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.
The Pivot Point award recognizes companies or organizations that have navigated unexpected challenges by discovering and pursuing opportunities for growth. This recognition focuses on those who purposefully took action, addressing risks, and implementing key changes to their business model or processes. The category applauds initiatives that showcase remarkable adaptability and flexibility in response to unforeseen circumstances, emphasizing innovative solutions that effectively shift direction or strategy within a community. Whether through new revenue sources, repurposing products, or evolving to meet new needs, the Pivot Point award celebrates and honours those who demonstrate resilience, creativity, and effective adaptation in the face of unexpected operational or market challenges.
The Pivot Point Award is proudly sponsored by Innovative Automation, a global leader in providing automation solutions in the manufacturing sector. With an unwavering commitment to an innovation-first mindset, they credit their success to embracing innovation and actively contribute to community growth, promoting it as a catalyst for advancement. Sponsoring the award holds significant importance to Innovative Automation, serving as a platform to recognize and celebrate innovation while inspiring individuals and organizations to embrace creative thinking and drive positive change in Barrie.
This year’s Pivot Point nominees include:
Albarrie is a custom manufacturer known for developing innovative industrial nonwoven technical fabrics that address environmental and operational challenges. With a research-driven culture, their cross-functional team of engineers, scientists, and textile experts collaborates directly with clients to design and scale practical solutions. Over 40 years, Albarrie has continuously pivoted to explore new markets and sectors, including defense and mining, while developing product lines that save time, money, and natural resources. Recent initiatives include bringing back their conveyor manufacturing from China, reflecting a strategic shift to enhance control and efficiency. Their innovations, such as Oilmat, SAM, and the SorbNSeal™ secondary oil containment system, showcase how curiosity-driven research and developmentcan transform longstanding industrial problems into maintenance-free, scalable solutions. Albarrie’s story highlights a sustained ability to adapt, pivot, and apply deep technical expertise to evolving market needs and environmental challenges.
Bektra Corp, a Barrie-based manufacturer of industrial odour control products, identified a growing need for a more effective and user-friendly solution to manage nuisance odours in residential and urban waste collection. Conventional clay-based deodorizing products were heavy, prone to clumping, and created safety hazards when wet, highlighting an opportunity for innovation. In response, Bektra developed Bin Balls, a lightweight, environmentally responsible granular product made from post-consumer recycled materials that delivers immediate and long-lasting odour control. Weighing just 12 lbs per 20-litre pail, Bin Balls are easy to sprinkle or scoop into household totes, hi-rise dumpsters, or transfer station floors, providing cost-effective and practical odour mitigation. This pivot reflects Bektra’s commitment to combining advanced odour control technology with user-friendly, sustainable solutions that meet evolving industry needs. By reimagining their product line, Bektra has enhanced safety, usability, and environmental responsibility while addressing a growing urban challenge.
Before the pandemic, Bolder Future Marketing specialized in large-scale live product launches and events for international business leaders, driving multi-million-dollar results for software and training brands. When COVID-19 halted all in-person events, the company pivoted to digital solutions, creating The Concierge Coaching Marketing Blueprint and The Perfect Day SoulPrint to help entrepreneurs adapt, manage stress, and grow their businesses online. As the world reopened, the focus shifted locally, bringing these strategies to Barrie and Innisfil founders while integrating AI tools like Insta-Dialogue AI and LaunchFlow to streamline marketing and automation. Using Lean Stack and MVP testing from programs at the Sandbox Centre and Georgian College, the company transformed into a local innovation lab supporting entrepreneurs with practical, AI-driven solutions. Weekly workshops, AI Jam Sessions, and community-focused programs at the Sandbox Centre reinforce collaboration, mentorship, and shared growth. This pivot demonstrates how adaptability, technology, and community can combine to help local founders evolve faster and thrive in a changing business landscape.
Inspired by Seth Godin’s Purple Cow, Busch Systems pivoted its approach to recycling containers, aiming to create bins that are both functional and truly sustainable. Traditional bins often lacked visibility and clear signage, contributing to contamination and lower diversion rates. The team redesigned the bins using post-consumer recycled materials with a low carbon footprint, incorporating four-sided signage to clearly guide users on proper recycling practices. Close collaboration between research and design teams, combined with iterative prototyping, allowed the development of a visually distinct and educational solution. This adaptive, trial-and-error approach addressed supply chain challenges while refining usability and impact. The pivot demonstrates how innovative design and strategic thinking can solve operational problems while advancing sustainability goals.
Canadian Musicians Co-operative
The Ontario Musicians Co-operative Incorporated (OMCI) was founded in 2018 to help independent artists overcome barriers in a music industry disrupted by streaming and unsustainable record label models. In response to these challenges, OMCI pivoted to a co-operative, not-for-profit model that empowers artists to retain ownership of their intellectual property while providing access to high-quality resources and training. Central to this shift was the creation of The Co-op Studios, featuring soundproof recording spaces, editing workstations, and live production facilities, which support both members and the broader community. The organization also developed professional development programs, workshops, and one-on-one mentoring in areas such as marketing, business strategy, and live performance coaching, including training through the Tom Jackson OnStage Success method. OMCI has continuously adapted, expanding youth programming online during COVID-19, rebranding as Canadian Musicians Co-operative, and forging partnerships with organizations like CMHA and Support House to support mental health and community engagement. This pivot demonstrates how OMCI combines innovative facilities, collaborative partnerships, and responsive programming to help independent artists thrive in a rapidly changing industry while fostering community connections across Canada.
Canadoor Garage Doors, founded in 2011 by brothers Jacob and Luke, began as a small service-focused company aiming to deliver professionalism and consistency in the garage door industry. As the business grew, they faced challenges such as technician shortages, rising customer expectations, and increased competition, prompting a strategic pivot. Their solution was a “people-first” approach, leading to the creation of Canadoor College—an in-house training and career development program that provides hands-on learning, mentorship, and clear growth paths for technicians. This investment in staff strengthened customer service consistency and attracted top talent. Canadoor also introduced customer-focused initiatives like the Golden Key Service Club and the Buy-It-Back Guarantee, demonstrating that reliability and professionalism can differentiate a business beyond price. By building systems and training from the inside out, Canadoor has created a stronger, more resilient company that continues to grow and better serve its community.
After successfully running The Art of Music Academy in Brantford, Ontario, and growing it to over 500 students, founder Leah Ashby faced a major life pivot, closing the academy to focus on raising three children as a single parent. Relocating to Barrie in 2022, she re-launched her summer camp program, STEAM, Kid Entrepreneur in the Making, at Sevenoaks Academy, quickly reaching maximum enrollment for three consecutive years. Her programs combine music, visual arts, and STEAM education with empathy, team-building, and mentorship, engaging children of all ages and abilities while fostering creativity, confidence, and community connection. Drawing on her classroom experience and family feedback, she continuously refines her curriculum to address challenges like rising youth anxiety, online overuse, and the need for in-person social skills. Her pivot includes launching the Arts for Empathy Foundation, a non-profit branch to expand access to public schools and community programs, breaking down barriers created by for-profit restrictions. This journey highlights her resilience, innovation, and commitment to using the arts as a tool for education, personal growth, and social impact in her new community.
Facing shifting patient needs and industry changes, the Simcoe Family Dentistry recognized that the traditional model no longer met expectations for accessibility, affordability, and personalized care. In response, they pivoted by investing in staff education, upgrading equipment and protocols, and registering to accept the Canadian Dental Care Plan, ensuring care could be more flexible and patient centered. This transformation required significant collaboration, retraining, and process rethinking, but allowed the team to streamline services, offer payment plans, and expand insurance acceptance. The pivot combined innovation with empathy, redefining the dental experience to be convenient, transparent, and compassionate. By embracing these changes, the practice strengthened its operations while keeping patient experience at the heart of its mission. What began as a challenge became an opportunity to evolve and lead in delivering modern, patient-focused dental care.
In 2023, Virginia811 approached Skapa Tech with a novel idea: could credit card fraud detection techniques help identify errors in excavation requests? Partnering with a university, they had developed an AI model, but it needed to be operationalized. The company built VArif-AI, making the academic model production-ready and integrating it with existing workflows. After presenting at the 2024 Common Ground Alliance conference, multiple 811/OneCall centres showed interest, revealing an underserved market struggling with inadequate software solutions. By spring 2025, the company launched its AI Ticket Review system, the only AI-powered solution in this space, helping customers detect 3-4 times more errors than traditional methods and enabling proactive error reduction strategies. Technical improvements, including faster processing and higher accuracy, combined with support from the Sandbox Centre RIC and Innisfil DMZ incubator, allowed the pivot to scale successfully, resulting in two active paying customers and a growing pipeline of prospects.
SEAN. is redefining housing in Barrie through innovative approaches that prioritize community and sustainability. The company’s 2-Own-A-Home co-ownership model helps address the “missing middle” by making homeownership more attainable while increasing rental supply. Each home is designed with flexibility in mind, often including a secondary unit that can be rented to offset mortgage costs, providing both affordability and opportunities for multi-generational living. SEAN. is also pioneering green technologies, integrating sustainable solutions that reduce emissions, lower operating costs, and improve occupant comfort and health. By leveraging locally sourced materials and innovative designs, the company ensures homes are suited to current market needs while setting new industry standards. This pivot reflects a forward-thinking approach that balances accessibility, sustainability, and community-focused living.
Over the past year, Superhuman Health Club has expanded its offerings to include advanced health protocols such as DNA testing and IV therapy, reflecting a pivot toward personalized wellness. These new services allow members to gain deeper insights into their health and optimize performance in ways beyond traditional fitness. By integrating cutting-edge diagnostics and treatments, the club has evolved from a standard fitness facility into a holistic health and performance hub. This shift demonstrates their commitment to innovation and meeting the changing needs of their members.
UnbelievaBowl Smoothie Bowls has redefined healthy eating in Barrie by pivoting to a nutrient-rich concept that replaces sugary snacks and ice cream with smoothie bowls made without added sugar or juice. This family-owned business combines wellness, sustainability, and community engagement to fill a unique gap in the local food scene. Their innovative approach has inspired healthier lifestyles across the city while maintaining a delicious and appealing product. By blending creativity with a purpose-driven mission, UnbelievaBowl demonstrates how small businesses can innovate to meet evolving consumer needs.
Maple Ridge Armoury - Victory Ridge Sports
Founded in 2015, Maple Ridge Armoury originally specialized in high-end performance parts for firearms, enhancing accuracy, reliability, and style. In May 2020, a federal ban on thousands of semi-automatic firearms caused a major economic setback, prompting a pivot to non-restricted firearm parts, which wasn’t enough to sustain the business. Quickly adapting, the company converted a small 700 sq. ft. accessory space into a retail storefront, generating immediate revenue and growing customer demand. By late 2020, a larger commercial space on Bayview Drive was secured, though a fire in May 2021 caused over $900,000 in damages and delayed the grand opening. Despite these challenges, the business has steadily grown, now serving thousands of local and national retail and wholesale customers. Maple Ridge Armoury stands out for its professionalism, friendly service, and inclusive approach, welcoming everyone from novice to seasoned hunters and sport shooters.
Congratulations to all the nominees in the Pivot Point category! Your ability to adapt, innovate, and embrace change demonstrates the critical role that business pivots play in long-term success. Through your creativity and resilience, you not only strengthen your own ventures but also showcase Barrie as a thriving hub where businesses continue to make a lasting impact. Your work highlights how innovation keeps our community competitive and forward-looking.
Stay tuned for the announcement of the winners following the Mayor’s Innovation Awards ceremony on November 27th!
Thank you to the sponsors of the 7th Mayor’s Innovation Awards, Adams Hamilton, Ain Whitehead LLP, Innovative Automation, Marquee Benefits, reIGNITE Conference and the Sandbox Centre for recognizing the importance of these local businesses.