Honourable senators, Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, is known for a lot of things, but Tiffany’s and Dolce & Gabbana are not two of them. So what’s the connection? It’s Mandy Rennehan, an entrepreneurial hero of mine and countless others.

Thirty years ago, Mandy left Yarmouth for the bright lights of Halifax, but she didn’t stop there. Often described as a “ballsy little bugger,” she is best known as the “Blue Collar CEO,” host of the HGTV show “Trading up with Mandy Rennehan” and founder and CEO of Freshco, a company she started with literally nothing but determination and which now creates, maintains and refreshes retail stores all across North America.

At some point, everyone in this chamber has been in a store that Mandy’s team built — maybe not Tiffany’s but certainly the Apple Store, Indigo, Staples or Home Depot. Mandy attracted and retained the very best clients because she built a team that delivers excellence on budget and on time every time. That is why this self-trained, self-funded hurricane of energy and determination has never needed to advertise.

How did she do it? Mandy’s superpower is her ability to unlock excellence in people. She’s actually a people builder, and Freshco is arguably Canada’s most inclusive employer. Her non‑traditional team is 77% female, 41% LGBTQ2S+, 33% BIPOC and 17% people with physical disabilities or neurodiverse.

Building a business that puts people first creates something special. Consider that her passionate team of 80 works with 8,000 technicians and trades internationally and delivers excellence every time — no excuses. How? Because every employee knows that they alone are accountable for their individual success and, ultimately, the team’s collective success. Together they’ve built a North American reputation among brands that define excellence, causing over 80 Fortune 500 brands to keep calling back again and again.

Mandy Rennehan never stops. She just keeps pushing, determined to keep creating opportunities for others to build the lives that they want. That’s why Mandy is one of the creative geniuses, annual funders and inspirational voices behind Jill of All Trades. Now in its tenth year, this program brings together female mentors and faculty to provide a safe, engaging and hands-on learning experience that introduces young women in grades 9 to 12 to a possible career in the trades.

Mandy will break every single rule that does not empower others to deliver excellence. Simply, Canada could use a lot more of Mandy Rennehan.

These are just a few of the reasons why I’m honoured to have presented to Mandy King Charles III’s Coronation Medal to thank her for constantly creating countless opportunities for others. Thank you.