Across the Yard Podcast

Nav Singh left city life behind to buy and rebuild a struggling hardware store in Leader, Saskatchewan. This episode is about resilience, risk-taking, and what it really means to build both a business and a community from the ground up. In this episode, Nav sits down with Liz to share his journey from immigrating to Canada at 18, to working construction jobs across Western Canada before stepping into entrepreneurship. He opens up about the setbacks, financial uncertainty, and steep learning curve of running a small-town hardware store where the owner wears every hat, from cashier and delivery driver to estimator and...

Marketing is louder, faster, and more measurable than ever, but does that actually make it better? This episode is about building a brand people feel something for, not just one that converts. In this episode, Stephen Bailey, Chief Marketing Officer at John Fluevog Shoes, sits down with Liz to unpack what it really takes to stand out in today’s crowded market. Drawing on more than 20 years with one of Canada’s most unconventional retail brands, Stephen shares why differentiation isn’t about having the best price or product, it’s about having the courage to be distinct. From embracing “weirdness”...

After the sudden passing of their father in 2020, sisters Melissa Jensen, Marissa Wolfe and Kristie Mueller faced the challenge of stepping into a leadership role at their third-generation family-owned business. This episode is about growing through that transition and how it earned them a nomination for the Supply-Build Canada 135 Forge & Form Gala’s Women of Influence award. In this episode, you’ll learn what goes behind the scenes of what goes on in a family-owned business when transitioning ownership. You’ll learn how these ladies got to learn their role and how to support the business, especially when Marissa and Kristi...

If you’re running a retail yard or building centre, you don’t have time for trends that don’t translate to the bottom line. This episode is about a model that has quietly delivered for nearly 50 years. Rob Forbes built Exchange-A-Blade Tool Company on a straightforward idea: contractors bring in used blades, get credit, and leave with remanufactured ones on the spot. No waiting. No landfill. Just a system that keeps jobs moving and brings customers back through your doors. In this episode, you’ll hear how the exchange model creates repeat traffic and gives dealers a clear, simple answer t...

This week’s episode is recommended for anyone interested in innovative ways to recycle and reduce waste in construction or using reclaimed wood. Have you ever wondered what happens to the wood from demolished homes? What if much of it could be recovered and put back into use? In this week’s episode of Across the Yard, Liz Kovach sits down with Jay Sanderson, President & Operations Lead at Northmark Materials Ltd., to explore the growing role of reclaimed wood in the supply chain. They dive into the process of reclaimed wood, how advocacy can play a role, and how this wood...

Long known as a male-dominated field, the lumber industry is undergoing meaningful change — but what does that transformation actually look like? Who is leading it, and how? In this week’s episode of Across the Yard, Liz Kovach sits down with Kaitlyn and Lauren Chimko, Lumber Traders, Partners at Dakeryn Industries, and recipients of the Women of Influence Award at the 135 Forge & Form Gala. Together, they share their journey into the industry through their family roots, what life as a lumber trader really looks like, and how WOLF (Women of Lumber and Forestry) was founded to create stronger representation, connection, and...

This episode is for anyone in the forestry and building materials industries who are interested in attracting more youth or general public into the industry, and how you can get involved in the effort. The industry is facing a significant skills gap due to a lack of youth interest and new hires, but people are taking action. So, what can we do about it? In this week’s episode of Across the Yard, Liz Kovach sits down with Allison DeFord, Executive Director at the North American Forest Foundation (NAFF), to discuss NAFF’s initiatives on educating the public about the fore...

Today’s episode is a must-listen for anyone working in a lumberyard—or in sales of any kind. Have you ever stepped into your customers’ shoes to see your business from their point of view? In this week’s episode of Across the Yard, Liz Kovach sits down with Marc Atiyolil, designer, builder and co-host of The Marc & Mandy Show, to explore the pain points manufacturers are still facing today, the importance of delivering a strong customer experience and how that experience can lead into meaningful, long-term relationships. Along with how media training can be valuable in any environment, even in the l...

Today’s episode is for anyone in sales or marketing, old school, new school, or somewhere in between, as well as anyone preparing to exhibit at a trade show. No matter your experience, you’ll walk away with something useful. Have you ever felt stagnant in your style of work or struggled to find success in it? In this week’s episode of Across the Yard, Liz Kovach sits down with returning guest R.M. Caligiuri, CEO, lecturer, and keynote speaker at Caligiuri Leadership, to break down old school vs. new school sales and marketing tactics: what works, what doesn’t, and e...

Today’s episode is recommended for anyone who aspires to lead or is ready to step up their game. Have you ever wondered what “real leadership” looks like in today’s workplaces? In this week’s episode of Across the Yard, Liz Kovach sits down with Eileen Dooley and Wahaj Awad, Principal & Coach and Consultant at Humance, to explore the latest shifts in leadership, with emotional intelligence taking center stage. They also dive into what accountability really means and navigating through tough conversations and challenging situations with clarity and confidence. Tune in for a thoughtful conversation about growth, resilience, and the everyd...

Today’s episode is recommended for Retail leaders, managers, and business owners navigating change. Anyone who’s ever had to lead when confidence wavered or the path wasn’t clear. Have you ever had to navigate yourself in a high-stakes environment? In this week’s episode of Across the Yard, Liz Kovach sits down with Holly Stofa, a former CIA Operator to a High-Performance Leadership Coach, to explore Holly’s extraordinary journey from the world of espionage to the realm of leadership and personal growth. Together, they dive into what it takes to thrive in high-stakes environments: creating meaningful relationships through tr...

Welcome to Supply-Build Canada’s first-ever Golf Confessional — a special Thanksgiving episode packed with laughter, stories, and a few surprises from this year’s golf tournaments. Whether it’s a secret swing tip, an unexpected victory, or a bit of on-course drama, we’ve gathered the best (and worst) golf moments from members and guests across Western Canada. Expect a mix of humor, honesty, and a few tales of golf-gone-wrong — all in good fun and completely anonymous. Tune in for laughs, lessons, and maybe a little redemption for your own game.

Welcome to Supply-Build Canada’s first ever Golf Confessional, bringing you the juiciest confessions from the golf tournaments hosted this year!

In the building supply industry, travel comes with the territory. Whether you’re a sales associate visiting job sites or a manager attending conferences, you’re often on the move because this industry thrives on connection and relationships. But what happens when the unexpected strikes on the road? Lost baggage, flight delays, or a medical emergency abroad — travel insurance can save you more than just stress; it can save you thousands of dollars! In this episode of Across the Yard, Liz Kovach sits down with Karley Middleton, Benefits Consultant at HUB International, to unpack the ins and outs of travel covera...

No matter the size of your operation, manufacturers face significant risks. The impact of a serious loss can be greater than in almost any other industry—Are you confident your facility is properly insured? In this week’s episode of Across the Yard, Liz Kovach sits down with Alex Hawkins, Underwriting Director at Federated Insurance, to explore and break down the evolving risk landscape manufacturers face. They dive into growing threats of cyber security and the use of AI in social engineering attacks, to the increasing frequency of natural disasters. They explore how the insurance industry is adapting to these mode...

No matter the size of your operation, manufacturers face significant risks. The impact of a serious loss can be greater than in almost any other industry—Are you confident your facility is properly insured? In this week’s episode of Across the Yard, Liz Kovach sits down with Alex Hawkins, Underwriting Director at Federated Insurance, to explore and break down the evolving risk landscape manufacturers face. They dive into growing threats of cyber security and the use of AI in social engineering attacks, to the increasing frequency of natural disasters. They explore how the insurance industry is adapting to these mode...

Leadership is a journey – are you ready to lead? In this week’s episode of Across the Yard, Liz Kovach sits down with Blake Wheeler, former captain of the Winnipeg Jets, and Cody Miller, Director of Novus Global Construction Services & Executive Coach. Together, they explore Blake’s leadership journey, the experiences that drive his "why," and how he’s now helping leaders in both sports and business thrive through his work with Novus Global. The business world can learn a lot from the world of sport. What if we approached our work with the same focus on physical and mental performa...

What is your communication style? In this week’s episode of Across the Yard, Liz Kovach sits down with Genny Sacco-Bak, An instructor at University of Winnipeg PACE and owner of Coffee with Genny B Media. Together, they explore the many “flavors” of communication: from body language and public speaking to crafting impactful introductions and learning self-awareness. Genny also shares her insights from her work at the University of Winnipeg’s PACE program and Toastmasters as a communication instructor, along with her journey with her own podcast, Coffee with Genny B. Offering practical tips and personal stories along the way. Tune in...

Ever wondered how your leadership style stacks up and how you can make it even better? In this week’s episode of Across the Yard, Liz Kovach sits down with R.M. Caligiuri, CEO, Lecturer, and Keynote Speaker at Caligiuri Leadership, to explore his unique approach to developing Conscious Intelligence (CQ) in leaders. R.M. shares his journey from a career in marketing and sales to coaching leaders across businesses of all sizes. He opens up about the challenges he faces when building authentic connections and guiding leaders, especially in the fast-paced marketing world, and the power of patience in cu...

What does it take to go from zero experience to leading a sales team? Season 4 of Across the Yard is back! In this week’s episode, Liz sits down with Eric Dalton, Director of Sales and Business Development at DFM West Distribution, to explore his sales journey and the resilience it took to succeed in door-to-door sales. Eric shares his story, starting with zero experience and the lessons he learned navigating different industries while mastering the art of making a fast but lasting first impression. Tune in to listen to Eric’s journey from a newcomer in the business, to Dire...