Local Grit

Alex Hobcraft Hamilton local businesses share their stories about starting, running and growing (or not growing) their business. Learn about small business, marketing, copywriting, social media, growing and maintaining a small business in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.

Local Grit is a business podcast hosted by Alex Hobcraft, with 25 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Alex Hobcraft hosts Local Grit, a business show with 25 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

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  Episode #2

  When Your Business Needs To Change - Jodi Laking

  May 19, 202649 minS2

  <p>Title: Navigating Entrepreneurial Disruptions: From Burnout to Support with Jody LakingIn this episode, Jody Laking shares her personal and professional journey through life-disrupting events and how they shaped her latest business pivot to focus on supporting entrepreneurs in crisis. Discover practical tools, unique frameworks, and AI solutions for entrepreneurs managing overload, burnout, or major life upheavals.</p><b>Key Topics:</b>Jody’s transition from business coaching to a "business triage" approachThe impact of personal crises, like separation and loss, on entrepreneurial capacityThe concept of "steady" as a sign of recovery post-disruptionThe importance of mental health and lifecycle support fo...

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  Episode #1

  Everyone Can Start A Business - Alex hobcraft

  May 11, 202637 minS2

  <h5>Building Community and Innovation: The Entrepreneurial Journey of Alex Hogcraft</h5><p>Discover how Alex Hogcraft transformed setbacks into opportunities, blending music education with digital marketing and AI technology to support small businesses in Hamilton. This episode explores resilience, community engagement, and leveraging technology to adapt in challenging times.</p><b>In this episode:</b>Alex's early career and how the 2008 financial crisis catalyzed his shift to entrepreneurshipThe evolution of Footprints Music from a small guitar school to a community hubNavigating COVID-19: shifting to online lessons and the impact on growthLessons learned from construction delays and pandemic restrictionsThe emergence...

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  Episode #20

  "Own Your Lane" - Erin Dunham of The Mule/The Other Bird

  Mar 31, 202634 minS1

  <b>Title:</b><p> Building Restaurants and Brands With PurposeJoin Erin Dunham as she discusses her journey from corporate life to hospitality entrepreneurship, focusing on innovative branding and community engagement.</p><b>Highlights:</b>Transition from corporate to hospitalityCrowdfunding The Mule restaurantCommunication skills from an English degreeLessons from opening and scaling businessesUnique branding across restaurant conceptsManaging franchise partnershipsHamilton's food scene vs. TorontoCoping with rising costs and inflationTeam culture and leadershipBalancing passion and business growth<b>Resources:</b>The Other BirdRapscallion Hamilton<b>Connect with Erin:</b>LinkedInInstagram

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  Episode #20

  "Always Iterating" with David Levy of Chocolate Tales

  Mar 23, 202639 minS1

  <p>Business management in specialty food (chocolate and culinary experience), balancing creation and systems, customer experience, staff hiring, and seasonal challenges </p><p></p><p>Mastering a Niche Business: Insights from the Founder of Chocolate Tales</p><p></p>David’s journey from restaurant work to chocolate entrepreneurshipManaging multiple business components—studio classes, online sales, corporate eventsThe importance of continuous refinement and learning in businessBuilding customer experience and handling feedbackStrategies for staffing, hiring, and maintaining team cultureNavigating seasonal fluxes, especially around holidays and peak periodsSystematic approaches to prevent no-shows and manage logisticsThe value of low-tech systems for operational simplicity and clie...

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  Episode #18

  Ryan Moran - CoMotion + Locke & King

  Mar 16, 20261h 4mS1

  <h5>Building Community and Brands: Insights from Ryan Moran's Entrepreneurial Journey in Hamilton</h5><p>This episode features Ryan Moran, a Hamilton-based serial entrepreneur, sharing his insights into building businesses rooted in community, storytelling, and authenticity. From dynamic marketing campaigns at Niagara Parks to launching a watch brand during the pandemic, Ryan offers valuable lessons in resilience, ethical marketing, and following your passion.</p><b>Timestamps:</b><br />00:00 - Introduction to Ryan Moran and Hamilton's grit<br />01:15 - Ryan's early entrepreneurial influences and community involvement<br />02:45 - The shift from politics and theatre to community building and advocacy<br />04:05...

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