Garret (00:00.965)

All right. So, let's see what's going on here.

3rd view (00:03.102)

Just gonna put some out here, right there. Powder of makeup. All right, so I typically, again, I'm gonna be editing all this stuff out. I just wanna make sure that, yeah, my microphone's good. And anything we don't like or you're like, you know, I really shouldn't have said that about that guy. Just, you know, stop me, I'll make a note or whatever. I've got my own notes here about what we were gonna be talking about. I'll lead you through it, but it's gonna feel like we were just talking just now. All right.

Dean (00:04.44)

Right there. Powder and makeup. Alright, so I typically, again, I'm going to be editing all this stuff out. I just want to make sure that, yeah, my microphone's good. And anything we don't like or you're like, you know, I really shouldn't have said that about that guy. Just, you know, stop me. I'll make a note or whatever. I've got my own notes here about what we were going to be talking about. I'll lead you through it, but it's going to feel like we were just talking just now. Alright, so I'll do a bit of an intro here.

Garret (00:13.733)

I'm just gonna make sure I get them right.

3rd view (00:31.262)

So I'll do a bit of an intro here.

Dean (00:36.284)

Dean, welcome to the podcast. Thank you. So audience, for those of you who don't know, my parents, maybe Dean, you don't even know this, wouldn't let me play hockey when I was a kid. I'm saying this back story to the camera here because who is Dean Cork, right? So they didn't let me play hockey because my mother was afraid that I ruined my fingers and I was at very high level piano. I started going to sport, competition, all that kind of stuff.

3rd view (00:36.318)

Dean, welcome to the podcast. Thank you. So audience, for those of you who don't know, my parents, maybe Dean, you don't even know this, wouldn't let me play hockey when I was a kid. And I'm saying this backstory to the camera here because who is Dean Court, right? So they didn't let me play hockey because my mother was afraid that I ruined my fingers and I was at very high level piano. I started when I was four, competition, all that kind of stuff. So when I finished all of that,

Dean (01:04.508)

So when I finished all of that, and I was a rabid hockey fan, all my buddies were playing hockey, this man audience ran a program that taught me how to play. And now I'm in beer league and I played hockey three, four times a week. So I'm very grateful for that, but we're going to unpack that. So why don't you tell the audience and start off with who you are and we'll really get into your background and why I brought you on that. Absolutely. Well, thank you for having me here today. Well, virtually what I started with was I played my minor hockey.

3rd view (01:06.75)

rabid hockey fan, all my buddies are playing hockey, this mad audience, ran a program that taught me how to play and now I'm in beer league and I play hockey three, four times a week. So I'm very grateful for that, but we're going to unpack that. So why don't you tell the audience and start off with who you are and we'll really get into your background and why I brought you on the plot. Absolutely. Well, thank you for having me here today. Well, virtually what I started with was I played my minor hockey here in, in, in Winnipeg.

Garret (01:17.701)

Okay.

Dean (01:34.012)

here in Winnipeg, you know, the AA, AAA all through. Start with humble beginnings, similar to you, my parents weren't exactly supportive of the game of hockey. We didn't have the affordability, my parents didn't have the affordability in time and or financially. So we, I'd go to the outdoor rink and watch the games and community clubs. And what I did wanna do is I wanted to play.

3rd view (01:35.902)

You know the double -A, triple -A all through. Started with humble beginnings. Similar to you, my parents weren't exactly supportive of the game of hockey. We didn't have the affordability. My parents didn't have the affordability in time and or financially. So we, I'd go to the outdoor rink and watch the games and community clubs and what I did want to do is I wanted to play. So I went to my parents, asked them, I said, is there any opportunity for me to play and they were just really not interested. So.

Garret (01:38.821)

So, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so,

So, I'm going to go ahead and get my students and faculty members in. So, I'm going to go ahead and ask them to submit some other sort of opportunity for them to play that game. I just want to acknowledge this. I'm going to go ahead and push it. I'm going to go ahead and push it.

Dean (01:59.772)

So I went to my parents and asked them, I said, is there any opportunity for me to play? And they were just really not interested. So I went to neighbors who provided me some equipment over, over the years I was able to get enough equipment to play. So I started a little bit later, playing.

3rd view (02:05.758)

I went to neighbors who provided me some equipment over the years I was able to get enough equipment to play. So I started a little bit later playing club hockey, of which then I just loved playing it. The second I was able to play, it was just something that I was able to do that I loved and I was able to excel at. So that's a little bit of background about my minor hockey. well, let's not interrupt you, but I really...

Dean (02:18.286)

Of which then I just loved playing it. The second I was able to play, it just was something that I was able to do that I loved and I was able to excel at. So that's a little bit of background about my minor hockey and I was able to - Well, let's, I'm sure not to interrupt you, but I mean, I really, so the purpose that I want to bring you on here is to talk about your background, business, excelling in sports, and maybe draw some parallels to business. When you, because I mean, I -

Garret (02:21.965)

It just sometimes it would do.

3rd view (02:34.846)

So the purpose that I want to bring you on here is to talk about your background, business, excelling in sports, and maybe drawing some parallels to business. Because I mean, I have a vague idea, but for the audience, when you say I started late and then I only went into club level, what exactly does that mean? So when you first start minor hockey, you go through the community club development strategies, which are wherever the area of the city that you live in, you would play.

Dean (02:46.46)

have a big idea of it for the audience. When you say I started late and then I only went to club level, what exactly does that mean? So, when you first start minor hockey, you go to the community club development strategies, which are wherever the area of the city that you live in, you would play at the time that I was playing, it was a tier one, tier two, tier three. So at the level they call it today, it's A1, A2, A3.

3rd view (03:04.158)

At the time that I was playing it was a tier one, tier two, tier three. So at the level they call it today, it's A1, A2, A3. And at that time there was no social media. There was no understanding of where you could go, what levels you could play at. You just played minor hockey through the community clubs. And that was what we did. So when you were able to make, there wasn't really tryouts at that level. You go to the community club, you register, you go there. Now you're all of a sudden on a team that's assigned to you.

Garret (03:08.421)

So, I'm not sure if you're listening to me.

Dean (03:12.188)

And at that time there was no social media. There was no understanding of you know where you could go what levels you could play at You just played minor hockey Through the community clubs and that was what we did so when you were able to Make there wasn't really tryouts at that level you go to the community club you register you go there now You're all of a sudden on a team that's assigned to you You have so many games that are away so many games that are home so starting out that way I actually had to use the resources of

Garret (03:31.781)

I'm going to tell you that I'm still waiting. I'm still waiting. I'm still waiting. I'm still waiting. I'm still waiting. I'm still waiting. I'm still waiting. I'm still waiting. I'm still waiting. I'm still waiting. I'm still waiting. I'm still waiting. I'm still waiting. I'm still waiting. I'm still waiting. I'm still waiting. I'm still waiting. I'm still waiting. I'm still waiting. I'm still waiting. I'm still waiting. I'm still waiting. I'm still waiting. I'm still waiting. I'm still waiting. I'm still waiting. I'm still waiting. I'm still waiting. I'm still waiting. I'm still waiting. I'm still waiting. I'm still waiting. I'm still waiting. I'm still waiting. I'm still waiting. I'm still waiting. I'm still waiting. I'm still waiting. I'm still waiting. I'm still waiting. I'm still waiting. I'm still waiting. I'm still waiting. I'm

3rd view (03:33.598)

You have so many games that are away, so many games that are home. So starting out that way, I actually had to use the resources of other friends and neighbors that were able to drive me to games and earlier in my earlier life as I got older, you know, I was able to, you know, again, hop on the bus and ride to the different locations on my own. So there's a lot of stories behind, you know, the process of how hockey and minor hockey.

Dean (03:41.244)

other friends and neighbors that were able to drive me to games and earlier in my earlier life as I got older, you know, I was able to, you know, again, hop on the bus and ride to the different locations on my own. So there's a lot of stories behind, you know, the process of how hockey and minor hockey for many people is and I think what we'll talk about a little bit is that, you know, growing the game inclusion.

Garret (04:00.293)

Suck me, man.

3rd view (04:02.526)

for many people. And I think what we'll talk about a little bit is that growing the game, inclusion. I was able to be included from a younger level. Like I said, I started later because of the affordability. My parents didn't have the money to allow me to play. Similar to you, your mother didn't want you to play because she was in fear of your hands. My family was in fear of financial responsibility. They couldn't afford to pay for the sport that I love. So I had to find a way.

Dean (04:10.3)

You know, I was able to be included from a younger level. You know, like I said, you know, I started later because of the affordability. My parents did not give me money to allow me to play. Similar to you, you know, your mother didn't want you to play because you're in fear of your hands. My family was in fear of financial responsibility. They couldn't afford to pay for the sport that I love. So I had to find a way. I always would find a way. And that was the way, that was my drive. It was something that I loved. I wanted to play hockey. And so I worked towards that.

3rd view (04:32.03)

I always would find a way and that was the way that was my drive. It was a, it was something that I loved. I wanted to play hockey. And so I worked towards that. I mean, I would deliver papers. That's what you did. You know, that's how you made money. I would go clean up garbage. That's what you did. That's how you made money. So I was able to help pay for the registration. Lots of times community centers, and I believe to this date will still allow, you know, some people that don't have the affordability to still participate. And that's very important. Okay. So late.

Dean (04:40.508)

I would deliver papers, that's what you did, you know, that's how you make money. I would go clean up garbage, that's what you did, that's how you make money. So I was able to help pay for the registration. Lots of times community centers, and I believe to this date, will still allow, you know, some people that don't have the affordability to still participate, and that's very important. Okay, so late for, you say club player, you started late, and then you went into junior hockey, I know. I did. So I've heard of late bloomers, what age were you when you say I just wanted to late?

3rd view (05:00.094)

or you say club player you started late and then you went into junior hockey. I did. So I've heard of late bloomers. What age were you when you say I just went into late? So I what I ended up doing is I ended up getting into double A and then triple A and then I started at junior eight and at that time it's called the four career blues and you know I played for about six games. Unfortunately wasn't successful. I you know broke my nose I think. You know I

Dean (05:09.34)

So what I ended up doing is I ended up getting into AA and then AAA. And then I started at Junior 8 and at that time it was called the Four Fiery Blues. And I played for about six games. Unfortunately, wasn't successful. I broke my nose, I think. It wasn't at the level I was ready to play yet. So I went and played Major Junior in Manitoba for the Charles and Hawks. And I ended up meeting some really good friends there.

3rd view (05:28.062)

It wasn't at the level I was ready to play yet. So I went and played Major Junior in Manitoba for the Charles and Hawks. And I ended up meeting some really good friends there. And I stayed there for four years and played there. I ended up becoming the captain of the team. I love playing there. How old is this age? 17 to 20. 17 to 20. Okay. 17 to 20. So now I'm playing Major Junior Hockey. I'm networking with some great people. So for me, it was very important to play.

Dean (05:39.004)

And I stayed there for four years and played there and ended up becoming the captain of the team. I love playing there. How old is this? 17 to 20. 17 to 20. Okay. 17 to 20. So now I'm playing major junior hockey. I'm networking with some great people. so for me, it was, it was very important to, to play with the peers that I, that I enjoyed rather than worrying about the level of play I was going to get to. So for me, I still continue to work ethic. I was training, I was training off ice.

3rd view (05:57.502)

with the peers that I enjoyed rather than worrying about the level of play I was going to get to. So for me, I still continue to work ethic. I was training, I was training off ice, but I didn't, again, our family background still didn't have the financial affordability to do a lot of extra, like the spring hockey development strategies or any of the summer hockey programs. I had to do that outside the old school way, training away from where people weren't aware.

Dean (06:07.932)

But I didn't, again, our family background still didn't have the financial affordability to do a lot of extra, like the spring hockey development strategies or any of the summer hockey programs. I had to do that outside the old school way, training away from where people weren't aware that I was doing it. I was working out in the basement in the home gym. I was training off the ice with running and sprinting.

Garret (06:10.917)

SPLAT

Garret (06:14.789)

I'm not sure if that's the right word, still not the right one, so I'm just gonna try to make the same thing again. I'm not sure if that's the right word, still not the right one, so I'm just gonna try to make the same thing again. I'm not sure if that's the right word, still not the right one, so I'm just gonna try to make the same thing again. I'm not sure if that's the right word, still not the right one, so I'm just gonna try to make the same thing again. I'm not sure if that's the right word, still not the right one, so I'm just gonna try to make the same thing again. I'm not sure if that's the right word, still not the right one, so I'm just gonna try to make the same thing again. I'm not sure if that's the right word, still not the right one, so I'm just gonna try to make the same thing again. I'm not sure if that's the right word, still not the

3rd view (06:26.782)

that I was doing it. I was working out in the basement in the home gym. I was training off the ice with running and sprinting and plyometrics at the time and long jump and standing jumps. So I did a lot of training away from the norm and that allowed me to become a much better hockey player. By the time I was 20 years old, when I was just finishing junior, I ended up playing in a league called the cash league and that was...

Dean (06:35.452)

and plyometrics at the time and long jump and stand and jump. So I did a lot of training away from the norm and that allowed me to become a much better hockey player. By the time I was 20 years old, when I was just finishing junior, I ended up playing in a league called the Cash League and that was a lot of players played in the IHL, American Hockey League, some former NHLers had come and we were playing for the Allen Cup and the Allen Cup was the original Stanley Cup. So for me,

3rd view (06:52.51)

A lot of players played in the IHL, American Hockey League, some former NHLers had come and we were playing for the Allen Cup and the Allen Cup was the original Stanley Cup. So for me, it was an opportunity to play in the Cache League. I ended up playing for St. James Flames and the St. Lawrence Mohawks. We played against Thunder Bay, Warroad, we played in the National Championship across Canada. Unfortunately, I had three chances to win that Allen Cup and wasn't successful in any of them, but I was fully grateful for that opportunity. So,

Dean (07:03.836)

It was an opportunity to play in the Cache League. I ended up playing for St. James Flames and the St. Bonne -Smolle Hots. We played against Thunder Bay, Warroad. We played in the National Championship across Canada. Unfortunately, I had three chances to win that All -In Cup and wasn't successful in any of them, but I'm fully grateful for that opportunity. So that's when I became a much better hockey player because I now had the proper coaching. I now had the ability to go to practice and do things that would allow me to become a more skilled player.

Garret (07:05.925)

I'm not a student of the United States. I'm not a student of the United States. I'm not a student of the United States. I'm not a student of the United States. I'm not a student of the United States. I'm not a student of the United States. I'm not a student of the United States. I'm not a student of the United States. I'm not a student of the United States. I'm not a student of the United States. I'm not a student of the United States. I'm not a student of the United States. I'm not a student of the United States. I'm not a student of the United States. I'm not a student of the United States. I'm not a student of the United States. I'm not a student of the United States. I'm not a student of the United States. I'm not a student of the United States. I'm not a student of the United States. I'm not a student of the United States. I'm not a student of the United States. I'm not a

3rd view (07:21.95)

That's when I became a much better hockey player because I now had the proper coaching. I now had the ability to go to practice and do things that would allow me to become a more skilled player. During that time, I was given an opportunity to go to Europe. I ended up playing a season in Germany, in Brown Laugue, West Germany. I was 1989 -90, I was 22 years old. That was when the wall was coming down. I had a tremendous experience.

Dean (07:33.852)

During that time, I was given an opportunity to go to Europe. I ended up playing a season in Germany, where in Branaloga, West Germany. I was 1989 -90, I was 22 years old. That was when the wall was coming down. I had a tremendous experience. But at that time, I also had a girlfriend, which became my wife. And it was really tough to be away from home. My parents that really didn't understand her comprehended hockey. So they were, why am I?

3rd view (07:51.358)

But at that time I also had a girlfriend, which became my wife. And it was really tough to be away from home. My parents that really didn't understand or comprehend hockey. So they were, why am I playing in Europe and not in the NHL? And I said, well, it's not that easy. You don't just do that. So was there being naive and not really understanding how the process went where I was just playing the game to try and, and, and, cause I love the game and I wanted the game to love me back. And it did. So for me, you know, I played one season.

Garret (08:00.101)

I'm coming, I'm coming, I'm coming.

Dean (08:04.252)

playing in Europe and not in the NHL. And I said, well, it's not that easy. You don't just do that. So it was there being naive and not really understanding how the process went where I was just playing the game to try and, and, and, and, because I loved the game and I wanted the game to love me back. And it did. So for me, you know, I played one season, I came back home. I had an opportunity to go to Indianapolis and the IHL. I went to training camp there. I stayed there for about two and a half, three weeks.

Garret (08:18.981)

What the fuck? What the fuck?

3rd view (08:21.214)

I came back home, I had an opportunity to go to Indianapolis in the IHL, went to training camp there, stayed there for about two and a half, three weeks, was released from that team, had an offer in the ECHL in Cincinnati, had declined it and said I went back home. Virtually at 23 years old and said, okay, it's time to move on, get involved in hockey maybe from a coaching level and that's when I started the development and that's when I started, I ended up...

Dean (08:31.484)

It was released from that team had an offer in the ECHL in Cincinnati had declined it and said I went back home virtually at 23 years old and said okay It's time to move on get involved in hockey maybe from a coaching level and that's when I started the development and that's why I started I ended up Owning my own hockey schools and starting that right there at 23 years old. wow. I ended up coaching major junior the major junior in Manitoba I started coaching at that level. I ended up in the 90s

3rd view (08:48.158)

owning my own hockey schools and starting that right there at 23 years old. I ended up coaching major junior in Manitoba. I started coaching at that level. I ended up in the 90s, ended up coaching high school and then AAA, AA, minor hockey. And I went, you know, I did all my hockey Canada skill development strategies. You know, I have all my level NCCP, level one national certifications. I maintain those to this date. I think it's very important to do that.

Dean (09:00.028)

Ended up coaching high school and then AAA AA minor hockey and I went you know, I did all my hockey Canada skill development strategies You know, I have all my level NCCP level one national certifications. I maintain those to this day. I think it's very important to do that Wow. Yes, so what happened in the very time that's a I didn't know that you started the coaching that yes early. Yes, I did right now. I'm 23 years old. It's crazy. Yeah, I've been coaching a long time

3rd view (09:18.174)

Wow. Okay. So a lot happened in a very short period of time. I didn't know that you started the coaching that early. Yes. I did right after playing. So 23 years old, it's crazy. Yeah, I've been coaching a long time. So speak to me about the decision, right? To come back, to turn down another team. When does a dream die when you're 23 years old and how do you deal with that? It never really died and it still doesn't die this day. You know, if there's no rage draft, I like to be considered.

Dean (09:29.084)

So speak to me about the decision, right? To come back, to turn down another team. When does a dream die when you're 23 years old and how do you deal with that? It never really died and it still doesn't die this day. You know, if there's no rage, you're out there like to be considered. No, but it didn't die, but you have to be real and you have to understand that there are players out there that are about skills, skill -wise or commitment -wise more than you are.

3rd view (09:46.142)

No, but it didn't die, but you have to be real. And you have to understand that there are players out there that are developed skills, skill -wise or commitment -wise more than you are. So humility is very important. And at that point I realized, you know, I might not be as good as I wanted to be. You know, I was committed. I fully trained. I was ready to go and play and compete. But that part, you needed an additional, you needed more size. The way the game was played back then, you know, I'm 190 pounds, five foot 10.

Dean (09:56.06)

So humility is very important. And at that point I realized, you know, I might not be as good as I had wanted to be. You know, I was committed. I fully trained. I was ready to go and play and compete. But that part, you needed an additional, you needed more size. The way the game was played back then, you know, I'm 190 pounds, five foot 10, you know, and very capable of handling myself both on the ice and off the ice. But the reality for that era is the six foot one, 215 pound player, it was, it was, that was where they were going for.

3rd view (10:14.334)

you know, and very capable of handling myself both on the ice and off the ice, but the reality for that era is the 6 '1", 215 pound player, that was where they were going for. And you know, at that time it was sort of the transition from middleweights to heavyweights and fans were buying tickets to see the heavyweights, not the middleweights, and that was what was happening. And you know, I didn't mind the fighting portion of playing hockey, but I also wanted to play the game and I felt, you know, for me,

Dean (10:25.82)

And you know at that time was the sort of transition from middleweights to heavyweights and fans were buying tickets to see the heavyweights not the middleweights and that was what was happening. And you know I didn't mind the fighting portion of playing hockey but I also wanted to play the game and I felt you know for me just the chapter in that book of hockey it was done and I was respectful to those that were better than I was. So it was time to do what I love but in a coaching way. I really appreciated being a part of the team.

3rd view (10:42.398)

just the chapter in that book of hockey, it was done and I was respectful to those that were better than I was. So it was time to do what I love but in a coaching way. I really appreciated being a part of the team, being a part of the game, but I wanted to coach. So I went back to where I could be comfortable, which was coaching junior hockey. I coached for a couple years as assistant, you know, as assistant and then I became the head coach. And then I was offered a couple of opportunities to coach high school. At that time there was only six teams in...

Dean (10:54.268)

part of the game, but I wanted to coach. So I went back to where I could be comfortable, which was coaching junior hockey. I coached for a couple years as assistant, you know, as assistant, and then I became the head coach. And then I was offered a couple of opportunities to coach high school. At that time, there was only six teams in the entire product. 60 over 60, 70. So it's very, that was very important part of my life to get involved at the very beginning stages of these, you know, these programs.

3rd view (11:11.838)

I think an entire problem. It's like it is now. 60, over 60, 70. So it's very, that was very important part of my life to get involved at the very beginning stages of these, you know, these programs. So how do you feel that that entire time period, you know, teenage years up to 23 and then coaching. I mean, it sounds so cliche, but how does it shape the Dean court that we know today? Well, the, you know, importantly is, is the dressing room, the team, the players, the coaches.

Dean (11:23.484)

So how do you feel that that entire time period, you know, teenage years up to 23 and then coaching? And it sounds so cliche, but how does it shape the team court that we know today? Well, you know, importantly is the dressing room, the team, the players, the coaches. For me, it was an outlet to get away from some of the personal stuff that I had going on. And you know, I think there's a lot of stories behind people's, you know, successes.

3rd view (11:42.174)

For me, it was an outlet to get away from some of the personal stuff that I had going on. And I think there's a lot of stories behind people's successes. I feel that in my personal life, it was very volatile. There was lots of stuff going on with family members that were in no control of my own. And what I wanted to do was to be something different than that. So I had a choice to go to hockey.

Dean (11:52.796)

I feel that, you know, in my personal life, it was very volatile. There was lots of stuff going on with family members that were in no control of my own. And what I wanted to do was to be something different than that. So I had a choice to go to hockey, to meet people that had goals in mind, set goals, set structure, and I liked the structure. I liked the organization. So for me personally, it allowed me to go to a place where I had, you know,

3rd view (12:09.598)

to meet people that had goals in mind, set goals, set structure, and I like the structure, I like the organization. So for me personally, it allowed me to go to a place where I had an ability to develop, develop to the level that I wanted to, but intellectually, and personally, emotionally. And there were other people that I would often say to myself, I'd see their parents, I'd go, they look very successful, and I'm not talking successful, I don't know what their financial responsibility is.

Dean (12:21.34)

ability to develop to the level that I wanted to but intellectually not and personally emotionally and there are other people that I would Often say to myself what what are they you know I'd see their parents I go what they look very successful, and I'm not talking successful I don't know what their financial responsibility You know what they had but they seem to be in love they seem to be happy and that was a happy place for me I'd go to the rink. I'd be very happy so I Got away from the instability of home to go to the rink where it was structure

3rd view (12:38.526)

you know what they had but they seem to be in love, they seem to be happy and that was a happy place for me. I'd go to the rink, I'd be very happy. So I got away from the instability of home to go to the rink where it was structure, stability, coaches liked me, you know, I had an assignment to do and I was able to be successful at it. So it, you know, for me, when you're able to now become a coach and now you put the structure in place, you don't know what goes on in the families. There's a lot of families that are...

Dean (12:51.26)

Stability coaches like me, you know, I had an assignment to do and I was able to be successful at it So it you know for me when you're able to now become a coach and now you put the structure in place You don't know what goes on in the families. There's a lot of families that are, you know split families now And you know, there's you know, getting them to it from the rink getting them, you know financially One's paying one's not there's a lot of stuff that goes on behind the scenes All the player wants to do is come there and play hockey. They want to hang out with their friends

3rd view (13:06.974)

split families now and you know there's you know getting them to and from the rink getting them you know financially to you know one's paying one's not there's a lot of stuff that goes on behind the scenes all the player wants to do is come there and play hockey they want to hang out with their friends they want to succeed true they have a true outlet that was for me what a true it was the way to get away and then of that background for me you know that being volatile and never certain on the ice.

Dean (13:20.604)

They want to succeed, true. They have a true outlet. That was for me, a true outlet. It was the way to get away. And then of that background for me, you know, that being volatile and never certain on the ice, I was able to actually take a lot of that spirit and competitiveness and put it on the ice. So I worked my tail off because I wanted to succeed at something.

3rd view (13:36.35)

I was able to actually take a lot of that spirit and competitiveness and put it on the ice. So I worked my tail off because I wanted to succeed at something and that anger internally, and I don't know if it's anger more so, it was drive, it was commitment and drive. I just wanted to play the best I can. I ended up because of that, that commitment level to discipline and that commitment level to the work ethic. Most of it, like by the time I was 18 years old, I was a captain.

Dean (13:47.26)

and that anger internally, and I don't know if it's anger or more so, it was drive, it was commitment and drive. I just wanted to be nice and play the best I can. I ended up, because of that commitment level to discipline and that commitment level to the work ethic, most of it, like by the time I was 18 years old, I was a captain of the teams and most things I've been on, I've been fortunate to either be an alternate captain or a captain, not because of my skillset, but because of my commitment to.

3rd view (14:04.734)

And most most teams I've been on I've been fortunate to either be an alternate captain or a captain not because of my skill set but because of my commitment to communicate and character and I'm very proud of that because you know it's I'm grateful for that because I you know I think that your surroundings as you grow up what you may be missing out on certain things and you find an outlet to to find that ability to To take advantage of it. I was able to do that playing hockey. Yeah, you know

Dean (14:13.884)

communicate and character and I'm very proud of that because you know it's I'm grateful for that because I can only think that your Surroundings as you go up what you may be missing out on certain things and you find it out like to to find that ability to To take advantage of it. I was able to do that Yeah, you know I've got some pretty high -profile people on the podcast Adam Bigdell from the Blue Bombers. You know three great cup champion rings he speaks about

3rd view (14:34.654)

I've had some pretty high profile people on the podcast, Adam Dickel from the Blue Bombers, you know, three great Cup champion rings. He speaks about how coaches, mentors have really changed him over the years. From going now from a player then to a coach, how do you feel, how do you adopt that role because you've been both? I take it very, I'm humble again when I say it. I have gratitude beyond words. For me, being able to,

Dean (14:43.452)

how coaches, mentors have really changed him over the years. From going now from a player then to a coach, how do you feel, how do you adopt that role because you've been both? I take it very, I'm humble again when I say I have gratitude beyond words. For me, being able to meet an athlete that is driven with goals and would like to achieve.

3rd view (15:04.638)

meet an athlete that is driven with goals and would like to achieve the highest level of play that their abilities, God willing, would allow them to be. For me, it's communication. It's clear communication. It's being honest with them, telling them the truth. Often people won't tell you the truth. I don't know why people are afraid to tell the truth. Unfortunately, sometimes they get in trouble for telling the truth. But you can tell the truth in a certain way that allows the player to still have goals.

Dean (15:11.836)

the highest level of play that their abilities, God willing, would allow them to be. For me, it's communication. It's clear communication. It's being honest with them, telling them the truth. Often people won't tell you the truth. I don't know why people are afraid to tell the truth. Unfortunately, sometimes they get in trouble for telling the truth. But you can tell the truth in a certain way that allows the player to still have goals. I've had a conversation with my oldest son. He was going to go play junior in a...

3rd view (15:34.622)

You know, I've had the conversation with my oldest son. You know, he was going to go play junior in a rural area of the city, or a rural area of the province. And he was a very high academic. And I looked at him and I said, I'm being honest with you, go the academic route because the hockey route is not going to be successful for you. You don't have the size, you have the ability, but the commitment level too, and to start traveling all over the place, the end result is going to be, you know, you're going to get the chance to play junior hockey for three years. That's great. You know, but at the end.

Dean (15:41.34)

city or a rural area of the province and he was a very high academic and I looked at him and I said I'm being honest with you go the academic route because the hockey route is not going to be successful for you you don't have the size you have the ability but the commitment level too and if you start traveling all over the place the end result is going to be you know you're going to get the chance to play junior hockey for three years that's great you know but at the end why don't you take your academic responsibilities and and be more successful in that way so I've had these conversations with many families over the years.

3rd view (16:04.222)

Why don't you take your academic responsibilities and be more successful in that way? So I've had these conversations with many families over the years, not just as, you know, from the junior level, but at a much younger level. For me, you know, communicating clearly to the parents, letting them know, here's what our goals are, here's what our team goals are, here's how we structure our practices, here's how we structure, you know, our expectations of parents and of the players, and I give them an actual plan. So...

Dean (16:10.876)

Not just as you know from the junior level but a much younger level for me, you know communicating clearly to the parents letting them know Here's what our goals are. Here's what our our team goals are. Here's how we structure our practices Here's how we structure, you know our expectations of parents and of the players and Give them an actual plan. So for me if a player wants to succeed I'm willing to give them my full attention and my experience

3rd view (16:33.566)

For me, if a player wants to succeed, I'm willing to give them my full attention and my experience. You know, when you talk about Adam and being successful and having great mentors, you know, as coaches, his internal drive was going to get him where he wanted to go, no matter what it was that he wanted to do, it was him. The coaches, they're along there to support his work ethic, his discipline, his commitment, and not be in the way.

Dean (16:39.868)

You know when you talk about you know Adam and being successful and having great mentors, you know as coaches his internal drive is going to get him where he wanted to go no matter what it was that he wanted to do. It was him. The coaches they're along there to support his work ethic, his discipline, his commitment and not be in the way. So for me I look forward to being a part of the process, not telling them what their process should be. So you know when you put team goals you have coaches, your coaching staff, you put a structure in place.

3rd view (16:59.198)

So for me, I look forward to being a part of the process. You're not telling them what their process should be. So, you know, when you put team goals, you have coaches, you're coaching staff, you put a structure in place, you could have a heavy team that year and you might not be successful because, you know, you need more speed and skill and you just don't have it. So you get the resources when you're coaching in junior or you're coaching in the minor levels, AAA, anything, A1, A2, A3, you get provided your team in most cases and you got to work with the team that you work with.

Dean (17:09.052)

You could have a heavy team that year and you might not be successful because you need more speed and skill and you just don't have it. So you get the resources when you're coaching in junior or you're coaching at the minor levels, AAA or anything, A1, A2, A3, you get provided your team. In most cases then you got to work with the team that you work with and let the rest fall in place. That's a really good perspective. I'm actually neighbors, Liberant Cross -Stutival Rounds. From Ryan, yes. The play with Ryan is actually - is that right? Yep.

3rd view (17:27.262)

that the rest of the really good perspective. I'm actually neighbors. Live right across the street from Ryan Smith. From Ryan. Yes. And actually, always. All right. Yep. You know, and I sat at a barbecue with him last year and you know, he's he's head coach now in Seattle and just hearing him talk about that whole, not just hockey, but what you just said, you know, I said, well, how's it going? Right. Cause I think everybody just assumes that the coach is going to be directly responsible.

Dean (17:37.148)

You know, and I sat at a barbecue with him last year and you know, he's a head coach now in Seattle and just hearing him talk about that whole, not just hockey, but what you just said, you know, I said, well, how's it going? Right. Cause I think everybody just assumes that the coach is going to be directly responsible for the success of the team, but success is measured by different sticks. Right. And he's like, well, we've got a really, really young team.

3rd view (17:57.086)

success of the team but success is measured by different sticks right he's like well we got a really really young team and you know ownership understands that so he goes I communicate that with the ownership and we know that we're going towards a goal and I just found that fascinating because I hadn't been involved in high -level sports when I was a kid. Well interesting that Ryan would say that but it's true I mean so for for coach when you're coaching a team and you've got

Dean (18:04.22)

You know ownership understands that so he goes I communicate that with the ownership and we know that we're going towards a goal and I just found that Fascinating because I haven't been involved in high level sports Yeah, well interesting that Ryan would say that but it's true. I mean so for For coach when you're coaching a team and you've got you know players that have been drafted into your organization And you're trying to you know put together a puzzle. You can't have all goal scores. You have to have roles and and

3rd view (18:24.318)

you know players that have been drafted into your organization and you're trying to you know put together a puzzle you can't have all goal scores you have to have rules and a lot of players and I've seen this firsthand many times that you know when you do team Canada or team Anatole you know programs and you're going to be putting a team together to compete against the other provinces you've got players out there that are top six you know that are trying out and a player

Dean (18:34.204)

a lot of players and I've seen this firsthand many times that you know when you do Team Canada or Team Manitoba you know programs and you're going to be putting a team together to compete against the other provinces you've got players out there that are a top six that you know that are trying out and a player that is a top six role on their on their club team or their AAA team or high school.

3rd view (18:53.694)

that is a top six role on their club team or their AAA team or high school. They're not making the top six because you already got your sixth committee, but you can't put them in the bottom six because they won't accept that role. Now, a goaltender, you could look at, you know, you got three goaltenders trying out, you look at all three and meet with them, all three are really talented. And then you say to each, you know, all three of them, okay, what would you do if you were a backup? And they look at, someone will look at you and go, well, I'm not a backup. And...

Dean (18:59.548)

trying to you to they're not making the top six because you already got your six committed but you can't put them in the bottom six because they won't accept that role. Now a goaltender you could look at you know you have three goaltenders trying out you look at all three you meet with them all three are really talented and then you say they each you know all three of them okay what would you do if you're a backup and they look at some will look at you and go well I'm not a backup and the others will go I'll do whatever it takes to plan this team so when it comes down to making that decision.

3rd view (19:22.782)

The others will go, I'll do whatever it takes to play on this team. So when it comes down to making that decision, you're going to look at the player that they're going to compete for that first starting spot. But if they don't make that spot, I'm going to go with that person that's indicated clearly that they're willing to accept that. Because if you go to the player, the goalie that says, I don't want to be a backup, they either are all in or out. Because if they're out and they're watching, they're going to actually, the whole bench dynamic will change because they'll be pouting. So you have to be very mindful when you're like with.

Dean (19:28.476)

you're going to look at the player that they're going to compete for that first starting spot. But if they don't make that spot, I'm going to go with that person that's indicated clearly that they're willing to accept that. Because if you go to the player, the goalie that says, I don't want to give back up, they either are all in or out. Because if they're out and they're watching, they're going to actually, the whole bench dynamic will change because they're reproding. So you have to be very mindful when you're, especially with Coach Ryan. I mean, he's an excellent coach. He's been around a long time.

3rd view (19:52.542)

especially with Coach Ryan, he's an excellent coach, he's been around a long time. For him, he's got to put that puzzle together with communication, where you play, what you're willing to accept and what you're willing to work towards. That's very important as a player and as a goalie and as a coach. We need to make the team work together. So if we have energy guys, someone will go, well, how did that player make the team over that player? So why did we take a Garrett Long over at Dean Court? Well, Garrett was willing to take...

Dean (19:56.764)

For him, he's got to put that puzzle together with communication, where you play, what you're willing to accept and what you're willing to work towards. That's very important as a player and as a goalie and as a coach. We need to make the team work together. So if we've got energy guys, someone will go, well, how did that player make the team over that player? So why did we take a Garrett Long over at Dean Court? Well, Garrett was willing to take four shifts in the entire game. And in those four shifts, he had the block shots with his...

3rd view (20:22.334)

four shifts in the entire game and those four shifts he had to block shots with his body. There are players out there that are not willing to do what it takes to win and coaches have to find a way to win and that's the difference. So when you get someone like Coach Ryan who's trying to put the puzzle together, there's drafts, players are brought here, you need to put that together and someone might scratch your head and say, why didn't you take that player? Because they, during that process, weren't willing to do the things needed to win for the team.

Dean (20:26.46)

You know, body. There are players out there that are not willing to do what it takes to win and coaches have to find a way to win. And that's the difference. So when you get someone like coach Ryan, he's trying to put the puzzle together. There's, there's, there's drafts, you know, players are brought here. You need to put that together and someone might scratch your head and say, why didn't you take that player? Cause they, during that process weren't willing to do the things needed to win for the team, not for the player. That's super interesting because.

3rd view (20:51.87)

not for the player. That's super interesting because drawing a parallel to business, we were just talking about this in pre -show sports teams business. Now I'm starting to see, right? Cause if you have an entire cast and you just take from the first draft, the first round, if you will, for business, right? You're trying to poorly draw an analogy here. Well, you still have your supporting cast, your assistants, your whatever people putting the office together, whatever it is.

Dean (20:55.42)

you know, drawing a parallel to business. We were just talking about this in pre -shows, sports teams, business. Now I'm starting to see, right? Cause if you have the entire cast and you just take from the first draft, the first round, if you will, for business, trying to poorly draw an analogy here, well, you still have your supporting cast, right? Your assistants, your whatever, the people putting the office together, whatever it is.

Everybody has to have that role and accept that role or the team the organization can't function agreed they do it but they can accept that role for the initial for the initial culture But if you give them that the opportunity to have a development strategy where they're gonna grow Where they if they if they strive to be in that top six room or they strive to be in business to have a more You know higher role and responsibilities They have to earn that just like any player. It's life. It's it's part of the process of growth

3rd view (21:20.67)

everybody has to have that role and accept that role or the team, the organization can function. Agreed. They do it, but they can accept that role for the initial, for the initial portion. But if you give them the opportunity to have a development strategy where they're going to grow, where they, if they, if they strive to be in that top six role or they strive to be in business to have a more, you know, higher role and responsibilities, they have to earn that just like any player. It's life. It's, it's, it's part of the process of, of growth.

So if you've got employees that are wanting to strive to achieve more, you have to lay it out in the foundation for them. These are the things you need to do. Not everyone is willing to do those things in order. They just want to get to the end, but not the process. You have to have a journey. And you know what? Through the journey, you have to have obstacles. And through the obstacles, you have to have roadblocks. And through those roadblocks, you've got to go through them, overtop them around them, but you've got to go through them over or around them.

Dean (21:50.268)

So if you've got employees that are wanting to strive to achieve more, you have to lay out the foundation for them. These are the things you need to do. Not everyone is willing to do those things. They just want to get to the end, but not the process. You have to have a journey. And you know what? Through the journey, you have to have obstacles. And through those obstacles, you have to have roadblocks. And through those roadblocks, you've got to go through them, overtop them, or around them. But you've got to go through them, over or around them.

You can't just sit still and go, now what do I do? You have to find a way. And that's the best teams, whether they're in business or they're in sports, find a way to win. They have to find a way to get over those roadblocks, to get over those barriers, to be successful. And when they are successful, they have to, for a very short period of time, appreciate them and then set new goals that are even further and more attainable. Yeah. I think it's like the Greyhound, right? Where you've got the, whatever they use here. Yeah.

3rd view (22:19.102)

You can't just sit still and go, now what do I do? You have to find a way. And that's the best teams, whether they're in business or they're in sports, find a way to win. They have to find a way to get over those roadblocks, to get over those barriers, to be successful. And when they are successful, they have to, for a very short period of time, appreciate them and then set new goals that are even further and more attainable. Yeah. I think it's like the Greyhound, right? where you've got the, whatever they use her. Yeah.

Dean (22:48.124)

or base these days, but it's just ahead because we've talked about this in pre -show for a dog that catches its tail now left. If you've got high performing and functioning team members, you have to, as leaders, we have to keep moving that goal line. Because you need to keep the team moving. Well, they want self -worth, right? They have self -worth and you appreciate that and you have to acknowledge that. So you acknowledge that as a coach as well too, to the players. Like we didn't just get here because we have one goal scorer. We got here because we have a goaltender. We have...

3rd view (22:48.126)

or base these days, but it's just ahead because we've talked about this in pre -show for a dog that catches its tail, now what? If you've got high performing and functioning team members, you have to, as leaders, we have to keep moving that goal line. Absolutely. Because you need to keep the team moving. Well, they want self -worth, right? They have self -worth. And you appreciate that, and you have to acknowledge that. So you acknowledge that as a coach as well, too, to the players. We didn't just get here because we have one goal scorer. We got here because we have a goaltender, we have...

trainers, we have every part that we need to be successful. Now, are you willing to do your role to be successful? Now, some people want a different role, but they're not willing to finish up or complete the role they're existing in. So what's the word? Oversaturated? You want to oversaturate that role or you want to be an oversaturated development player. So a lot of in hockey, I want to play junior. Well, I'm 16. I got to play junior. And you're like, okay, but you're 16 juniors between 16 and 20.

Dean (23:17.66)

We have every part that we need to be successful. Now are you willing to do your role to be successful? Now some people want a different role, but they're not willing to finish up or complete the role they're existing in. So what's the word? Oversaturated? You want to oversaturate that role or you want to be an oversaturated development player. So a lot of in hockey, I want to play junior. Well I'm 16. I got to play junior. And you're like, okay, but you're 16. Junior is between 16 and 20.

you want to get there. Well then you do get there. You get chosen because you're an elite player at 16. But now you're trying to mix in with 19 and 20 year olds and you're like, hey, here I am. I deserve to get in here. I should be on the bar play. And you don't realize because the other people have gone through the same process. So those players have gone through the same process that you have. So you need to be respectful of those that have gone through it before you. Now here's what happens. I'd rather oversaturate that 16 year old, let him play another year of AAA or U18.

3rd view (23:45.918)

you want to get there. Well then you do get there. You get chosen because you're an elite player at 16. But now you're trying to mix in with 19 and 20 year olds and you're like, hey, here I am. I deserve to get in here. I should be on the fire plate. And you don't realize because the other people have gone through the same process. So those players have gone through the same process that you have. So you need to be respectful of those that have gone through it before you. Now here's what happens. I'd rather oversaturate that 16 year old, let them play another year of AAA or U18.

Dean (24:15.004)

And then go in with confidence and structure and say, okay, you now can, you know, you're not, you're still going to get a lesser role, but you'll have the respect and understanding of being a leader first at the role you're in before you can move on. Because everywhere you go at the next level, you start at the beginning, you don't get to walk in and be the guy. You know, I don't, in most businesses, you know, I, when you're an employee and you're going through the actual, you know, company over years and, and, and let's say you're,

3rd view (24:15.006)

And then going with confidence and structure and say, okay, you now can, you know, you're not, you're still going to get a lesser role, but you'll have the respect and understanding of being a leader first at the role you're in before you can move on because everywhere you go at the next level, you start at the beginning. You don't get to walk in and be the guy, you know, I don't in most businesses, you know, I, when you're an employee and you're going through the actual, you know, company over years and, and, and let's say you're,

Dean (24:43.356)

You know, you've been there for a decade. You probably have been given structure, but at the same time, those are attainable goals. Once you attain those goals, you build a trust from your owner or your manager, and they give you more roles. So it's no different than sports. You give a player a role. They either decide to excel at it or they don't. Now, if they struggle at it because they're not, you've put them in that situation, you have to be accountable for that too.

3rd view (24:43.358)

you know, you've been there for a decade. you, you, you probably have, sorry, you've been given structure, but at the same time, those are attainable goals. Once you attain those goals, you build a trust from your owner or your manager and they give you more roles. So it's no different than sports. You give a player a role, they either decide to excel at it or they don't. Now, if they struggle at it because they're not, you've put them in that situation, you have to be accountable for that too.

Dean (25:13.084)

Coaches are the same as business owners. If I don't actually give them the tools, if I give them a hammer and nails and ask them to build a house, they're not going to build a house. Right. So you need to be clear on the communication from a coaching level, from an ownership or a manager level at business. You need to do both. Clear communication, you know, necessarily in order to get clear results. That's how it will work. Yeah. No, I've been taking some training through Cardinal Adventures and a lot of the things that they...

3rd view (25:13.086)

Coaches are the same as business owners. If I don't actually give them the tools, if I give them a hammer and nails and ask them to build a house, they're not going to build a house. Right. So you need to be clear on the communication from a coaching level, from an ownership or a manager level at business. You need to do both clear communication, you know, necessarily in order to get clear results. That's how it will work. Yeah. No, I've been taking some training through Cardoinventures and a lot of the things that they,

Dean (25:42.94)

they're teaching me is I think, I mean, everybody in my audience knows I've made lots of mistakes in business. And to your point, we need to fail before we can succeed. But I put a lot of, I'm a process guy, ex -scientist, lab guy, write neurology lab. I put a lot of emphasis on SOPs, structure, process, checklist, to the point that I had five or 600 of these, you know.

3rd view (25:42.942)

they're teaching me is I think, I mean, everybody in my audience knows I've made lots of mistakes in business. And to your point, we need to fail before we can succeed. But I put a lot of, I'm a process guy, tech scientist, a lab guy, right, neurology lab. I put a lot of emphasis on SOPs, structured process, checklists, to the point that I had five or 600 of these, you know.

Dean (26:11.548)

training that over this thing from running my property management company. But I went down the wrong path. What you're talking about, and now I can see why you're so successful in business, is you want to develop a team member to the point you're saturated, that they can then pass along that knowledge. All I did was I created this little house with no foundation, and I kept growing and growing, and the house falls over because there's no foundation.

3rd view (26:11.55)

training manual, like this thing off from running my property management company. But I went down the wrong path. What you're talking about, and now I can see why you're so successful in business, is you want to develop a team member to the point, use your saturated, that they can then pass along that knowledge. All I did was I created this little house with no foundation, and I kept growing and growing, and the house falls over because there's no foundation.

Yep, and they call it the process of duplication. So I should have concentrated on duplicating myself, my ability to deal with my clients, real estate, whatever it is, hockey, and then empower those people to them because somebody is not going to want to move up and they won't be allowed to move up until they know the exact role that they're doing and they can bring in and mentor somebody underneath them. They can't be me. Yeah, because I just can't do everything. Right. So yeah, you're speaking my language. Yeah. And you can't be everything to everyone.

Dean (26:37.756)

And they call it the process of duplication. So I should have concentrated on duplicating myself, my ability to deal with my clients, real estate, whatever it is, hockey, and then empower those people to then, because somebody is not going to want to move up, and they won't be allowed to move up until they know the exact role that they're doing and they can bring in a mentor somebody underneath them. It can't be me because I just can't do everything. So yeah, you're speaking my language. Yeah, and you can't be everything to everyone.

3rd view (27:05.982)

But you know, like when I did say oversaturated, so what happens is you delegate. So the key to success is delegation. We talked about these things and then they're cliches, but the true reality is, is that you more empower people, even more people on the streets doing the things that need to do to be successful so that you can allow your strengths to continue to grow. So you're, you know, you're the visionary, you're the, you know, the person that wants to develop the new strat, whatever the strategy is. And you want to be, you are the leader. You are, I'm the leader, I'm the coach. So at the end of the day,

Dean (27:06.012)

But you know, like when I did say oversaturated, so what happens is you delegate. So the key to success is delegation. We talked about these things and then they're cliches, but the true reality is, is that you more empower people. You have more people on the streets doing the things that need to do to be successful so that you can allow your strengths to continue to grow. So you're, you know, you're the visionary, you're the person that wants to develop the new strategy, like whatever the strategy is. And you want to be, you are the leader, you are. I'm the leader, I'm the coach. So at the end of the day,

3rd view (27:35.518)

our goals need to be, you know, we need to attain those goals, but through delegation. I have to be able to tell and trust that person, and put in that place that I have done the due diligence to make sure that they have all the necessary tools to be successful. So, you know, I spend the time focusing on a game strategy. It doesn't matter who we play against. You know, it would matter, like if we're playing against a bigger team, we're playing against a, you know, a quicker, smaller team.

Dean (27:35.548)

Our goals need to be, we need to attain those goals, but through delegation. I have to be able to tell and trust that person and put in a place that I have done due diligence to make sure that they have all the necessary tools to be successful. So, I spend the time focusing on a game strategy. It doesn't matter who we play against. It would matter like if we were playing against a bigger team, we're playing against a quicker, smaller team.

So we develop a strategy to be successful. So then I sit down in a room with bunch of players and I talk to them about how we're going to be successful, what we need to do to achieve a win tonight. Well, there's no difference in business. You have everyone that's sitting around a room and you give each one of them a role. Some of them might not like that role, but you have to say to them simply, this is your role today doesn't mean it's going to be your role for the future. What we'll do today will allow us to be successful and we can show the measurement of what we did. And then if you would like a bigger role.

3rd view (28:04.542)

So we develop a strategy to be successful. So then I sit down in a room with a bunch of players and I talk to them about how we're going to be successful, what we need to do to achieve a win tonight. Well, there's no difference in business. You have everyone that's sitting around a room and you give each one of them a role. Some of them might not like that role, but you have to say to them simply, this is your role today doesn't mean it's going to be your role for the future. What we'll do today will allow us to be successful and we can show the measurement of what we did. And then if you would like a bigger role.

Dean (28:34.364)

or a role that maybe someone else is doing, maybe that person can mentor you. So now you can eventually have two people in that role. Now you've got three people in the role, six people in the role. And then your role as a leader or an owner or a coach is to watch the racehorses race and let them go, let them go. And then you navigate and you structure and you also put the fences up so that they're running in a straight line. Absolutely. Yeah. End game win, end game win always.

3rd view (28:34.398)

or a role that maybe someone else is doing, maybe that person can mentor you. So now you can eventually have two people in that role. Now you've got three people in the role, six people in the role. And then your role as a leader or an owner or a coach is to watch the racehorses race and let them go, let them go. And then you navigate and you structure and you also put the fences up so that they're running a straight line. Absolutely. Yeah. End game, win. End game, win. Always.

Dean (29:03.836)

And that's not without challenge again, like I said earlier, that's with holy cow moments. That's with, Ooh, that was great. Now we do that again moments. So for me, you know, whether it's business or it's, you know, being a coach, it's a really about structure. It's really about putting it, laying it out, the foundation, clear communication, clear understanding of what the end game in order to win. That's what it is about for me. Yeah. Let's,

3rd view (29:03.838)

And that's not without challenge again. Like I said earlier, that's with holy cow moments. That's with, that was great. Now how can we do that again? So for me, you know, whether it's business or it's, you know, being a coach, it's a really about structure. It's really about putting it, laying it out, the foundation, clear communication, clear understanding of what the end game in order to win. That's what it is about for me. Yeah. Let's,

Dean (29:32.956)

Let's transition a little bit. I'd like you to talk about your current role, but I also want you to tell the audience how you got there, because I don't even know how you ended up at True North. You know, interesting, because I'm super grateful for the opportunity to, you know, in this form to let you know how that worked. I mean, for me, working for True North Sports and Entertainment, I've been there now 15 years. And I've been involved in hockey, as I said earlier, you know, for many years, involved in coaching at the minor levels and junior and stuff. But I also played hockey.

3rd view (29:32.958)

Let's transition a little bit. I'd like you to talk about your current role, but I also want you to tell the audience how you got there, because I don't even know how you ended up at Trinidad. You know, interesting, because I'm super grateful for the opportunity to, you know, in this forum to let you know how that worked. I mean, for me, working for Trinidad Sports Entertainment, I've been there now 15 years, and I've been involved in hockey, as I said earlier, you know, for many years, involved in coaching at the minor levels and junior and stuff. But I also played hockey.

Still, you know just on friendly pickup hockey and you network with a lot of great people throughout your you know years of playing on Friday hockey or Thursday after your Sundays and Throughout the time, you know, I have met some you know business owners and they were always asking me, you know about you know, maybe You know if I knew anyone that was interested in building a hockey facility And I said, well, I don't really know and a lot of people don't know this but firstly what happened is I started coaching a

Dean (30:01.5)

Still you know just on a friendly pick up hockey and you network with a lot of great people throughout your you know years of playing on Friday hockey or Thursday afternoon Sundays and throughout the time you know I have met some you know business owners and they were always asking me you know about you know maybe you know I knew anyone that was interested in building a hockey facility and I said well I don't really know and a lot of people don't know this but firstly what happened is I started coaching a family.

3rd view (30:30.654)

family player and we didn't like driving a ball more often practice one with minus 35 and you know this entrepreneur she came to me and she said you know what how do we how do we find a place where we could build something can we do something I said well you know I can see about a couple of people that I play Friday hockey with and one of them was the owner of at the time not to the most okay he was my D partner we may know him and you know we all know him as Mark Chipman so for me he was my D partner I went to him I say Chip

Dean (30:31.644)

player and we didn't like driving the ball more often for practice when it was minus 35. And you know this entrepreneur she came to me and she said you know what how do we how do we find a place where we can build something can we do something I said well you know I can see about a couple people that I play friendly hockey with. One of them was the owner of at the time Matt DeLumoose came he was my D partner we may know him and you know we all know him as Mark Chipman so for me he was my D partner I went to him and I said Chip

There's a guy that, you know, there's a person, a group of people that would like to open up this hockey facility and build one because there's nothing really that's been built here in our community. And Chip said to me, you know what, it's probably not a good idea. There's a place called the Bell Senseplex in Ottawa. Yeah, they're just struggling. They've only been open three years. You know, I wouldn't probably look at that. So, okay, well, no problem. So I told my friends and off we continued on playing hockey. Didn't matter. We were still Friday hockey and about two years later.

3rd view (30:59.87)

there's a guy that, you know, there's a person, a group of people that would like to open up a, this hockey facility and build one. Cause there's nothing really that's been built here in our community. And Chip said to me, Hey, you know what? It's probably not a good idea. There's a place called the Bell Senseplex in Ottawa. Yeah, they're just struggling. They've only been open three years. You know, I wouldn't probably look at that. So, okay, well no problem. So I told my friends and off we continued on playing hockey. Didn't matter. We were still Friday hockey and about two years later, you know, I,

Dean (31:28.7)

you know, I'm still playing hockey and Mark says, hey, you got a few minutes to have a chat? And I said, sure. So we chatted and we said, there's some stuff that's happening in our world and, you know, we're going to be doing some different things with our organization and is there any consideration that you'd like to maybe come on board? And I said, well, by this time, you know, I mean, yeah, I'm coaching hockey, but I'm also an entrepreneur myself because I was involved in the important business at the time. I'd gone through the publishing, the newspaper industry, et cetera.

3rd view (31:29.374)

So I came and Mark says, hey, you got a few minutes out of chat. And I said, sure. So we, we chatting, we said, there's some stuff that's happening in our world. And, and, you know, we're going to be doing some different things that are with our organization. And is there any consideration that you'd like to maybe come on board? And I said, well, by this time, you know, I mean, yeah, I'm coaching hockey, but I'm also an entrepreneur myself, because I was involved in the important business at the time. I'd gone through the publishing, the newspaper industry, et cetera.

Dean (31:58.524)

But now I'm in the important business. I'm traveling. I have, you know, I have a couple of partners in Vancouver, but now here I am, you know, on the crossroads of my life going, this is something I could do to get paid, you know, for a living, be involved in hockey with a, with a very experienced and reputable person in our community that I hold in the highest regard. I'm like, I got to talk to my wife. So I did. And grateful to the business owners that might work in Vancouver. I said, I'll take a much smaller scale.

3rd view (31:58.526)

But now I'm in an importing business. I'm traveling. I have a couple of partners in Vancouver, but now here I am, you know, on the crossroads of my life going, this is something I could do to get paid, you know, for a living, be involved in hockey with a very experienced and reputable person in our community that I hold in the highest regard. I'm like, I got to talk to my wife. So I did. And grateful to the business owners that might work in Vancouver. I said, I'll take a much smaller scale.

Dean (32:27.292)

if you guys are okay with me getting involved in this. And I said, sure, go ahead. One of the partners, his son was drafted by the Calgary Flames. The other son was a captain of Boston College. They were hockey guys. They just said, hey, Dean, you gotta do this. So over in - So what year is this? 2009. So 2009. So in 2009, I'm hired by Trinor Sports Entertainment as their manager of business development and programs. We don't have a facility being built yet because that was -

3rd view (32:27.294)

if you guys are okay with me getting involved in this. And I said, sure, go ahead. One of the partners, his son was drafted by the Calgary Flames. The other son was a captain of Boston College. They were hockey guys. They just said, hey, Dean, you gotta do this. So over - So what year was this? 2009. So 2009. So in 2009, I'm hired by Trinora Sports and Entertainment as their manager of business development and programs. We don't have a facility being built yet because that was the -

part of the discussions that I had with Mark over the six months is that we're going to build this facility. I kind of scratched my head and said, didn't you say a couple years ago that it wasn't a good idea? He said there's a reason. I didn't know the reason at the time. I wasn't aware. So then I was hired in December of 2009. We started building the facility. And obviously in 2010, we announced that we would take an ownership and that we would be.

Dean (32:56.796)

part of the discussions that I had with Mark over the six months is that we're going to build this facility. And I kind of scratched my head and said, didn't you say a couple years ago that it wasn't a good idea? He said, there's a reason, Dean. I didn't know the reason at the time. I wasn't aware. So then I was hired in December of 2009. We started building the facility. And obviously in 2010, we announced that we had taken ownership and that we would be.

3rd view (33:24.062)

you know, a new NHL franchise. And for me, I had no idea what the name would be, nothing. I just know that I was going to be a part of the practice facility. And it was a truly great story because, you know, I was getting called at early in the morning. I had no idea what was going on and I didn't answer my phone because it's early in the morning at six in the morning. I usually get up around six 30. And, you know, I answer the phone looks like I have several phone numbers. So I call and it's like you need to get downtown right away. So I, I didn't know. So I got in the car, I showed up quickly.

Dean (33:24.092)

You know, and in my NHL franchise and for me, I had no idea what the name would be. Nothing. I just know that I was going to be a part of the practice facility. And it was a truly great story because, you know, I was getting called at early in the morning. I had no idea what was going on and I didn't answer my phone because it's early in the morning at six in the morning. I usually get up around six 30. And, you know, I answer the phone once I have several phone numbers. So I call and it's like, hey, Dean, get downtown right away. So I, I didn't know. So I got in the car, I showed up quickly.

3rd view (33:53.374)

wasn't sure if I was going to be employed or not, didn't know what the reason was, get there and we went down and at the time it was the lounge and the restaurant in the basement of our arena. And what happened is we all left our phones there, we went inside and there was only 50 plus employees at the time and we were informed that David Thompson and we were going to be purchasing the Atlanta Thrasher's. Everyone was trying to get a hold of us.

Dean (33:53.404)

wasn't sure if I was going to be employed or not, didn't know what the reason was, get there and then we went down and at the time it was the lounge and the restaurant in the basement of our arena. And what happened is we all left our phones there, we went inside and there was only 50 plus employees at the time and we were informed that David Thompson and we were going to be purchasing the Atlanta Thrasher's. Everyone was trying to get a hold of us.

I took my kids were trying to get home. It was all over TSN and I wasn't. This is before Mark Chippman or after he made that big announcement. It was the day of making the announcement. Because I remember where I was not in this exact boardroom, but in my other boardroom on Key Button. And we, I mean, we tuned in. I mean, it was leaking. Yeah, it was leaking. And so, but we'd given up our phones. So we were in the basement. So we basically had breakfast and lunch. you took your phones because they didn't want you to. They wanted all the employees to be the first to know.

3rd view (34:19.998)

My kids were trying to get home because it was all over TSN and I wasn't... This is before Mark Chipman or after he made that big announcement? It was the day of making the announcement. Because I remember where I was, not in this exact boardroom, but in my other boardroom on Key Waiten. And we tuned in. I mean it was leaking. Yeah, it was leaking. And so we'd given up our phones. So we were in the basement. So we basically had breakfast and lunch. they took your phones because they didn't want you to... They wanted all the employees to be the first to know.

Dean (34:47.164)

which was again another honor treatment special because the guy is absolutely a gem of a human being. Anyway, so we're excited, of course then we're announced that we're going to be an NHL franchise, et cetera, we bought one and I'm looking, I'm not really understanding the full value of what's going to happen. The rest is history of us becoming that. And then we have the hockey brawl center now built at the time, it was called the MTS Iceplex.

3rd view (34:47.23)

which is again another flagship and special because the guy is absolutely a gem of a human being. Anyway, so we're excited, of course then we were announced that we're gonna be in NHL franchise, et cetera, we bought one and I'm looking, not really understanding the full value of what's gonna happen. The rest is history of us becoming that and then we had the hockey for all center now built at the time was called the MTS Iceplex.

Dean (35:16.028)

you know, because we were MTSL sponsored, now we're Hockey for All, Sports Bank, and we're excited about that because that's inclusion. That's inclusion for hockey from the Indigenous to the Punjabi to the South Asian communities. And that's a part of my job now, growing the game through the National Hockey League. Those are a whole bunch of other strategies that we can talk about too. But for me, I was given a great opportunity and I've been there ever since. Toronto has been a tremendous employer. They take care of their people.

3rd view (35:16.03)

you know, because we're MTS sponsored now we're the hockey for all, Social Bank and we're excited about that because that's inclusion. That's inclusion for hockey from the indigenous to the Punjabi to the South Asian communities. And that's a part of my job now, growing the game through the National Hockey League. Those are a whole bunch of other strategies that we can talk about too. But for me, I was given a great opportunity and I've been there ever since. True North has been a tremendous employer. They take care of their people.

And you know, I'm forever grateful for that I'm floored. I actually didn't know that you got in right like before the ground. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah So a part of the before the the ice plex at the time was built it was grass So I was there during the construction I actually flew to Ottawa to check check out the facility there I went to into the US and looked at a couple facilities I went out to sketch when I looked at a couple facilities and then we built it almost identical to the Bell Sense plex which is Ottawa and we had we tweaked it a little bit and

Dean (35:44.668)

And I'm forever grateful for that. I'm floored. I actually didn't know that you got in right before the ground. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. So a part of the before the ice plex at the time was built, it was grass. So I was there during the construction. I actually flew to Ottawa to check out the facility there. I went to the US and looked at a couple of facilities. I went out to Skatch when I looked at a couple of facilities and then we built it almost identical to the Bell Sense plex, which is Ottawa. And we tweaked it a little bit. And

Yeah, I mean, and the rest, you know, then it was like, okay, how do we fill the facility? You know, who do we deal with? But during my time as a minor hockey coach, and I was able to develop a lot of relationships with the area associations in Winnipeg and Manitoba. As I said, I ended up working with Hockey Canada. I've worked with NCAA. I've worked with, you know, College Hockey Inc, you know, Hockey Manitoba, Hockey Winnipeg, all the different, you know, forums and organizations.

3rd view (36:13.982)

Yeah, I mean, and the rest, you know, then it was like, okay, how do we fill the facility? You know, who do we deal with? But during my time as a minor hockey coach, and I was able to develop a lot of relationships with the area associations in Winnipeg and Manitoba. As I said, I ended up working with Hockey Canada. I've worked with NCAA, I've worked with, you know, College Hockey Inc, you know, Hockey Manitoba, Hockey Winnipeg, all the different, you know, forums and organizations, which allowed me a lot of experience to network with.

Dean (36:41.532)

which allowed me a lot of experience to network with great people. So then when we were building the facility, we were able to go, okay, what do we need to do? Well, we need to fill the off -ice hours, not prime time. Everyone wants prime time hours, but what about the nine o 'clock? So we sat down collectively as a group. I was the leader of the group at that time, and there was only three of us, but I brought in some interns, some university students that were in sport and rec management.

3rd view (36:43.838)

great people. So then when we were building the facility, we were able to go, okay, where do we need to, what do we need to do? Well, we need to fill the off -ice hours and not the non -prime time. Everyone wants prime time hours, but what about the nine o 'clock? So we sat down collectively as a group. I was the leader of the group at that time. And there was only three of us, but I brought in some interns, some university students that were in sport rec management. And we talked about what we could do.

Dean (37:10.62)

And we talked about what we could do to start the non -prime. Well, we started up a hockey league. And we were able to build that league from zero to 120 teams in the first year, non -prime time ice. So done. Now we need to do is we need to go around the other associations. We need to build relationships with them. And we did. So now each area association was able to attain certain hours of practice ice time. So we had a nice schedule. So one of the fellows that I had brought on.

3rd view (37:13.15)

to start the non -prime. Well, we started up a adult hockey league. I remember. And we were able to build that league from zero to 120 teams in the first year. Non -prime time ice sold. Done. Now what we need to do is we need to go to other area associations. We need to build relationships with them. And we did. So now each area association was able to attain certain hours of practice ice time. So we had an ice scheduler. So one of the fellows that I had brought on as our ice scheduler,

Dean (37:40.732)

as our ice scheduler He was a former colonel in the military. He ran their financial responsibilities for all of them the Canadian military He's retired colonel here in Winnipeg and I knew him from hockey I knew he was a volunteer hockey guy major junior hockey where I played and I said to him I said would you mind coming he goes? Yeah, I'll give you a year. He's been with us for 14 years He's been 50s. He'll almost like he's only give you a year because he you know what? He's already retired colonel. He's 76 years old right now

3rd view (37:43.454)

He was a former colonel on the military. He ran their financial responsibilities for all of the Canadian military. He's a retired colonel here in Winnipeg. And I knew him from hockey. I knew he was a volunteer hockey guy, major junior hockey where I played. And I said to him, I said, would you mind coming? He goes, yeah, I'll give you a year. He's been with us for 14 years. He's been 50. Why did he say he'd only give you a year? Because you know what? He's already retired colonel. He's 76 years old right now as we speak.

Dean (38:10.14)

as we speak. It's Ted Sapowski. And so he's been with us every, he gave me a year and I've had him for 15, 14 or 15 years. So interesting enough. But yeah, so there's lots of, there's all these different things that have happened over the years where we ended up building, you know, a great relationship with all the local Winnifake minor hockey association and also Hockey Manitoba and the Hockey Canada Centre of Excellence, because that's what we're also designated as a facility.

3rd view (38:11.07)

It's Tensifovsky and so he's been with us every, he gave me a year and I've had him for 15, 14 or 15 years so interesting enough. But yeah, so there's lots of, there's all these different things that have happened over the years. We ended up building, you know, a great relationship with all the local Winnipeg Minor Hockey Association and also Hockey Manitoba and being a Hockey Canada Centre of Excellence because that's what we are also designated as facility. We have hosted the U17 World Championships right out of the gate.

Dean (38:36.156)

We hosted the U -17 World Championships right out of the gate at that facility with a championship game, 11 ,000 people downtown. So we've done some really great things at the facility and I've been a part of that. So I'm grateful for that too. You know, I play hockey there four or five times a week. And now that you say that you've modeled it after another facility, I can see now the forethought because other than maintenance, and obviously building onto the back there for the one thing, jets.

3rd view (38:40.446)

at that facility with the championship game, 11 ,000 people downtown. So we've done some really great things at the facility and I've been a part of that. So I'm grateful for that too. You know, I mean, I play hockey there four or five times a week, right? And now that you say that you've modeled it after another facility, I can see now the forethought because other than maintenance, and obviously building onto the back there for the more big jets for the extra, you really haven't had to change much. No.

Dean (39:05.66)

for the extra, you really haven't had to change much. No, but what we've had to do is we've learned, we've learned a lot. So for us, when we first opened up, we just want to sell the ice. Get rid of the ice because that's what it's costing. We've got to fill it. Similar to ticket sales, you need more corporate responsibility. So what you do is you sell tickets early and then all of a sudden you realize, okay, two steps back and we're going to take three, four. Well, same with our hockey control center. What we had to do was we had to take a step back, look at the area associations. They would...

3rd view (39:09.278)

But what we've had to do is we've learned. We've learned a lot. You know, so for us, when we first opened up, we just want to sell the ice. Get rid of the ice because that's what it's cost. You know, we got to fill it. Similar to ticket sales, you know, you need more corporate responsibility. So what you do is you sell tickets early and then all of a sudden you realize, okay, two steps back and we're taking three, four. Well, same with our, you know, the hockey for all center. What we had to do was we had to take a step back, look at the area associations. They would, so for example, you take one area association, they would book 400 hours of ice, but they only use 300.

Dean (39:33.308)

So for example, you take one area association, they would book 400 hours of ice, but they only use 300. So we basically burned 100 hours of ice. We need to learn through time and through experience what we needed to be more efficient when it came to booking ice. And we've done that since. So now we have about 11 ,000 to 12 ,000 hours of available ice and we're sold out. Because we have people in place that are managing it responsibly and have their structure in place and their roles, and they do them well.

3rd view (39:38.334)

So we basically burned 100 hours of ice. We had to learn through time and through experience what we needed to be more efficient when it came to booking ice. And we've done that since. So now we have about 11 ,000 to 12 ,000 hours of available ice that were sold out. Because we have people in place that are managing it responsibly and have their structure in place and their roles. And they do them well. And they don't leave. Like for some reason, well not for some reason, but we have a great group of talented people.

Dean (40:01.276)

and they don't leave. Like for some reason, well not for some reason, but we have a great group of talented people that really appreciate what they do. They believe that it's helping out modern hockey league players. They believe it's including kids and adult beer league guys that can play the game. It really is a giant community center where you can see people that you used to go to school with, you may have played sports with or against.

3rd view (40:08.062)

that really appreciate what they do. They believe that it's helping out minor hockey league players. They believe it's including kids and adult beer league guys that can play the game. It really is a giant community center where you can see people that you used to go to school with, you may have played sports with or against, you may have... It happens to me all the time when I'm walking in with my hockey team. It's awesome. Literally. Literally you see someone you haven't seen in 20 years and you're like, my gosh.

Dean (40:29.116)

You may have, what happens to me all the time when I'm walking in with my hockey. It's awesome. It literally, you see somebody I haven't seen in 20 years and you're like, my gosh. And you connect again. So our community being Winnebago and our surrounding area of Manitoba, the reality is, is that we are a very social community. And when you see people that you've played sports against or with and, or went to school, et cetera, or worked with, it's a connection. So when we have tournaments, we have, we host a lot of one of the jet tournaments. We have a blast because.

3rd view (40:37.47)

and you connect again. So our community being Winnipeg and our surrounding area of Manitoba, the reality is that we are a very social community. And when you see people that you've played sports against or with and or went to school, et cetera, worked with, it's a connection. So when we have tournaments, we host a lot of Winnipeg jet tournaments, we have a blast because you'll see guys that'll come in from rural Manitoba that played against each other as coaches. They're in having a beverage after their game and...

Dean (40:58.652)

you'll see guys that will come in from rural Manitoba that played against each other as coaches. They're in having a beverage after their game and talking about their experiences at our facility. And what we're trying to do is provide them a superior customer service. That great hockey experience that they just had not only includes the kids, but now includes the coaching staff and the networking that they're able to do. So we're grateful for that again, that we've been able to connect a lot of people. We have almost 750 ,000 people that come through the building.

3rd view (41:05.918)

you know, talking about their experiences at our facility. And what we're trying to do is provide them a superior customer service. That great hockey experience that they just had not only includes the kids, but now includes the coaching staff and the networking that they're able to do. So we're grateful for that again, that we've been able to connect a lot of people. We have almost 750 ,000 people that come through the building each year now. So for us, it's a real important way to communicate to people, host tournaments.

Dean (41:27.74)

each year now. So for us, it's a real important way to communicate to people, host tournaments, host high school tournaments, AAA tournaments, minor hockey tournaments, just challenge cup. We have over 200 teams participating. That's 70 ,000 people in 10 days. You're going to actually, I'm going to ask that in about 30 seconds if someone want to hear about how that got started. But, no, not to stop you, but started off 2009 business development. What is your current?

3rd view (41:34.398)

host high school tournaments, AAA tournaments, minor hockey tournaments, Jets Challenge Cup, we have over 200 teams participating. That's 70 ,000 people in 10 days. I'm gonna ask that in about 30 seconds if someone wanna hear about how it got started. Not to stop you, but started off 2009 business development, what is your current title? So to tell you the truth, title is important.

Dean (41:56.808)

So to tell you the truth, title is important, but for me, I'm the manager of programming and business development for True North Sports Entertainment and Hockey Brawl Centre. And you might go, what the heck does that mean? Because it's probably one of the longest titles that anyone could have. But really what I do is I work for everyone in programming and all of our team members, whether it's, you know, scheduler to our on ice skills coaches, to our off ice, you know, strength coaches. I work for them to help.

3rd view (42:02.27)

But for me, I'm the manager of programming and business development for True North Sports Entertainment and Hockey for All Centre. And you might go, what the heck does that mean? Because it's probably one of the longest titles that anyone could have. But really what I do is I work for everyone in programming and all of our team members, whether it's, you know, scheduler to our on ice skills coaches, to our off ice, you know, strength coaches. I work for them to help provide a business strategy.

Dean (42:27.772)

provide a business strategy for marketing and whether we're selling ice, whether we're selling tournaments, whether we're growing programs. So, whether it's a defensive, developing defensemen or skills, my now responsibility is to administer those, to make sure that they're executed properly. I'm not telling coaches how to coach, I'm not telling strength coaches how to train, but what I'm there to do is support them. So we support them through registration process, I support them through...

3rd view (42:29.502)

for marketing and whether we're selling ice, whether we're selling tournaments, whether we're growing programs. So, whether it's a defensive, developing defenseman or skills, my now responsibility is to administer those, to make sure that they're executed properly. I'm not telling coaches how to coach. I'm not telling strength coaches how to train, but what I'm there to do is support them. So we support them through registration process. I support them through putting together plans.

Dean (42:57.66)

you know, putting together plans, you know, whether it's marketing strategies, we have a team, you know, one of our team members that is very creative designers, so designs always creative commercial. So you're basically supporting small entrepreneurs. In a way, yes, but we're employed by one big entrepreneur. So for me, it's, you know, it's, you know, as a manager, I work for people to help them be able to do their job successfully.

3rd view (42:59.23)

you know whether it's a marketing strategies we have a team you know one of our team members that is very creative designers so designs always creative commercials basically supporting small entrepreneurs in a way yes but we're employed by one big entrepreneur so it's for me it's you know it's you know as a manager I work for people to help them be able to do their job successfully and that could be as simple as you know on ice coaching so

Dean (43:25.052)

And that could be as simple as on ice coaching. So we've got four, now six, full time on ice skill coaches. And they all go and get their hockey Canada skills development. And what we do is, certainly like I said, not gonna tell them how to coach, but they're often in my office asking for, what can we do here to create more awareness for our program? For example, we've got summer programs coming up, how do we get more registrations in the door?

3rd view (43:28.83)

We've got four, now six, full -time on ice skill coaches and they all go and get their hockey Canada skills development. And what we do is, you know, I'm certainly, like I said, not going to tell them how to coach, but they're often in my office asking for, you know, what can we do here, you know, to create more awareness, you know, for our program. For example, we've got summer programs coming up, you know, how do we get more registrations in the door? You know, we've got 10 kids registered, we need to get 16. And the reason why we get the 16 is because then,

Dean (43:54.204)

We've got 10 kids registered, we need to get 16. And the reason why we get to 16 is because then we have four ice coaches that gives them more advantage to get better development. So for me, we have a head on ice skills coach and program manager, Dave Cameron. He's exceptional, wonderful. We have Devin Himpy, we've got these great talented people. Brett Wuer, these guys are really, really talented. And they worked hard over the years to develop their skill set. I'm there to support them if they need me.

3rd view (43:58.654)

You know, we have four ice coaches that gives them more advantage to get better development. So for me, we have a head on ice skills coach and program manager, Dave Cameron. He is exceptional, wonderful. We got Devin Hempi, we got these great talented people. Brett Wuer, you know, these guys are really, really talented and they worked hard over the years to develop their skill set. I'm there to support them if they need it. Most of the time they don't need me anymore because it just runs itself when you prove a track record as a skills coach.

Dean (44:22.364)

Most of the time they don't eat me anymore because it just runs itself when you prove a track record as a skills coach. Then you've got people that are gravitating to you and then they'll talk about it. So, you know, when you're on the ice with me, you know, and you're developing, you know, yes, I'm the manager of programs and I oversee, you know, the final decisions, but I also have a general manager that I'm accountable to. But at the end of the day, you know, the end game was to make sure that you guys had a great hockey experience, you know, just from a skill development. But then Devin jumped in.

3rd view (44:28.958)

then you've got people that are gravitating to you and then they'll talk about it. So, you know, when you're on the ice with me, you know, and you're developing, you know, yes, I'm the manager of programs and I oversee, you know, the final decisions, but I also have a general manager that I'm accountable to. But at the end of the day, you know, the end game was to make sure that you guys had a great hockey experience, whether, you know, just from a skill development, but then Devin jumped in and I think Brett jumped in. Any one of us can jump in the ice and teach you how to do things.

Dean (44:51.772)

And I think Brett jumped in. Any one of us can jump in the ice and teach you how to do things. But you're going to gravitate maybe to me, Garrett, and maybe someone else. Maybe you don't gravitate to me. You might gravitate to Devin. He'll say something that'll resonate to you, which will help your development. And that's what we do. We want to make sure that everyone gets the best opportunity to be the best of themselves from a hockey standpoint. So yeah, I love it. I'm excited to work for these guys and work with them.

3rd view (44:58.718)

But you're gonna gravitate maybe to me, Garrett, and maybe someone else, maybe you don't gravitate to me, you might gravitate to Devin. He'll say something that'll resonate to you, which will help your development, and that's what we do. We wanna make sure that everyone gets the best opportunity to be the best of themselves from a hockey standpoint. So yeah, I love it. I'm excited to work for these guys and work with them, but at the end of the day, I'm the manager and sometimes decisions have to be made, and it's not in everyone's favor. In fact, I often have not...

Dean (45:19.644)

But at the end of the day, I'm the manager and sometimes decisions have to be made and it's not everyone's favorite. In fact, I often have not challenges, but I have good discussions and structured discussions with my general manager about my rules and responsibilities. And there's been a couple of times where that's not an ideal situation for me and I'm not very comfortable, but you have to learn to be uncomfortable.

3rd view (45:27.87)

challenges but I have you know good discussions and structured discussions with my general manager about my rules and responsibilities and and you know there's been a couple of times right like that's not an ideal situation for me in it I'm not very comfortable but you have to learn to be uncomfortable you have to learn to be uncomfortable and you do and that's a decision for business that's a decision you know as a coach and you know you're gonna have to cut a player.

Dean (45:46.236)

You have to learn to be uncomfortable. And that's a decision for business. That's a decision, you know, as a coach and you know, you're going to have to cut a player somewhere to, you know, unfortunately, you know, it's not going to work out and it's not for everybody. The business is not for everyone. So sometimes it, you know, it cuts through the heart, but for me, you know, there's more good than there is negative. Yeah. So much I want to add there. But let's, let's talk about this. So entrepreneur, entrepreneur.

3rd view (45:55.518)

Similar to you know, unfortunately, you know, it's not going to work out and you know, it's not for everybody This business is not for everyone. So sometimes it you know, it's good cuts through the heart. But for me, you know, there's more good than there is negative Yeah, so much I want to unpack here. Yeah, but let's let's talk about this so entrepreneur entrepreneur But now you have a role in a big huge true marks sports and entertainment. You're kidding. Yeah, what if they just huge role?

Dean (46:15.964)

But now you have a role in a big, huge true North Sports and Entertainment. Are you kidding? Right? I want to think, Jess. Huge role. Speak to me about the choice of entrepreneur now working for Mark Chipman and yet you're fulfilled. Like what does it take for a business guy like me to attract a team member that wants, that has an entrepreneurial spirit, but stays with the organization? Like how has that?

3rd view (46:23.742)

Speak to me about the choice of entrepreneur now working for Mark Chipman and yet you're fulfilled. Like what does it take for a business guy like me to attract a team member that has an entrepreneurial spirit but stays with the organization? Like how has that? That's a great question. It's an interesting question. You say that, you asked that too. So I believe it's the law of attraction and the law of attraction is the sport of hockey.

Dean (46:41.628)

That's a great question. It's an interesting question you state that you asked that too. So I believe it's the law of attraction and the law of attraction is the sport of hockey. And I believe that, you know, with Turnover Sports Entertainment, you know, that industry, people want to work in if they can. They believe that there's a lot of glamour to it because again, you know, you're watching the Jets play or the Moose play.

3rd view (46:51.838)

And I believe that, you know, with True North Sports Entertainment, you know, that industry, people want to work in if they can. They believe that there's a lot of glamour to it because at the end, you know, you're watching the Jets play or the Moose play. But in the end, there's also a lot of responsibility. There's accountability. There's people behind the scenes doing great things from our housekeeping, right to our trainers, to our on -ice players. So everyone has a role again. So you...

Dean (47:07.932)

But in the end, there's also a lot of responsibility. There's accountability. There's people behind the scenes doing great things from our housekeeping right to our trainers, to our on ice players. So everyone has a role again. So when you ask me about transitioning to entrepreneur to have people that have a more of an independent, you know, responsible way of thinking, I'm not sure every industry can do that. I don't know if they really can. You know, it's like having a POS system and you're trying to get the, you know, a...

3rd view (47:20.99)

When you ask me about transitioning to entrepreneur to have people that have a more of an independent, responsible way of thinking, I'm not sure every industry can do that. I don't know if they really can. It's like having a POS system and you're trying to get the restaurant to work the same as the retail. It may not connect the same. They're both gonna be successful in what they can do, but I believe that in industries, you can...

Dean (47:37.116)

restaurant to work the same as the retail. It may not connect the same. They're both going to be successful in what they can do. But I believe that, you know, in industries, you know, like you can, I feel that hockey in itself, everyone wants to be a hockey player. Most boys, you know, in Canada, they want to be a hockey player or they want to be an athlete of some sort. And I believe that industry allows, the hockey industry allows them to feel that way. So we have a lot of young

3rd view (47:48.414)

I feel that hockey in itself, everyone wants to be a hockey player. Most boys in Canada, they want to be a hockey player or they want to be an athlete of some sort. And I believe that industry allows, the hockey industry allows them to feel that way. So we have a lot of young students that come out of university that would like to work with our organization. And I think what they do is, and I'm certain what they do is they use it as a growth opportunity. The growth opportunity being,

Dean (48:05.468)

students that come out of university that would like to work with our organization and I think what they do is, I'm certain what they do is they use it as a growth opportunity. The growth opportunity being I've worked for Truenora for six months as an intern, you know, for two summers in Hank and I'm going to go and apply for a position that's going to be more structured to what I do for a living, you know, whether or not that might be something of a completely different nature. So while there, you know, there's a lot of people that would like to use Truenora Sports and Entertainment.

3rd view (48:17.758)

I've worked for True North for six months as an intern, maybe over two summers. And I'm going to go and apply for a position that's going to be more structured to what I do for a living. You know, whether or not that might be something of a completely different nature. So while there, you know, there's a lot of people that would like to use True North Sports Entertainment as a jumping, you know, opportunity to get into the, you know, where they are. Now during that time there with True North, there is, you know, accountability, there is structure put in place. We have a tremendous organization.

Dean (48:35.42)

as a jumping opportunity to get into where they are. Now during that time with TrueMoron, there is accountability, there is structure put in place. We have a tremendous organization that gives you the tools in order to be successful. And at the end, when they leave, obviously they're gonna ask us for a referral. And there's been some times, unfortunately, that I'm not able to do that. And rather than me not giving them a referral, or I've had...

3rd view (48:47.07)

that gives you the tools in order to be successful. And at the end, when they leave, obviously they're going to ask us for a referral. And there's been sometimes, unfortunately, that I'm not able to do that. And rather than me not giving a referral, or I've had people call me in the past and ask about a potential employee and just say, you know what, they did a good job for us. Would you hire them? That question is always, would you hire them? And I say, you know what, they weren't here long enough. That might be an easy out.

Dean (49:03.26)

people call me in the past and ask about it, you know, potential employee and to say, you know what, they did a good job for us, you know, would you hire them? That question is always, would you hire them? And I say, you know what, they weren't here long enough. That might be an easy out. You know, as an intern working three months, it doesn't give it enough, you know, there's not enough background for us to say, I would hire that person, you know, maybe six months to a year. And then so I go to the out easy way. It's no different than when, you know,

3rd view (49:16.734)

You know, as an intern working three months, it doesn't give it enough, you know, there's not enough background for us to say, I would hire that person, you know, maybe six months to a year. So I go the easy way. It's no different than when, you know, an agent, you know, or someone would call and ask about a player. And I was in a room one time with a very important hockey minded person and an organization agency.

Dean (49:30.716)

an agent, you know, or someone would call and ask about a player. And I was in a room one time with a very important hockey minded person and a an organization agency called while I just happened to be there. I was going to get up and leave the room and the person was asked a question about a player and he just looked at me and said, and he waited five seconds. The guy said, okay, gotcha. Thanks. Click.

3rd view (49:45.566)

Well, I just have to be there. I was gonna get up and leave the room and the person was asked a question about a player and He just looked at me and said And he waited five seconds. I said, okay gotcha. Thanks click. He didn't say anything negative about that player I don't know where they're gonna do a trade or what the other team he didn't have to say anything negative because that quietness that just allowed him not to be mean and Not to say anything negative. I learned that quickly. So when people ask you

Dean (49:59.644)

He didn't say anything negative about that player. I don't know whether they're going to do a trade or what the other team, he didn't have to say anything negative because that quietness that just allowed him not to be mean and not to say anything negative. I learned that quickly. So when people ask you, you know, would you hire it in court? Would you hire it? Would you, would you, you know, if I'm not certain instead of hurting their opportunity, you know, cause it might be, I just simply take easy route and just say to them, you know what? It's not long enough.

3rd view (50:14.59)

you know, would you hire a dean court? Would you hire a garrison? Would you, would you, I said, you know, if I'm not certain instead of hurting their opportunity, you know, cause it might be, I just simply take easy route and just say, you know what, it's not long enough, you know, for us to give you a real good, responsible answer to that. But I also will do the opposite. I will, you know, I'll ensure that a person that really excelled really took a, a initiative and wanted more and completed that task and wanted more.

Dean (50:28.444)

you know, for us to give you a real good and responsible answer to that. But I also will do the opposite. I will, you know, I'll ensure that a person that really excelled, really took a initiative and wanted more and completed that task and wanted more because I love that drive and that drive. Absolutely. You know what? In fact, this is, we, I was given an opportunity by a young goalie who he was a high draft pick for the Philadelphia Flyers.

3rd view (50:43.358)

because I love that drive and that drive. Absolutely. You know what? In fact, this is, we, I was given an opportunity by a young goalie who he was a high draft pick for the Philadelphia Flyers. And unfortunately at a young age, got arthritis in his hips. And this is why I'm going to talk to you about this because he wanted a job as a goalie coach. And I said, okay, what's your school background? What do you got? And he's like,

Dean (50:57.404)

And unfortunately at a young age, he got arthritis in his hips. And this is why I'm going to talk to you about this because he wanted a job as a bowling coach. And I said, okay, what's your school background? What do you got? And he's like, you know, I played in the Western league, then I went to Canada, and then I went on to the Philadelphia, you know, the Panthers and their affiliate. I'm like, okay, no school at all. He's like, not really. He's 20, 25. He had that started with arthritis. He's 27 now. He's out of hockey.

3rd view (51:10.59)

You know, I played in the Western League, then I went to Team Canada, and then I went on to the Phantoms and the other affiliate. I'm like, okay, no school at all. He's like, not really. He's 20, 25, yeah, that started the arthritis. He's 27 now, he's out of hockey. I said to him, okay, well, let's work together. Get your part -time job. You're gonna work in the NRI slab, you're gonna train goalies, but at the same time, are you gonna go to school? He goes, yeah, I'm gonna go to school. So he took several years while he worked part -time, he got married, because he's older now.

Dean (51:26.46)

I said to him, okay, well, let's work together. Get you a part -time job. You're gonna work in the NRI's lab. You're training goalies. But at the same time, are you gonna go to school? When you're young, you go to school. So he took several years while he worked part -time. He got married because he's older now. And he said to me when he graduated, and I was super proud of him, he said, you know, okay, I'm ready to go full -time. I looked at him and said, you're not coming here. And he looked at me and said, what do you mean you're not? I can't be here. I go, Reg, you've done a really good job. I've got a friend of mine.

3rd view (51:40.414)

And he said to me when he graduated and I was super proud of him. He said, you know, okay, I'm ready to go full time. I looked at him. I said, you're not coming here. And he looked at me and he said, what do you mean you're not? I can't be here. I go, Reg, you've done a really good job. I've got a friend of mine who's in the, in the securities business. You know, I think you should go here. And he's like, really? I'm like, yep. He's to this day he's there and he's done it very well. Because to me,

Dean (51:56.764)

in the securities business, you know, I think you should go here." And he's like, really? I'm like, yeah, to this day he's there. And he's done it very well because to me, he'd already done his hockey back then. He'd already played the game to the highest levels. To be now all of a sudden a goalie coach where he's coaching the grassroots development strategies, I think it would be a short, you know, like after a while he would have gotten, you know, maybe a little tired of it. Whereas, you know, the people that we bring on more...

3rd view (52:07.614)

He'd already done his hockey background. He'd already played the game to the highest levels to to to be now a goalie coach where he's coaching the grassroots development strategies I think it would be a short, you know, like after a while he would have gotten You know, maybe a little tired of it. Whereas, you know the people that we bring on board are also talented coaches But are also understanding that they've got that bandwidth. They've got that bandwidth and it to me, you know, so

Dean (52:26.588)

are also talented coaches, but are also understanding that they've got that. And to me, you know, so it's all about doing the right thing for the people that are in the right place. If there's a superstar. Well, that might come with maturity, you know, that comes with experience and time. That's all that is. Yeah. Wow. Okay. Entrepreneur story. Yeah. Because you say, I'm in between projects. I've always got another project. Speak to me about this.

3rd view (52:34.334)

It's all about doing the right thing for the people that are in the right place. If there's a superstar. Having the vision to be able to see that. Well, that might come with maturity, you know? That comes with experience and time. That's all that is. Yeah. Wow. Okay. Entrepreneur story. Yeah. Because you'd say, I'm in between projects. I've always got another project. Speak to me about this tournament that you started organizing. I want to know, I kind of got this over a beer a couple of months ago, but I really want to know.

Dean (52:55.348)

I want to know I I kind of got this over a beer a couple months ago, but I really want to know Like why did you come up the idea? What was the purpose and then talk to us about the growth? Okay, so when we first opened up the the NTS ice blocks at the time You know we sat down like I said earlier We have to find out a way to to use up ice well at Christmas time ice is basically shut down because everyone's on holidays and

3rd view (53:02.206)

Like why did you come up with the idea? What was the purpose? And then talk to us about the growth of it. Okay, so when we first opened up the MTS ice blocks at the time, you know, we sat down, like I said earlier, we had to find out a way to use up ice. Well, at Christmas time, ice is basically shut down because everyone's on holidays. And unfortunately, you know, facilities like the Hockey for All Center don't shut down. It's still costly. It's costly ice melt. Yes, it's a cost. So we have to continue.

Dean (53:21.82)

Unfortunately, facilities like the Hockey Brawl Centre don't shut down. It's still causing... All the ice melts. Yes, it's caused, so we have to continue. So we sat down with another young fellow that I worked with, his name is Dustin Madriga. I brought him in as an intern. I remember, because he was one of the first people I spoke to when I joined the league. Yes, and to this day, he's still with our organization as well. So I'm very proud of Dustin as well, too, because he's gone from a very introverted human being to an outgoing...

3rd view (53:30.974)

So we sat down, I sat down with another young fellow that I worked with, his name is Dustin Madriga. I brought him in as an intern. I remember, because he was one of the first people I spoke to when I joined the league. Yes, and to this day he's still with our organization as well too. So I'm very proud of Dustin as well too, because he's gone from a very introverted human being to outgoing. He's very organized, he's very structured. He's now our registrar, he does a lot of the ice scheduling. He's a very talented business person.

Dean (53:51.644)

He's very organized, he's very structured, he's now our registrar, he does a lot of the ice scheduling. He's a very talented business person. So for us, what we did is we sat down and I said, you know, we got to fill this Christmas time ice. And we came up with an idea of a minor hot determine that we'll just do U7, U9 at the time. And we put it out there and we did a little bit some website, you know, we put up some, the old school way of marketing. You know, I drove over to the community club last year.

3rd view (54:00.734)

So for us, what we did is we sat down and I said, hey, you know, we got to fill this Christmas time ice. And we came up with an idea of a minor hockey tournament. We'll just do U7 and U9 at the time. And we put it out there and we did a little bit of some website. You know, we put up some, the old school way of marketing. You know, I drove over to the community clubs, asked for permission, put some signage on the walls. And we created this awareness of that there'd be a tournament over the Christmas holidays.

Dean (54:21.18)

mission put some signage on the walls and we were created this awareness of that if there be a tournament over the Christmas holidays just at the minor level well we ended up getting 40 teams to register but we ran a really good tournament because I went downtown and I said okay I need something distinctly different than the other tournaments and they're like what do you want I said I want signatures I want signatures to the pucks I want signatures on jerseys I'd like anything that we can do differently that will allow the you know that the players an opportunity to maybe win.

3rd view (54:28.35)

just at the minor level, well, we ended up getting 40 teams to register. But we ran a really good tournament because I went downtown and I said, okay, I need something this thing, really different than the other tournaments. And they're like, what do you want? I said, I want signatures. I want signatures on pucks. I want signatures on jerseys. I'd like anything that we can do differently that will allow the players an opportunity to maybe win some prizes. And in addition, they've got something when they leave the tournament. So it wasn't just your typical medals. It was,

Dean (54:50.3)

some prizes and in addition, you know, they've got something when they, when they leave the tournament. So it wasn't just your typical medals. It was a little bit of extra. Well, then we virtually had 40 the first year we did a really responsible service by, you know, under, under, just indicating that we're, you know, it's going to be a simple tournament and providing this great hockey experience is what we did. We really did not tell people what we're going to do.

3rd view (54:57.79)

little bit of extra. Well then we virtually had 40 the first year. We did a really responsible service by you know under just indicating that we're you know it's going to be a simple tournament and providing this great hockey experience is what we did. We really did not tell people what we're going to do. So it was the wow like no one's done this.

Dean (55:19.452)

So it was the wow, like no one's done this. We didn't want to take away from other community tournaments. That was our understanding too, because other community tournaments raise money for their community clubs. So I had a couple of community clubs contact me and say, Dean, you're taking away from our, I said, no, I'm not taking away from anything. What we're trying to do is give an opportunity for other teams, because you only have one ring, we've got four, you can't facilitate this. So we're allowing other teams that would have been on a wait list for your tournament to be able to play.

3rd view (55:23.23)

We didn't want to take away from other community tournaments. That was our understanding too, because other community tournaments raise money for their community clubs. So I had a couple of community clubs contact me and say, Dean, you're taking away from our, I said, no, I'm not taking away from anything. What we're trying to do is give an opportunity for other teams that, cause you only have one ring, we've got four, you can't facilitate this. So we're allowing other teams that would have been on a wait list for your tournament to be able to play. Well, we didn't know that the next year we get to a hundred.

Dean (55:49.628)

Well, we didn't know that the next year we get to 100 teams. And then within three years, we're over 200 teams a year. That is called the Winning Big Jets Challenge Cup. We now have sponsorships. We work with hotels. We've over time been able to build these relationships with all our third party sponsors. It's sponsored by Boston Pizza. We've got Clear the Game Awards. We've got signed autograph pictures and pucks. And we give.

3rd view (55:53.054)

And then within three years, we're over 200 teams a year. That is called the one of big jets challenge cup. We now have sponsorships. We work with hotels. We've over time been able to build these relationships with all third party sponsors. It's, you know, it's sponsored by Boston pizza. We've got, you know, player of the game awards. We've got signed autograph pictures and pucks, and we give banners and medals and the gold medals are like incredible. They have one of that one big jets logos on them.

Dean (56:16.86)

Banners and medals and the gold medals are like incredible. They want a bitch What they just logos on them? We have some of the most players coming in signage or so that distinguishes us differently we have teams from Saskatchewan and other provinces that will come into these tournaments because they if they can and we're trying to we try to do it we can if there's a couple of most practices during the Tournament that they can watch a practice or a game because you know, we're sold out of our game tickets all the time You know often so there wasn't availability so if they could see them in a practice

3rd view (56:23.038)

We have some of the moose players coming inside. So that distinguishes us differently. We have teams from Saskatchewan and other provinces that will come into these tournaments because if they can, and we're trying to do it if we can, if there's a couple of moose practices during the tournament that they can watch a practice or a game because we're sold out of our game tickets all the time, often. So there wasn't availability. So if they could see them in a practice, well, during the buffling days, those gotta be throwing pucks over. We'd have 500 kids in a ring.

Dean (56:46.716)

Well, during the buffling days and all those gotta be 12 pucks over, we'd have 500 kids in a ring and our coaching staff on the ice would allow that and then the players had fun with it. So it gave us the ability to tell people, come to our tournament, you'll have a great hockey experience. And once again, going back to what I was saying, you're a dad and you go, hey, I used to work 20 years ago with that guy and now you have connection because your kids are playing either against or with each other. So.

3rd view (56:52.51)

And our coaching staff on the ice would allow that and the players had fun with it. So it gave us the ability to tell people, come to our tournament, you'll have a great experience. And once again, going back to what I was saying, you're a dad and you go, hey, I used to work 20 years ago with that guy. And now you have a connection because your kids are playing either against or with each other. So that's how we started it. And it's built up and each year it's reload.

Dean (57:16.252)

That's how we started it and it's built up and each year it's reload. Reload, we start six months in advance or I do with providing the plan, you know, I structure the plan, we put our team together. You know, I've already met with our team several times, half a dozen times. We're already, you know, the registration is getting ready to put out, it's May. I've already got our double A and triple A tournament information already out. You know, our programs are already out six months in advance. It's reload, reload, reload, reload. And what do we do to be better?

3rd view (57:20.254)

reload, we start six months in advance or I do with providing a plan, I structure the plan, we put our team together. I've already met with our team several times, half a dozen times. We're already, registration is getting ready to put out, it's May. I've already got our AA and AAA tournament information already out. Our programs are already out six months in advance, it's reload, reload, reload, reload. And what do we do to be better? Like what could we do to be better?

Dean (57:45.756)

Like what can we do to be better? We have surveys that we do in our organization. We send out all the participants. Where can we be better? We're not always great. You know, we try to achieve greatness, but we do make mistakes. We're not perfect. But you know, when it comes to the tournament or, and that, that tournament, the one big Jeff Shown's club, it's, it's the biggest, it's most preeminent tournament in Canada at Christmas. I don't, you know, we have, we literally have 2000 participating hockey players, over 2000.

3rd view (57:47.486)

We have surveys that we do in our organization. We send out to all the participants, where can we be better? We're not always great. We try to achieve greatness, but we do make mistakes. We're not perfect. But when it becomes a tournament, and that tournament, the Olympic Jet Challenge Cup, it's the biggest, it's most preeminent tournament in Canada at Christmas. We literally have 2 ,000 participating hockey players, over 2 ,000.

We have over 600 hockey games. We have a thousand officials. We have timekeepers. It's incredible. And we have about 20 people that come in and work with us that are either retired people or are students during their holidays. And we bring them in and everybody works dialed in seven in the morning till 10 p every single day, depending on the age appropriate. But we start with U -7.

Dean (58:15.58)

We have over 600 hockey games. We have a thousand officials. We have timekeepers. It's incredible. And we have about 20 people that come in and work with us that are either retired people or students during the holidays. And we bring them in and everybody works dialed in seven in the morning till 10 p every single day, depending on the age appropriate. But we start with U -7.

And we go all the way to U15. Now everyone, A1, A2, A3, everyone gets to play. We're not going to not let anyone play. So our facility, we got everyone. It's good. It's really good. I'm very proud. And this all came from a need to fill some ice blocks. That's correct. But with the position of being the Winnipeg Jets, that certainly allows us, for sure, teams from rural Manitoba or further away to go, that's the Winnipeg Jets, John's Cup. We got to go there. So I'll get teams from Yolkton, Comey, St.

3rd view (58:43.326)

We go all the way to the U15. Now everyone, A1, A2, A3, everyone gets to play. We're not going to not let anyone play. So our facility, we got everyone. It's good. It's really good. I'm pretty proud. This all came from a need to fill some ice box. That's correct. But with the position of being the Winnipeg Jets, that certainly allows us, for sure, teams from rural Manitoba or further away to go, that's the Winnipeg Jets challenge cup. We got to go there. So I'll get teams from Yorkton, call me, say,

How can we navigate where we play? So, you know, in these three days and I'll call our register and he's like, yep, we can do it. So we'll let them play maybe the later game on the Thursday when they come into town so they can drive. It's a six hour drive. They come in, they play their game, they go to the hotel. We work with the local hotels here, you know, to accommodate, you know, let them know that, you know, like I'm meeting them in June, like June, our tournaments are until November or Christmas, but everything is solidified well before. And again, it's not...

Dean (59:10.3)

Can we navigate where we play in these three days and I'll call our register and he's like, yep, we can do it. So we'll let them play maybe the later game on the Thursday when they come into town so they can drive. It's a six hour drive. They come in, they play their game, they go to their hotel. We work with the local hotels here to accommodate, let them know that I'm meeting them in June. Like June, our tournaments aren't till November or Christmas, but everything is solidified well before. And again, it's not...

We execute it because we plan it and now we have an experience in it. And the things that we didn't do successfully the year before, we make note of them and we try and achieve success with the ones that we did. And again, we can't control the zamboni goes down. We can't control if someone gets injured, but we have everyone in place. So that happened. The one thing too, we're not one thing, but one of many things is that you'll notice that at our facility, very rarely will we be behind in our ice time.

3rd view (59:40.126)

We execute it because we plan it and now we have an experience in it. And the things that we didn't do successfully the year before, we make note of them and we try and achieve success with the ones that we did. And again, we can't control the Zamboni goes down. We can't control if someone gets injured, but we have everyone in place. So that happened. The one thing too, not one thing, but one of many things is that you'll notice that at our facility, very rarely will we be behind in our ice time.

with that many thousand, 12 ,000 hours. Really, we have three Zambonis. We have tremendous amount of like our operations team is behind the scenes again. They don't get the glory of, you know, they're behind the scenes. They're fixing stuff that's, you know, that we don't even see, but they all have a plan in advance. You know, we look, you know, we put everyone together. We say, okay, we're going to execute the plan. And it's going to be like in the next two days, this is what we do. Everyone's there and boom, over two weeks we get the tournament done.

Dean (01:00:10.268)

With that many thousand, 12 ,000 hours, rarely. We have three Zambonis, we have a tremendous amount of, like our operations team is behind the scenes again. They don't get the glory of, you know, they're behind the scenes, they're fixing stuff that's, you know, that we don't even see. But they all have a plan in advance. You know, we look, you know, we put everyone together, we say, okay, we're gonna execute the plan. And it's gonna be like in the next two days, this is what we do. Everyone's there, and boom, over two weeks we get the tournament.

Wonderful. I get excited every year. It's great. Amazing story. It's a really good segue into my next point. We talked about this in pre -show and part of the reason I wanted to bring you on because you've been involved in high level sport for so long.

3rd view (01:00:40.542)

I get excited every year. It's great Amazing story It's a really good segue into my next point We talked about this in pre -show and part of the reason I wanted to bring you on because you've been involved in high -level sport for so long

Dean (01:00:56.828)

And I have to admit, I'm kind of obsessed with this, right? Business and sports teams, I've always kind of grown up with the whole thing. Business is a family and, you know, I think I've had some other people on and I'll give this same example. The end of the year, I've got two wonderful kids, two boys, they don't take out the milk in the garbage, or sorry, they don't put the milk back in the fridge and take out the garbage. They're not getting cut at the end of the year. So with the business, with the metaphor of family,

3rd view (01:00:56.83)

And I have to admit, I'm kind of obsessed with this, right? Business and sports teams. I've always kind of grown up with the whole thing. Business is a family and you know, I think I've had some other people on and I'll give the same example. The end of the year, I've got two wonderful kids, two boys. They don't take out the milk in the garbage or sorry, they don't put the milk back in the fridge and take out the garbage. They're not getting cut at the end of the year. So with the business, with the metaphor of family,

Dean (01:01:25.852)

I don't know if that's the right thing and yet somebody blew my mind Jordan Wehle on one of my podcasts where he said they identify as a sports team his business identifies as a sports team What do you what do you get out of that? What's your first reaction? That's an interesting concept and an interesting question. Thank you for that, too You know when you're in sports and you're in a dressing room and you know, you've got a team and that's your family now

3rd view (01:01:25.854)

I don't know if that's the right thing and yet somebody blew my mind Jordan wayla on one of my podcasts where he said they identify as a sports team his business identifies as a sports team What do you what do you get out of that? What's your first reaction? That's an interesting concept an interesting question. Thank you for that, too You know when when when you're in sports and you're in a dressing room and you know You've got a team and that's your family now

Dean (01:01:54.748)

The family is, as the rules, we all have our roles and we do them well. To take that family thought process and put it into a business, I believe you can do that, but it would be more in silos. And the reason why it's in silos, depending on how big your business is, I mean, if you've got a business of a dozen people, then that's probably gonna be family oriented because you're gonna see the results quickly. If you have 200 employees.

3rd view (01:01:54.878)

Family is, you know, has the roles. We all have our roles and we do them well. To take that family thought process and to put it into a business, I believe you can do that, but it would be more in silos. And the reason why it's so, depending on how big your business is, I mean, if you've got a business of a dozen people, then that's probably going to be family oriented because you're going to see the results quickly. If you have 200 employees.

The 140th employee might not see the same result and feel the same family connection, but you feel that you do. And I feel that, I believe it's a great concept. I just haven't heard of it before. But I'm not, maybe I'm not expressing myself. I'm not saying that a sports team is a family. You're saying, yeah, people in the locker room, they're a family, they're tight knit. I'm saying the purpose of a team is to win a championship. Yes. The purpose of business is...

Dean (01:02:21.948)

The 140th employee might not see the same result and feel the same family connection, but you feel that you do. And I feel that, I believe that it's a great concept. I just haven't heard of it before. But I'm not, maybe I'm not expressing myself. I'm not saying that a sports team is a family. You're saying, yeah, people in the locker room, they're a family, they're tight knit. I'm saying the purpose of a team is to win a championship. Yes. The purpose of business is...

I mean, you could say to win a championship. And I believe that when you're navigating those relationships and the way you're trying to empower your team members in that business is different if you're thinking about it like a sports team. I agree. Yes. Well, they'd be excited about the role that they're doing. That's where the family connection will come in. So what I mean by that is, so how excited are you of the role that you're giving them or that that will allow the family mentality because...

3rd view (01:02:51.518)

I mean, you could say to win a championship. And I believe that when you're navigating those relationships and the way you're trying to empower your team members in that business is different if you're thinking about it, like a sports team. I agree. Yes. Right. When they'd be excited about the role that they're doing, that's where the family connection will come in. So what I mean by that is, so how excited is the role that you're giving them or that that will allow the family mentality because...

They believe that they are now, you know, worthwhile. They're a part of the success of that team. That's communication. That's clear understanding from the beginning. Here we are. Here's your role. But not the role that, you know, you've been given because I told you the role. It's a role that we've worked together to get you to be. Would you rather be a part of this or would you, you know, because everyone has to be in line. In order to be a family, you have to all be in line, which means that there are certain people a part of that or certain members of your team.

Dean (01:03:20.188)

They believe that they are now, you know, worthwhile. They're a part of the success of that team. That's communication. That's clear understanding from the beginning. Here we are. Here's your role. But not the role that, you know, you've been given because I've told you the role. It's a role that we work together to get you to be. Would you rather be a part of this or would you, you know, because everyone has to be in line. In order to be a family, you have to all be in line, which means that there are certain people a part of that or certain members of your team.

3rd view (01:03:48.542)

or certain members of your organization that might not have the glory of that role. And in our organization, it's the housekeepers, it's the trainers, it's the considered, well, they're out of sight, out of mind, but they're tremendously important to the success. So you don't underestimate them, you include them, you include them in all of it. So you have the ability to have inclusion for every member of your team.

Dean (01:03:48.572)

or certain members of your organization that might not have the glory of that role. And in our organization, it's the housekeepers, it's the trainers, it's the considered, well, they're out of sight, out of mind, but they're tremendously important to the success. So you don't underestimate them, you include them, you include them in all of it. So you have the ability to have inclusion for every member of your team.

3rd view (01:04:18.622)

and it is a family because you have a role. But you have to communicate that clearly that the value of the person that may not have the polish role is as valuable as the person that's going to finalize the role. I'm not talking about compensation or accountability that way, but I'm talking about the rules. And in our organization, it's perfect. I mean, we've got people that are timekeepers. They're timekeeping the adult league at 10 o 'clock at night. They're tremendously important to our organization and the success.

Dean (01:04:18.652)

then it is a family because you have a role. But you have to communicate that clearly that the value of the person that may not have the polished role is as valuable as the person that's going to finalize the role. I'm not talking about compensation or accountability that way, but I'm talking about the roles and in our organization is perfect. I mean, we've got people that are timekeepers. They're timekeeping the adult league at 10 o 'clock at night. They're tremendously important to our organization and the success.

3rd view (01:04:48.35)

of it continually running because those are the non -prime time hours. We need someone to be there. We need someone to manage that. Well, they may not get the same recognition publicly as maybe someone like in my role that's, Dean's downstairs. He's in the open forum. He's at the tournaments. But I understand the importance of them. So I make sure, as does our leadership, that everyone is on the same level and not level what I mean by

Dean (01:04:48.38)

of it continually running because those are the non -prime time hours. We need someone to be there, we need someone to manage that. Well, they may not get the same recognition publicly as maybe someone like in my role that's, Dean's downstairs, he's in the open forum, he's at the tournaments. But I understand the importance of them, so I make sure, as does our leadership, that everyone is on the same level and not level what I mean by

We're not sitting in corporate boardrooms talking about strategies that are going to cost millions of dollars. We're talking in courts of inclusion because everyone has a role. And your role is very valuable. So it's the word thank you, it's consideration, it's courage and kindness. And if someone needs time to be with their family, family's first. So the more you talk about family, the more you include the...

3rd view (01:05:17.757)

You know, we're not sitting in corporate, you know, boardrooms talking about, you know, strategies that are going to cost millions of dollars. We're talking the importance of inclusion because everyone has a role and your role is very valuable. So it's the word thank you, it's consideration, it's courage and kindness. And you, you, if someone needs time to be with their family, family's first. So the more you talk about family, the more you include.

If you got to go see someone in your family, someone's injured, someone's hurt, you know, there's a wedding, family's first. But when you come back, you're not going to be, you know, scorned or scolded because you took time with family. It's a work life balance. And I think organizations that can not just talk about it, but can actually help control that. So in our organization, we've got, you know, people in culture, people in place. So again, you know, working for Toronto Sports and Entertainment.

Dean (01:05:44.86)

If you got to go see someone in the family, someone's injured, someone's hurt, you know, there's a wedding, family's first. But when you come back, you're not going to be, you know, scorned or scolded because you took time with family. It's a work -life balance. And I think organizations that can not just talk about it, but can actually help control that. So in our organization, we've got, you know, people in culture, people in place. So again,

We're working for Children's Sports and Entertainment. I'm so grateful because we put the right people in the right place and you hire the right people for the right roles and they appreciate those roles and that's the family mentality that you'll get. That's the when any organization, when you're doing your hiring process and you hire for that position and they're excited about that role but they also tell you that they'd be excited about another opportunity, there has to be a succession plan and that's when you become the...

3rd view (01:06:13.854)

I'm so grateful because we put the right people in the right place and you hire the right people for the right roles and they appreciate those roles and that's the family mentality that you'll get. That's the win any organization when you're doing your hiring process and you hire for that position and they're excited about that role but they also tell you that they'd be excited about another opportunity there has to be a succession plan and that's when you become

Yeah, no, you actually completely turned me 180 degrees because I was thinking almost negatively about family in business. But yeah, so when you're talking about, you know, person who comes into the locker room and after my beer league game and is sweeping up all the tape because we keep missing the garbage can, how do you empower that person to realize that there's such an important cog in the overall success of that facility?

Dean (01:06:43.164)

Yeah, no, you actually completely turned the 180 degrees because I was thinking almost negatively about family and business. But yeah, so when you're talking about, you know, person who comes into the locker room and after my beer, the game and is sweeping up all the tape because we keep missing the garbage can, how do you empower that person to realize that there's such an important cog in the overall success of that?

For me that's easy because I'm in the trenches when there's a tournament going on and I'm also like with them and we're in the rooms and you know when there are you know someone let's for example let's let's let's take a tournament a double -a tournament for 16 teams the link is full of the score all four rinks are going their scouts there everyone is there right and you have people that are spilling their slushy you know so it doesn't matter who in our organization is picking up the look so what we've done our team

3rd view (01:07:08.446)

For me, that's easy because I'm in the trenches when there's a tournament going on and I'm also like with them and we're in the rooms and you know, when there are, you know, someone, let's, let's for example, let's, let's, let's take a tournament, a double eight tournament for 16 teams. The rink is full and there's four, all four rings are going, there's scouts there, everyone is there, right? And you have people that are spilling their slushy, you know? So it doesn't matter who an organization is picking up. So what we've done, our team is that,

Dean (01:07:37.532)

is that if there's a slushie over there, there's popcorn over there, and there's syrup of some sort on the stairs, one of us is getting the syrup, someone's getting the slushie, and someone's getting the popcorn, well my title and responsibilities might be completely different. But no one is unworthy of doing the right thing. So we do the right thing by doing what's right. So if we're overwhelmed because only one, maybe a clean -up crew or someone is available, then we'll grab a couple of our on -ice coaches or whatever, we'll go help. Now, not every organization might be like that, but ours is.

3rd view (01:07:38.398)

If there's a slushy over there, there's popcorn over there and there's syrup of some sort on the stairs. One of us is getting the syrup, someone's getting the slush and someone's getting the popcorn. But my title and responsibilities might be completely different. But no one is unworthy of doing the right thing. So we do the right thing by doing what's right. So if we're overwhelmed because only one, maybe a cleanup crew or something is available, then we'll grab a couple of Ron ice coats or whatever. We'll go help. Now, not every organization might be like that, but ours is. And

Dean (01:08:07.516)

And the value that one of our housekeepers gets that, that, you know, the managers or people of title are willing to do the same thing because we don't undervalue it. That's the key. I don't want to value it like timekeepers or housekeepers. I am, I embrace them. I embrace them because they're valuable. They're the key to the next team walking in to a clean room. Cause if they don't, the next team walks in and there's not a clean room.

3rd view (01:08:08.222)

The value that one of our housekeepers gets that, that, you know, the managers or people of title are willing to do the same thing because we don't undervalue it. That's the key. I don't undervalue it like timekeepers or housekeepers. I am, I embrace them. I embrace them because they're valuable. They're the key to the next team walking in to a clean room. Cause if they don't, the next team walks in and there's not a clean room, they're like, well, this place is a chicken shop. It's a dump.

Dean (01:08:35.26)

They're like, well, this place is a chicken shop. It's a dump. And then that perception gets out and out. And then all of a sudden, our reputation is that it's not a very nice facility. It's a dirty facility. So they're integral to our success. So everyone gets a simple thank you and a recognition is everyone else is willing to do the same rule. That's the key. I often go in the back in the operations and there'll be guys in the zamboy, zamping stuff and you guys are washing stuff and you know, it's 35 below zero.

3rd view (01:08:37.918)

And then that perception gets out and out and then all of a sudden our reputation is that it's not a very nice facility. It's a dirty facility. So they're integral to our success. So everyone gets a simple thank you and a recognition is everyone else is willing to do the same role. That's the key. I often I'll go in the back in the operations and they'll be guys in the zamboni emptying stuff and you guys are washing stuff and you know it's 35 below zero. You know and the sidewalks need to be shoveled.

Dean (01:09:04.7)

You know, and that the sidewalks need to be shoveled. Well, there's two at the back. There's three down the side. Someone's going to slip in the front. It doesn't take someone that's walking through any more than 30 seconds to grab the jug of ice that's de -icer. And we all know where it is. And just shoot it over the cement. You'll see often, Gareth, that you'll see in the building where I am, people come in and go, why are you vacuuming? Well, it doesn't matter. It's...

3rd view (01:09:07.742)

Well, there's two at the back, there's three down the side, but someone's going to slip in the front. It doesn't take someone that's walking through any more than 30 seconds to grab the jug of ice that's de -icer. And we all know where it is. And then just shoot it over the cement. You'll see often, Garrett, that you'll see in the building where I am, people will come in and go, Dean, why are you vacuuming? Well, it doesn't matter. Do I get paid to vacuum? No. But if someone...

Dean (01:09:33.404)

You know, do I get paid to vacuum? No. But if someone sees me vacuuming, they know that if I'm willing to do it, it's not a, it's not a menial job. Because it's clean. I want our facility to have polish and pride. When you walk in the door, I'm a part of your team. You're part of my team. So we get recognition by people going, wow. So people that come in from out of town, they go, this place is beautiful. Well, it's not brand new anymore.

3rd view (01:09:36.606)

Sees me vacuuming. They know that if if i'm willing to do it, it's not a It's not menial job because it's clean I want our facility to have polish and pride when you walk in the door i'm a part of your team You're part of my team. So we get recognition by people going wow So people that come in from out of town, they go this place is beautiful Well, it's not brand new anymore But it's beautiful because of the people that take the time and the care to put an effort in

Dean (01:10:00.956)

But it's beautiful because of the people that take the time and the care to put an effort in to make sure it's clean so you have a green hockey experience. No one's undervalued. We appreciate every person that works there. Don't always tell them every day because everyone's busy, but at the end of the day, it's important to recognize their value. Well, I would say True North is very successful at that. To your point about family, I mean, we all know what happened last year with that horrific death. Yes, of course. And then, of course,

3rd view (01:10:06.463)

to make sure it's clean so you have a great hockey experience. No one's undervalued. We appreciate every person that works there. Don't always tell them every day because everyone's busy, but at the end of the day, it's important to recognize their value. Well, I would say True North is very successful at that. To your point about family, I mean, we all know what happened last year, that horrific death. Yes, of course. And then, of course, the Jets and Hope sending Neil Pionk and a bunch of the Jets home to...

Dean (01:10:30.236)

the Jets and Hope, you know, sending me a piano and a bunch of the Jets home to, of course it was, and you kept hearing about it on the media, it doesn't matter. Yes, it is. And those boys that left, they were teammates of that young player. It's so small and in our community how everything is close. My son actually played for the team. My youngest son played for Sioux City. That's the junior team that that young man had played for. And actually that's where...

3rd view (01:10:34.718)

Of course, it was and you kept hearing it on the media. It doesn't matter. Yes, it is and those boys that left they were teammates of that young player. It's so small and in our community how everything is close. My son actually played for the team. My youngest son played for Sioux City. That's the junior team that that young man played for and actually that's where I played with that young man.

Dean (01:10:59.676)

And you know, play with that young man in Sioux City. And that's where they played junior together. And then of course, Neil moved on and ended up playing obviously for organization. But you know, that's a tragedy in itself. But it's not even a hesitation when it comes to our owner. It's not even, it's just an automatic. He knows he's got a principle that's, you know, in values and integrity that is unheard of. But when you do hear about it, it's true. It's true. I'm so grateful.

3rd view (01:11:03.678)

in Sioux City and that's where they played junior together and then of course they all moved on and ended up playing you know obviously for our organization but you know no one that's a tragedy in itself but there's not even a hesitation when it comes to our owner it's not even it's it's just an automatic he knows he's got the principle that's you know and values and integrity that is unheard of but when you do hear about it it's true it's true i'm so grateful i really am yeah no i i'm humbled

Dean (01:11:29.212)

I really am. Yeah. No, I, I'm humbled. you, you touched on something that Cardo Adventures has been trying to drill into me because it's the concept of a player coach. And you know what I'm talking about here. Somebody who's willing, the manager of the entire facility is sweeping, putting out ice melter, right? And they say that you can't really have somebody and you know, have them promoted until they are

3rd view (01:11:33.822)

You touched on something that Cardone Ventures has been trying to drill into me because it's the concept of a player coach. And you know what I'm talking about here. Somebody who's willing, the manager of the entire facility is sweeping, putting out ice melter, right? And they say that you can't really have somebody and, you know, have them promoted until they are clear in their current role because they have to be able to mentor the young people.

Dean (01:11:58.236)

clear in their current role because they have to be able to mentor young people. Can you speak to me about player coaches and that concept of it rather than just being a coach only? Well, there's two definite variations of coaches. I mean, there's a hard coach and then a player's coach and that's the same as a move by having the ability to communicate comfortably. Whereas a more hard -nosed coach is not going to give you that room because...

3rd view (01:12:02.558)

Can you speak to me about player coaches and that concept of it rather than just being a coach only? Well, there's two definite variations of coaches. I mean, there's a hard coach and then a player's coach and that's this thing called by, you know, having the ability to communicate comfortably. You know, whereas a more hard -nosed coach is not going to give you that room because they have to make some tough decisions. It's similar to, you know, a senior manager that...

Dean (01:12:26.044)

they have to make some tough decisions. It's similar to, you know, a senior manager that, you know, the more you have a personal role with that person, the more likely, you know, that something is going to go awry between the two. So in other words, you know, a player's coach or a manager's, you know, relationship with its team members. And I get really challenged when someone says, it's my staff. We don't have staff.

3rd view (01:12:30.11)

you know, the more you have a personal role with that person, the more likely, you know, that something is going to go awry between the two of you. So in other words, you know, a player's coach or a manager's, you know, relationship with its team members. And I got really challenged once he put his thoughts to my staff. We don't have staff.

of team members and people might go over staff. It might be word association. It's more, it's very important to me. You're my teammate. You're not a staff member. And just for some reason, it's just never really, you know, it's always, it is, it is, and we're teammates. So communication again, I talked about it, you know, we have a role as a player coach or as a manager's coach, inclusion. So here's the role of these are included. I'm willing to do what you're, you know, in order to be successful, we need these done, you know, a certain time.

Dean (01:12:53.884)

If team members and people might go over set, it might be word association. It's more, it's very important to me. You're my teammate. You're not a staff member. They're just, for some reason, it's just never really, you know, it's always, it is, it is, and we're teammates. So, communication again, I talk about it, you know, we have a role, as a player coach or as a manager's coach, inclusion. So here's the role of these are included. I'm willing to do what you're, you know, in order to be successful, we need these done, you know, a certain time.

And to me, when they're finished, the completion of it, thank you is simple as that. Great job. Simple communication. Acknowledgement. Acknowledgement comes in different ways. Some people want to be compensated. Someone wants to be rewarded by social media. Thank you. Great. Often people just appreciate the, hey, thanks a lot. That was awesome. Simple manners. Common sense. That's where people disconnect.

3rd view (01:13:23.646)

And to me, when they're finished, the completion of it, thank you is simple as that. Great job. Simple communication. Acknowledgement. Acknowledgement comes in different ways. Some people want to be compensated. Someone wants to be rewarded by social media or thank you, great. Often people just appreciate the, hey, thanks a lot. That was awesome. Simple manners. Common sense. That's where people disconnect.

It's a common sense thing to do is to pick up the garbage when you walk by. It's a common sense thing to do is say hi first before someone else does. It's okay to look confident and be confident. It's not okay to be disrespectful to walk by and say, yeah, but it'll often be not my job. I've never really been able to comprehend that, but there's a reason why I can't comprehend that because humble beginnings, when you grow up in a poor environment like I did, like,

Dean (01:13:51.036)

It's a common sense thing to do is to pick up the garbage when you walk by it's a common sense thing to do is say hi first before someone else does it's okay to look confident and be confident. It's not it's not okay to be disrespectful to walk by and and say and I you like but a lot of my job not my job. I've never really been able to comprehend that but there's a reason why I can't comprehend that because humble beginnings when you grow up in a poor environment like I did like

3rd view (01:14:20.958)

It was, we just got by. So you have a survival mode. So you realize those people are in survival mode sometimes in their positions. So what I want to do is I want to make sure that they're appreciated. That's it. And that's how you do it. Make it sound simple, but I mean, it's the identity of the organization and people know it. You attract other leaders and winners and then it perpetuates. It does. And our owner puts people in place and people may go, well, you know, your owner doesn't hire everyone. Well, he's got his hands in a pretty well.

Dean (01:14:20.988)

It was, we just got by. So you have a survival mode. So you realize those people are in survival mode sometimes in their positions. So what I want to do is I want to make sure that they're appreciated. That's it. And that's how you do it. You make it sound simple, but I mean, it's the identity of the organization and people know it. You attract other leaders and winners and then it perpetuates. It does. And our owner puts people in place and people only go, well, you know, your owner doesn't hire everyone. Well, he's got his hands in our pretty well.

The people that he wants in certain positions for certain reasons he does. He didn't put me in a position to be something that I wasn't going to be successful at. That's the strength of what Mr. Chitman does is that he'll put people in strength because he's got a sick sense of this is the person I believe and his integrity is unquestionable. He just gets it. He's human. I'm sure he makes some errors in judgment too, but he's not, he's very loyal. He's not willing to just cut you out if you make a mistake.

3rd view (01:14:50.718)

people that he wants in certain positions for certain reasons he does. He didn't put me in a position to be something that I wasn't going to be successful at. That's the strength of what Mr. Chipman does is that he'll put people in strength because he's got a sick sense of this is the person I believe and his integrity is, you know, unquestionably. He just gets it. He's human. I'm sure he makes errors in judgment too, but he's not, he's very loyal. He's not willing to just cut you out if you make a mistake.

Dean (01:15:20.38)

and that's a big key. So you learn. It gives you growth opportunity by, hey, you know, you got room for improvement. Yes, you do. And doesn't minimize it, doesn't mean it doesn't hurt your feelings. And there's your leader. And then it resonates down to the next layer, to the next layer, and you know, and so on and so on. And you know, I'm not in a senior leadership role at True North. I'm in a middle leadership role. That's irrelevant.

3rd view (01:15:20.383)

And that's a big key. So you learn. He gives you growth opportunity by, hey, you know, you got room for improvement. Yes, you do. And doesn't minimize it. Doesn't demean you. Doesn't hurt your feelings. And there's your leader. And then it resonates down to the next layer, to the next layer, and so on and so on. And I'm not in a senior leadership role at Trunor. I'm in a middle leadership role. That's irrelevant. It doesn't matter. It's an o -

Dean (01:15:47.388)

It doesn't matter. It's an outfit. Like if I manage one person or if I manage 60 people, I'm empowered to do my job the best I can. And I'm asked, do I need more tools to do my job? And if I decide, no, I don't need more tools and I do my job, but I don't do it to the level that they've put in place, then they're going to come back to me and say, well, what did you need more tools? What was it? What happened? So that, you know, that might be on me. But if I ask for more tools and then we're still not there, okay, we gave you the tool. What did we?

3rd view (01:15:49.118)

Like if I manage one person or if I manage 60 people, I'm empowered to do my job the best I can. And I'm asked, do I need more tools to do my job? And if I decide, no, I don't need more tools and I do my job, but I don't do it to the level that they've put in place, then they're going to come back to me and say, well, what did you need? Did you need more tools? What was it? What happened? So that might be on me. But if I ask for more tools and then we're still not there, okay, we gave you the tool. What did we, not me.

Dean (01:16:17.084)

not me, what we as an organization do that maybe we can improve. Not worry about what you can't change, you focus on what you can improve for future. I've been a part of lots of organizations and this is one that looks for future, for thinking, visionary, you know, strategic planning, structure, execution of it. And I get excited about being a part of that, whatever role I'm given or whatever role I'm trusted in. And that's key for me. I heard...

3rd view (01:16:18.238)

What did we as an organization do that maybe we can improve? Not worry about what you can't change. You focus on what you can improve for future. I've been a part of lots of organizations and this is one that looks for future, for thinking, visionary, strategic planning, structure, execution of it. And I get excited about being a part of that at whatever role I'm given or whatever role I'm trusted in. And that's key for me. I heard...

Again through the training I'm taking that they call that we leadership not me leadership. That's a good role. Yes, I do All right. Let's wrap this up. I always ask this question for every guest This is the investing to win podcast. How do you define success? And what does winning look like for you? Thank you for this question because I heard this some time ago and there's all kinds of cliches but success for me is time I

Dean (01:16:46.652)

Again through the training I'm taking that they call that we leadership That's a good. Yes, I do All right. Let's wrap this up. I always ask this question for every guest This is the investing to win podcast. How do you define success? Thank you for this question because I'd heard this some time ago and there's all kinds of cliches but success for me is time

3rd view (01:17:15.166)

time with my family because the time I commit to my work and my discipline for entrepreneurship and or as an employee is 1000 % commitment. But as a father and a husband, what makes me successful is when my kids want to spend time with me as grown adults. And I've heard that before. Our kids love to spend time with my wife.

Dean (01:17:15.196)

time with my family because the time I commit to my work and my discipline for entrepreneurship and or as an employee is 1000 % commitment. But as a father and a husband, what makes me successful is when my kids want to spend time with me as grown adults. And I've heard that before. Our kids love to spend time with my wife and I.

3rd view (01:17:43.55)

you know, whether or not I'm going for a little bit of a walk or calm down down the heart trail, you know, all of a sudden I've got three 20 year olds in tow and I'm like, okay, why do you guys want to be there? We're walking the dog. We're just, and we communicate hanging out. That's success to me. Success isn't about how much money I've been able to attain or how many homes I have or how many rental properties or what company I work for. My success is that time with my family.

Dean (01:17:43.58)

you know whether or not I'm going for a little bit of a walk or calm down the heart trail you know all of a sudden I've got three 20 year olds in tow and I'm like okay why do you guys want to be good? We're walking the dog. We're just and we communicate. Just hanging out. That's success to me. Success isn't about how much money I've been able to attain or how many homes I have or how many rental properties or you know what company I work for. My success is that time with my family.

3rd view (01:18:11.902)

And that they want to spend more time in my latter years with my life. And I'm super grateful. You know, I have faith. It's very important to me. it's important to my family, you know, and I feel that the more that we commit to each other, the more that we are successful and it's not built on dollars. It's built on time. That's mine. I love it. That is a fantastic place to end Dean. tons of value. Thank you so much for agreeing to be on the podcast. I'm honored.

Dean (01:18:11.932)

and that they want to spend more time in my latter years with my lifetime. Super grateful. You know, I have faith. It's very important to me. It's important to my family, you know, and I feel that the more that we commit to each other, the more that we are successful and it's not built on dollars. It's built on time. That's why. I love it. That is a fantastic place to end, Dean. Tons of value. Thank you so much for agreeing to be on the podcast. I'm honoured.

3rd view (01:18:42.014)

And just like thank you for our audience. It's me that's honored and I'm super grateful for this opportunity. Thank you. All right. Thanks. Cheers. Sorry, man. Did I go off on a little bit of tension? Not at all. You know, I added a couple of things, man. Sorry.

Dean (01:18:42.044)

And I'd just like to thank you for our audience. It's me that's honored and I'm super grateful for this opportunity. Thank you. All right, thanks. Cheers. Sorry man, did I go off? I want a little bit of attention. Not at all. You're going to have to edit a couple things, man. Sorry.

Dean (01:19:04.732)

No, I'm just looking here and now it's saying start recording. did we forget to start all over again? Well, I hope not, because that was awesome. I would be very...

3rd view (01:19:04.734)

No, I'm just looking here and now it's saying start recording. did you forget though? Do we gotta start all over again? Well, I hope not, because that was awesome. Like I would be very...

Dean (01:19:27.164)

That's just... I don't know. Okay, I'll leave it with you. Now, if it doesn't, if it didn't... No, it's just I'm upset because that was gold. It was so good. Did it not record? I don't know if it did. Okay. If it didn't, it didn't. And we'll do it again another time.

3rd view (01:19:27.166)

Let's just, I don't know. Okay, I'll leave it with you. Now if it doesn't, if it didn't. It's just I'm upset because that was gold. It was so good. Did it not record? I don't know if it did. Okay. If it didn't, it didn't. We'll do it again another time.

Dean (01:19:46.652)

It was so good though, Dean.

3rd view (01:19:46.685)

It was so good though, Dean.

I hit the record button and it counted down. So now I'm wondering...

Dean (01:19:50.364)

I hit the record button and it counted down. So now I'm wondering, let me just see.

3rd view (01:20:14.078)

I mean, whatever happens, I really enjoyed. Yeah, me too. And honestly Garrett, if it's not, if it doesn't work out, it's, we can do this another time too. Like it doesn't change.

Dean (01:20:14.172)

I mean, whatever happens, I really enjoy. Yeah, me too. And honestly here, if it's not, if it doesn't work out, it's, we can do this another time too. Like it doesn't change.