Latest / Coffee In The Park with Jennifer and Cam / A Coffee with Karren Menil, Owner of Green Light Customs Broker

Transcript

A Coffee with Karren Menil, Owner of Green Light Customs Broker · Coffee In The Park with Jennifer and Cam

• 0:12
  Well, hello, everybody, and welcome to another edition of the ABA Coffee In The Park.
• 0:16
  My name is Cam Milliken, and I am here with my co-host extraordinaire, Jennifer Herrick, the Executive Director of the Acheson Business Association.
• 0:26
  Hello, Jennifer.
• 0:27
  Hello, Cam.
• 0:29
  I had a little trouble saying association today.
• 0:31
  I don't know why that's not quite coming out right.
• 0:33
  Association.
• 0:34
  Anyway, that's what you are.
• 0:35
  You got it.
• 0:36
  You are the Executive Director.
• 0:37
  Well, I sure am.
• 0:38
  Of the Acheson Business Association.
• 0:40
  Yes, association.
• 0:41
  And just to tell everybody, we are coming to you live from the Wall Coffee Roasters in the heart of beautiful downtown Acheson.
• 0:50
  So if you hear a little bit of noise in the background, people talking, coffee machines whirring, kids screaming, there are some kids today.
• 0:58
  Don't worry about it.
• 0:59
  It's because we are live at the coffee shop.
• 1:00
  And what a beautiful day to be at the coffee shop.
• 1:02
  What a beautiful day.
• 1:04
  The patio is open.
• 1:05
  Yeah.
• 1:05
  For those that don't know.
• 1:06
  The picnic tables are there.
• 1:08
  Picnic tables and patio.
• 1:09
  It's awesome.
• 1:10
  You can be in or out.
• 1:11
  We should do a show called Picnic Tables and Patios. We could! That would be awesome.
• 1:15
  I don't know what we do, but I just like that name.
• 1:17
  Hey, welcome to Picnic Tables and Patios.
• 1:19
  Anyway, I don't know what we do with that.
• 1:21
  But anyway, tell us about some very important people, Jennifer.
• 1:24
  We would like to thank our gold corporate sponsors, which include the Myshak group of companies, Genics, Parkland County, and Bow Valley Credit Union.
• 1:32
  That's right.
• 1:32
  Without them, we would not be able to do what we do.
• 1:35
  So thank you very, very, very, very much.
• 1:39
  That's a lot of varies today.
• 1:41
  I'm very thankful.
• 1:42
  I'm very, very thankful.
• 1:43
  Yes, we are.
• 1:44
  I am, yes.
• 1:45
  Anyway, anything else you need to say or do we just get into it?
• 1:49
  Let's get into it.
• 1:50
  So introduce our amazing guest today.
• 1:52
  Okay, Cam.
• 1:54
  Our guest today is fairly new to Acheson and we're excited to have her in the park.
• 2:00
  Yes.
• 2:01
  So our guest today is Karren Menil, who is the owner of Green Light Customs Broker.
• 2:07
  Welcome, Karren.
• 2:09
  Hi, Cam and Jen.
• 2:10
  Thank you so much for having me.
• 2:12
  Good to have you.
• 2:13
  I like your name because it's not spelt the regular way.
• 2:16
  I know, but...
• 2:17
  K-A-R-E-R-R-E-N-N?
• 2:22
  Yeah.
• 2:23
  Two N's.
• 2:24
  Yeah.
• 2:24
  Two R's, two N's.
• 2:25
  Yeah.
• 2:25
  I like that.
• 2:26
  No, no, no.
• 2:26
  Just one N.
• 2:26
  Oh, just one N.
• 2:28
  So it's Karren.
• 2:29
  Yeah.
• 2:30
  So my mom got it after Karen Carpenter, but she said, okay, let's be unique.
• 2:35
  She put another R.
• 2:36
  So Karen Carpenter, I love the Carpenters.
• 2:39
  I do too.
• 2:40
  They were great.
• 2:41
  What a great big, yeah.
• 2:42
  So you know, they were brother and sister, right?
• 2:44
  Yeah.
• 2:44
  Yeah.
• 2:45
  People think they were married, but they were brother and sister.
• 2:47
  Did you know that?
• 2:48
  No.
• 2:48
  Yes.
• 2:49
  It's true.
• 2:50
  I'm not even kidding.
• 2:51
  No, I believe you.
• 2:52
  No, you don't. Yeah they're siblings Jennifer is giving me the look like you're just making that up again.
• 2:56
  That's what you see.
• 2:57
  Anyway, enough of that.
• 2:58
  So wow, it's so good to have you here.
• 3:00
  Thank you, so much.
• 3:00
  It's fantastic.
• 3:01
  Thank you.
• 3:01
  So we're going to kick it off.
• 3:03
  Yeah.
• 3:03
  Karren, tell us where you were born and where you grew up.
• 3:07
  Yeah, for sure.
• 3:08
  So well, thank you so much for this opportunity to meet you.
• 3:12
  To be honest, it's quite hard for me to share my story.
• 3:15
  Okay.
• 3:15
  But again, I realized last night, like if if God does something to your life, it's not meant to be to be hidden.
• 3:23
  Right.
• 3:24
  So I am here.
• 3:24
  So thank you so much.
• 3:25
  We're glad you're here.
• 3:26
  And hopefully I could encourage or inspire our listeners.
• 3:29
  Yeah.
• 3:30
  I was born and raised in the Philippines up until 22 years old.
• 3:35
  I am the youngest among five siblings, four girls, one boy.
• 3:41
  Lucky guy in a Filipino family with four sisters.
• 3:44
  Yes, that's true.
• 3:45
  Right?
• 3:45
  Yeah.
• 3:46
  So I am fortunate to be raised with my parents around.
• 3:52
  I grew up with extended family and friends around me.
• 3:55
  We love family gatherings and karaoke just runs through my blood.
• 4:01
  Can I just say, Filipinos are amazing.
• 4:05
  They have the best parties ever. They do! You guys do.
• 4:07
  And you have the best food ever.
• 4:09
  Yes, we do.
• 4:09
  Do you make lumpia?
• 4:11
  Yes.
• 4:11
  I love lumpia.
• 4:13
  Lumpia is my favorite.
• 4:15
  I can eat lumpia day and night.
• 4:16
  Guess what?
• 4:17
  He's going to ask you to bring him some.
• 4:18
  No, I wasn't going to ask her.
• 4:21
  I got you.
• 4:21
  I'll bring you one.
• 4:23
  I love, what's that other one?
• 4:24
  Adobo?
• 4:25
  Adobo.
• 4:26
  I love it.
• 4:26
  Lechon.
• 4:27
  Oh, Lechon, come on.
• 4:29
  Okay, this is better all the time.
• 4:30
  This is unbelievable.
• 4:32
  I love it.
• 4:32
  But you guys, family is so important to you guys.
• 4:34
  Yes, it is important for me and for my family as well.
• 4:38
  And also, so my parents provided a home where rules are implemented, authorities displayed, and having good manners and right conducts are expected.
• 4:51
  So I am very fortunate to have my parents around.
• 4:54
  I think that's a good way to be raised, personally.
• 4:57
  I think we're missing a little bit of that in the Canadian culture.
• 5:00
  That's just my opinion.
• 5:01
  We're going to get emails.
• 5:02
  But nonetheless, I just think, I do, don't you?
• 5:05
  No, I am going to do.
• 5:07
  Very respectful people.
• 5:09
  Very respectful.
• 5:10
  Yes.
• 5:10
  Anyways.
• 5:11
  So as a kid, I was shy but not timid.
• 5:15
  I was quiet but not weak.
• 5:18
  And also, you know, when I was a kid, I already know myself.
• 5:22
  Not really know.
• 5:23
  Like, I just knew my strengths and weaknesses.
• 5:26
  Yeah.
• 5:27
  And then I always had this vision of my older version of myself.
• 5:30
  Oh, okay.
• 5:31
  And then.
• 5:33
  Yeah.
• 5:33
  So I was born and raised in the Philippines up until 22 years old.
• 5:36
  But the biggest opportunity came to my life when I was 22.
• 5:40
  So there was a good Samaritan named Edward Lal.
• 5:44
  He's already passed.
• 5:45
  But I will never forget his kindness.
• 5:48
  One Saturday afternoon in the Philippines, that was 2014, randomly he offered me, do you want to study to Canada?
• 5:56
  Wow.
• 5:57
  Like go to school in Canada.
• 5:58
  Yes.
• 5:59
  Yeah.
• 5:59
  But I already earned my degree in Bachelor of Science in Psychology.
• 6:03
  Did you really?
• 6:04
  Yeah.
• 6:05
  I did international trade in Vancouver.
• 6:07
  Yeah.
• 6:08
  Earned several certifications, designations and licenses in customs brokerage.
• 6:14
  You were in Vancouver.
• 6:15
  Yeah.
• 6:15
  You did that in Vancouver.
• 6:16
  Yes.
• 6:16
  Okay.
• 6:17
  Because he offered me to study.
• 6:18
  Yeah.
• 6:19
  But the thing is, I never knew the grasp, I never grasped the intensity of the opportunity.
• 6:25
  Right.
• 6:25
  I was, I just knew that I was young, dumb, and adventurous.
• 6:29
  I must say yes.
• 6:30
  I love it.
• 6:31
  I must say yes.
• 6:33
  I like that.
• 6:33
  That's good.
• 6:34
  I must say yes.
• 6:35
  I must say yes.
• 6:36
  Yeah.
• 6:36
  So you said yes.
• 6:37
  I said yes.
• 6:38
  Yes.
• 6:38
  Because, and his one condition, I have to process my own application, my student visa applications.
• 6:47
  And you know what?
• 6:48
  Surprisingly and miraculously, I never had a problem like all throughout.
• 6:53
  I just process it by myself.
• 6:55
  And thankfully, I made it.
• 6:56
  And they liked you.
• 6:57
  Yeah.
• 6:57
  Looking now, I've just celebrated my 10th year anniversary last month.
• 7:04
  In Canada.
• 7:04
  In Canada.
• 7:05
  Ten years.
• 7:05
  Ten years.
• 7:06
  That's awesome.
• 7:07
  And it's been amazing.
• 7:08
  Do you like hockey?
• 7:09
  I do now.
• 7:10
  Okay, good.
• 7:11
  Because that's very important.
• 7:12
  If you're, yeah.
• 7:13
  I do.
• 7:14
  Don't you think?
• 7:14
  I think it's very important.
• 7:15
  Canadian, yes.
• 7:16
  Okay.
• 7:17
  So you've been in Canada 10 years.
• 7:18
  Yes.
• 7:19
  Where did you start out?
• 7:20
  In Vancouver.
• 7:22
  Yes.
• 7:22
  So I finished my diploma in international trade.
• 7:26
  Right.
• 7:27
  Luckily, I got into a few customs brokers in Vancouver and also logistics side.
• 7:34
  So it is really international trade, supply chain.
• 7:38
  But surprisingly, I never had this kind of experience because in the Philippines, I was a psychology graduate.
• 7:47
  I was a professional in banking and in the insurance industry.
• 7:51
  Right.
• 7:51
  And also, I was running my manufacturing business.
• 7:54
  So you had your own business?
• 7:55
  Yeah.
• 7:56
  So what were you manufacturing?
• 7:57
  Soaps.
• 7:58
  Soaps?
• 7:59
  Yeah.
• 7:59
  Soap?
• 8:00
  Yeah, not just the soap, like body soap.
• 8:01
  Yeah.
• 8:02
  Like bleach, detergent, you know, heavily soap.
• 8:06
  And you had your own company?
• 8:09
  Did you sell just in Philippines or did you sell?
• 8:11
  In the Philippines.
• 8:12
  In the Philippines.
• 8:12
  Yeah.
• 8:13
  So because the name is, the name was Germ-Proof Solutions.
• 8:16
  Germ-Proof Solutions.
• 8:18
  I love it.
• 8:18
  I love it.
• 8:20
  That's phenomenal.
• 8:21
  Yeah.
• 8:22
  All over Philippines or just your region or?
• 8:26
  In our region, I was supplying to few hospitals and restaurants.
• 8:30
  So yes.
• 8:31
  That's amazing.
• 8:32
  And you were like so young.
• 8:34
  Yeah.
• 8:34
  Karren doing this.
• 8:35
  How did you get into soap?
• 8:38
  Like- I don't know too.
• 8:39
  You just like one day decided you're going to sell soap?
• 8:42
  Yeah.
• 8:42
  One day I was invited to this seminar and then- and the seminar is about soap making.
• 8:49
  And I'm like I can do this more and better.
• 8:53
  So that's why- I love it.
• 8:54
  That's where it started.
• 8:55
  Okay.
• 8:56
  So then you came to Canada.
• 8:58
  Did you sell your- or just close your business or?
• 9:00
  This is funny because I'm like, okay, let me take the international trade so that in case I can't make it like permanently.
• 9:08
  Yeah.
• 9:08
  Yeah.
• 9:08
  Because my- the reason to be here is just to study.
• 9:11
  Right.
• 9:11
  So when I come back home, I will bring my products to international scale.
• 9:16
  Right.
• 9:17
  Okay.
• 9:17
  So I could start exporting it from the Philippines.
• 9:19
  Right, to Canada.
• 9:20
  Yes.
• 9:20
  To Canada, to US, to wherever, yeah.
• 9:24
  So that's how I chose international trade.
• 9:27
  Okay.
• 9:28
  That's incredible.
• 9:30
  Wow.
• 9:30
  But life drifted me to different careers.
• 9:32
  Yeah.
• 9:32
  So you didn't- you came to Canada.
• 9:34
  Yeah.
• 9:35
  You went to school.
• 9:36
  Yeah.
• 9:37
  Did you ever go back to Philippine?
• 9:38
  No.
• 9:39
  You stayed.
• 9:39
  Yeah.
• 9:40
  I stayed because, you know what, there was only one month left to my visa.
• 9:44
  Yeah.
• 9:45
  And I'm like, you know what, I'm already here.
• 9:47
  Let me just try to apply.
• 9:48
  So I applied several, but in a day, I already got- I was already hired by this customs broker.
• 9:54
  So I would just want to say- can I say their name?
• 9:56
  Yeah.
• 9:57
  Because they really vouch for me when I was starting.
• 10:01
  The name is AMA Contract Customs Broker.
• 10:04
  AMA Contract Custom Broker.
• 10:05
  Yeah.
• 10:06
  Hello there, guys.
• 10:07
  Wait a minute.
• 10:08
  Did they used to have an office at the border?
• 10:10
  Yes siree! I remember.
• 10:12
  Because I lived in Vancouver, and we always went down to the US.
• 10:15
  I had to get my milk and my cheese and my gas.
• 10:18
  Yeah.
• 10:19
  And I remember them, their office.
• 10:21
  I remember that.
• 10:22
  Perfect.
• 10:22
  I was doing that after hours.
• 10:24
  Oh, okay.
• 10:26
  Okay.
• 10:26
  I don't think I ever saw you because when I got stopped, I got hauled into the office, not into the broker.
• 10:33
  I just had to go into the- anyway, it's a long story, many times.
• 10:36
  But nonetheless, okay, so you worked for them.
• 10:38
  That's cool.
• 10:39
  Yeah.
• 10:39
  I worked with them and then moved to the logistics side and then went back to Customs Brokerage again because it was really not just fun, but it really challenged my brain to think more, to think deeply and find solutions.
• 10:54
  And then, and then now fast forward, I have my own Customs Broker.
• 10:59
  Okay.
• 10:59
  Did you start that in Vancouver or how did that work?
• 11:03
  So you left Vancouver?
• 11:04
  Yeah, I was there for seven years.
• 11:05
  And then my husband and I moved to Alberta during the pandemic.
• 11:09
  So we were one of those people that moved.
• 11:11
  Okay.
• 11:12
  Yeah, yeah.
• 11:13
  But I will say that Alberta has been so kind and generous to me and my husband.
• 11:19
  Even the snow?
• 11:20
  You're very generous with snow.
• 11:22
  Oh yeah, we're generous with snow and cold.
• 11:26
  Well, it's so cold.
• 11:28
  It is very cold.
• 11:29
  And you know, I came from a country where we only have three seasons.
• 11:32
  Hot, hotter and hottest.
• 11:34
  I know.
• 11:35
  Unbelievable.
• 11:36
  And so you come here to Canada where we have cold, colder.
• 11:40
  Coldest?
• 11:41
  Coldest.
• 11:42
  Freezing.
• 11:43
  Yeah, except today.
• 11:44
  Today is really nice.
• 11:45
  Okay, so you're in Vancouver.
• 11:47
  And why Edmonton?
• 11:49
  Yeah, why Edmonton?
• 11:50
  So every summer, we visited my husband's aunt.
• 11:53
  Hi, Auntie Elaine and my husband, Emmett.
• 11:57
  So and every time we come here, it's always nice.
• 12:01
  I don't know if, it was not winter.
• 12:04
  No.
• 12:04
  It was probably the summer.
• 12:06
  They didn't come visit in the winter.
• 12:08
  You're saying it didn't come in December or January.
• 12:10
  No, it was summer.
• 12:11
  Okay, you might want to check that out.
• 12:13
  You know what, summer, the River Valley, it's beautiful.
• 12:15
  Oh, Edmonton's awesome in a week in July.
• 12:19
  It's amazing.
• 12:19
  Yeah, it's unbelievable.
• 12:21
  It's just incredible.
• 12:22
  But yeah, okay, so you came in the summer, fell in love with Edmonton.
• 12:27
  And then shocked by winter.
• 12:29
  Yeah, I was going to say, what month did you move to Edmonton?
• 12:33
  April.
• 12:34
  Yeah, okay.
• 12:35
  So you're thinking this is the best.
• 12:37
  April, May, June, July. The spring.
• 12:39
  I went to U of A Botanical Garden.
• 12:41
  I was like, this is amazing.
• 12:43
  This is incredible.
• 12:45
  And then, okay, but then, then October hits or November hits.
• 12:51
  Yeah.
• 12:51
  It's a little cold.
• 12:52
  Yeah, it's fine because we already sold our properties.
• 12:56
  So there was no going back.
• 12:57
  There's no coming back.
• 12:58
  Yeah, okay.
• 12:59
  I wonder if the things that had changed had you come in February.
• 13:02
  But nonetheless, now I'm just speaking out loud.
• 13:04
  Anyway, so you're here.
• 13:05
  So it's great.
• 13:06
  Yeah.
• 13:07
  And then, yeah, I'm here for 10 years now and it's been amazing.
• 13:11
  Wow.
• 13:12
  That is amazing.
• 13:13
  Okay.
• 13:14
  You have to tell me though, because we talked a little bit about this.
• 13:19
  She is quite the badminton player.
• 13:22
  Really?
• 13:23
  Yeah.
• 13:23
  So tell us about badminton.
• 13:26
  So badminton is actually my, I graduated my degree because of badminton.
• 13:33
  So I got my degree for free.
• 13:35
  Like you had a badminton scholarship.
• 13:37
  Scholarship, yeah.
• 13:38
  In badminton.
• 13:39
  Yeah.
• 13:40
  Isn't that cool?
• 13:41
  I don't know if I, I gotta be honest.
• 13:42
  I don't think I've ever heard that before.
• 13:44
  A scholarship in badminton.
• 13:46
  So I was representing my school.
• 13:48
  Really?
• 13:49
  Yeah.
• 13:49
  So I got some sports scholarship and also academic scholarship.
• 13:55
  Wow.
• 13:56
  Playing badminton.
• 13:57
  Playing badminton.
• 13:58
  And did you travel all over the Philippines playing badminton?
• 14:01
  Yeah.
• 14:01
  Competing to other schools.
• 14:03
  Really?
• 14:03
  Yes.
• 14:04
  So I was never smart, I was smart, but never academically excellent.
• 14:09
  Yeah.
• 14:10
  The only medal I got when I was studying was badminton.
• 14:14
  Badminton?
• 14:15
  That's incredible.
• 14:16
  My first and last medal.
• 14:18
  Did you play singles, doubles, both?
• 14:21
  So when I was in primary school, I was playing doubles.
• 14:24
  In primary school?
• 14:25
  Yeah.
• 14:25
  How old's primary school?
• 14:26
  So I- Elementary.
• 14:27
  Elementary.
• 14:28
  So I started at eight years old.
• 14:30
  And then, yeah, I just- That's incredible.
• 14:33
  I love badminton.
• 14:34
  Yeah, I think badminton's awesome.
• 14:36
  I mean, I think it's a very underrated sport.
• 14:39
  I agree.
• 14:40
  Nobody talks or plays badminton around.
• 14:42
  Here in Canada, but in Asia- Yeah, yeah.
• 14:44
  Oh, you know what?
• 14:46
  Isn't badminton in the Olympics?
• 14:47
  It's in the Olympics, I think.
• 14:48
  I've watched it.
• 14:49
  It's unbelievable.
• 14:50
  Those people are- what do they call that thing?
• 14:53
  That bird?
• 14:54
  Is that what they hit?
• 14:55
  A shuttlecock.
• 14:56
  Okay, that thing.
• 14:57
  We didn't hit that thing.
• 14:58
  Un-be-li-va-ble.
• 14:59
  So you did that.
• 15:00
  That's incredible.
• 15:01
  Yes.
• 15:02
  Do you still?
• 15:03
  No, unfortunately not.
• 15:05
  There's no like Edmonton Badminton League or like- No, there are some recreational centers that offers free play, but I am currently a lot of work, a lot of studying, and yeah, maybe I'm just gonna pause it for now.
• 15:22
  Have you ever thought of switching to pickleball?
• 15:25
  I'm just saying, pickleball seems to be the thing right now, but I think badminton is better than pickleball.
• 15:30
  But can you guys play with me?
• 15:31
  I will play again.
• 15:32
  Well, we can play, but I'm gonna tell you, it might not be pretty.
• 15:35
  That's for me anyway.
• 15:37
  It'd be a little, I don't know, but I'd love to play it.
• 15:40
  Me too.
• 15:40
  Yeah, okay.
• 15:41
  We will, because I seen at Costco the other day, they had badminton sets on sale.
• 15:45
  In beautiful downtown Acheson, we could set up a court.
• 15:47
  We could set up right out here, even in the front.
• 15:49
  Right on, we will play.
• 15:50
  Okay, good.
• 15:51
  Okay.
• 15:51
  So, you went to Vancouver, or you played badminton.
• 15:55
  Yeah.
• 15:56
  You went to Vancouver.
• 15:57
  Yes.
• 15:57
  You accidentally moved to Edmonton.
• 16:00
  Yeah, accidentally.
• 16:01
  Yeah, I'm just sorry.
• 16:03
  So, when you moved to Edmonton then, were you working for a different company?
• 16:08
  Did you start your own right away?
• 16:09
  Tell us a little bit about that journey.
• 16:11
  Yeah.
• 16:11
  So, I was working with FedEx Trade Network.
• 16:14
  Hi, guys.
• 16:15
  I hope you still remember me.
• 16:17
  FedEx, yeah.
• 16:18
  Yeah.
• 16:18
  So, and then during the pandemic, we were working from home.
• 16:23
  And then since the pandemic died down.
• 16:26
  Yeah.
• 16:27
  And then, okay, guys, you have to go back to the office.
• 16:30
  And I'm like, right, because we already purchased a house here in Alberta.
• 16:34
  Oh, I can't come back to Vancouver.
• 16:36
  Can't go back to Vancouver.
• 16:37
  No, no, no.
• 16:38
  Yeah, no.
• 16:39
  So I moved to an Alberta company.
• 16:43
  They were situated in Camrose, a logistics carrier.
• 16:46
  Right, yeah.
• 16:47
  I'll mention their name because they have been so kind to me, BDS.
• 16:50
  BDS.
• 16:51
  Also a member of the Acheson Business Association.
• 16:54
  That's right.
• 16:54
  Yes, Zone 2.
• 16:57
  I love it.
• 16:57
  She knows the zone.
• 16:58
  Zone 2.
• 16:59
  This is great.
• 16:59
  She's better than me.
• 17:01
  As you know, I have trouble with the zones, but it's...
• 17:03
  Yeah.
• 17:04
  And now that was in Camrose initially, right?
• 17:06
  Yeah.
• 17:06
  And then last year, we moved here.
• 17:08
  April.
• 17:09
  But I was their Custom Specialist, and then I was dealing with their kind of current broker.
• 17:15
  Right.
• 17:16
  And I'm like, you know what?
• 17:17
  I can do more and even better.
• 17:19
  I can do this.
• 17:20
  I love that.
• 17:21
  I can do this better.
• 17:22
  I love that attitude.
• 17:23
  I do too.
• 17:23
  I really do.
• 17:24
  But just for the sake of our listeners, because a lot of people probably don't even know, what does a Customs Broker do?
• 17:32
  Yes.
• 17:32
  Like, what do you do?
• 17:33
  Yeah.
• 17:33
  So Customs Broker helps businesses with importing and exporting their products and supplies into and out of Canada.
• 17:39
  Right.
• 17:40
  Because goods have tariffs and taxes and all of those kinds of things.
• 17:45
  Correct.
• 17:47
  And they need to be often approved to go across border, right?
• 17:50
  Correct.
• 17:50
  It has to be declared through Customs because, again, like, for example, Canada Border Services Agencies are the agency that takes care of or facilitates the international trade and movement and also the people, the food, the animals in Canada.
• 18:10
  So, every product that comes in, it has to be declared and approved by CBIH.
• 18:14
  Right.
• 18:15
  Yes.
• 18:16
  Like animals.
• 18:17
  Like, people don't realize that.
• 18:18
  A cow just can't walk across the border.
• 18:20
  No.
• 18:20
  Unfortunately, they can't.
• 18:22
  They can walk across it.
• 18:23
  They can't be, like, you know, stuck.
• 18:26
  They get stopped by Border Services.
• 18:27
  No, you gotta go back.
• 18:28
  Where's your passport?
• 18:31
  Anyway, so, you don't just deal, though, with Canada-U.S.
• 18:35
  borders.
• 18:36
  You deal internationally.
• 18:37
  Yes, yes.
• 18:38
  So, we do, as a broker, we facilitate the movement of trades.
• 18:42
  Right.
• 18:43
  Yes.
• 18:43
  So, this is the obvious question.
• 18:46
  We don't need to get into it because we try to stay away from politics here.
• 18:50
  But the tariff situation in the last couple months, has that been good for business, bad for business, better for business, confusing for business?
• 19:02
  How is it?
• 19:04
  Thank you for that wonderful question.
• 19:06
  The answer is all of the above.
• 19:07
  All of the above.
• 19:08
  Yes, I bet it is.
• 19:10
  I bet it is.
• 19:11
  Right.
• 19:13
  It is very challenging for all the people that's related to supply chain.
• 19:19
  So, at the moment, my team and I are really on it.
• 19:24
  We make sure that there are trainings.
• 19:27
  We are on it, on the compliance.
• 19:30
  And if there is like, you know, flash news right away, we have to...
• 19:35
  I have to tune in.
• 19:38
  I have to tune in.
• 19:39
  So, it is very challenging.
• 19:40
  But you know what?
• 19:41
  If we can get through this, we will go through anything.
• 19:44
  I agree with you.
• 19:45
  And we will get through it.
• 19:46
  We will.
• 19:47
  Okay.
• 19:47
  So, you are working for BDS.
• 19:51
  And then what happened?
• 19:52
  You just thought I can do this better?
• 19:54
  Yes, I do.
• 19:55
  Okay.
• 19:55
  So, I took a license exam with CBSA.
• 20:02
  I passed.
• 20:04
  So, I initiated the company on 2023.
• 20:09
  And then now we are licensed.
• 20:11
  The name is Green Light Customs Broker.
• 20:13
  Green Light Customs Broker.
• 20:15
  Karren, this is such a cool story.
• 20:16
  Tell me about why it's named Green Light Customs Broker.
• 20:21
  Okay.
• 20:21
  What do you think of Green Light?
• 20:23
  Well, when I see a green light, that's GO.
• 20:25
  GO signal.
• 20:26
  Yeah, GO.
• 20:27
  So, when I had to register the name, I don't have a name.
• 20:31
  I don't have a name.
• 20:32
  So, I'm like, okay.
• 20:34
  I was driving to Camrose.
• 20:35
  Yeah.
• 20:36
  Because I was still there.
• 20:37
  I was driving to Camrose, stuck at the red light.
• 20:40
  Yeah.
• 20:42
  And I'm like, okay, we need the name.
• 20:44
  Yeah.
• 20:45
  And then, you know what?
• 20:46
  I'm calling this as a miracle.
• 20:49
  The moment the green light blinks, it was the brightest.
• 20:52
  You knew.
• 20:53
  I knew.
• 20:54
  It was, that's my name.
• 20:55
  That's our name.
• 20:56
  Go Signals.
• 20:57
  Because Customs Broker is the one that gives Go Signal to the driver.
• 21:00
  Right.
• 21:00
  Hey, you can cross.
• 21:01
  That's right.
• 21:03
  That's awesome.
• 21:03
  And then we give Green Signal to importers.
• 21:06
  Right.
• 21:06
  Hey, your goods are successfully crossing.
• 21:08
  Yeah.
• 21:09
  Because it wouldn't be good if you were like red light broker.
• 21:13
  That wouldn't work.
• 21:13
  Business might slow down.
• 21:14
  That's right.
• 21:15
  That's right.
• 21:16
  No, I think that's awesome.
• 21:17
  Isn't that cool?
• 21:17
  Green light broker.
• 21:18
  Yeah, that's so cool.
• 21:20
  Yeah, Green Light Customs Broker.
• 21:21
  So you started the business, just you?
• 21:23
  Just me.
• 21:24
  Just you?
• 21:24
  Yeah.
• 21:25
  All by your lonesome.
• 21:26
  Yes, it was so sad when I was alone.
• 21:30
  But now we are growing, we are expanding.
• 21:33
  Right.
• 21:34
  We have a local presence in New Brunswick, British Columbia, Ontario and soon in the US.
• 21:41
  You have offices in all those places.
• 21:43
  So, well, they were all working from home.
• 21:45
  Right.
• 21:45
  Because you don't need to have an office at the border.
• 21:48
  Right.
• 21:48
  Especially because of, see, the silver lining of pandemic.
• 21:54
  Yeah.
• 21:55
  That's true.
• 21:55
  And we've heard a lot of stories like that.
• 21:57
  Absolutely.
• 21:57
  Yeah, it's worked out for a lot of people.
• 21:59
  Actually, it's interesting, in all of our podcasts, when we talk about the pandemic, as difficult as it was, and it was, there's no doubt about that, how many businesses actually thrived and came out of the pandemic better than when they went in.
• 22:14
  So that's amazing.
• 22:15
  Yeah.
• 22:15
  That's really incredible.
• 22:16
  Yeah.
• 22:16
  And so how many in the office here, Karren?
• 22:20
  How many staff here in Acheson?
• 22:22
  We are five there.
• 22:24
  Five.
• 22:24
  Five.
• 22:25
  Yes.
• 22:25
  Okay.
• 22:26
  And when did you move to Acheson?
• 22:28
  April last year.
• 22:30
  April last year.
• 22:31
  And it's actually beautiful.
• 22:32
  Isn't it?
• 22:33
  Acheson's great.
• 22:34
  This is what we keep telling people.
• 22:36
  I know.
• 22:36
  And folks, you're not just hearing it from Jennifer and I.
• 22:39
  You're hearing it from Karren.
• 22:41
  Guys, listen to me.
• 22:42
  It's beautiful here.
• 22:43
  There you go.
• 22:44
  Amazing Acheson.
• 22:45
  You're hired.
• 22:46
  You're hired to do a commercial for Acheson.
• 22:49
  That's unbelievable.
• 22:50
  So you have five people in this office.
• 22:52
  You have satellite offices across Canada and the US.
• 22:55
  And you're the head of it all.
• 22:57
  Yeah.
• 22:58
  That is amazing.
• 22:59
  Thank you.
• 22:59
  Just because of a stop sign.
• 23:01
  Go.
• 23:01
  Yeah.
• 23:02
  Green light.
• 23:02
  We go all the way.
• 23:04
  I think this is just such an amazing story.
• 23:06
  This is incredible.
• 23:07
  You know what?
• 23:07
  And Karren has bigger aspirations than just this.
• 23:12
  You can tell by looking at her.
• 23:13
  She's not one just to sit around.
• 23:15
  Yeah.
• 23:15
  No, I'm getting the distinct impression.
• 23:17
  She ain't staying just idle.
• 23:19
  She's going to move forward.
• 23:21
  Karren.
• 23:21
  She's going to go.
• 23:23
  I need you to tell us about kind of your dream and vision.
• 23:27
  And this was so inspiring to me.
• 23:30
  And in fact, I introduced Karren to one of our past guests, Darlene Whittaker, because I knew that they would hit it off so well.
• 23:36
  Fantastic.
• 23:38
  Karren, tell us about your dream.
• 23:41
  Oh, my goodness.
• 23:42
  Now I'm telling it to public.
• 23:44
  I must do it.
• 23:46
  Yes, that's true.
• 23:47
  Once it's out there, you got to go.
• 23:49
  I must make it happen.
• 23:51
  So my dreams, it was not a wishful thinking.
• 23:54
  There's something inside of me, a voice within, and that I would want to build a community where everybody can prosper, where education and health and basic necessities are not just basic necessities.
• 24:13
  It is a foundation of life with dignity and growth.
• 24:17
  So in that community, I would want to build libraries, schools, hospitals and orphanage. That is my dream! And where do you want to do that?
• 24:27
  That is for me to discern what God's will be.
• 24:30
  Right.
• 24:30
  Where it's going to be.
• 24:31
  Yeah.
• 24:32
  That's fabulous.
• 24:33
  That is absolutely fabulous.
• 24:35
  And you know what else she told me?
• 24:37
  This is like her calling to grow the business so that she can do this.
• 24:43
  Yeah.
• 24:43
  So my Green Light is, it was, I would want to say it, but it was never in my dream because life drifted me here.
• 24:52
  But Green Light is my goal.
• 24:55
  The goal is to ensure the long term profitability because honestly, Green Light is the vehicle to my dreams.
• 25:02
  You know, Karren, this is so incredible because there is a whole, and Jennifer and I both come out of the non-profit world, and there's a whole segment of the non-profit world where business people, they want to be business people, not for themselves or to make a lot of money, but they really want to do things to change the world.
• 25:25
  And that's why they're business people.
• 25:27
  And I sense from you that that's it.
• 25:30
  It's kingdom building for you, I think, in terms of doing it because you feel this is in your heart.
• 25:36
  This is what you want to do.
• 25:38
  Thank you so much, Cam.
• 25:39
  You're making my heart happy.
• 25:40
  Well, listen, we've been there, and I've been there, and I've worked alongside those people, and it's fabulous.
• 25:46
  It's absolutely fabulous.
• 25:48
  And Karren, I have no doubt in my mind that you will make this happen because you're just this type of person.
• 25:55
  Yeah, I was going to say, I don't think you're going to...
• 25:57
  I think this will happen.
• 25:58
  This is pretty incredible.
• 25:59
  Thank you so much.
• 26:00
  So next steps are just kind of waiting, seeing, talking.
• 26:05
  Well, I'm heading towards that dream currently.
• 26:09
  So I'm like, you know what?
• 26:10
  If that's my big dream, I have to set a short-term goal.
• 26:16
  One is Green Light Customs Broker, and the second is...
• 26:20
  So I just finished writing my book.
• 26:23
  I called it as Enchiridion.
• 26:26
  It is for kids and teenagers.
• 26:29
  So I just finished that last month, and then my nieces and nephews are working on the designing.
• 26:37
  It's for kids.
• 26:38
  This is unbelievable.
• 26:39
  This is getting better.
• 26:41
  So first of all, we gotta know when the book comes out.
• 26:44
  You have to tell us, because we'll have to announce that.
• 26:46
  Yes, please.
• 26:47
  I would want to come back here promoting the book because...
• 26:50
  We'll have you do a reading.
• 26:52
  We'll do a book signing.
• 26:53
  Yeah, a book reading signing.
• 26:55
  Yeah, she can read from the book and then sign.
• 26:57
  That'd be pretty cool.
• 26:58
  Okay, yeah.
• 26:59
  We'll do that.
• 27:00
  So it is an Enchiridion.
• 27:02
  It's just a guidebook for kids because I am very aware when I was a kid.
• 27:08
  Yeah.
• 27:09
  And then I would want to share it.
• 27:11
  Hopefully that I could guide them because I am quite pleased to myself.
• 27:17
  No, I mean, you should.
• 27:19
  Yeah, no, I sense the heart from which that comes.
• 27:23
  Not an arrogant heart at all, but the heart from which that comes.
• 27:27
  Thank you.
• 27:27
  Yeah.
• 27:28
  So I will be publishing it this year.
• 27:33
  This morning I was like, should I publish it in July?
• 27:35
  But maybe December.
• 27:39
  So the parents would buy and then give it to their kids. Christmas time, it's perfect! I was going to say, publish it in November so we can buy it for December.
• 27:46
  Exactly.
• 27:46
  To give in as Christmas gifts.
• 27:48
  So the plan is to make at least a lot of sales.
• 27:51
  I mean, not a lot.
• 27:52
  Like I just need to raise 15 grand to print and publish it for 400 copies.
• 27:58
  All right.
• 27:59
  So we've never said this before and I'm going to say it.
• 28:02
  If you're listening to this and you are hearing Karren's vision and Karren's dream, she needs 15 grand.
• 28:10
  That's the fundraiser coming out in me.
• 28:12
  I just ask for money.
• 28:13
  So hey, if you want to help her, publish this book.
• 28:16
  That's right.
• 28:17
  I listen.
• 28:18
  Exactly, guys.
• 28:19
  And also, I just want to add that.
• 28:21
  Because the reason why I need that fund is I would want to print 400 copies.
• 28:27
  400, okay.
• 28:27
  So I'm going to give on next April, I will be speaking in front of 400 kids graduating in primary school, my alma mater.
• 28:37
  In Philippines?
• 28:38
  Yeah.
• 28:38
  You're going back to Philippines to speak in front of your alma mater?
• 28:41
  Yes.
• 28:42
  And you want to give them each a book?
• 28:43
  Yes, it is a gift.
• 28:45
  Okay, so here we go.
• 28:47
  My old brain's just swirling now to raise money here.
• 28:50
  But anyway, maybe people can pre-order the book.
• 28:54
  Yeah.
• 28:54
  Or pre-gift the book.
• 28:56
  We'll figure all that out.
• 28:57
  We'll figure that out.
• 28:58
  Yeah, we'll talk about that off-air a little more.
• 29:00
  But that's fantastic.
• 29:02
  That's just amazing.
• 29:03
  It's incredible.
• 29:04
  Karren.
• 29:05
  I'm just sitting here in awe.
• 29:06
  I know.
• 29:06
  We told you 30 minutes would go by fast.
• 29:09
  This is unbelievable.
• 29:10
  Really?
• 29:10
  Is it 30 minutes?
• 29:11
  Oh, yeah.
• 29:11
  Yeah.
• 29:12
  No, serious.
• 29:13
  We're almost done.
• 29:13
  But we have one final question for you, Karren.
• 29:16
  What is the best piece of advice you've been given either personally or professionally that you carry with you to this day?
• 29:24
  You know what?
• 29:25
  I could share a lot of wisdoms that I gathered from different people, but I am so prepared.
• 29:31
  So I found this poem when I was 16 years old.
• 29:35
  And then up to now, 16 years after, I still remember every words of it.
• 29:40
  And I would want to share it with you.
• 29:42
  Yes, please do.
• 29:43
  So the title is Desiderata by Max Ehrman.
• 29:46
  It was penned in 1927.
• 29:49
  Right.
• 29:49
  And ever since, I couldn't forget.
• 29:53
  I just couldn't forget it.
• 29:54
  So this is Desiderata.
• 29:56
  I will share it to everybody.
• 29:57
  Yes.
• 29:58
  So, go placidly amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence.
• 30:04
  As far as possible without surrender, be on good terms with all persons.
• 30:09
  Speak your truth quietly and clearly, and listen to others.
• 30:13
  Even to the dull and ignorant, they too have their story.
• 30:17
  Avoid loud and aggressive persons.
• 30:19
  They are vexations to the spirit.
• 30:21
  If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter.
• 30:24
  For always, there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
• 30:28
  Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
• 30:31
  Keep interested in your own career, however humble.
• 30:34
  It is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
• 30:38
  Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery.
• 30:42
  But let this not blind you to what virtue there is.
• 30:45
  Many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere, life is full of heroism.
• 30:51
  Be yourself, especially do not feign affection, neither be cynical about love, for in the face of all erudity and disenchantment, it is as perennial as the grass.
• 31:01
  Take kindly the council of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
• 31:05
  Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune, but do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
• 31:12
  Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
• 31:15
  Beyond the wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.
• 31:18
  You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars, you have a right to be here.
• 31:24
  And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
• 31:29
  Therefore, be at peace with God, whatever you conceive him to be, and whatever your labors and aspirations.
• 31:36
  In the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul.
• 31:39
  With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world.
• 31:44
  Be cheerful, strive to be happy.
• 31:46
  Wow, fantastic.
• 31:47
  Mic drop right there.
• 31:48
  Yeah, fantastic, fantastic.
• 31:51
  I don't have anything, but that's it.
• 31:53
  Thank you.
• 31:54
  Thank you so much, Karren.
• 31:55
  I have a feeling we'll be hearing a little bit more from you and about you.
• 31:59
  Thank you.
• 32:00
  I am very honored.
• 32:01
  It is truly, I cannot say anything right now.
• 32:07
  The feeling is undescribable, but I am very grateful to come up with you guys.
• 32:12
  Thank you so much.
• 32:13
  Well, we're honored to have had you on our show.
• 32:16
  Thank you so much.
• 32:19
  What an incredible story.
• 32:21
  We continue to have such amazing guests on our podcast.
• 32:24
  We're so fortunate.
• 32:25
  You know, that's what I love about our podcast is we always say it's the story behind the story.
• 32:30
  And hearing Karren's story today, what a great story behind the story.
• 32:34
  Isn't it though?
• 32:35
  Not just an amazing businesswoman, but an incredible person.
• 32:38
  Just an incredible human being.
• 32:40
  Yeah, loved every second of it.
• 32:41
  Well, thank you for listening.
• 32:43
  Hey, make sure you tell your friends, your neighbors, your coworkers.
• 32:49
  If you don't have any friends, make one so you can tell them about the podcast.
• 32:52
  Tell your enemies.
• 32:53
  Tell everybody about the podcast.
• 32:55
  And subscribe.
• 32:56
  That's right.
• 32:56
  Subscribe.
• 32:57
  So thanks, everybody.
• 32:58
  Thanks, everyone.
• 32:58
  See you next time.