Transistor (https://transistor.fm) https://feeds.transistor.fm/shake-hands-take-names-a49f1046-6847-49b9-bac2-4607d27e66f9 Abhishek AJ Bhatt, the Regional Manager of the Northern Connector Program, invites you to tune in to Shake Hands Take Names! In each episode, AJ will offer both his personal and guests' experiences of obtaining success by way of building a professional network. You can expect guests from a variety of backgrounds, ages and industries, to highlight the consistent themes of discipline, and networking. AJ wants to help address the narrative that as Gen Z we lack the skills and commitment to thrive in corporate careers and settings. Instead, we need to be open to incorporating networking. © 2026 Truro Colchester Partnership 7b549b97-e3e9-5068-85fc-aba226f61380 yes Shake Hands Take Names TRAILER en Sat, 04 Apr 2026 10:00:22 -0300 Sat, 04 Apr 2026 10:01:51 -0300 https://img.transistorcdn.com/hx36Bl9KG1W2HPwkc164wCb9-VViSqv6ex4g39WWaqw/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:1400/h:1400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS83OGY2/ZTYwMjk0MjBlM2I3/YTU1MDYwM2JiNTA1/YTZiYy5wbmc.jpg episodic Truro Colchester Partnership Abhishek AJ Bhatt, the Regional Manager of the Northern Connector Program, invites you to tune in to Shake Hands Take Names! In each episode, AJ will offer both his personal and guests' experiences of obtaining success by way of building a professional network. You can expect guests from a variety of backgrounds, ages and industries, to highlight the consistent themes of discipline, and networking. AJ wants to help address the narrative that as Gen Z we lack the skills and commitment to thrive in corporate careers and settings. Instead, we need to be open to incorporating networking. Abhishek AJ Bhatt, the Regional Manager of the Northern Connector Program, invites you to tune in to Shake Hands Take Names. Podstarter producer@podstarter.io No No 5 5 Cut, Craft, Connect full 87d15cf5-d2dc-43a6-97b7-5b1a37a759ac https://share.transistor.fm/s/bfd79bfd In this episode of Shake Hands, Take Names, AJ sits down with brothers Sam and Jim Cripps of Cripps and Sons Woodworking to talk about how passion, perseverance, and relationships turned a small rural cabinet shop into an innovation‑driven business. They share the family origins of the company, their long road to becoming Red Seal cabinet makers without a clear apprenticeship path, and how they balance the art and science of modern cabinetry—from steam‑bent oak archways to robots on the shop floor. Along the way, they dig into the realities of skilled trades for a 17‑year‑old just starting out, the power of community and networking in rural Nova Scotia, and why trust, respect, and genuine curiosity matter more than chasing dollars.

]]> In this episode of Shake Hands, Take Names, AJ sits down with brothers Sam and Jim Cripps of Cripps and Sons Woodworking to talk about how passion, perseverance, and relationships turned a small rural cabinet shop into an innovation‑driven business. They share the family origins of the company, their long road to becoming Red Seal cabinet makers without a clear apprenticeship path, and how they balance the art and science of modern cabinetry—from steam‑bent oak archways to robots on the shop floor. Along the way, they dig into the realities of skilled trades for a 17‑year‑old just starting out, the power of community and networking in rural Nova Scotia, and why trust, respect, and genuine curiosity matter more than chasing dollars.

]]> Sat, 04 Apr 2026 10:00:00 -0300 Truro Colchester Partnership Truro Colchester Partnership 2538 In this episode of Shake Hands, Take Names, AJ sits down with brothers Sam and Jim Cripps of Cripps and Sons Woodworking to talk about how passion, perseverance, and relationships turned a small rural cabinet shop into an innovation‑driven business. They share the family origins of the company, their long road to becoming Red Seal cabinet makers without a clear apprenticeship path, and how they balance the art and science of modern cabinetry—from steam‑bent oak archways to robots on the shop floor. Along the way, they dig into the realities of skilled trades for a 17‑year‑old just starting out, the power of community and networking in rural Nova Scotia, and why trust, respect, and genuine curiosity matter more than chasing dollars.

]]> No 4 4 Live, Laugh, Lawn full b55289d1-0feb-4af4-ba3f-020473944bdd https://share.transistor.fm/s/13f10ae7 AJ sits down with Will and Chase, the teenage co-founders of Live Laugh Lawn, to talk about how they turned a summer mowing idea in rural Pictou County into a 300+ client landscaping business and their first $10K month. They share how the name came to life, how they used door-to-door outreach, word of mouth, and personalized service to compete with bigger players, and how hiring friends from their baseball network helped them grow. The conversation dives into overcoming skepticism as young entrepreneurs, tackling the stigma around Gen Z work ethic, and the crucial role of mentors, family, and local supporters like Ignite and realtor partners. Will and Chase also reflect on speaking at an event, learning the financial and operational side of business, and building confidence through “reps” in uncomfortable situations. Their message to other young people: start now, use your network, be willing to fail and learn, and let each connection move your story forward. 

]]> AJ sits down with Will and Chase, the teenage co-founders of Live Laugh Lawn, to talk about how they turned a summer mowing idea in rural Pictou County into a 300+ client landscaping business and their first $10K month. They share how the name came to life, how they used door-to-door outreach, word of mouth, and personalized service to compete with bigger players, and how hiring friends from their baseball network helped them grow. The conversation dives into overcoming skepticism as young entrepreneurs, tackling the stigma around Gen Z work ethic, and the crucial role of mentors, family, and local supporters like Ignite and realtor partners. Will and Chase also reflect on speaking at an event, learning the financial and operational side of business, and building confidence through “reps” in uncomfortable situations. Their message to other young people: start now, use your network, be willing to fail and learn, and let each connection move your story forward. 

]]> Mon, 30 Mar 2026 12:05:38 -0300 Truro Colchester Partnership Truro Colchester Partnership 1887 AJ sits down with Will and Chase, the teenage co-founders of Live Laugh Lawn, to talk about how they turned a summer mowing idea in rural Pictou County into a 300+ client landscaping business and their first $10K month. They share how the name came to life, how they used door-to-door outreach, word of mouth, and personalized service to compete with bigger players, and how hiring friends from their baseball network helped them grow. The conversation dives into overcoming skepticism as young entrepreneurs, tackling the stigma around Gen Z work ethic, and the crucial role of mentors, family, and local supporters like Ignite and realtor partners. Will and Chase also reflect on speaking at an event, learning the financial and operational side of business, and building confidence through “reps” in uncomfortable situations. Their message to other young people: start now, use your network, be willing to fail and learn, and let each connection move your story forward. 

]]> No 3 3 Trades, Trust and Teamwork full c7bfb595-fd49-469e-b6ba-fb862ad2cdc9 https://share.transistor.fm/s/ef731217 AJ, Colin, and Nick discuss their journeys in the trades, emphasizing the importance of attitude and mentorship. Colin and Nick, both from Pictou County, highlight their early exposure to the trades and the value of community and family business. They stress the significance of transparency, credibility, and reputation in their businesses, Maritime Pressure Works and McGregor Industrial. They also touch on the challenges and opportunities in Atlantic Canada, the importance of networking, and the need for adaptability and leadership in the trades. Both mentors and personal experiences have shaped their careers, and they advise the next generation to embrace leadership, maintain a positive attitude, and be open to learning and growth.

]]> AJ, Colin, and Nick discuss their journeys in the trades, emphasizing the importance of attitude and mentorship. Colin and Nick, both from Pictou County, highlight their early exposure to the trades and the value of community and family business. They stress the significance of transparency, credibility, and reputation in their businesses, Maritime Pressure Works and McGregor Industrial. They also touch on the challenges and opportunities in Atlantic Canada, the importance of networking, and the need for adaptability and leadership in the trades. Both mentors and personal experiences have shaped their careers, and they advise the next generation to embrace leadership, maintain a positive attitude, and be open to learning and growth.

]]> Mon, 19 May 2025 05:00:00 -0300 Truro Colchester Partnership Truro Colchester Partnership 2103 AJ, Colin, and Nick discuss their journeys in the trades, emphasizing the importance of attitude and mentorship. Colin and Nick, both from Pictou County, highlight their early exposure to the trades and the value of community and family business. They stress the significance of transparency, credibility, and reputation in their businesses, Maritime Pressure Works and McGregor Industrial. They also touch on the challenges and opportunities in Atlantic Canada, the importance of networking, and the need for adaptability and leadership in the trades. Both mentors and personal experiences have shaped their careers, and they advise the next generation to embrace leadership, maintain a positive attitude, and be open to learning and growth.

]]> No 2 2 Find your sweet spot full 2c9b518d-2e7c-4e5a-a29f-5ac8d4d91daf https://share.transistor.fm/s/effa9a37 David Phillips, a former Microsoft and Louis Vuitton executive, discusses his journey in strategic networking and relationship building. He emphasizes the importance of authenticity, preparation, and adaptability in career success. David credits his early political involvement and his mother's encouragement in public speaking for developing his communication skills. He highlights that nine out of eleven jobs were secured through networking, stressing the value of being factual and evidence-based. He also advises young professionals to be intentional, and honest, and to find their 'sweet spot' where passion and skill intersect. He concludes by encouraging authenticity in building personal brands and networks.

]]> David Phillips, a former Microsoft and Louis Vuitton executive, discusses his journey in strategic networking and relationship building. He emphasizes the importance of authenticity, preparation, and adaptability in career success. David credits his early political involvement and his mother's encouragement in public speaking for developing his communication skills. He highlights that nine out of eleven jobs were secured through networking, stressing the value of being factual and evidence-based. He also advises young professionals to be intentional, and honest, and to find their 'sweet spot' where passion and skill intersect. He concludes by encouraging authenticity in building personal brands and networks.

]]> Mon, 14 Apr 2025 15:44:14 -0300 Truro Colchester Partnership Truro Colchester Partnership 1997 David Phillips, a former Microsoft and Louis Vuitton executive, discusses his journey in strategic networking and relationship building. He emphasizes the importance of authenticity, preparation, and adaptability in career success. David credits his early political involvement and his mother's encouragement in public speaking for developing his communication skills. He highlights that nine out of eleven jobs were secured through networking, stressing the value of being factual and evidence-based. He also advises young professionals to be intentional, and honest, and to find their 'sweet spot' where passion and skill intersect. He concludes by encouraging authenticity in building personal brands and networks.

]]> No 1 1 Network till you die full 7bbd3ae3-799b-44b1-820f-3d1ae9804397 https://share.transistor.fm/s/e2133d7f In this episode your host, Abhishek Bhatt (AJ), sits down with Sutton McKay, a serial entrepreneur and real estate investor. Sutton emphasizes the importance of networking, stating it can bring 10 times more value than a resume. He shares his journey from flipping cars in high school to buying an auto detailing business at 21, growing it to $600,000-$700,000 in revenue, and eventually selling it during COVID-19. Sutton highlights the value of networking, citing a $20,000 investment in the Wealth Genius platform that yielded $200,000 in two weeks. He stressed the need for strategic networking, building trust, and maintaining genuine relationships, which he believes is crucial for personal and professional growth.

]]> In this episode your host, Abhishek Bhatt (AJ), sits down with Sutton McKay, a serial entrepreneur and real estate investor. Sutton emphasizes the importance of networking, stating it can bring 10 times more value than a resume. He shares his journey from flipping cars in high school to buying an auto detailing business at 21, growing it to $600,000-$700,000 in revenue, and eventually selling it during COVID-19. Sutton highlights the value of networking, citing a $20,000 investment in the Wealth Genius platform that yielded $200,000 in two weeks. He stressed the need for strategic networking, building trust, and maintaining genuine relationships, which he believes is crucial for personal and professional growth.

]]> Mon, 14 Apr 2025 15:42:59 -0300 Truro Colchester Partnership Truro Colchester Partnership 1997 In this episode your host, Abhishek Bhatt (AJ), sits down with Sutton McKay, a serial entrepreneur and real estate investor. Sutton emphasizes the importance of networking, stating it can bring 10 times more value than a resume. He shares his journey from flipping cars in high school to buying an auto detailing business at 21, growing it to $600,000-$700,000 in revenue, and eventually selling it during COVID-19. Sutton highlights the value of networking, citing a $20,000 investment in the Wealth Genius platform that yielded $200,000 in two weeks. He stressed the need for strategic networking, building trust, and maintaining genuine relationships, which he believes is crucial for personal and professional growth.

]]> No Shake Hands Take Names TRAILER trailer 961b425e-be54-4c80-b3d5-41c131d3a369 https://share.transistor.fm/s/d070a34a Mon, 14 Apr 2025 14:26:38 -0300 Truro Colchester Partnership Truro Colchester Partnership 73 No