From Burnout to Breakthrough: The Genesis of Pop CoLab

After two decades of spearheading a marketing agency, Vantage, and managing ventures like The Good Will Social Club and A Little Pizza Heaven, I was at a crossroads. The relentless grind had drained my passion, leaving me looking for a new direction. Taking a bold leap, I stepped away from the familiar, driven by a desire to rekindle my creativity and embrace a multifaceted path.

An unexpected opportunity arose when I was invited to transform an empty space in the Richardson Centre into a vibrant hub for downtown Winnipeg. With creative freedom, I envisioned Pop CoLab—a sanctuary where adults could rediscover the joy of play and creativity. Initially, the concept was fluid, but the core mission was clear: to reintroduce play into adult lives, fostering innovation and well-being.

Immersing myself in this endeavour, I experienced a personal renaissance. Engaging in playful collaboration reignited my enthusiasm and enhanced my roles as a father and husband. I became more present, creative, and eager to embrace each day. This transformation underscored a profound truth: play is not a mere pastime but a vital component of human development, essential for learning, innovation, and connection.

At Pop CoLab, we've witnessed remarkable shifts. Teams communicate more effectively, companies experience positive cultural changes, and individuals find joy and purpose. Our workshops have become conduits for meaningful interactions, benefiting both participants and facilitators.

The burnout also led to a late diagnosis of ADHD, revealing how the environment influences neurodivergent experiences. Recognizing that ADHD symptoms can be mitigated by "environment", we've prioritized creating an inclusive space at Pop CoLab that embraces neurodiversity.

Understanding the neuroscience of play has reinforced its significance. Play is a fundamental mechanism for learning, socialization, and innovation. Reflecting on my time at The Good Will Social Club, I realize we cultivated an environment where authenticity and enjoyment thrived.

Integrating play into daily life is challenging, even with a dedicated space. Yet, each time I engage in play, I'm reminded of its transformative power. Amidst life's demands, prioritizing play fosters positive impacts on ourselves and those around us.

Pop CoLab's mission is to infuse play into as many lives as possible. By establishing accessible spaces near corporate teams and serving as a central hub connecting facilitators with organizations, we tailor experiences to meet diverse needs, minimizing the risk of mismatched events. We support the individuals who form the backbone of companies—accountants, administrators, salespeople, marketers, mechanics, and technicians.

At 47, alongside my wife and two young children, I continue to embrace entrepreneurship through ventures like Made Here, Pop CoLab, Konekt Business Advisory Services, and the Fifty Pipty Brand. Originally from a small town in Ontario, I made Winnipeg my home in the early 2000s. My journey reflects a commitment to fostering environments where creativity and play are catalysts for personal and communal growth.

I invite you to rediscover the power of play and join us in creating memorable, transformative experiences.