<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss version="2.0" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/" xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/" > <channel> <title>Paul Fitzgerald, Author at Salt and Pepper Media</title> <atom:link href="https://saltandpeppermediainc.com/author/paul/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" /> <link>https://saltandpeppermediainc.com/author/paul/</link> <description>Ideas, Words, Results.</description> <lastBuildDate>Thu, 14 Nov 2024 20:05:56 +0000</lastBuildDate> <language>en-US</language> <sy:updatePeriod> hourly </sy:updatePeriod> <sy:updateFrequency> 1 </sy:updateFrequency> <generator>https://wordpress.org/?v=6.3.5</generator> <image> <url>https://saltandpeppermediainc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/cropped-logo_rock_1-1-32x32.png</url> <title>Paul Fitzgerald, Author at Salt and Pepper Media</title> <link>https://saltandpeppermediainc.com/author/paul/</link> <width>32</width> <height>32</height> </image> <item> <title>Paul Fitzgerald in RollingStone.com: What a Progressive Rock Metal Album Can Teach Brands About Sticking to Their Vision</title> <link>https://saltandpeppermediainc.com/2024/11/08/paul-fitzgerald-in-rollingstone-com-what-a-progressive-rock-metal-album-can-teach-brands-about-sticking-to-their-vision/</link> <comments>https://saltandpeppermediainc.com/2024/11/08/paul-fitzgerald-in-rollingstone-com-what-a-progressive-rock-metal-album-can-teach-brands-about-sticking-to-their-vision/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Paul Fitzgerald]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Fri, 08 Nov 2024 19:16:17 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Advice]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://saltandpeppermediainc.com/?p=3168</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>Rush’s milestone progressive rock album 2112 is the second highest-selling album in the band’s catalog and regularly appears on all-time album ranking lists. Given its place as a cultural touchstone in the pantheon of progressive rock, it’s hard to envision now it almost didn’t get made at all, and when it did, its release would make or break the […]</p> <p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://saltandpeppermediainc.com/2024/11/08/paul-fitzgerald-in-rollingstone-com-what-a-progressive-rock-metal-album-can-teach-brands-about-sticking-to-their-vision/">Paul Fitzgerald in RollingStone.com: What a Progressive Rock Metal Album Can Teach Brands About Sticking to Their Vision</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://saltandpeppermediainc.com">Salt and Pepper Media</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p class="paragraph larva // lrv-u-line-height-copy lrv-a-font-body-l ">Rush’s milestone progressive rock album <em>2112</em> is the <a href="https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/alex-lifeson-geddy-lee-envy-of-none-rush-tour-lerxst-1235016143/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">second highest-selling album</a> in the band’s catalog and regularly appears on all-time album ranking lists.</p> <p class="paragraph larva // lrv-u-line-height-copy lrv-a-font-body-l ">Given its place as a cultural touchstone in the pantheon of progressive rock, it’s hard to envision now it almost didn’t get made at all, and when it did, its release would make or break the band with the rockers’ careers on the line.</p> <p class="paragraph larva // lrv-u-line-height-copy lrv-a-font-body-l ">What stemmed from the production of <em>2112 </em>is embedded with timeless lessons for brands about sticking to your guns, or perhaps <em>2112</em>-era laser pistols, and seeing through your vision in the face of doubt and adversity.</p> <h1 class="heading larva // ">Listen to My Music/and Hear What It Can Do/There’s Something Here As Strong as Life/I Know That It Will Reach You</h1> <p class="paragraph larva // lrv-u-line-height-copy lrv-a-font-body-l ">Following the commercial and critical failure that was <em>Caress of Steel</em>, Rush’s future was murky. So murky that label owner Polygram’s financial predictions for the forthcoming year didn’t have them listed, all but sealing their fate with the label.</p> <p class="paragraph larva // lrv-u-line-height-copy lrv-a-font-body-l " data-gtm-vis-recent-on-screen9326027_26="283836" data-gtm-vis-first-on-screen9326027_26="283836" data-gtm-vis-total-visible-time9326027_26="100" data-gtm-vis-has-fired9326027_26="1">When <em>2112</em> was eventually greenlit, it was understood to be Rush’s final chance. The label requested more radio-friendly tracks after much of <em>Caress of Steel’s</em> failure could be owing to its obscure, epic, and fantastical compositions.</p> <p class="paragraph larva // lrv-u-line-height-copy lrv-a-font-body-l ">Instead, Rush headed to the studio with clear instructions and emerged with the eponymous seven-part, 20-minute operatic sci-fi opening track. It did not get radio airtime.</p> <p class="paragraph larva // lrv-u-line-height-copy lrv-a-font-body-l ">Rush would not compromise their creative vision, and the results would be rewarded with <em>2112</em> becoming their then-biggest hit to date. In a business environment often swayed by trends and immediate returns, the creation process of <em>2112</em> exemplifies the value of <a href="https://www.rollingstone.com/culture-council/articles/what-1980-heavy-metal-album-can-teach-your-brand-about-reinvention-1234980267/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">perseverance in one’s vision</a> and the courage to be non-conformist.</p> <p class="paragraph larva // lrv-u-line-height-copy lrv-a-font-body-l ">This is a valuable lesson for businesses looking to navigate the pressures to take a conformist approach and buckle to market expectations. The most groundbreaking ideas can often come from a commitment to personal and organizational visions that may defy immediate expectations but ultimately chart a bold new territory. That this developmental process punctuated by a line-in-the-sand moment led to the objectivist-infused <em>2112</em> about the individual versus the masses is perhaps no surprise.</p> <p><img decoding="async" fetchpriority="high" class=" wp-image-3170" src="http://saltandpeppermediainc.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/rush-2112-paul-fitzgerald-rolling-stone-culture-council-1-300x169.jpg" alt="" width="653" height="368" srcset="https://saltandpeppermediainc.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/rush-2112-paul-fitzgerald-rolling-stone-culture-council-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://saltandpeppermediainc.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/rush-2112-paul-fitzgerald-rolling-stone-culture-council-1-1024x575.jpg 1024w, https://saltandpeppermediainc.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/rush-2112-paul-fitzgerald-rolling-stone-culture-council-1.jpg 1100w" sizes="(max-width: 653px) 100vw, 653px" /></p> <h1 class="heading larva // ">Oh, You Don’t Get Something for Nothing/You Don’t Get Freedom for Free</h1> <p class="paragraph larva // lrv-u-line-height-copy lrv-a-font-body-l ">The thematic core of <em>2112</em> revolves around the struggle of the individual against the masses, a narrative deeply influenced by the philosophies of Ayn Rand, who is credited in the liner notes, particularly her ideas on objectivism and the pursuit of one’s own happiness and fulfillment as the most moral path.</p> <p class="paragraph larva // lrv-u-line-height-copy lrv-a-font-body-l ">The opening track tells the story of a dystopian future in the city of Megadon, where music and individual creativity are suppressed by the authoritarian Priests of the Temples of Syrinx, who maintain control through the monopolization of technology.</p> <p class="paragraph larva // lrv-u-line-height-copy lrv-a-font-body-l ">The protagonist’s discovery of a guitar becomes a symbol of personal freedom and expression, ultimately clashing with the collectivist regime. The priests’ response, “We have no need for ancient ways, the world is doing fine,” reflects the society’s conformist views.</p> <p>Through its production process, lyrical content, and philosophical influences, <em>2112 </em>speaks to the individual against the masses. Rush refused to succumb to studio pressures, the titular track’s protagonist rebelled against an authoritarian regime, and objectivism speaks to spiritual and emotional rewards of self-fulfillment and exercising your capacities. This speaks to the power of the individual when running a business or making decisions for a brand.</p> <p>Decision-makers must recognize the power that comes with their position, take action and be willing to be bold for their ultimate rewards, which are within their reach.</p> <p class="paragraph larva // lrv-u-line-height-copy lrv-a-font-body-l ">Brands are responsible for what they earn as well as for <a href="https://www.rollingstone.com/culture-council/articles/what-no-show-concert-can-teach-brand-about-crisis-management-101-1235003747/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">what they risk</a>, and there is no risk without reward. Business owners must lead, inspire confidence, incur risks, hire people, turn profits, and ultimately, forge their path as individuals cognizant of the masses, conformist notions and market trends, but willing to buck them when their vision calls for it.</p> <h1 class="heading larva // ">I See the Works of Gifted Hands/Grace This Strange and Wondrous Land</h1> <p class="paragraph larva // lrv-u-line-height-copy lrv-a-font-body-l ">Concerning the production of <em>2112</em>, one question remains: if <em>2112</em> was not what the record label asked for and Rush themselves were absent from the label’s financial calculations for the coming fiscal year, how the heck did it ever get made? Rush manager Ray Danniels flew to the <a href="http://www.2112.net/powerwindows/211240anniversary.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">label’s head offices</a> in Chicago where he sold Mercury Records on the new album without having heard any of it.</p> <p>So, while the very production of <em>2112</em> was an act of defiance and the album’s narrative one of man vs. society with a healthy dose of objectivism, its very existence was predicated on a collective effort.</p> <p class="paragraph larva // lrv-u-line-height-copy lrv-a-font-body-l ">This is not to say those are at odds for business owners, rather, part of the risk they incur is to bring in the right people and assemble a reliable team. They remain the responsible party while delegating and collaborating amongst a team of individuals unified by a shared and uncompromising vision.</p> <p class="paragraph larva // lrv-u-line-height-copy lrv-a-font-body-l ">As brands and creators look to carve their paths, they might find guidance in <em>2112</em>’s production, narrative and philosophy, understanding that sometimes the greatest risk lies in not taking one at all.</p> <p><a href="https://www.rollingstone.com/culture-council/articles/progressive-rock-metal-album-teach-brands-about-sticking-their-vision-1235032684/"><em><strong>Dr. Paul Fitzgerald’s (PhD) column appeared on RollingStone.com on June 5, 2024.</strong></em></a></p> <p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://saltandpeppermediainc.com/2024/11/08/paul-fitzgerald-in-rollingstone-com-what-a-progressive-rock-metal-album-can-teach-brands-about-sticking-to-their-vision/">Paul Fitzgerald in RollingStone.com: What a Progressive Rock Metal Album Can Teach Brands About Sticking to Their Vision</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://saltandpeppermediainc.com">Salt and Pepper Media</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://saltandpeppermediainc.com/2024/11/08/paul-fitzgerald-in-rollingstone-com-what-a-progressive-rock-metal-album-can-teach-brands-about-sticking-to-their-vision/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>Paul Fitzgerald in RollingStone.com: What a No-Show Concert Can Teach a Brand About Crisis Management 101</title> <link>https://saltandpeppermediainc.com/2024/11/08/paul-fitzgerald-in-rollingstone-com-what-a-no-show-concert-can-teach-a-brand-about-crisis-management-101/</link> <comments>https://saltandpeppermediainc.com/2024/11/08/paul-fitzgerald-in-rollingstone-com-what-a-no-show-concert-can-teach-a-brand-about-crisis-management-101/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Paul Fitzgerald]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Fri, 08 Nov 2024 18:58:53 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Advice]]></category> <category><![CDATA[#Alice Cooper]]></category> <category><![CDATA[#Alice Cooper CNE No Show]]></category> <category><![CDATA[#Paul Fitzgerald Rolling Stone Culture Council]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://saltandpeppermediainc.com/?p=3163</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>August 19, 1980. Alice Cooper is a no-show at his 8 p.m. concert at the CNE Grandstand in Toronto. Carnage. Swarming through the Princes’ Gates of Exhibition Place, 14,000 fans huddled in the shadows of the Grandstand’s facade. From mid-August through Labor Day each year, the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) heralds and celebrates the end of summer for Torontians […]</p> <p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://saltandpeppermediainc.com/2024/11/08/paul-fitzgerald-in-rollingstone-com-what-a-no-show-concert-can-teach-a-brand-about-crisis-management-101/">Paul Fitzgerald in RollingStone.com: What a No-Show Concert Can Teach a Brand About Crisis Management 101</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://saltandpeppermediainc.com">Salt and Pepper Media</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p class="paragraph larva // lrv-u-line-height-copy lrv-a-font-body-l ">August 19, 1980. <a href="https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/alice-cooper-party-book-excerpt-1117378/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alice Cooper</a> is a no-show at his 8 p.m. <a id="auto-tag_concert" href="https://www.rollingstone.com/t/concert/" data-tag="concert">concert</a> at the CNE Grandstand in Toronto. Carnage.</p> <p class="paragraph larva // lrv-u-line-height-copy lrv-a-font-body-l ">Swarming through the Princes’ Gates of Exhibition Place, 14,000 fans huddled in the shadows of the Grandstand’s facade. From mid-August through Labor Day each year, the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) heralds and celebrates the end of summer for Torontians with live performances, food vendors, air shows and more.</p> <p class="paragraph larva // lrv-u-line-height-copy lrv-a-font-body-l ">In 1980, it was set to be punctuated by one of their most anticipated acts, the so-called “Godfather of Shock Rock,” Alice Cooper, touring his new album, <a href="https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-album-reviews/flush-the-fashion-181775/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Flush the Fashion</em></a>, for whom the crowd waited not-so-patiently. The opening act, Toronto-area progressive rockers Zon, did little to whet the appetite for the heavy metal fans. Or perhaps, they did too good of a job, their discordant musical leanings leaving the metalheads in need of a sonic palette cleanser.</p> <p class="paragraph larva // lrv-u-line-height-copy lrv-a-font-body-l ">An hour passed. Then another. Storm clouds gathered on the humid night. Anticipation turned into agitation. The crowd was on edge. Rumors passed through the sweaty, smoky crowd. Lost luggage, delayed flights, illness, drinking benders and wilder flights of fancy. Finally, Cooper’s lead guitarist, Dick Wagner, announced Cooper would not be attending the show and, to put it frankly, all hell broke loose.</p> <p class="paragraph larva // lrv-u-line-height-copy lrv-a-font-body-l " data-gtm-vis-recent-on-screen9326027_26="139756" data-gtm-vis-first-on-screen9326027_26="139756" data-gtm-vis-total-visible-time9326027_26="100" data-gtm-vis-has-fired9326027_26="1">Alice Cooper’s infamous no-show concert in 1980 and the management, or lack thereof, can teach brands a great deal. Herein lies a road map of where not to go and, surprisingly, a few roads running in the right direction. But mostly the former.</p> <p data-gtm-vis-recent-on-screen9326027_26="139756" data-gtm-vis-first-on-screen9326027_26="139756" data-gtm-vis-total-visible-time9326027_26="100" data-gtm-vis-has-fired9326027_26="1"><iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dZiJ5WwO3do?si=Kq2eX6mtvxx7oJFC" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p> <h1 class="heading larva // ">“No! I Won’t Cry Out for Justice. Admit That I Was Wrong”</h1> <p class="paragraph larva // lrv-u-line-height-copy lrv-a-font-body-l ">When Wagner broke the news, the simmering tension exploded. Chairs flew, fights broke out and the muddied festival ground turned into a warzone. The handful of police officers tried to quell the carnage to no avail. Some 200 police officers rushed to a scene that would see thousands of dollars in damage and 18 people hospitalized — five police officers included, before sunrise.</p> <p class="paragraph larva // lrv-u-line-height-copy lrv-a-font-body-l ">By the time effort was made to contain the situation, the damage had already begun. It was reactive rather than proactive, a classic failing in crisis management.</p> <p class="paragraph larva // lrv-u-line-height-copy lrv-a-font-body-l ">Given the innumerable channels for pitfalls and obstacles facing brands in 2024, it may seem reductive to suggest proactive crisis management. After all, many crises are largely defined by their unpredictability. With public image hits, product recalls, supply chain disruptions, internal conflicts, and cybersecurity breaches, business owners face vulnerabilities on every front.</p> <p class="paragraph larva // lrv-u-line-height-copy lrv-a-font-body-l ">However overwhelming it is, that’s a reality business owners must be cognizant of. Implementing contingency plans and briefing your team on them helps get on top of a crisis before it spirals into massive damage and, hopefully, hospitalizations.</p> <h1 class="heading larva // ">“I’m Nuclear-Infected”</h1> <p class="paragraph larva // lrv-u-line-height-copy lrv-a-font-body-l ">So, where in the world was Alice Cooper, really? What exactly happened remains something of a mystery among music lore aficionados. Although Cooper would reportedly offer an explanation later, confirming he was ill, it’s hard to kill music myth. What explanations were offered to the festival goers from the stage some two hours after Cooper’s scheduled start times were rendered largely irrelevant by hearsay. The Canadian tuxedo-clad crowd had by and large heard any number of stories by the time the news was told to them. When the explanation comes from but one voice in a cacophony of them, being an authority on the subject tends to matter little.</p> <p>Alice Cooper and company lost control of the narrative. Regardless of the extent of crisis business owners or brands are navigating, losing control of the narrative can be a fatal misstep. Successfully navigating a crisis hinges on open, clear, and prompt communication. This ranges from members of the leadership group to staff, stakeholders, consumers, and the general public. Engaging in transparent practices and taking accountability when issues arise well positions brands to change the conversation around them. Even those nuclear-infected can manage, so long as they disclose their condition to their partners.</p> <h1 class="heading larva // ">“I Wanna Be in the Headlines”</h1> <p class="paragraph larva // lrv-u-line-height-copy lrv-a-font-body-l ">Alice Cooper’s career, steeped in controversy and shock rock, was well positioned to withstand any potential fallout from the CNE no-show. That night’s show was part of the tour for <em>Flush the Fashion</em>, an album featuring songs such as “Headlines,” with prescient lyrics about the pursuit of the headlines and the transient nature of remaining in their circulation. This rings even more true in the 24-hour news cycle of the digital age.</p> <p class="paragraph larva // lrv-u-line-height-copy lrv-a-font-body-l ">For a rockstar, a concert no-show and an ensuing riot may not register as a brand crisis. Particularly among heavy metal rockers, such events may simply contribute to the mythos. The no-show landed Cooper in the headlines. Leveraging brand identity to navigate crises is a bit more nuanced outside of the world of rock. However, maintaining integrity, continuity and a brand’s core values can often transform potential disasters into opportunities for reinforcement of existing client trust and even growth. A crisis places brands in the headlines, which is where they want to be, and it’s up to the <a href="https://www.rollingstone.com/culture-council/articles/what-an-iconic-film-can-teach-about-teamwork-business-1234961547/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">actions of leadership</a> to determine if the headlines will sing their praises or herald their demise.</p> <h1 class="heading larva // ">“We’re All Clones”</h1> <p class="paragraph larva // lrv-u-line-height-copy lrv-a-font-body-l ">“Clones (We’re All),” a single off of <em>Flush the Fashion</em>, as the name implies, suggests an interchangeable uniformity of the human condition. The irony is that Cooper’s success navigating crises such as his CNE no-show stems from the fact he is anything but uniform, anything but a clone.</p> <p>When the “Godfather of Shock Rock” no-shows, it isn’t a catastrophe for his brand. When your unique value proposition involves on-stage guillotines, buckets of fake blood, electric chairs, and a series of equally eclectic on-stage antics, deviations from expectations are, in themselves, expected.</p> <p>This isn’t to suggest your next brand crisis can be solved by the CEO shredding a solo in the boardroom, although it couldn’t hurt to try. Instead, it speaks to carving out a unique value proposition that is your quintessential calling card. A <a href="https://www.rollingstone.com/culture-council/articles/what-rock-album-can-teach-about-being-an-entrepreneur-1234847903/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">strong identity and value proposition</a> can help bolster every respect of crisis management from contingency plans to communication and coming out on top of the headlines.</p> <p><a href="https://www.rollingstone.com/culture-council/articles/what-no-show-concert-can-teach-brand-about-crisis-management-101-1235003747/"><strong><em>Dr. Paul Fitzgerald’s (PhD) column on RollingStone.com was published on April 15, 2024.</em></strong></a></p> <p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://saltandpeppermediainc.com/2024/11/08/paul-fitzgerald-in-rollingstone-com-what-a-no-show-concert-can-teach-a-brand-about-crisis-management-101/">Paul Fitzgerald in RollingStone.com: What a No-Show Concert Can Teach a Brand About Crisis Management 101</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://saltandpeppermediainc.com">Salt and Pepper Media</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://saltandpeppermediainc.com/2024/11/08/paul-fitzgerald-in-rollingstone-com-what-a-no-show-concert-can-teach-a-brand-about-crisis-management-101/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>The Forge and The Sam and Roma Mercanti Foundation Partner to Empower Medical Startups with $2,500 Awards</title> <link>https://saltandpeppermediainc.com/2024/11/04/the-forge-and-the-sam-and-roma-mercanti-foundation-partner-to-empower-medical-startups-with-2500-awards/</link> <comments>https://saltandpeppermediainc.com/2024/11/04/the-forge-and-the-sam-and-roma-mercanti-foundation-partner-to-empower-medical-startups-with-2500-awards/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Paul Fitzgerald]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Mon, 04 Nov 2024 19:58:54 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[New Innovations]]></category> <category><![CDATA[#Entreprenuer #Paul Fitzgerald #Public Relations #Economic Uncertainty]]></category> <category><![CDATA[#The Forge McMaster]]></category> <category><![CDATA[#The Sam and Roma Mercanti Foundation]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://saltandpeppermediainc.com/?p=3172</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>The Forge, McMaster University’s Startup Incubator, has announced a partnership with The Sam and Roma Mercanti Foundation to support innovative student-led startups from McMaster University. This year, with Respyra Technologies and Medium AI each receiving $2,500 to advance their work in healthcare innovation. The Forge is an entrepreneurial hub backed by McMaster University, catering to […]</p> <p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://saltandpeppermediainc.com/2024/11/04/the-forge-and-the-sam-and-roma-mercanti-foundation-partner-to-empower-medical-startups-with-2500-awards/">The Forge and The Sam and Roma Mercanti Foundation Partner to Empower Medical Startups with $2,500 Awards</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://saltandpeppermediainc.com">Salt and Pepper Media</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="https://theforge.mcmaster.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>The Forge, McMaster University’s Startup Incubator, has announced a partnership with The Sam and Roma Mercanti Foundation to support innovative student-led startups from McMaster University.</strong></a></p> <p>This year, with Respyra Technologies and Medium AI each receiving $2,500 to advance their work in healthcare innovation.</p> <p>The Forge is an entrepreneurial hub backed by McMaster University, catering to startups in the Hamilton, Greater Toronto, and Niagara Regions. By offering a comprehensive range of programs, resources, and 1-on-1 support through personalized mentorship, The Forge has supported over 300 startups since 2015 to transform their ideas into successful and scalable business ventures. Every entrepreneur receives the tailored advice and resources they need to thrive.</p> <p>In addition to the support from The Sam and Roma Mercanti Foundation, Respyra Technologies and Medium AI are participants in Startup Survivor with The Forge. Startup Survivor is a 4-month Accelerator and Pitch Competition awarding $80,000 to McMaster University students and alumni to help transform their businesses.</p> <p>As a result of the funding provided by The Sam and Roma Mercanti Foundation and other partners, this total increased to $95,000 for 2024.</p> <p>Mariya Leslie, Manager of Student Entrepreneurship for The Forge, says that the new partnership with The Sam and Roma Mercanti Foundation is a win-win for everyone.</p> <p>“The Sam and Roma Mercanti Foundation is a powerful and unique partnership on many levels,” says Leslie. “This is their first year donating to student entrepreneurs and this is a partnership we want to nurture and grow for the long-term. The Sam and Roma Mercanti Foundation’s support for hospitals is incredible and now their support for our student-led startups will have a positive impact for our healthcare system.” Sam and Roma Mercanti, through their Foundation, have long been committed to supporting innovation across sectors and are currently focused on innovative medical solutions. This year’s recipients of their funding reflect a commitment to medical innovations aimed at improving patient care and streamlining healthcare processes.</p> <p><a href="https://theforge.mcmaster.ca/startups/respyra-technologies/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>One of the selected startups is Respyra Technologies, a medical device company specializing in innovative solutions for airway management. Many intubations are unsuccessful on the first attempt, leading to increased adverse events and costing valuable time for clinicians.</strong></a></p> <p>Respyra is addressing this critical issue with the development of an intubation aid designed to enable smooth intubation of difficult airways on the first attempt. Respyra Technologies fills a market gap for low-cost, high-efficacy devices in the airway management space.</p> <p>Hunter Csetri with Respyra Technologies sees the $2,500 helping with the next steps in their development toward a scalable business model for their game-changing technology.</p> <p>“The biggest things for us right now are putting money into product development and continuing to look at new designs and new iterations. “The second thing is paying a lawyer to conduct a patent search, and then actually filing a provisional patent,” said Csetri.</p> <p>Respyra Technologies is one of many McMaster student-founded startups emerging through The Forge’s Startup Survivor program. Through funding and networking opportunities, access to resources, and mentorship, The Forge helps accelerate the development of these startups from inception to launch through to scalable and sustainable growth. Participants engage in business and technical challenges focused on customer discovery, business modeling, rapid prototyping, go-to-market strategy, and pitching to investors.</p> <p>“If you told me in first year that I’d be going through The Forge with a business idea, I would have laughed at you,” said Csetri. Csetri is now preparing for the Startup Survivor Pitch Competition through The Forge to further accelerate Respyra Technologies’s trajectory and growth.</p> <p><a href="https://theforge.mcmaster.ca/startups/medium-ai/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>The second McMaster student start-up recipient, Medium AI, is making strides in the automation and streamlining of medical documentation.</strong> </a>Kino Song and his team at Medium AI have developed a multilingual medical scribe system that automates the time-consuming process of medical documentation, allowing healthcare providers to spend more time with their patients. Partnering with The Forge has helped Medium AI prepare a minimum viable product (MVP) to further bolster their efforts in the upcoming Startup Survivor Pitch Competition.</p> <p>“We already have a feasible MVP to showcase our product abilities. We are early in the actual development stage, so it will become very costly. The most expensive part in the future will be collecting enough data sets with our partnership with a hospital in both China and North America and the training and the fine-tuning,” Song said.</p> <p>The $2,500 will be used to further develop their iOS version, which will launch this year. The use of Medium AI can help save healthcare providers 50% of their time spent over an 8-hour period of usage, along with a 17-25x ROI capable of saving $2,500 per physician. Medium AI’s system also takes a stringent approach to privacy and security, providing an on-premises solution that ensures the highest level of compliance with medical data protection regulations.</p> <p>By combining The Forge’s resources and mentorship with the financial support provided by The Sam and Roma Mercanti Foundation, this initiative aims to help startups like Respyra Technologies and Medium AI achieve their goals and make a significant impact in the healthcare industry.</p> <p>For Respyra Technologies and Medium AI, this partnership represents a significant milestone in their journey toward scalable success. As these companies continue to develop their products and bring them to market, the support from The Forge and The Sam and Roma Mercanti Foundation will continue to foster growth and promote the positive changes they aim to bring to the healthcare industry.</p> <p>Respyra and Medium AI are both moving on to the Startup Survivor Pitch Competition taking place November 20. The competition is open to the public with <a href="https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/the-forge-startup-survivor-pitch-competition-tickets-953743511517?aff=mercantifoundation" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>free tickets now live</strong></a>. As surviving members of the competition, the top 5 McMaster student startups will be pitching for a $15,000 grand prize. $30K will be awarded in total at the event to help scale these innovation startups to the next level.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://saltandpeppermediainc.com/2024/11/04/the-forge-and-the-sam-and-roma-mercanti-foundation-partner-to-empower-medical-startups-with-2500-awards/">The Forge and The Sam and Roma Mercanti Foundation Partner to Empower Medical Startups with $2,500 Awards</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://saltandpeppermediainc.com">Salt and Pepper Media</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://saltandpeppermediainc.com/2024/11/04/the-forge-and-the-sam-and-roma-mercanti-foundation-partner-to-empower-medical-startups-with-2500-awards/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>How to Tell Your Bullying Client to Politely (and Professionally) Get Lost</title> <link>https://saltandpeppermediainc.com/2024/10/28/how-to-tell-your-bullying-client-to-politely-and-professionally-get-lost/</link> <comments>https://saltandpeppermediainc.com/2024/10/28/how-to-tell-your-bullying-client-to-politely-and-professionally-get-lost/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Paul Fitzgerald]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Mon, 28 Oct 2024 09:36:15 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Advice]]></category> <category><![CDATA[#Business]]></category> <category><![CDATA[#Entreprenuer #Paul Fitzgerald #Public Relations #Economic Uncertainty]]></category> <category><![CDATA[#Paul Fitzgerald Salt & Pepper Media Inc.]]></category> <category><![CDATA[#Tech #Innovation #Technology #Newproducts #NewProducts2020 #BestInnovations]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://saltandpeppermediainc.com/?p=3159</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>By Dr. Paul Fitzgerald (PhD) It’s late in the evening, and while watching a sports game, the news, a movie or spending time with the family, a client suddenly calls, demanding their full attention. They call repeatedly and send endless texts, emails and even voicemails. They want something done — now. Then they claim you are […]</p> <p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://saltandpeppermediainc.com/2024/10/28/how-to-tell-your-bullying-client-to-politely-and-professionally-get-lost/">How to Tell Your Bullying Client to Politely (and Professionally) Get Lost</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://saltandpeppermediainc.com">Salt and Pepper Media</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>By Dr. Paul Fitzgerald (PhD)</p> <p>It’s late in the evening, and while watching a sports game, the news, a movie or spending time with the family, a <a href="https://www.entrepreneur.com/leadership/4-types-of-clients-your-growing-business-cant-afford-to/297622" target="_self" rel="follow noopener">client</a> suddenly calls, demanding their full attention. They call repeatedly and send endless texts, emails and even voicemails. They want something done — now.</p> <p>Then they claim you are not paying full attention to them for their last-minute deadline. They question your teamwork and dedication as a ploy to get their way. They say: “Hey, are you not part of the team? When did you stop caring?”</p> <p>These are all ploys. Counterpoint: Why did they not call you during business hours if it was that important? This scenario and many like it are familiar to <a href="https://www.entrepreneur.com/growing-a-business/a-rock-band-you-can-look-up-to-for-pr-inspiration/415150" target="_self" rel="follow noopener">public relations</a> firm owners.</p> <p>In fact, business owners of any kind will encounter the same narcissistic bullying tactics repeatedly. <a href="https://www.entrepreneur.com/growing-a-business/public-speaking-nightmare-how-to-shut-down-bullies-and/366691" target="_self" rel="follow noopener">Bullies and narcissists</a> aren’t just career obstacles; they permeate all walks of life. You’ll have met them as early as the schoolyard. And just like how acquiescing to a schoolyard bully’s every demand would do you no favors back then, it’s the wrong decision now. You have to stand up for yourself.</p> <p>Succumbing to clients’ unreasonable demands and tantrums is an easy mistake for business owners. After all, they have the money. And we’ve all <a href="https://www.entrepreneur.com/en-in/growth-strategies/the-customer-is-not-always-right-and-we-tell-you-why/308548" target="_self" rel="follow noopener">heard the adage</a>, “The customer is always right.” But taking a stand against narcissistic behavior will help your business in the long run. And the best part is you can tell them to back off — politely and professionally — to ensure that you keep their business while ditching the toxic power dynamics festered by meek surrender.</p> <h2>What to do when a client is too demanding at the last minute</h2> <p>In a perfect world, there is a <a href="https://www.entrepreneur.com/growing-a-business/4-simple-ways-to-communicate-better-with-your-customers/293994" target="_self" rel="follow noopener">strong line of communication</a> between yourself and the client from the get-go. Managing client expectations and establishing an agreed-upon project timeline is integral to an amicable relationship. But, no matter how clear you have been on what can and cannot be done, you will have an unreasonable client who is too demanding at the last minute. Bending to accommodate last-minute excessive demands will shift the relationship dynamics into an unsustainable place — they are presumably not your only client, and they will feel entitled to be treated as such if you are too accommodative. This will hurt your business in the long run.</p> <p>Instead, remain firm on your previously established boundaries. Don’t simply ignore the request; instead, listen to it and propose an alternative timeline. Gently remind them of the agreed-upon terms, and explain why their request will not work in the form in which it’s been proposed. Ensuring the client feels heard and establishing a workable timeline to fulfill their wants will go a long way in retaining their business.</p> <h2>How to take back control when a client is bullying or manipulating you</h2> <p>As tempting as it may be lose your cool with a bully client, <a href="https://www.entrepreneur.com/leadership/3-expert-backed-strategies-for-staying-calm-in-times-of/427790" target="_self" rel="follow noopener">confrontation</a> and arguing will only exacerbate tensions and likely lead to losing their business altogether. But this doesn’t mean you can’t take control of the situation with a more measured response.</p> <p>To take control of the situation, you must remain laser-focused on the situation. A bully will likely cast aspersions and blame and pitch a fit involving all kinds of unpleasantries. Remain calm and cut through the noise. Focus on the business end of their concern and what they want. Ignore everything else.</p> <p>You will lose if you get into a mudslinging contest with a bully. They’ve got too much practice; they’ve been slinging mud since the schoolyard. You regain control by steering the conversation toward what they want and how you will achieve it.</p> <h2>Best approaches in collecting payments for invoices on time</h2> <p>The best way to ensure <a href="https://www.entrepreneur.com/growing-a-business/6-hacks-for-getting-clients-to-pay-you-faster/305096" target="_self" rel="follow noopener">payments are received</a> in a timely manner is to communicate expectations at the start of the client-business relationship. Offer the client a personalized invoice schedule and follow up with polite reminders if they lag on payments.</p> <p>If the client fails to pay or escalates the situation, you may be forced to withhold services until a resolution is reached. A contract with terms and boundaries is a great place to start. Follow a uniform approach and stick to it. Also, include a termination clause in your contract, like a 30-day notice of termination.</p> <h2>So, how do you really deal with unreasonable and even narcissistic clients?</h2> <p>Narcissistic clients are a handful from day one. But other times, clients become unreasonable simply because they have lost track of the process and become overwhelmed. In either case, reminding them you are on their side is essential.</p> <p>Use <a href="https://www.entrepreneur.com/growing-a-business/why-businesses-need-to-take-inclusive-language-seriously/432876" target="_self" rel="follow noopener">inclusive words</a> like “us” and “we” when addressing their concerns. Remind them you are all on the same team. Reply to their concerns promptly and develop a plan with action items to resolve their concerns. This doesn’t mean dropping everything and giving in. Stand your ground, stick to your principles and the terms of your agreement but remind them you are on their side and willing to take reasonable steps to address their concerns.</p> <h2>The client is not always right, and there is a nice way to call them out on their behavior</h2> <p>Whether the client is making unreasonable demands or being an outright bully, it’s important to let them know their behavior is unacceptable. While you may fear losing their business, their problematic behavior creates a toxic environment for you and your team. This ultimately <a href="https://www.entrepreneur.com/starting-a-business/9-networking-blunders-that-undermine-your-reputation/254259" target="_self" rel="follow noopener">hurts your reputation</a> and business in the long run.</p> <p>Be specific about the inappropriate behaviors when it comes time to put your foot down. Many people defer to generalized and accusatory language in the heat of an argument. For example, an unconstructive reply may be, “you always make last-minute demands.” Instead, isolate and address exactly what happened in a specific instance and explain why this will not work.</p> <h2>Act like you don’t care: The best tips on dealing with bullies and narcissistic clients</h2> <p>The temptation to argue with bullies will always be there, but it is unlikely to pay dividends. Act like you don’t care when a client like this throws a tantrum. Focus on actionable items to address their genuine business concerns. What’s good for them is good for you.</p> <p>Rather than argue, reflect your client’s words to them without vocalizing support for their point of view if it is unreasonable. Let them know they are heard. Don’t be afraid to put your foot down on toxic behavior. You can also spend time ignoring them all together for a few days, as playing silent with a <a href="https://www.entrepreneur.com/leadership/your-narcissism-is-killing-your-employees-productivity/314379" target="_self" rel="follow noopener">narcissist or bully</a> drives them crazy and drives your point home. It’s all about respect, right?</p> <h2>Stand up for yourself no matter what and watch your business grow to new heights</h2> <p>Be yourself, call people out, own conversations and projects and don’t wear your clients’ emotions. Sure, you may lose their business, but it’s better for your health and business operations in the long run. Stand your ground, and you will be richer on every level. Remember that when you call out bullies, you will gain a firm reputation, and most start-ups and businesses will admire this now and in the long run.</p> <p><a href="https://www.entrepreneur.com/growing-a-business/how-to-tell-your-bullying-client-to-get-lost/446188" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em><strong>Dr. Paul Fitzgerald’s (PhD) column above appeared in Entrepreneur on March 9, 2023. </strong></em></a></p> <p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://saltandpeppermediainc.com/2024/10/28/how-to-tell-your-bullying-client-to-politely-and-professionally-get-lost/">How to Tell Your Bullying Client to Politely (and Professionally) Get Lost</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://saltandpeppermediainc.com">Salt and Pepper Media</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://saltandpeppermediainc.com/2024/10/28/how-to-tell-your-bullying-client-to-politely-and-professionally-get-lost/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>How Genuine Storytelling on Social Media Will Attract More Customers</title> <link>https://saltandpeppermediainc.com/2024/10/27/how-genuine-storytelling-on-social-media-will-attract-more-customers/</link> <comments>https://saltandpeppermediainc.com/2024/10/27/how-genuine-storytelling-on-social-media-will-attract-more-customers/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Paul Fitzgerald]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Sun, 27 Oct 2024 09:42:41 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[New Innovations]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Tech]]></category> <category><![CDATA[#Attract New Customers]]></category> <category><![CDATA[#Genuine Stories]]></category> <category><![CDATA[#Paul Fitzgerald Social Media]]></category> <category><![CDATA[#Social Media]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://saltandpeppermediainc.com/?p=3154</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>When it comes to marketing, people crave authenticity more than ever. They don’t just want to know what you’re selling—they want to know you. That’s where genuine storytelling comes in. Telling real, relatable stories through your posts helps customers feel connected to your brand, and that connection can turn followers into loyal customers. 1. Make […]</p> <p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://saltandpeppermediainc.com/2024/10/27/how-genuine-storytelling-on-social-media-will-attract-more-customers/">How Genuine Storytelling on Social Media Will Attract More Customers</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://saltandpeppermediainc.com">Salt and Pepper Media</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>When it comes to marketing, people crave authenticity more than ever. They don’t just want to know what you’re selling—they want to know you. That’s where genuine storytelling comes in. Telling real, relatable stories through your posts helps customers feel connected to your brand, and that connection can turn followers into loyal customers.</p> <h4><strong>1. </strong><strong>Make It Personal</strong></h4> <p>Don’t be afraid to get real. Share stories about how your brand started, challenges you’ve faced, or even a behind-the-scenes look at your team. This adds a human touch that helps people relate to your business. For instance, a quick video of how you brainstorm ideas or a picture of your team working late into the night can make a world of difference. If you’re sharing a team success story, use a platform like<strong> <a href="https://www.instagram.com">Instagram Stories</a></strong> or <strong><a href="https://www.youtube.com">YouTube</a></strong> to capture the moment and make it relatable. These personal stories resonate well for brand authenticity.</p> <h4><strong>2. </strong><strong>Use Videos and Photos to Tell Your Story</strong></h4> <p>A picture is worth a thousand words, right? Well, a video can be worth even more! Whether it’s a quick Instagram Reel or a YouTube video, showing the face behind the brand or demoing a product through storytelling gets people invested. A video on Instagram Reels or a carousel post on Facebook can be far more engaging than plain text. Use tools like <strong><a href="https://inshot.com">InShot</a></strong> or <strong><a href="https://www.canva.com">Canva</a></strong> to add a creative touch to your visuals. Showing the face behind your brand or sharing a relatable customer experience can captivate your audience and draw them in. There are all sorts of new start-ups utilizing videos to amplify their stories, allowing them to better connect to users and customers. Some of these trailblazing start-ups include <a href="https://www.instagram.com/try_grunt/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Grunt</strong></a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/the__man__app/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>The Man App</strong></a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/tangoscrubs/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Tango Scrubs</strong></a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/appliyourself/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Appli</strong></a>, and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/prosledge/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>ProSledge</strong></a>.</p> <h4><strong>3. </strong><strong>Focus on Your Audience</strong></h4> <p>Your audience should be at the heart of your story. What are their pain points, and how does your product or service solve them? Instead of just pushing a sale, show how you’ve helped others in similar situations. Share real experiences on platforms like LinkedIn or your website, linking to product pages or resources that showcase your solution. This isn’t just about selling; it’s about showing how your brand genuinely improves lives. Testimonials, customer stories, or even reposting user-generated content can show how much your brand cares.</p> <h4><strong>4. </strong><strong>Keep It Consistent</strong></h4> <p>Consistency is key when it comes to storytelling. Share regularly to keep people engaged and feeling like they’re part of your journey. Use scheduling tools like <strong><a href="https://later.com">Later</a></strong> to keep your story flowing and stay on your followers’ radar. A well-maintained posting schedule helps build familiarity, leading to a loyal customer base.</p> <p>At the end of the day, genuine storytelling is about building trust. By focusing on authentic storytelling, you’re not just attracting followers—you’re creating a community. When people feel connected to your brand, they’re more likely to stick around and become customers. So go ahead, share your story—and watch your audience grow.</p> <p> </p> <p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://saltandpeppermediainc.com/2024/10/27/how-genuine-storytelling-on-social-media-will-attract-more-customers/">How Genuine Storytelling on Social Media Will Attract More Customers</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://saltandpeppermediainc.com">Salt and Pepper Media</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://saltandpeppermediainc.com/2024/10/27/how-genuine-storytelling-on-social-media-will-attract-more-customers/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>Paul Fitzgerald: The Top Five Apps For Gaining More Followers on Social Media</title> <link>https://saltandpeppermediainc.com/2024/10/25/paul-fitzgerald-the-top-five-apps-for-gaining-more-followers-on-social-media/</link> <comments>https://saltandpeppermediainc.com/2024/10/25/paul-fitzgerald-the-top-five-apps-for-gaining-more-followers-on-social-media/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Paul Fitzgerald]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Fri, 25 Oct 2024 17:10:18 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[New Innovations]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Tech]]></category> <category><![CDATA[#Canva #Inshot #VSCO #Later #Snapseed]]></category> <category><![CDATA[#Paul Fitzgerald]]></category> <category><![CDATA[#Social Media]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://saltandpeppermediainc.com/?p=3150</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>Let’s be honest, who doesn’t want more followers on social media? Whether you’re a budding influencer or a small business owner, growing your audience means more engagement, opportunities, and, ultimately, success. The secret? A few powerful apps can make all the difference in taking your social media game to the next level. 1. Canva If […]</p> <p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://saltandpeppermediainc.com/2024/10/25/paul-fitzgerald-the-top-five-apps-for-gaining-more-followers-on-social-media/">Paul Fitzgerald: The Top Five Apps For Gaining More Followers on Social Media</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://saltandpeppermediainc.com">Salt and Pepper Media</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Let’s be honest, who doesn’t want more followers on social media? Whether you’re a budding influencer or a small business owner, growing your audience means more engagement, opportunities, and, ultimately, success. The secret? A few powerful apps can make all the difference in taking your social media game to the next level.</p> <h4><strong>1. Canva</strong></h4> <p>If you’re not using <a href="https://www.canva.com"><strong>Canva</strong></a>, you’re seriously missing out. This easy-to-use app lets you create stunning visuals for Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook with just a few taps. It offers tons of templates, graphics, and design elements to make your content pop. Use Canva to create eye-catching posts that will encourage social media engagement.</p> <h4><strong>2. InShot</strong></h4> <p>For video content, <a href="https://inshot.com"><strong>InShot</strong></a> is the ultimate editing tool. It’s perfect for creating polished Instagram Reels, TikTok videos, or YouTube Shorts that capture attention. Use the app to add music, text, and transitions that make your videos stand out and attract new followers.</p> <h4><strong>3. VSCO</strong></h4> <p>If you’re all about those Instagram aesthetics, <a href="https://vsco.co"><strong>VSCO</strong></a> is your go-to. It’s a favorite among influencers for good reason: you can give your photos a professional look with just a few clicks. With VSCO, you can maintain a cohesive feed that helps your profile look top-notch, crucial for growing your audience.</p> <h4><strong>4. Later</strong></h4> <p>Posting consistently is one of the best ways to gain followers. <strong><a href="https://later.com">Later</a> </strong>makes it simple by allowing you to schedule social media posts in advance. It even provides insights on the best times to post, so you can reach your audience when they’re most active. Keep your content organized and timely, without the stress.</p> <h4><strong>5. Snapseed</strong></h4> <p>Ever had a photo that needed a little extra magic?<strong> <a href="https://snapseed.online">Snapseed</a></strong> is your best friend for all things photo editing. From basic adjustments to advanced tweaks, Snapseed provides pro-level photo editing right on your phone. Create visuals that will stop your audience mid-scroll.</p> <p>With these five apps, you’ll have the tools you need to step up your social media game and start gaining followers in no time. Happy posting!</p> <p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://saltandpeppermediainc.com/2024/10/25/paul-fitzgerald-the-top-five-apps-for-gaining-more-followers-on-social-media/">Paul Fitzgerald: The Top Five Apps For Gaining More Followers on Social Media</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://saltandpeppermediainc.com">Salt and Pepper Media</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://saltandpeppermediainc.com/2024/10/25/paul-fitzgerald-the-top-five-apps-for-gaining-more-followers-on-social-media/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>Halton Entrepreneur Launches Bouche Mouth Tape to Help Transform Your Sleep</title> <link>https://saltandpeppermediainc.com/2024/10/17/halton-entrepreneur-launches-bouche-mouth-tape-to-help-transform-your-sleep/</link> <comments>https://saltandpeppermediainc.com/2024/10/17/halton-entrepreneur-launches-bouche-mouth-tape-to-help-transform-your-sleep/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Paul Fitzgerald]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Thu, 17 Oct 2024 19:32:47 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[New Innovations]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://saltandpeppermediainc.com/?p=3138</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>Imagine feeling fresh and energized every morning, ready to take on the day. Sounds like a dream… right? Well, it doesn’t have to be anymore. It’s time to turn that dream into a reality with Bouche, the game-changing mouth tape designed to revolutionize your sleep. The truth is, mouth breathing is ruining your life, seriously. […]</p> <p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://saltandpeppermediainc.com/2024/10/17/halton-entrepreneur-launches-bouche-mouth-tape-to-help-transform-your-sleep/">Halton Entrepreneur Launches Bouche Mouth Tape to Help Transform Your Sleep</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://saltandpeppermediainc.com">Salt and Pepper Media</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Imagine feeling fresh and energized every morning, ready to take on the day. Sounds like a dream… right?</p> <p>Well, it doesn’t have to be anymore. It’s time to turn that dream into a reality with Bouche, the game-changing mouth tape designed to revolutionize your sleep.</p> <p>The truth is, mouth breathing is ruining your life, seriously. It may sound difficult to believe, but something as simple as breathing through your mouth at night could wreak havoc on your quality of sleep and overall health.</p> <p>Several studies have called out mouth breathing as the main culprit behind a slew of health issues like dry mouth, increased risk of cavities, snoring, brain fog, and even changes to your facial structure. Yes, mouth breathing can be that bad.</p> <p><img decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-3141" src="http://saltandpeppermediainc.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/bouche-mouth-tape--300x211.jpg" alt="" width="522" height="367" srcset="https://saltandpeppermediainc.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/bouche-mouth-tape--300x211.jpg 300w, https://saltandpeppermediainc.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/bouche-mouth-tape-.jpg 707w" sizes="(max-width: 522px) 100vw, 522px" /></p> <p><a href="http://www.bouche.me/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Halton entrepreneur, Anabella Lamarche from Burlington, is the Founder and Creator of Bouche, and her new innovation is here to change the way you sleep.</strong></a></p> <blockquote><p><strong>“I was doing my Master’s Degree in Economics at McMaster University, and I was also working full time at RBC. There weren’t enough hours in the day. I was eating healthy and working out, and although I was tired, I always said to myself: ‘I’m fine… I feel good.’ However, after I almost passed out from exhaustion one day at work, I started realizing just how important sleep was. The serious incident was a real wake-up call, and it made me tune into my sleep and helped me better understand how sleep is so important for health, wellness and mental health,” says Lamarche during an interview.</strong></p></blockquote> <p>With this, Lamarche began trying numerous sleep solutions, and the one she found most effective – mouth taping.</p> <blockquote><p><strong>“When it stayed on, I felt amazing, but most nights, the medical tape I used fell off, leaving me feeling as I usually did, less than well rested. I started trying every mouth tape I could get my hands on, but I couldn’t find anything that met all my needs, and was high enough quality that I trusted recommending it to my friends and family. I wanted it made in a medical grade facility, wanted it to be breathable, comfortable, and wanted it to work for people with beards, or lots of skincare, or mouthguards, or CPAP machines. I wanted it strong enough to work for everyone, but also gentle enough to work for everyone, and that’s when I realized, ‘I have to make it.’ And that’s when I created Bouche,” explains Lamarche.</strong></p></blockquote> <p><a href="http://www.bouche.me/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Science speaks volumes on this innovation. Nasal breathing is great for optimal health.</strong> </a>That nose on your face isn’t just for decoration, it is there to help filter and warm the air before it enters your body making it easier for the body to absorb oxygen. The problem is that many of us breathe through our mouths while we sleep, unknowingly putting our bodies at risk.</p> <p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-3144" src="http://saltandpeppermediainc.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/bouche-mouth-tape-image-two--300x290.jpg" alt="" width="514" height="497" srcset="https://saltandpeppermediainc.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/bouche-mouth-tape-image-two--300x290.jpg 300w, https://saltandpeppermediainc.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/bouche-mouth-tape-image-two--768x743.jpg 768w, https://saltandpeppermediainc.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/bouche-mouth-tape-image-two-.jpg 815w" sizes="(max-width: 514px) 100vw, 514px" /></p> <p>This is where Bouche comes in.</p> <p>Leading experts like Dr. Andrew Huberman and James Nestor are buzzing about mouth taping, and for good reason. Studies from Stanford University reveal the detrimental effects of mouth breathing and emphasize that mouth taping can correct it, resulting in improved oxygen absorption, lower blood pressure, better metabolism, and increased energy levels. You’ll even notice improvements in your jawline. Yes, you heard that right, better sleep and a better jawline.</p> <p>After half a year of meticulous designing and sourcing and testing, <a href="http://www.bouche.me/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Lamarche created Bouche Mouth Tape as a premium solution for nighttime mouth breathing</strong></a>. It’s medical grade, hypoallergenic, BPA-free, latex-free, fragrance-free, and beard-friendly. The tape is strong enough to stay in place all night, yet gentle enough for even the most sensitive skin.</p> <p>From restless sleepers to athletes optimizing their breathing patterns, Bouche is more than just a sleep aid. It was born from a desire to improve lives. Every customer testimonial fuels the team’s passion for delivering the best quality product. Knowing that Bouche helps people sleep better, wake up energized, and live healthier lives is the ultimate reward for the Bouche team. Their mission is to continue to develop simple high quality products that seamlessly integrate into any schedule, and help people achieve their best health.</p> <blockquote><p><strong> “We’ve grown every month since launching, and have customers in almost every province and state across North America. Not only are thousands of people trying it, we have a growing list of customers on subscription, and big demand for more products! Typically after someone tries a pack, the next month they’re buying a year’s supply or subscribing to our subscription packs, where they can get three packs delivered every three months. We offer big discounts to our repeat customers because we want to make sleeping better accessible for everyone ” says Lamarche.</strong></p></blockquote> <p>Business is thriving for Bouche, and for good reason: everyone needs sleep.</p> <p>“Life-changing!” is how one customer describes Bouche. “Such a simple invention, the sleep strips have completely stopped my dry mouth and snoring! Wish I’d known about this decades ago, and will never sleep without them again.”</p> <p>Don’t sleep on Halton Region’s exciting new sleep innovation.</p> <p>Get your Bouche mouth tape today and sleep better tonight: <a href="http://www.bouche.me/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>www.bouche.me/</strong></a></p> <p> </p> <p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://saltandpeppermediainc.com/2024/10/17/halton-entrepreneur-launches-bouche-mouth-tape-to-help-transform-your-sleep/">Halton Entrepreneur Launches Bouche Mouth Tape to Help Transform Your Sleep</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://saltandpeppermediainc.com">Salt and Pepper Media</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://saltandpeppermediainc.com/2024/10/17/halton-entrepreneur-launches-bouche-mouth-tape-to-help-transform-your-sleep/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>The Forge’s Boardball Takes the Court on Dragons Den This Fall</title> <link>https://saltandpeppermediainc.com/2024/09/25/the-forges-boardball-takes-the-court-on-dragons-den-this-fall/</link> <comments>https://saltandpeppermediainc.com/2024/09/25/the-forges-boardball-takes-the-court-on-dragons-den-this-fall/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Paul Fitzgerald]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Wed, 25 Sep 2024 14:19:10 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Fitness]]></category> <category><![CDATA[New Innovations]]></category> <category><![CDATA[#Boardball]]></category> <category><![CDATA[#McMaster University]]></category> <category><![CDATA[#The Forge McMaster]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://saltandpeppermediainc.com/?p=3129</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>Volleyball enthusiasts are in for a major treat this fall. Dragon’s Den, the hit TV show where entrepreneurs pitch their groundbreaking ideas and products to a group of successful Canadian business leaders, will feature Boardball, an exciting new game that’s rapidly gaining popularity around the world. Boardball is a client at The Forge at McMaster […]</p> <p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://saltandpeppermediainc.com/2024/09/25/the-forges-boardball-takes-the-court-on-dragons-den-this-fall/">The Forge’s Boardball Takes the Court on Dragons Den This Fall</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://saltandpeppermediainc.com">Salt and Pepper Media</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Volleyball enthusiasts are in for a major treat this fall.</p> <p><a href="https://www.cbc.ca/dragonsden/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Dragon’s Den</a>, the hit TV show where entrepreneurs pitch their groundbreaking ideas and products to a group of successful Canadian business leaders, will feature Boardball, an exciting new game that’s rapidly gaining popularity around the world.</p> <p>Boardball is a client at The Forge at McMaster University.</p> <p>Traditional volleyball is a hassle to organize. You need a full-size court, a net with poles, and at least eleven friends to set up properly. That’s where <a href="https://www.boardballsport.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Boardball</a> changes the game.</p> <p>“Boardball is a new sport that aims to lower the barriers to playing volleyball by reducing the extensive setup required. Think volleyball meets spikeball – that’s usually the quickest way to explain it. Instead of hitting over a net, you’re hitting onto a board and players can move anywhere around that board, using their bump-set-spike skills,” explains Boardball founder Amanda Nguyen.</p> <p><a href="https://www.boardballsport.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Boardball was originally founded while Amanda was with her friends in Mexico. They were unable to procure a volleyball net to play, so she and her friends decided to instead, hit a ball off a hard surface. What began as an innocent way to make up for the missing volleyball net, quickly became a game that was so much fun, they didn’t want to stop playing.</a></p> <p>“I unknowingly created a prototype and brought it outside for the first time. A group of people playing spikeball walked over and asked, ‘Can we play too?’ I answered, ‘Sure.’ Then a video recorded that same day somehow ended up on The Score, which is a popular sports media channel. The video went viral, and I got a bunch of people asking ‘What’s Boardball?’ and ‘Where can I get a board’. That night we incorporated the business,” says Nguyen.</p> <p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-3132 aligncenter" src="http://saltandpeppermediainc.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/screenshot-2024-09-25-101711-297x300.jpg" alt="" width="532" height="537" srcset="https://saltandpeppermediainc.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/screenshot-2024-09-25-101711-297x300.jpg 297w, https://saltandpeppermediainc.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/screenshot-2024-09-25-101711-150x150.jpg 150w, https://saltandpeppermediainc.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/screenshot-2024-09-25-101711.jpg 664w" sizes="(max-width: 532px) 100vw, 532px" /></p> <p>Since experiencing their online virility, Boardball’s momentum continues to grow – now selling in Canada, the U.S., and Europe and distributing within the education system where teachers are incorporating Boardball lessons into P.E. curriculum. The founding team has also brought on two Canadian Olympic volleyball athletes, Melissa Humana-Paredes and Steven Marshall to elevate the game.</p> <p>Boardball is not only affordable to play, but it also allows people to play volleyball anytime, anywhere, and at any skill level. No more waiting for your turn to use a volleyball net, just bring Boardball along with you!</p> <p>Combining volleyball and spikeball, another widely popular sport, Boardball offers a fun and exciting challenge. The red edges of the board amplify the way the game is played, creating an awesome, competitive atmosphere. If the volleyball hits the red, you have been officially blocked by the board. If this happens, your team has 3 additional touches to get it back onto the board and into play, keeping the rally alive.</p> <p><a href="https://theforge.mcmaster.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Boardball recently joined the The Forge – McMaster University’s business incubator funded by McMaster University, serving novel and scalable start-ups in Hamilton, Greater Toronto, and Niagara Regions.</a></p> <p>“The support from The Forge has been awesome,” said Nguyen. “The team has been integral to have helped us launch-to-market and operate effectively.”</p> <p>The game’s debut on Dragon’s Den will be an exciting opportunity for investors, and volleyball aficionados everywhere to get an inside look into how truly innovative Boardball is. Will Boardball spike the interest of the Dragons?</p> <p>On October 10th at 8pm EST, bump up the fun, set the channel to CBC or <a href="https://www.boardballsport.com/">CBC Gem</a>, spike up the volume, and tune in to Dragon’s Den. You won’t want to miss it!</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://saltandpeppermediainc.com/2024/09/25/the-forges-boardball-takes-the-court-on-dragons-den-this-fall/">The Forge’s Boardball Takes the Court on Dragons Den This Fall</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://saltandpeppermediainc.com">Salt and Pepper Media</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://saltandpeppermediainc.com/2024/09/25/the-forges-boardball-takes-the-court-on-dragons-den-this-fall/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>First Small Businesses Certified “Cyber Ready” in SecureTheVillage Program to Improve Cybersecurity of Smaller Organizations</title> <link>https://saltandpeppermediainc.com/2024/09/16/first-small-businesses-certified-cyber-ready-in-securethevillage-program-to-improve-cybersecurity-of-smaller-organizations/</link> <comments>https://saltandpeppermediainc.com/2024/09/16/first-small-businesses-certified-cyber-ready-in-securethevillage-program-to-improve-cybersecurity-of-smaller-organizations/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Paul Fitzgerald]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Mon, 16 Sep 2024 12:36:46 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[New Innovations]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Tech]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://saltandpeppermediainc.com/?p=3123</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>SecureTheVillage’s innovative LA Cybersecure™ Program Provides Education, Tools, and Coaching to Empower Small Businesses and Nonprofits to Protect Themselves in a way that, until now, only Big Businesses have Been Able to Achieve. By: SecureTheVillage LOS ANGELES – September 16, 2024 SecureTheVillage is proud to announce that the first three participants in its innovative LA Cybersecure™ Program have […]</p> <p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://saltandpeppermediainc.com/2024/09/16/first-small-businesses-certified-cyber-ready-in-securethevillage-program-to-improve-cybersecurity-of-smaller-organizations/">First Small Businesses Certified “Cyber Ready” in SecureTheVillage Program to Improve Cybersecurity of Smaller Organizations</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://saltandpeppermediainc.com">Salt and Pepper Media</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>SecureTheVillage’s innovative LA Cybersecure<img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/14.0.0/72x72/2122.png" alt="™" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> Program Provides Education, Tools, and Coaching to Empower Small Businesses and Nonprofits to Protect Themselves in a way that, until now, only Big Businesses have Been Able to Achieve.</strong></p> <p><em>By: </em><strong><a href="https://pressroom.prlog.org/SecureTheVillage/"><em>SecureTheVillage</em></a></strong></p> <p><strong>LOS ANGELES</strong> – <strong>September 16, 2024</strong> SecureTheVillage is proud to announce that the first three participants in its innovative LA Cybersecure<img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/14.0.0/72x72/2122.png" alt="™" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> Program have been Certified Cyber Ready by the prestigious Cyber Readiness Institute.</p> <p>Los Angeles nonprofit SecureTheVillage announced the LA Cybersecure<img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/14.0.0/72x72/2122.png" alt="™" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> Program in October, 2023 in<strong> <a href="https://www.prlog.org/12989124-the-unseen-epidemic-how-cybercrime-impacts-small-businesses-every-day-in-the-la-economy.html">this</a> </strong>press release. The program, partially funded by the Center for Internet Security’s Alan Paller Laureate Program, aims to enhance cybersecurity practices among smaller businesses and nonprofits, equipping them to better defend against cybercrime.</p> <p>The program officially kicked off in January with its first Cohort of five companies, including a law firm, an accounting firm, two technology companies, and a nonprofit. Cohort participants completed Sightline Security’s Kickstart Program in April as we described <strong><a href="https://saltandpeppermediainc.com/2024/04/24/first-cohort-of-la-business-and-nonprofit-participants-in-securethevillage-program-receive-customized-cybersecurity-roadmaps-from-sightline-security/">here</a></strong>.</p> <p>Three of the participants have now completed the Cyber Readiness Institute’s Cyber Readiness Program and have been Certified Cyber Ready.</p> <p>Robert Bakva, President of ProCAT, one of the companies Certified Cyber Ready, had this to say about the program.</p> <p><em>I recently participated in the Secure the Village cyber security program, and I must say, it exceeded all my expectations. The program is incredibly well-structured, providing a comprehensive understanding of the ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats.</em></p> <p><em> </em><em>What impressed me the most was the expertise of the instructors, both Dr. Stahl and Dr. Kelley Misata of Sightline. They are not only knowledgeable but also very approachable, making complex topics understandable even for those new to cyber security. </em></p> <p><em> </em><em>The program’s focus on community and collaboration also sets it apart. The emphasis on building a network of professionals dedicated to enhancing security at all levels was truly inspiring. The program fosters a sense of shared responsibility, which is crucial in today’s interconnected world.</em></p> <p><em> </em><em>Overall, the Secure the Village program is an invaluable resource for a smaller business or nonprofit looking to manage the risk of a breach or other cybersecurity incident. Whether you’re taking your first steps in cybersecurity or have years of experience, I highly recommend it!</em></p> <p>Ric Merrifield of One Item, another Certified <em>Cyber Ready had this to </em>say: <em>“Before this program, we’d had a couple of incidents and we kind of thought we had done what we needed to do to minimize our risks of loss of critical financial information, but we were going off our gut instinct. Now that we have our Cyber Ready certificate, we feel our whole team has been properly trained on how to prevent and recover from future attacks. We really like that the Cyber Readiness Institute playbook that we personalized for our own use serves as a living document.</em></p> <p>Dr. Stan Stahl, PhD, founder and President of SecureTheVillage said “<em>I am incredibly proud of these companies who were the first to be Certified Cyber Ready. They worked hard and had to wrap their heads around things they’d not thought about before. And I’m grateful to the Cyber Readiness Institute for working with us to bring their excellent program to our Cohort participants. As we expected, the program is an incredible success, not just for what works but also for showing us what we need to modify.”</em></p> <p><strong> </strong><strong>The Program Project Team</strong></p> <p><a href="https://securethevillage.org/"><strong>SecureTheVillage</strong></a> is a nonprofit making Los Angeles the cyber-safest metropolitan region in the United States for smaller businesses, nonprofits, families and individuals. Founded in 2015 by cybersecurity pioneer Dr. Stan Stahl, SecureTheVillage was <a href="https://www.prlog.org/12737744-securethevillage-awarded-certificate-of-recognition-by-los-angeles-mayor-eric-garcetti-at-annual-cybersecure-la-conference.html">recognized</a> for its cybersecurity leadership by Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti in 2018.</p> <p><a href="https://sightlinesecurity.org/"><strong>Sightline Security</strong></a><strong>:</strong> Based in Boston, MA, Sightline Security, a distinguished 501(c)3 nonprofit, envisions a world where nonprofits are fortified with the tools and knowledge to confidently champion cybersecurity. Dedicated to reshaping the narrative, Sightline’s KickStart program, based on the NIST Cybersecurity Framework, promotes a culture where cybersecurity best practices are integrated into daily operations.</p> <p>The <a href="https://cyberreadinessinstitute.org/"><strong>Cyber Readiness Institute</strong></a> (CRI) provides free, easy-to-use tools and resources to help small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) around the world become more secure and resilient. Their mission is to advance the cyber readiness of SMBs to improve the security of global supply chains. CRI emphasizes human behavior and employee education and awareness to create a culture of cyber readiness throughout an organization.</p> <p>The <a href="https://www.cisecurity.org/"><strong>Center for Internet Security</strong></a> (CIS®) is a community-driven nonprofit making the connected world a safer place by harnessing the power of the global IT community to safeguard public and private organizations against cyber threats.</p> <p><strong>About the Center for Internet Security Alan Paller Laureate Program</p> <p></strong><a href="https://www.cisecurity.org/"><strong>From the Center for Internet Security</strong></a>: The Center for Internet Security launched the Alan Paller Laureate Program in memory of Alan Paller, an innovative leader and trailblazer in the field of cybersecurity. The program will empower U.S.-based nonprofit organizations, academic institutions, and individuals who are focused on improving cybersecurity by making cybersecurity controls demonstrably more effective, simpler, and more automated; developing and equipping highly skilled cyber experts; and improving the teaching of cyber defense at every level.</p> <p><strong>Contact</strong><br /> SecureTheVillage<br /> <a href="info@securethevillage.org">info@securethevillage.org</a></p> <p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://saltandpeppermediainc.com/2024/09/16/first-small-businesses-certified-cyber-ready-in-securethevillage-program-to-improve-cybersecurity-of-smaller-organizations/">First Small Businesses Certified “Cyber Ready” in SecureTheVillage Program to Improve Cybersecurity of Smaller Organizations</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://saltandpeppermediainc.com">Salt and Pepper Media</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://saltandpeppermediainc.com/2024/09/16/first-small-businesses-certified-cyber-ready-in-securethevillage-program-to-improve-cybersecurity-of-smaller-organizations/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>Funk’n Fresh: 80 Empire’s Soulful Sounds Are Setting the Big Screen on Fire</title> <link>https://saltandpeppermediainc.com/2024/09/13/funkn-fresh-80-empires-soulful-sounds-are-setting-the-big-screen-on-fire/</link> <comments>https://saltandpeppermediainc.com/2024/09/13/funkn-fresh-80-empires-soulful-sounds-are-setting-the-big-screen-on-fire/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Paul Fitzgerald]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Fri, 13 Sep 2024 11:25:49 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[New Innovations]]></category> <category><![CDATA[#80 Empire]]></category> <category><![CDATA[#Fresh Kills]]></category> <category><![CDATA[#Lucas and Adrian Rezza]]></category> <category><![CDATA[#Netflix]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://saltandpeppermediainc.com/?p=3119</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>Get ready for a funky, soulful, and melodically diverse experience with 80 Empire. This duo has been making waves for nearly a decade and is poised to make a major impact in the TV and Film industry. Brothers Lucas and Adrian Rezza, multi-platinum recording artists from Niagara on the Lake, draw their musical inspiration from […]</p> <p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://saltandpeppermediainc.com/2024/09/13/funkn-fresh-80-empires-soulful-sounds-are-setting-the-big-screen-on-fire/">Funk’n Fresh: 80 Empire’s Soulful Sounds Are Setting the Big Screen on Fire</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://saltandpeppermediainc.com">Salt and Pepper Media</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@80empirevevo81" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Get ready for a funky, soulful, and melodically diverse experience with 80 Empire.</a></strong></p> <p>This duo has been making waves for nearly a decade and is poised to make a major impact in the TV and Film industry.</p> <p>Brothers Lucas and Adrian Rezza, multi-platinum recording artists from Niagara on the Lake, draw their musical inspiration from old-school funk, soul, and hip-hop. Now, they are bringing their unique sound to a new frontier, infusing it into TV and film projects you won’t want to miss.</p> <p>80 Empire has long been a force in the music world, collaborating with hip-hop heavyweights such as Obie Trice, Cee-Lo Green, and Swifty McVay from Eminem’s D12. They’ve even had the chance to open for Snoop Dogg at live shows.</p> <p><iframe loading="lazy" title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yCICrzFIY8o?si=_V_l3I1S72wgJhrV" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p> <p>However, their venture onto the big screen marks an exciting new chapter for the duo.</p> <p>Their entry into TV and film began with a YouTube series called “Hit the Mark” alongside their friend, Gino Cafarelli. Adrian Rezza, writer, singer, and rapper of 80 Empire, shared more about their recent work: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@80empirevevo81" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>“We just shot a video in New York last week, and we were actually down there shooting another music video with Jennifer Esposito because we did a good six, seven songs for her film, <em>Fresh Kills</em>… We shot a music video for one of the songs that’s in her film as well.”</strong></a></p> <p>The brothers are making major moves in the entertainment industry. Adrian excitedly added, “We’ve got another two songs on a Netflix TV show that’s going to be dropping in the new year, it’s called <em>Tex Mex Motors</em>. So, we’ll be featured in season two.”</p> <p>In addition to their work in film and TV, Lucas Rezza, composer of 80 Empire, discussed their involvement in the NFT space: “We’re also with Gala Music and we drop a lot of exclusive songs on the Gala platform, which is incredible. The NFT world, it’s alive and well, crypto is alive and well.”</p> <p>Lucas also spoke about some of their other film work: “We’re not just stuck on a certain genre of music; it allows us to get into another world. We did a film, a Hallmark movie, a couple of months ago, and they needed a French trap song. So, Adrian’s like, thank God for mom and dad putting us in French immersion. He’s like, I still got my French skills. So, boom, we did the song, and it was an integral part of the film.”</p> <p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-3121" src="http://saltandpeppermediainc.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/img-20240910-wa0000-282x300.jpg" alt="" width="565" height="601" srcset="https://saltandpeppermediainc.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/img-20240910-wa0000-282x300.jpg 282w, https://saltandpeppermediainc.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/img-20240910-wa0000-964x1024.jpg 964w, https://saltandpeppermediainc.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/img-20240910-wa0000-768x816.jpg 768w, https://saltandpeppermediainc.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/img-20240910-wa0000.jpg 1079w" sizes="(max-width: 565px) 100vw, 565px" /></p> <p>Their music can be heard during a love sequence in <em>Savoring Paris</em>, showcasing their talents in the cinematic space.</p> <p>The brothers’ credit much of their musical influence to their parents, who exposed them to a wide range of music and the arts.</p> <p>“Our parents weren’t musicians, but heavily into the arts, whether it was music or watching plays,” Lucas explained. “So as kids growing up, we went and saw Ray Charles, Commodores, Chaka Khan, James Brown, and Temptations.”</p> <p>This early exposure to iconic artists deeply influenced 80 Empire’s sound today. Lucas fondly recalls their father’s passion for music: “Our dad, he’s a retired hairdresser, but he would go to Eglinton West to a place called Monica’s where you could get anywhere from hair products to beef patties and records. He’d bring home all these funk and soul records, and then eventually hip-hop.”</p> <p>When asked to describe their sound, Adrian enthusiastically said, “I would say it’s like melodic, soulful hip hop because we got songs that are just straight-up rap, but then we have songs that are very soulful.”</p> <p>He praised his brother Lucas, saying, “Luke is such a great architect of melodies, so it’s easy for me to come up with a melodic or singing chorus. So, I think soulful, melodic hip hop because, at the undertone of it all, it’s still hip hop. It still has that that driving bass and drum beat.”</p> <p>This summer, 80 Empire signed a deal with Fat Beats/Rostrum Records and is set to release a vinyl project, hopefully before Christmas.</p> <p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@80empirevevo81" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>You can catch 80 Empire’s electrifying sound on all streaming platforms and social media… But that’s not all! Their music is lighting up the big screen and some of the hottest TV shows and films. From Netflix to Hallmark, their soulful, melodic hip-hop is making waves everywhere.</strong></a></p> <p>Don’t miss out on what this unstoppable duo is bringing to the world. It’s fresh, it’s funky, and it’s taking over! Stay tuned, because even bigger things are on the way.</p> <p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://saltandpeppermediainc.com/2024/09/13/funkn-fresh-80-empires-soulful-sounds-are-setting-the-big-screen-on-fire/">Funk’n Fresh: 80 Empire’s Soulful Sounds Are Setting the Big Screen on Fire</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://saltandpeppermediainc.com">Salt and Pepper Media</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://saltandpeppermediainc.com/2024/09/13/funkn-fresh-80-empires-soulful-sounds-are-setting-the-big-screen-on-fire/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> </channel> </rss>