PEI Business Podcast

Welcome to the new PEI Business Podcast.

Hosted by Stingray, Director of Operations, Jennifer Evans and in cooperation with our sponsor, Innovation PEI, we are launching a new 10-episode podcast series which will feature some of the most innovative business leaders on PEI.

We’ll have a chance to learn the story behind the business ideas and behind the entrepreneur who started it. We talk about the highlights and the lowlights of their business story.

Welcome to the PEI Business Podcast, where we celebrate Island business.

EPISODE #1: Jordan Rose – Tracktile

The PEI Business Podcast launches with Episode One featuring Jordan Rose, Co-Founder and CEO of Tracktile. Hosted by Jennifer Evans from Stingray in partnership with Innovation PEI, the podcast explores the real stories behind Island entrepreneurs — from big wins to hard lessons — and why PEI continues to be a home base for global business.

EPISODE #2: Austin MacKenzie – The Heavy Cup

Episode 2 of the PEI Business Podcast features Austin MacKenzie, founder of The Heavy Cup. Austin shares how watching a single YouTube video sparked an idea that turned into a multi-million-dollar e-commerce business in just two years. He talks about taking risks, learning from failure, the role advertising has played in scaling his brand, and why he chose Prince Edward Island as the home base for a company selling around the world. It’s an honest conversation about entrepreneurship, resilience, and building big ideas from a small place.

EPISODE #3: Sharon Quann – Quannessence Skincare

In this episode of the PEI Business Podcast, host Jennifer Evans sits down with Sharon Quann, founder of Quannessence Skincare, to talk about building a nationally recognized skincare brand from Summerside, PEI. Sharon shares her journey from longtime aesthetician to product innovator. The conversation also dives into her philosophy on skin health and aging, plus exciting expansion plans and new product launches on the horizon

EPISODE #4: Matt Jelley – Maritime Fun Group

In this episode of the PEI Business Podcast, His name is synonymous with summer fun on PEI. From amusement parks to major attractions in Cavendish, Matt Jelley is a key figure in the Island’s tourism industry. How did he build his empire? Host, Jennifer Evans sits down to discuss it all with Matt, on the PEI Business Podcast for Innovation PEI.

EPISODE #5: Valéry Ladrezeau – Datcha

Valéry Ladrezeau brought the taste of Guadeloupe to PEI with his hit French-Caribbean food business, Datcha. Now, he’s challenging the local palate and has his sights set on franchising. We’ll serve it up on the latest episode of the PEI Business Podcast for Innovation PEI.

EPISODE #6: Aiden & Gary Francis – Escape Hatch Clothing

On the latest episode of the PEI Business Podcast, Jennifer Evans sits down with Aiden and Gary Francis, the team behind Escape Hatch Clothing to uncover how they turned a love of fishing and Island lifestyle into a growing fashion brand. From designing gear inspired by life on the water to building a loyal customer base right here on PEI, they share the real story behind the logo — and the hustle. If you’ve ever wondered how a passion project becomes a profitable business, this one’s for you

EPISODE #7: Matthew Noble and Andrew Carpenter – Belfast Mini Mills

A PEI manufacturing legacy continues! Meet the third-generation owners of Belfast Mini Mills. Hear how they’re building on a 35-year family dream in the latest PEI Business Podcast with host Jennifer Evans.

EPISODE #8: Jillian van Duinkerken – Duinkerken Foods

From the production line to the CEO’s office! Hear Jillian van Duinkerken’s incredible 20-year journey with Duinkerken Foods on the latest PEI Business Podcast. A story you don’t want to miss. Sponsored by Innovation PEI.

EPISODE #9: James O’Halloran – Mighty Pebble Games

From a PEI side hustle to 2 million players. Hear James O’Halloran’s story behind Mighty Pebble’s global gaming hit on the PEI Business Podcast . Sponsored by Innovation PEI & the Government of PEI. Watch the episode now!