On this week’s episode of SQM Picks, David sits down with Fred, the owner of Stork Dry Cleaners. Fred takes us on an exclusive tour of the shop, showcasing the specialized equipment behind the scenes and explaining the ins and outs of professional garment care. They dive into why using a dry cleaner can extend the life of your clothes, and when to choose dry cleaning over wet cleaning for the best results.
Visit Stork Dry Cleaners at 3860 Bathurst St, North York, ON M3H 3N3, or call (416) 635-0550.
On this week’s episode of SQM Picks, David sits down with Carl, founder and owner of Carl Berger Music. They talk about the latest trends in music, why it’s never too late to start learning an instrument, and the powerful role music plays in helping people connect, express themselves, and find joy at any age.
On this week’s episode of SQM Picks, David sits down with Leah Zlatkin, broker and COO of Mortgage Outlet. They discuss fixed and variable rate mortgages, who can be approved for a mortgage, and Leah’s expert insights on securing the best rates. She also shares how she builds trust with clients and helps them confidently navigate the complexities of home financing.
On this week’s episode of SQM Picks, David sits down with Raymond, the founder and owner of Six Finest. They discuss the wide range of products the brand offers, and Raymond takes us on a tour of the store, showcasing its unique selection. He also shares his approach to building strong relationships with customers and creating a community-driven shopping experience.
On this week’s episode of SQM Picks, David sits down with Jon Rogers, founder and owner of SPG Management Consulting. They discuss the industries SPG specializes in, the types of projects Jon works on, and his three key principles for building strong client relationships.
On this week’s episode of SQM Picks, David sits down with Suri, the owner of Squibb’s Stationers. They discuss the history of the beloved stationery shop, how exceptional customer service has kept the business thriving for generations, and they take a tour of the store.
On this week’s episode of SQM Picks, David sits down with Jonathan Burton, a lawyer from Gluckstein Personal Injury Lawyers. They discuss who should consider reaching out to a personal injury lawyer, the importance of seeking legal guidance after an injury, and how Jonathan builds strong relationships with clients to support them through challenging times.
On this special edition of SQM Picks, David sits down with Harvey Goldsmith, a legendary performing arts promoter and trustee of The Band Aid Trust. Having worked with the best of the best in the music industry, Harvey shares insights into The Band Aid Trust’s incredible impact, the legacy of one of the most iconic charity initiatives in music history, and the unforgettable performances that defined the Live Aid concert.
On this week’s episode of SQM Picks, David sits down with Alex Ghofrani, one of the owners of Picture Picture. They discuss the art of custom framing, the latest trends in preserving and displaying artwork, and the importance of exceptional customer service in bringing clients’ visions to life.
On this week’s episode of SQM Picks, David sits down with Chris Broadhurst, an athletic therapist from the TAC Sports Medicine Clinic. They discuss the importance of a proper warm-up in preventing injuries, the tools and techniques used in athletic therapy, and the most common injuries he sees in athletes and active individuals.
On this week’s episode of SQM Picks, David sits down with Niko, the founder of Deadstok Muskoka. They discuss his expertise in custom woodworking projects, the growing appreciation for handcrafted designs, and the importance of prioritizing exceptional customer service.
On this week’s episode of SQM Picks, David sits down with Sasha, the founder of Sasha Therapy Clinic. They discuss the importance of a proper assessment in creating effective treatment plans and explore the wide range of services the clinic offers, including Registered Massage Therapy, Osteopathy, Acupuncture, and Chiropractic care.
You can head to sasha.noterro.com for more details and to book an appointment.
On this week’s episode of SQM Picks, David sits down with Neil Flagg, the owner and founder of Sports Poster Warehouse. They discuss the top-selling items in the poster industry and highlight the importance of prioritizing exceptional customer service.
Visit Sports Poster Warehouse @ 55 Queens Plate Dr Unit #9, Toronto, ON M9W 6P2
https://sportsposterwarehouse.com
At SQM, we celebrate exceptional customer service and the individuals who go above and beyond for their customers. John Fisher, President and Founder of Bridgeport Asset Management, exemplifies this dedication. In this feature, SQM President David Lipton sits down with John to explore how Bridgeport supports its clients’ investment journeys and shares valuable insights for anyone looking to start investing.
With sunny days ahead, and nicer weather coming up, May is the perfect time to get your daily dose of vitamin D. This Victoria Day take some time off and celebrate safely with friends and family. Here are a few ideas:
Take a hike or bike ride: Get in some exercise while the weather’s nice! Take a hike or a ride around your neighbourhood and enjoy the greenery at a nearby trail or park.
Have a picnic: Pack a lunch and a few snacks, and head to a nice outdoor area to enjoy a meal outside. May is prime time for picnics, as it may still be too cold for many insects to come out. Some nice places to have a picnic around Toronto are Ashbridges Bay, Trinity Bellwoods Park, and Bluffers Beach.
Have a backyard BBQ: It’s BBQ season! Have a personal cookout in your backyard. Depending on where you are, some cities might not be holding fireworks, but you may be able to do your own, depending on your local bylaws and guidelines.
Work on a personal garden: Now is a good time to develop your green thumb! If there are any home projects that you need to finish, consider getting some good work in on Victoria Day.
Help the community: Helping out others in the community is always time well-spent. Whether it’s volunteering at a soup kitchen, helping take care of the homeless, or bringing a meal to someone who is in need, it could be a good idea to devote some time on the weekend to help others.
Go for a drive: Depending on your local guidelines, you could take a leisurely drive out in the country and enjoy the scenery.
Camping for the weekend: I personally am not a big fan of the cold or black flies, so I would wait for warmer weather, but camping can be an option for you (again, if you can do so safely)! And if camping grounds are not open due to the lockdown, try pitching a tent in your backyard.
Virtual concerts: Enjoy some of your favourite artists by attending a virtual concert. Musicians such as Twenty One Pilots and Jason Mraz are hosting concerts near Victoria Day weekend. For more information about upcoming virtual concerts, click here.
Brunch on the patio: If you don’t want to go too far from home, you could always try and set up a nice lunch out on your patio or balcony, while enjoying the sun. If you are allowed to do so, visiting loved ones could also be an idea.
Baking is love…and we are all doing it these days!
Just before the pandemic, SQM was working on a project that involved a local startup: The World’s Best Vanilla Company. The original goal was to import the highest quality Madagascar vanilla to sell to the foodservice industry, but due to COVID-19, the strategy had to change.
Everyone was staying at home and baking, so the company decided to start selling to consumers. Some people use the vanilla for baking, or for making ice cream—many high end bakeries and ice cream parlours in the city purchase this company’s vanilla for use in their products.
In addition, other people buy vanilla because they want to make their own vanilla extract. A lot of people don’t realize how simple the process is. Slice the vanilla pods lengthwise, run your knife over the beans, scraping them out, and steep them in alcohol for approximately three months. The result is some of the best-tasting vanilla extract on the planet, to cook and bake with at your leisure. This is a great way to undertake a fun family project, while saving yourself some money at the same time.
The World’s Best Vanilla Company also sells vanilla extract gift bottles. The bottles come in two different sizes and they make amazing gifts for people looking for something different. Lately, we have been seeing people buy a bottle for themselves, and one (or more) for a friend.
Mothers Day is coming! If you’re looking for a unique gift for Mom (and if you are lucky, she will bake for you…), or looking to support a small business, I highly recommend you check out The World’s Best Vanilla Company. Happy baking!
Like all holidays celebrated recently, this year’s Valentine’s will be slightly different from the rest. Whether you’re in a lockdown, quarantine, or just trying to stay safe during the pandemic, there are still plenty of ways to celebrate the Valentine’s Day long weekend with your loved ones:
Treat yourself: Whether or not you’re in a relationship, it is always important to take some time (especially during the holiday season), to treat yourself. Order from your favourite restaurant, binge-watch your favourite tv show or do whatever it is that you find relaxing. Make an effort to have some valuable “me time”.
Romantic Dinner: There is no shame in the take-out game! This is the perfect time to support your local small businesses. Where possible, pick up the food directly from the restaurant instead of using UberEats or SkipTheDishes.
Cook at home: Show off those cooking skills you learned during lockdown/quarantine! If you’re looking to enhance your cooking skills, consider staying in and cooking, using ingredients from high-end grocery stores, such as Pusateri’s or Bruno’s Fine Foods. Cooking as a couple is a great way to bond.
Splurge On Dessert: Dessert is arguably the best part of any meal. If you or your significant other has a sweet tooth, here are some of our favourite bakeries in Toronto that you should try: Bobbette & Belle have an excellent variety of artisanal pastries that you can order online, R Bakery Cafe boasts excellent customized cakes, as well as an impressive breakfast menu, The Rolling Pin has different daily flavours for their cupcakes, Dufflet Pastries allows you to mail a cookie to your loved one for Valentine’s, and Phipps Bakery has an assortment of unique pies and cakes to choose from.
Afternoon Tea: You are cordially invited to high tea at The Windsor Arms, which is currently offering a tea at home for 2 program. The package also comes with a variety of scones, sandwiches, and cakes.
Gourmet Chocolates: You could go the old-fashioned route and get your partner a nice box of chocolates. SOMA Chocolate Maker has unique shapes and custom orders, Ambience chocolat carries gourmet chocolate boxes, and The Chocolateria has chocolate bars, cookies, and an assortment of gifts.
Take your date outdoors: Skating is a way of getting out and getting some great exercise—although you have to book in advance. Skating rinks that are available for booking are High Park, Nathan Phillips Square, Mel Lastman Square, and Rosedale Park.
Volunteer in a soup kitchen: At a time when everyone’s trying to help others, you could consider putting off your date night to deliver foods to the homeless or help out at a soup kitchen. Some kitchens and food banks around Toronto that are accepting volunteers include the Daily Bread Food Bank, and The Salvation Army.
DIY Vanilla Extract Kits: If you’re buying your partner a gift, why not get them something from the World’s Best Vanilla Company! I’m involved with this company and want to let you know about the Valentine’s Day version of our popular, Make Your Own Vanilla Extract bottles.
Just add your choice of alcohol, follow the instructions, and in a few weeks, you will have some amazing extract to bake with.
If you’re interested, check us out on Facebook or email info@worldsbestvanilla.com
Wishing everyone a safe and happy Valentine’s Day!
If anyone’s in the mood for a classic American breakfast, there’s a quaint diner called Norval Pancake Factory at 71 Mountainview Road North in Georgetown, that serves some amazing waffles, pancakes, omelettes, and other brunch items.
I first stumbled across the diner when it was at a different location, about 15 years ago. It was the first time I met Effie, the owner of Norval Pancake Factory. Effie is superb when it comes to customer service—she’s great at making sure both the service and food are excellent. The restaurant serves anything from all-day breakfast to club sandwiches, and of course, pancakes. At one point, they switched over to a fancier night diner, but to my knowledge, they’ve switched back to doing breakfast.
All the food is served hot and fresh. I once ordered a club sandwich and it took a little longer than average to get it to my table because they were grilling the chicken and bacon fresh. The meals are good portions, and everything is reasonably priced.
I was a little concerned about dining in, because I haven’t dined in many restaurants over the past few months, but it was great to see that the booths were separated by plexiglass, staff were all wearing face masks, and tables were spaced out appropriately. Effie visited tables just as she used to and asked how everyone’s meals were. Staff were extremely friendly, well trained, and familiar with the menu.
If you’re looking for somewhere to grab some unique breakfast items (smarties pancakes, cinnamon apple pancakes, and caramel pancakes), I highly recommend Pancake Factory.
