Latest news with #entrepreneur
Globe and Mail
14 hours ago
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Smart Homes, Safer Communities: Christopher Mickey's Call for Action on HVAC Reform
From Hurricane Relief to Everyday Energy Bills, One Entrepreneur Pushes for Smarter, More Reliable Home Systems In a new exclusive interview, Florida-based entrepreneur Christopher Mickey shares a message that reaches far beyond his own business: America needs to take HVAC systems—and the people they serve—more seriously. 'Bad HVAC isn't just uncomfortable. It's expensive, inefficient, and, in some cases, dangerous,' says Mickey, founder of Airheads HVAC. 'Every home we flip, we see the same problems: outdated systems, poor installations, and zero energy strategy.' Having personally flipped more than 545 homes with his wife, Mickey's journey from the restaurant industry to real estate and HVAC has given him a front-row seat to the systemic problems facing homeowners. 'You'd be shocked at how often families are stuck with high energy bills and unreliable systems,' he notes. 'These aren't luxuries—they're essentials.' The timing of Mickey's message is urgent. HVAC systems account for nearly 50% of the average U.S. household's energy usage, and with energy prices continuing to climb, inefficient setups are costing families thousands. Yet too few know how to spot or solve the problem. 'There are smart solutions out there—things like high-efficiency systems and smart thermostats—but people need to be educated and empowered,' he says. Mickey believes the answer lies not just in better technology, but in accountability. 'We treat every job like it's our own home. That's missing in this industry.' In the interview, Mickey also speaks about his team's response to Hurricane Helene, when they provided free and discounted HVAC services to families left without cooling. 'If you've got the tools to help, use them,' he says. 'It's that simple.' Mickey's message is clear: home systems should work for the people living in them—not against them. He urges communities to take action: Get your systems checked regularly. Invest in smart, energy-efficient solutions. Hold service providers to a higher standard. Speak up when service fails. 'This isn't just about saving money—it's about safety, sustainability, and respect for people's homes,' says Mickey. 'You don't need to be in HVAC to help fix this. You just need to care.' About Christopher Mickey Christopher Mickey is a hands-on entrepreneur and founder of Airheads HVAC. After starting in the restaurant business at 21 and flipping over 545 homes, he launched Airheads to solve the HVAC problems he saw every day on the job. His work is driven by quality service, smart technology, and a deep commitment to community support. To read the full interview, click here. Contact: Info@ Media Contact Contact Person: Christopher Mickey Email: Send Email City: New Port Richey State: Florida Country: United States Website:
Yahoo
15 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Tony Robbins: 7 Tips for Building Financial Security in Tough Times
Money is an all-too-common source of worry and stress. We fear losing our jobs, stock market crashes or simply not being able to pay all of our bills next month. While we can't control the greater economy or even our job security, there are steps we can take to protect our finances as much as possible and ride out any waves that come our way. Learn More: Check Out: In a blog post, entrepreneur and author Tony Robbins outlined a few effective tips to build financial security, regardless of what's happening in the wider economic environment. Here's how to create financial certainty in an uncertain world. Don't let your financial fears get the best of you. 'When the world seems uncertain, most people freeze or panic,' Robbins wrote. 'But the most successful people in history — those who built fortunes and legacies — did so by acting when others were paralyzed by fear. Remember, where focus goes, energy flows. If you focus on what you can control, you'll find the power to act, even when the sky seems to be falling.' Some things you can do to gain control are to build an emergency fund for short-term needs and to plan ahead for long-term goals through retirement savings accounts and life insurance. Explore More: Robbins says that if you want to 'shift your results,' you first have to 'shift your state.' 'Don't let the news or social media dictate your emotions,' he wrote. 'Take care of your body, move, breathe deeply, and prime your mind every morning for strength and gratitude. Certainty starts from within.' Paying attention to negative speculation can make you feel more fearful than is necessary. 'In times of uncertainty, rumors and negativity spread faster than the truth,' Robbins wrote. 'Get the real facts about your finances, your job and your opportunities. Make a list of your assets, your skills and your connections. Knowledge is power, and clarity is the antidote to fear.' One of the best ways to gain control of your money and work toward financial freedom is to create a budget that includes room for saving, investing and paying down debt. 'Now is the time to get lean and strategic,' Robbins wrote. 'Review your expenses and cut what isn't serving you. But don't just focus on scarcity — look for places to invest in your growth. The greatest fortunes are made in times of crisis, not comfort. Invest in your skills, your relationships and your health. These are assets that no market crash can take away.' Having diverse investments will help shield you from swings in the market. 'Volatile markets do not have to determine your stress level, and with the right strategy, they do not have to disrupt your future plans, either,' Robbins wrote. 'Take the time to understand proven tactics — like asset allocation, risk management and the buy-and-hold strategy. Study what the world's top investors are doing. Diversification and discipline are your best friends in uncertain times.' In addition to investment diversification, also consider diversifying your income streams. This way, if one income source runs dry, you'll have others to fall back on. When you're feeling anxious, your instinct may be to withdraw. But instead, focus on growing your network. That way, if you do lose your job, you already have connections that can help you find your next opportunity. 'Don't isolate yourself,' Robbins wrote. 'Reach out to mentors, peers and people who inspire you. Proximity is power. Surround yourself with those who are solution-focused and resilient. Share ideas, collaborate and support each other. Together, you'll find strength and new opportunities.' Even if you're facing financial hardships right now, remember that this is a phase — and you can move past it. 'Every economic winter is followed by spring,' Robbins wrote. 'The people who thrive are those who refuse to let fear dictate their actions. They adapt, they innovate and they keep moving forward. Decide now that you will be one of those people.'More From GOBankingRates 4 Things You Should Do When Your Salary Hits $100K If a Financial Advisor Doesn't Ask These 5 Questions in Your Consult, Keep Shopping 5 Steps to Take if You Want To Create Generational Wealth Robert Kiyosaki: 5 Money Habits of People Who Retire Early This article originally appeared on Tony Robbins: 7 Tips for Building Financial Security in Tough Times
Daily Mail
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Supermodel Tyra Banks reveals why she moved to Australia as she launches upmarket ice cream store in Sydney
Tyra Banks has officially unveiled her dream project in Australia – launching her first-ever SMiZE & DREAM ice cream store in the heart of Sydney 's Darling Harbour. In an exclusive interview with Daily Mail Australia, the American supermodel-turned-entrepreneur revealed she fell head over heels for the Harbour City after visiting regularly for over a year while producing ice cream for a cruise line account. 'I was coming for about a year and a half and just fell in love with it,' she said. 'And I said, should we make this move? And here we are.' The 51-year-old said Sydney's relaxed charm and community energy helped seal the decision to base her global business Down Under, with one spot standing out above all others. 'I love Darling Harbour because of this park. Tumbalong Park is magical,' she said, adding that even before her shop opened, she and her family would spend their weekends there. 'I have friends that live an hour and a half away and on the weekends they drive here just to go to the water and put their feet in with the kids.' 'There's a playground for older kids, one for younger kids, Darling Square nearby, the harbour – it just felt natural.' Tyra's passion for the brand is personal, down to the flavours themselves. When asked about her favourite scoop, she didn't hesitate. 'My favourite flavour is called Tyra's Favourite – very creative, isn't it?' she laughed. The flavour features salted sweet cream with butter-roasted pecans and a thick, savoury caramel butter swirl. 'It's not your traditional ice cream taste – it has this surprising, rich sensation in the mouth,' she said. She also teased a potential first celebrity collaboration, revealing a well-known Aussie star is already in talks. 'I have a very good friend – she's coming today – and we've been talking about doing a collab,' she revealed. 'She's very known here, so I'm touched that she wants to do something. I think she'll be the first, hopefully.' Beyond ice cream, the SMiZE & DREAM founder wants the business to stand for something bigger – encouraging others, especially women, to reinvent themselves no matter their age. 'It's never too late,' she said, when asked what advice she had for women starting over. 'But we have to know our stuff. Unfortunately, women – we have to be better. We have to be smarter. We have to know more.' Her message was firm and inspiring: 'Just go deep, study hard, walk into that room head held high. You're going to hear 'no's – but one day you're going to get that 'yes'. And you just have to be ready for it.' Previously speaking to Daily Mail Australia, the former America's Next Top Model host revealed that she has embraced the Aussie lifestyle fully – and says even her mother can't believe they live here now. 'Australia's not real to Americans,' she said. 'I know you guys, this is where you're from, but this is like fantasy land.' She's swapped designer boutiques for shopping sprees at Kmart and lazy weekends in the park. Previously speaking to Daily Mail Australia, the former America's Next Top Model host revealed that she has embraced the Aussie lifestyle fully – and says even her mother can't believe they live here now 'I went the other day and bought stuff for our kitchen,' she laughed. 'Kmart here is fancy! Where's the cheque? This is ridiculous—I just keep talking about it!' Tyra hasn't ruled out returning to television – and this time, it could be in Australia. 'I think I'm going to go back to do some TV,' she teased. 'I might even do stuff here – morning shows, hosting, something. When I do, it's going to feel like home.' She admitted that after years in front of the camera, it's being a businesswoman that's truly tested her. 'I used to think, 'Oh, I'm so stressed with all these TV shows,' she said. 'But that is nothing compared to being an entrepreneur. When I go back to TV, it'll actually feel relaxing!'
CTV News
2 days ago
- Business
- CTV News
Drysdale Tree Farms community mourns loss of Doug Drysdale
Doug Drysdale passed away on June 11, at the age of 76 The Drysdale Tree Farms community is mourning the loss of Doug Drysdale who passed away peacefully on June 11. Drysdale was a loving husband, father, friend, and an accomplished forester, farmer, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. Born and raised in Toronto, Doug married his high school sweetheart Joan in 1953 and raised his family in the Don Mills area before moving to live at their family home, on Drysdale Tree farm located just outside of Barrie in 1980. According to the obituary, Doug's passion for trees was taught from his dad, who planted on the family home when Doug was a small boy. Doug then helped his dad launch the Christmas tree business in 1951. While pursuing a sperate career, Doug built Drysdale Tree Farms into a successful business. His company distributed trees throughout North America. Doug often advised elected officials on forestry economic and spoke frequently at conferences at all levels. He was also a teacher and mentor, lecturing at University of Toronto and University of Guelph. Drysdale Tree Farms was one of the first businesses to offer 'cut your own' Christmas trees. The company grew over the years into a landscaping, a Christmas store with sleigh rides, and other festive activities over the years. According to his family, Doug's passion and top priorities was his loved ones. Doug will be dearly missed by extended family and friends. Drysdale passed at 92.
Rhyl Journal
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Rhyl Journal
Meghan insists her personal Instagram is for fun, not for promoting her brand
Meghan said returning to social media at the start of the year was 'a great way to get my voice back', and she uses it for 'authentic' sharing such as her twerking video. 'It's my space and my channel for joy,' she added. A post shared by Meghan, Duchess of Sussex (@meghan) The former Suits actress went back on Instagram in January, first with footage of her running around a beach and writing 2025 in the sand, and then a montage from her Netflix show With Love, Meghan. The duchess has made numerous posts about her jam-selling venture As Ever, mentioning her As Ever Instagram account, but has also released photos and videos of the Sussexes' life with their children Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. On Lili's fourth birthday last week, Meghan shared footage of herself twerking in a labour room while heavily pregnant with her daughter. On the Aspire with Emma Grede podcast, entrepreneur Grede asked Meghan about her return to social media, saying: 'Are you thinking about it in the way that so many of us do as also a business tool?' A post shared by Meghan, Duchess of Sussex (@meghan) Meghan replied: 'Not for my personal account, no.' Grede challenged her, asking: 'Really?' Meghan said: 'For my personal account? …No.' Grede told her: 'Well that's the one we're all following.' Meghan replied and laughed: 'Well good…as long as you're following As Ever too. 'No, I think for me it was great way to get my voice back… It's my space and my channel for joy – that is the intention of my handle.' A post shared by Meghan, Duchess of Sussex (@meghan) Meghan's personal account @Meghan has 3.8 million followers. Her @aseverofficial account has 847,000 followers, and is linked into her @Meghan bio, as is her ShopMy collection. The duchess said of her personal account: 'I think if part of it is just being able to authentically share in real time the things that are happening that I think someone might be able to last with, or enjoy or be inspired by.' She said she wanted to post in a way that was 'not overproduced'. A post shared by Meghan, Duchess of Sussex (@meghan) Addressing the recent twerking video, which showed her dancing to the Baby Mama song in a bid to bring on labour with Lili, Meghan described it as a reminder of a 'real authentic fun life'. The duchess said it felt liberating to be back on social media where she can share things on her own terms. 'That wasn't yesterday. That was four years ago so it's also a really great reminder that with all the noise or whatever people do, there's still whole life, a real, authentic, fun life that's happening behind the scenes,' Meghan said. 'I'm just grateful that now, being back on social as well, I have a place where I can share it on my own terms.' She added: 'It feels liberating.'
