In Good Company with Wards Lawyers
Brought to you by Wards Lawyers, In Good Company is much more than just a business podcast.
It’s about people. Those special individuals who make the City of Kawartha Lakes in Central Ontario a special place to live and work and thrive.
Each monthly episode features stories that range from those about small, family-run retail stores, to large entrepeneuring manufacturers, to leaders in the area’s social and non-profit agencies. While it’s a profile of where they come from, where they are and where they’re headed, it’s also a celebration of why these unique people do what they do. Their stories, told in their own voices, wrapped around original music by local musician, and local store owner, Jeremy Van Halteren.
While the show emanates from what is officially called, a “city,” you'll realize In Good Company with Wards Lawyers is really about a community.
Listen on:
Episodes
4 days ago
Monday Jun 22, 2026
Monday Jun 22, 2026
Adam Deschenes had to make a move – literally. And when he went looking for a new location for his Spectrum Fitness Centre, he admits his options were limited. His eventual choice – a former rental business on Lindsay’s Queen Street – initially raised eyebrows from some of his closest and most trusted supporters; they questioned whether the fitness/business entrepreneur was up to the challenge of a major transformation. How Adam met that challenge is a story of not just his hard work and perseverance - but of community spirit and clients stepping up to give back to the man they believe has given them so much.
Theme music by Jeremy Van Halteren. And, for this episode, also from The Rootmen.
Monday Jun 08, 2026
Thursday May 21, 2026
Thursday May 21, 2026
Graham Snoddon didn’t have lofty ambitions, beyond buying his first car, when he started in the produce department of his local grocer. At 16, few of us do. But it wasn’t long before he started considering a big move, with bigger challenges and bigger rewards within the walls of Lindsay’s Valu-mart. Today, he and his wife (and business partner!) Hannah’s last name is synonymous with the downtown store. We take you inside the big store with the small town feel to meet new owners Graham and Hannah – who share the story of their big leap.
In Good Company is a production of Wards Lawyers.
Original theme music by Jeremy Van Halteren.
Friday May 15, 2026
Thursday Apr 16, 2026
Thursday Apr 16, 2026
It’s not uncommon for a family business to be helmed by someone from its third generation. But when all three children – now young men – in that third generation choose to carry on that legacy, together, well, that’s something exceptional.
And Luke, Kyle and Jeff Richardson are fully invested in Pineneedle Farms near Pontypool. Each studied and developed their own unique skills when it comes to raising a wide variety of trees from wee tiny seedlings. None are prouder of this special partnership than parents Paul and Tracy. We head to the farm where all five Richardsons share the story of this extraordinary business that ships around the world, but is rooted in our community.
In Good Company is a production of Wards Lawyers.
Original theme music by Jeremy Van Halteren.
Saturday Apr 11, 2026
Thursday Mar 19, 2026
Thursday Mar 19, 2026
Officially, it’s called “Tradewind Toys and Gifts.” But, oh my. It really is so much more than that. Yes, there are the billions of board games and puzzles. But then there’s that intangible, yet all-encompassing quality that customers can’t help but leave with – a genuine, almost child-like, sense of giddy happiness. It’s a credit to the woman who has exuded that warmth and gentle enthusiasm since the first day she swung open the doors to this oh-so-fun-and-cool store in Lindsay’s downtown. Angela Field shares how and why her fervour has not waned in what is now 30 years of bringing joy (and introducing Code Names!) to Kawartha Lakes.
In Good Company is a production of Wards Lawyers. Original theme music by Jeremy Van Halteren.
Friday Mar 13, 2026
Wednesday Feb 18, 2026
Wednesday Feb 18, 2026
But it’s also Downeyville’s happy place. Heck, it’s a happy place for anyone who’s visited Brouwer Bake Shop, the beloved creation of Hannah and husband Rob Brouwer.
But their story is about much more than just oh-so-delicious cakes, cookies, doughnuts and scones. (Oh, my. Those scones!). And let’s not forget the roasted coffee, deli sandwiches and pizza. It’s a tale of how the Brouwers – diehard Downeyville dwellers and parents to seven children - transformed a once-derelict former general store into a happy hub of community. That they did so with much help from family and neighbours is no surprise – cuz that’s baked into Downeyville culture. (Yes, baked. Pun fully-intended).
Original theme music by Jeremy Van Halteren.
In Good Company is a production of Wards Lawyers.