Explore where growth could take your business.
Growth can mean expanding your team, entering a new market, adding a location, increasing capacity or acquiring another business. For established businesses ready to explore their next step, the Business Growth Lab brings together first-hand experience, focused discussion and practical resources to help you consider what growth could look like for your business.
HOW THE LAB WORKS
9:20-10:30 a.m.
Growth Panel and Q&A
Hear candid perspectives on assessing readiness, evaluating opportunity, understanding risk and protecting the core business while considering what comes next.
10:40-11:40 a.m.
Facilitated table discussions
Choose three of five topics and take part in three 20-minute discussion rounds. Each table is led by a subject expert who will introduce a practical tool, template or resource, then guide questions and conversation about how it could apply to your business. The format gives you time to explore specific expansion challenges and learn from others considering their next stage of growth.
3 discussion rounds / 20 minutes each / 5 topics to choose from
MEET THE GROWTH PANEL
Guy Langevin is President of AG Sign and Print and the Ontario Sign Association. His career in the sign industry began in small and medium-sized shops in Ottawa before taking him to a major firm in Montreal and, eventually, Southwestern Ontario. Along the way, he earned a certificate in Engineering Technology, strengthening the technical perspective he brings to complex fabrication and installation projects.
Guy approaches signage as more than a marketing tool. He sees it as part of the built environment, combining design, engineering and fabrication to create lasting community landmarks. His work has included the iconic SARNIA waterfront letters and large-scale institutional and commercial projects where precision, safety and technical expertise are essential.
Through his leadership with the Ontario Sign Association, Guy is also helping advance the industry through professional development, advocacy and efforts to establish sign-making as a recognized Red Seal trade in Ontario.
Paul Dumont is a 20-year member of the PGA of Canada with more than 25 years of experience in the golf and hospitality industry. He holds a Business degree in Golf Operations from St. Clair College and has built a career combining golf operations, hospitality, leadership, and entrepreneurship.
Paul began his career as a pro shop attendant at Sutton Creek Golf Course, working his way through the industry and gaining experience in all aspects of golf operations. He went on to spend 15 years at Sawmill Creek Golf Resort & Spa, progressing through the ranks from Assistant Professional to Head Professional and ultimately General Manager.
In 2020, Paul took the next step in his career by leaving Sawmill Creek to pursue entrepreneurship, opening Sticks & Stones Indoor Golf in Sarnia alongside his wife, Angela. What began as an indoor golf facility has continued to grow into a broader golf and social entertainment business, reflecting Paul's passion for the game and his commitment to creating memorable experiences for golfers and the local community.
With more than two decades as a PGA of Canada professional and over 25 years in the golf and hospitality industry, Paul brings a unique combination of hands-on golf expertise, business leadership, and entrepreneurial experience to everything he undertakes.
Brian Maxfield is a serial entrepreneur and fractional integrator who helps growing businesses turn strategic vision into practical execution.
As President and Founder of MRC Consulting, Brian works with small and medium-sized businesses to strengthen organizational alignment, clarify accountability and build the processes needed for sustainable growth. His approach connects long-term vision with day-to-day operations, helping leadership teams translate ambitious goals into clear plans, defined roles and consistent action.
Brian’s experience spans education technology, operations management, marketing leadership, manufacturing and non-profit governance. He has led international sales operations, managed marketing teams, developed educational programming and built multiple ventures from concept to operation, including Lakeside Childcare.
This cross-industry experience allows Brian to recognize patterns, apply proven ideas in new contexts and understand what growth can require from both a business and its people. He brings to the Business Growth Lab a practical perspective on alignment, capacity, accountability and preparing an organization for its next phase.
Discussion themes:
• Assess readiness • Compare pathways • Identify risks • Protect the core business •Learn through experience
TOPICS AND FACILITATORS
Choose the conversations that matter to your next step.
3 discussion rounds / 20 minutes each / 5 topics to choose from
LEGAL
Explore the legal considerations that can come with business expansion, from agreements and responsibilities to managing risk as your business takes its next step.
Chelsea Cooper is the founder and owner of Great Lakes Law based primarily in Sarnia-Lambton; a boutique firm focused on real estate, wills and estates, and business law. Their firm advises business owners on each stage of business growth including corporate structure, key contracts or agreements, business purchases or sales, commercial real estate acquisition or leasing, and estate planning. What began as a vision to practice law differently has grown into an all-women team built on a culture where ambition and understanding go hand in hand. Chelsea serves on the boards and committees of several local organizations, including Community Futures Lambton, and is passionate about helping entrepreneurs lead with clarity in their business and confidence for their collective personal and professional future.
EXPORT
Consider what it takes to reach customers beyond your current market. Explore questions about export readiness, entering new markets and preparing your business for opportunities beyond Canada.
Lynae Morningstar is Director of Operations and co-owner of ITL Health, a Canadian supplement manufacturer that took an unconventional path to growth: establishing itself in European markets before expanding at home. Her work spans operations, regulatory compliance and international expansion. She brings firsthand experience with overseas partners, navigating market requirements and preparing a business for growth, including practical lessons learned along the way.
GROWTH FINANCING
Explore how to prepare for conversations about financing growth. Consider your funding needs, financial readiness and the information that can help you assess your next step.
Mariya Miller is a Commercial Banking Relationship Manager with TD Bank, supporting businesses across Sarnia-Lambton and Southwestern Ontario. With over 10 years of banking experience, she specializes in commercial financing, business acquisitions, and growth strategies across a variety of industries.
Mariya holds an Honours Bachelor of Commerce in Finance from Concordia University and an MBA from Carleton University. Beyond banking, she serves on the boards of the Alzheimer Society of Sarnia-Lambton and Community Concerned for the Medically Fragile (CCMF), and volunteers at Bluewater Health.
Passionate about entrepreneurship and community development, Mariya enjoys helping businesses access the capital and guidance they need to succeed.
OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY
Consider whether your current processes can support a larger business. Explore ways to identify bottlenecks, make better use of capacity and prepare day-to-day operations for growth.
Daniel Grant is the VP and Technical Lead for Let's Jiak Canada Inc., a Sarnia-based start-up operating the New Roots Culinary Collective. With over 16 years of experience in Continuous Improvement (CI) methodologies, Daniel leverages his CI Greenbelt to improve operational efficiency for New Roots and its growing list of clientele.
PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT
Explore how clear expectations, feedback and accountability can support your people as your business grows. Consider how to help your team perform well through changing roles and demands.
Sound HR Associates Inc. has been a local business for 6 years, working with all levels within organizations. We deliver insight and work collaboratively while providing fit for purpose solutions. We support local businesses through consultation including virtual and in-person support based on business needs. As a Certified Human Resources Leader with 23 years of experience working with private, corporate, start up and non-profit businesses and organizations, our experience within industry covers the full spectrum of Human Resources Management from compensation frameworks, policy development and implementation, performance management, employee relations, succession planning, leadership coaching, business solutions, workplace mediation and termination.
What sets Sound HR Associates apart from other HR firms is that we balance our head for business and our heart for people.
PRACTICAL RESOURCES TO TAKE WITH YOU
At the end of the event, exchange your lanyard for a flash drive containing the tools, templates and resources shared by speakers and table facilitators across both labs. You’ll have practical references to return to as you consider and plan your next steps.
REGISTER
