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From Saint Mary’s to CBC Dragon’s Den:
Sumgood is Some Good!
April Glavine BComm'04 CertHRM'04
By Jennifer Ashton
April Glavine BComm’04 CertHRM’04, CEO and Co-Founder of Sumgood, has taken her company from Moncton, New Brunswick, to national television.
Sumgood produces clean hydration “freezies” made with locally pressed fresh fruit and electrolytes. Glavine’s journey began at Saint Mary’s, earning a Bachelor of Commerce in Global Business Management and a Human Resources Management Certificate.
The interdisciplinary blend of global business management and human resources at SMU was instrumental in shaping Glavine's pathway to starting and managing a business.
“The interdisciplinary approach, combining international marketing, research, and management, provided practical skills that I use daily to assess new opportunities, from product development to market expansion,” says Glavine.
In January 2023, Glavine and her business partner, Matt Pennell, did something they vowed they’d never do: they appeared on CBC’s Dragon’s Den.
“Going before the Dragons is like taking your hardest exam ever on national television,” she says.
With their business growing, they felt it was time to seek additional expertise for larger distribution channels. Dragon’s Den presented an opportunity they couldn’t ignore.
After practicing their pitch extensively, they successfully secured $100,000 for a 20% stake in the company from Dragon Manjit Minhas, co-founder of Minhas Brewery and Distillery.
Glavine is most proud of choosing SMU for her undergraduate degree, citing it as an amazing experience that led to lifelong friendships and even meeting her husband.
She still values the diverse perspectives and experiences she encountered inside and outside the classroom. The supportive environment created by professors and mentors who genuinely cared about her success meant all the difference to her academic and professional journey.
While production is one part of Glavine’s focus, as a business owner, her mind is always on her staff. Using her education in human resources best practices, Glavine looks for employees who take initiative, are adaptable, and have a strong work ethic. She values candidates willing to learn, collaborate, and contribute innovative ideas to the team. In her experience, the right candidate can be anyone from a new graduate to someone mid-career looking for a new challenge.
Her advice to students aspiring to follow a similar career path is not to be afraid to take risks and pursue their passions, even if it means stepping outside their comfort zone. She encourages continuously seeking opportunities for growth and learning through internships, networking events, or further education.
Glavine’s inspiring journey from Saint Mary’s to being featured on CBC Dragon’s Den showcases the power of dedication, continuous learning, and embracing opportunities. Her advice to students is a testament to her successful career and a guiding light for those aspiring to follow in her footsteps.
You can learn more about Sum Good here: www.sumgood.ca
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A Journey from Saint Mary's to the Forefront of Nanomaterial Innovation
Christopher B. Murray BSc'88
By Dennis Mills BComm'12 CertHRM'12
In the chronicles of Saint Mary's alumni achievements, the research of Christopher B. Murray BSc'88 could almost seem imaginary– working with materials so small you'd have to see them magnified 100,000 times to believe they are real. Indeed, his research is very real and, in fact, is helping to make significant impacts in pharmaceuticals, technology and industrial development.
Flashback to the Spring of 1988, a pivotal moment in Murray's trajectory. With a Bachelor of Science degree from Saint Mary's to his name, he embarked on a year-long post-graduation position with Rotary International for a Fellowship in Auckland, New Zealand. Little did he know that his newly received degree, combined with research experience on the other side of the world, would serve as a catalyst for his future, propelling him toward a career dedicated to unravelling the mysteries of nanomaterials.
With a blend of expertise in materials chemistry and engineering applications, he spearheaded groundbreaking research aimed at manipulating matter on a near-atomic scale. "I focus on what is generally described as materials chemistry," Murray explains. "I develop ways to make new materials, understand their properties, and, in my case, connect them to engineering applications and figure out how to integrate them into different types of devices and systems."
He uses a LEGO blocks analogy to simplify the essence of his work.
"Think of it like Lego. You have the blocks, but you need to put them all in the right place. My work programs the blocks so that they can organize and position themselves relative to the other components. Think of it like being able to dump the basket of blocks onto the floor and have them organize themselves into the end design. That's what it's really about."
By harnessing the principles of self-assembly through chemical processes, Murray's research helps to unlock a realm of possibilities, from therapeutic drug delivery to high-density hydrogen fuel cell development.
The trajectory of Murray's career is marked by a series of milestones, each underscored by his unwavering commitment to excellence. Following his tenure at IBM's T. J. Watson Research Center, where he orchestrated pioneering research initiatives, Murray's passion for education led him back to academia. In 2007, he assumed a role as a chemistry and materials science and engineering professor at the University of Pennsylvania, where his teaching philosophy mirrors the mentorship he experienced at Saint Mary's. "We can learn a lot from different mechanisms," he reflects. "Hands-on opportunities and working with others to develop different techniques and ways of thinking about problems are indispensable. This was the kind of thinking and approach the Saint Mary's Faculty of Science offered."
Murray's appreciation for the chemistry department is unmistakable, especially when reminiscing about his formative years under the guidance of Professor Emeritus John Young. "The hands-on research opportunity made all the difference—working with a senior faculty member who cared about the people in the lab and who let us explore," he recalls fondly. "John and I still keep in touch; it's really nice to see that he continues to stay active in the community."
Murray has garnered many accolades throughout his career, including the prestigious Nobel Laureate Signature Award, recognition as one of the most influential innovators under 35 by Technology Review and an immense honour in 2020 when he was named a Clarivate Citation Laureate alongside his graduate mentor Moungi G. Bawendi or Murray's thesis work and associate 1993 publication and also with Taeghwan Hyeon (Seoul National University), for his later contributions. As a group they were cited "For the synthesis of nanocrystals with precise attributes for a wide range of applications in physical, biological, and medical systems.". This honour is often bestowed to candidates likely to win the Nobel Prize in their field. And just as predicted, Moungi G. Bawendi, Murray's advisor and the lead researcher, received the 2023 Nobel Prize in chemistry, with Murray and co-author David J. Norris as cited as contributors from the seminal 1993 publication on the “Synthesis and characterization of nearly monodisperse CdE (E = sulfur, selenium, tellurium) semiconductor nanocrystallites.”
However, in true Nova Scotian fashion, Murray's humility remains steadfast, underscoring the importance of collective achievement over personal acclaim. His success is a culmination of nanomaterial research, student mentorship, teaching, and a continued passion for his work.
When asked about the role of scientific thinkers in today's world, Murray offers an insightful answer based on his broad worldview.
"I think that any involvement in the sciences and engineering field teaches you how to think quantitatively and to analyze different situations carefully. I often think about how, if more scientists were to take their training and discipline and apply it to every brand of social impact, society would benefit. It wouldn't be a bad thing to have, for example, more politicians who are trained in fact-based decision-making."
As a bookend to his undergraduate graduation 36 years ago, Murray considers the science, technology, engineering and mathematics landscape for Bachelor of Science graduates in 2024.
"It's probably the best time for science graduates to find opportunities in several generations. The market needs creative problem solvers who can deal with technical and technological changes while understanding how they impact society broadly and for the better."
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Alumni duo are a "shoe"-in for success
Lauren Ferguson BComm'20 and Matthew Smith BComm'18 BA'18
By Dennis Mills BComm'12 CertHRM'12
When did someone last tell you to "keep your chin up" or offer encouragement that "things will look up?"
In a world where "up" is the favoured direction for motivation, Lauren Ferguson BComm'20 and Matthew Smith BComm'18 BA'18 find their passion and inspiration from looking down– at people's shoes.
While studying at the Sobey School of Business, Ferguson and Smith always shared a passion for fashion, retail management and marketing.
Ironically, that shared interest geographically took them to opposite sides of the United States after graduating with their Commerce degrees.
Ferguson attended LIM, a college in Manhattan focused on fashion and lifestyle business, to earn a Master’s in Merchandising and Retail Management, while Smith attended the University of Oregon to earn a Master's in Sports Product Management.
With graduate diplomas in hand, New York City was where their next adventure would begin.
As the familiar story goes, the city that never sleeps became a creative and business inspiration for Ferguson and Smith.
Both worked in the fashion industry, learning and living what it means to run successful retail businesses, not only from an operational perspective but also by understanding what it takes to bring designs to life.
After two years of hands-on learning within the NYC fashion industry, their work visas expiring, and the seed of a dream growing, they knew it was their time to take a chance, apply what they knew and step into entrepreneurship back home.
On Canada Day, 2023, their dream was realized as Market Price opened its doors in Bishops Landing in downtown Halifax. With its proximity to the waterfront, Market Price seemed like the perfect name and brand aesthetic for the store.
"The name plays off the fishing culture of Halifax and the sneaker industry. Much of the sneaker industry is moving toward resale and reshelved stock, which leads to fluctuating prices, just like seafood prices. While we only sell new products, our name is still a nod to both," says Smith.
At Market Price, displays resembling ice stands replace the traditional shelves. Instead of fish laid out on ice, it's the hottest new shoes. Customers can also find t-shirts and other clothing by opening a walk-in refrigerator door (fish odour is not included in the experience).
Ferguson and Smith's goal for their store was simple— to be Halifax's first and only true sneaker boutique. While offering a range of clothing and accessories as well, Market Price stands out for the diversity of sneakers it provides.
From a consumer and sustainability standpoint, Ferguson and Smith didn't want online shopping to be the only way Haligonians could have the newest footwear. They are also mindful of the emissions produced from delivering online purchases. By establishing a modern brick-and-mortar retail experience, they are enhancing the fashion offerings within downtown Halifax while being environmental stewards.
When asked about their experience as young business owners, Ferguson and Smith are optimistic about breaking into Halifax's retail community. Ferguson remarks, "One of the most challenging aspects of owning a business is figuring out the market. Halifax has a lot of seniors but also a huge flux of students and tourists that come into the city each year. We want to provide a shopping experience like other cities with developed shopping districts and to provide quality and fashionable products. We sell to people of all ages because everyone needs sneakers."
Almost one year into business, the duo can already reflect on the impact their studies at the Sobey School of Business had on helping them overcome the many challenges business owners face.
"Thinking about our commerce degrees, we came out knowing the basics of business," says Ferguson. "I mean, we do our own accounting and funny enough, I think we even used one of our business plan templates from undergrad to develop our Market Price plan," Smith says with a laugh.
Putting his experience designing sports jerseys to work, paired with his current entrepreneurial role, Smith maintains a Saint Mary's connection as he works with the athletics department to design new sportswear for varsity teams.
When asked what advice they would give to students about to graduate, the couple and business partners were enthusiastic in their responses.
Ferguson offers the first piece of advice.
"Leave home. Whether for six months or a year, go out into the world. Learn from other people, places and cultures and see how it impacts your work and perspectives."
Nodding along, Smith chimes in with the final piece of advice.
"Be hyper-focused on what you want and are passionate about. Trust yourself and take the risk. It will make the potential downfalls less scary. We all make mistakes, learn from them and move on to the next thing. At the end of the day, it's totally worth it."
Visit the Market Place website and social media channels to learn more.