Made in the Mist
A Podcast by entrepreneurs, for entrepreneurs. Journey behind the stories from Niagara's most accomplished founders, leaders, and innovators.
Made in the Mist celebrates the entrepreneurs, innovators, executives, investors, and changemakers shaping the future of Niagara and beyond. Through candid conversations and inspiring stories, listeners gain valuable insights into entrepreneurship, leadership, innovation, business growth, community impact, and the realities of building successful organizations. Featuring notable guests such as John McCall MacBain (AutoTrader Canada), Tom Rankin (Rankin Construction), April Mullen (WANGO Films), and other influential leaders, Made in the Mist explores the ideas, experiences, and lessons that drive success across industries.
Produced by Vaylin Entertainment from inside the Niagara Falls Rankin Innovation Hub (NFRIH) and co-hosted by Dan Bordenave and Emma Eldon, the podcast shines a spotlight on the people and stories helping to transform Niagara into a thriving centre for innovation and entrepreneurship.
The Niagara Falls Rankin Innovation Hub is Niagara's leading entrepreneurship centre, having supported more than 500 companies through mentorship, funding readiness, educational programming, technology access, and business advisory services. Home to Niagara's #1 coworking space and the Elevate Technology Accelerator Program, NFRIH helps founders at every stage of growth. Whether you're just getting started or scaling your business, our programs, resources, and technologies are designed to meet entrepreneurs where they are and help them move forward with confidence.
Made in the Mist
John McCall MacBain, McCall MacBain Foundation
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Season 2 of Made in the Mist continues with an extraordinary guest, John H. McCall MacBain. John is a Canadian businessman and philanthropist, renowned for founding the McCall MacBain Foundation and Pamoja Capital SA. His impressive career began with the acquisition of an Auto Trader in Montreal, which he expanded into Trader Classified Media, operating in 23 countries. He holds degrees from McGill University, Oxford, and Harvard Business School.
John has dedicated a significant portion of his life to philanthropy. Since establishing the McCall MacBain Foundation in 2006, he has contributed approximately $500 million in grants towards education, health, climate change, and environmental projects. He also serves as Chancellor of McGill University and is a member of The Giving Pledge. His historic $200 million donation to McGill University for a graduate scholarship program highlights his commitment to academic and environmental causes globally.
Beyond his professional achievements, John is an avid skier, marathon runner, ice hockey player, and cyclist, as well as a commercial land and sea pilot.
0:00-0:59 Introducing the podcast and hosts
1:00-1:20 John Macbain intro
1:21-2:03 "How John Macbain came to be"
2:04-4:34 Story of his first business
4:35-5:02 What sparked his interest in marketing/business
5:03-7:13 university life
7:14-8:07 intro to auto trader
8:08-8:55 his book 65 lessons for success
8:56-20:02 Auto trader and business ventures