construction projects are visualized and executed. This idea evolved into what is now known as Big Ass Plans (BAP), a hub dedicated to bringing together owners, architects, designers, builders, and investors in Barrie. The core concept behind BAP is to provide a space where homeowners can walk through their projects at a one-to-one scale, allowing them to truly experience and understand the design before any physical construction begins. In traditional building processes, many costly changes arise because stakeholders cannot fully visualize or foresee issues through blueprints alone. By offering a virtual walk-through of the design, BAP mitigates these challenges, enabling homeowners to identify potential problems early on. This proactive approach not only reduces unforeseen issues but also helps to save on material waste, aligning with environmental sustainability goals. Justin has truly created a business that is like no-other in the area.
Miguel Abascal – Thrive Faster
Miguel Abascal’s journey began when he moved to Canada in 2010, bringing with him a wealth of experience as the CEO of a renowned coffee company in Mexico. For the first five years, Miguel struggled to navigate the Canadian job market, often feeling isolated and unsure of how to leverage his skills and experiences. Miguel has stated that his biggest mistake during this time was trying to go it alone, which led to a lot of trial and error. It wasn’t until he discovered the power of mentorship in 2013 that his luck began to change. With guidance and support, he secured a position at TD Bank, where he quickly rose through the ranks, eventually landing a role in his field by 2015. This transformation inspired him to help others who were facing similar challenges. Miguel founded Coffee Chat Ready to empower professionals—especially those who are highly experienced and educated but feel undervalued—to turn coffee chats into career breakthroughs. This innovative approach combines the concept of coffee chats with AI-powered feedback, allowing individuals to refine their communication skills in a supportive environment. Through this initiative, Miguel aims to make Canada an underemployment-free country by ensuring that every professional has the tools, support, and connections they need to thrive.
Paul Boken – Sourcery
Paul is a true Shift Disturber, as his work with Sourcery has created a renowned procurement software making the connections between specifiers, agents and manufactures easier than it was before, revolutionizing the industry! Sourcery’s story began during Paul’s time as a founder of one of Canada’s largest lighting design firms, Mulvey and Banani Lighting. In that role, they managed design and specifications for thousands of projects and encountered a significant issue—designers were overwhelmed by the need to navigate dozens of project stakeholders, and hundreds of websites, and maintain various relationships while choosing products and managing product data and decisions. Seeing how much creative time was lost to process inefficiencies, Paul and two others developed an early solution using a product called Airtable. As they continued testing, it became clear that this approach could transform the industry. Today, Sourcery empowers designers to focus on creativity, providing them with an efficient, user-friendly solution that addresses the industry’s issues with choosing products and getting them to site on some of North America’s largest construction projects.
Robert D. Stewart – White Tuque
Robert Stewart has been unwavering in his advocacy for Barrie and Simcoe County. He has met with governors, policymakers, and international business leaders to champion Barrie’s unique contributions and strengths. As a lifelong resident of Simcoe County, Robert understands the region’s strengths and is determined to amplify them. His role as a thought leader in the community through his company, White Tuque, has led to partnerships with the US Consulate in Toronto, the American Chamber of Commerce in Canada (AmCham) and the US Department of Commerce and many more cross-border allies, creating a strong network for White Tuque and giving Barrie increased visibility. His efforts to activate this ecosystem are part of the reason why White Tuque has gained recognition not just as a company, but as a symbol of Barrie’s resilience and ingenuity. His actions are building a legacy, inspiring others to challenge the status quo and create meaningful impact.
Sabrina Merks – Simcoe County Theatre Festival
Sabrina Merks produced the Simcoe County Theatre Festival this past summer, fully managing 7 live theatrical productions and managing the collaboration of Artists from many different backgrounds (film, poetry, dance) who had all never had a hand in creating live full-length narrative theatre before. The journey to this nomination began with a vision for what the arts could mean to Simcoe County: a place where creativity flourishes, unbound by distance or limited resources, and where artists—regardless of background—find a true sense of belonging. The 2024 festival saw a record number of productions take the stage (7), including a number of firsts within the festival itself (first TYA - theatre for young audiences- production, and first full dance/movement production with no spoken dialogue), and a record number of tickets sold to those productions (over 1,000 tickets sold for the 2 weeks of performances) bringing many people into the Theatre that otherwise are not theatre patrons or have never seen a play before at all. In order to do all this, Sabrina had to be a powerhouse of creative problem solving and spearheaded strategic solutions in a time when all live theatre is in a state of mass uncertainty. Together, Sabrina and her support team have proven that art can thrive anywhere it is truly nurtured. This festival is more than a collection of performances—it’s a promise to keep building, to keep dreaming, to make sure the next generation of artists can take this journey even further.
Trevor Howard – Superhuman Health Club
Through the creation of Superhuman Health Club, Founder Trevor Howard has disrupted the health landscape by creating a new model that complements, rather than competes with, fitness and wellness businesses. When Trevor was experiencing chronic knee pain, he began researching various alternative remedies. One of the biggest revelations was discovering the Superhuman Protocol, which combines Magnetism, Oxygen, and Red Light to support cellular health, longevity, and overall wellness. However, accessing these cutting-edge therapies wasn’t realistic for most people. With prices for a single red-light bed running upwards of $150,000, these technologies were largely out of reach for anyone outside professional sports and elite circles. Trevor saw an opportunity to change this - to “shift the game” by creating a membership-based business model that could democratize access to these transformative health tools. This approach gives people access to advanced wellness technologies that were once out of reach, filling a critical gap in the health ecosystem. Rather than being an alternative, Trevor and Superhuman Health Club are a catalyst —enhancing existing services and setting a new standard for accessible, optimal health.
Tyler Murray & Jimmy Furlano – Tyger Shark
Tyler Murray and Jimmy Furlano founded Tyger Shark with a bold mission: to redefine digital marketing and e-commerce for the world’s most influential brands, all from their base in Barrie. Starting over a decade ago in downtown Barrie, they believed that a local team could create world-class digital experiences that rival the major agencies in larger hubs like Toronto and Montreal. Their journey began with a commitment to pushing boundaries and challenging industry norms, leading them to develop technology and digital executions for some of the most recognizable names in sports, entertainment, and luxury. Tyler and Jimmy’s reputations for delivering technology and creativity at a world-class level led to some special milestones in 2024. Partnering with the Toronto Raptors and Maple Leafs, they launched culturally iconic national campaigns such as the 2024 NHL All-Star Game, the Toronto Raptors’ 30th Anniversary, and Vince Carter’s recent jersey retirement celebration. They captivated audiences nationwide with blockbuster campaigns for Twisters, Super Mario Bros., and Oppenheimer, which went on to win the 2024 Oscar for Best Picture. The decision of global brands to bypass larger agencies in Toronto and Montreal and work with Tyger Shark here in Barrie is a testament to their team’s ability to deliver results that resonate globally while staying rooted in the community. This journey of challenging industry norms and achieving high-impact results has been at the heart of Tyger Shark’s mission to continually innovate, inspire, and elevate what's possible with technology.
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!
Stay tuned for the announcement of the winners following the Mayor’s Innovation Awards ceremony on November 28!
Thank you to the sponsors of the 6th Mayor’s Innovation Awards, Adams Hamilton, Ain Whitehead LLP, Meridian Business Banking and Innovative Automation, for recognizing the importance of these local businesses.