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Every Featured North interview is built around the same core questions. We share them openly because the best interviews come from owners who’ve had time to think. Use this list to prepare for ours, or for any interview.
The story
- How did the business start? Tell us the moment you decided to do it. Where were you? What were you doing before?
- What did the first year look like? The honest version: the first customer, the first mistake, the first time you thought it might work.
- Who are your customers? Describe a regular. What do they come to you for?
What makes you different
- What do you do that others in your industry don’t? Be specific. “Great service” is not an answer; “we call every customer the day after a repair” is.
- What are you proudest of? A product, a team member, a review, a moment.
- What’s something customers don’t know about your business? The behind-the-scenes detail people love.
Lessons
- What was the hardest lesson so far? Cash flow, hiring, a bad season, a partnership that didn’t work.
- What would you do differently if you started today?
- What advice would you give someone opening a business like yours?
Community and what’s next
- How does your neighbourhood or city shape the business?
- What’s next for you? New products, a new location, a goal for next year.
- Where can people find you? Address, hours, website and the one thing a first-time customer should try.
How to give a great answer
- Use real moments. “In our second month the oven broke on a Friday” beats “we faced challenges.”
- Include a number or two. Years in business, customers served, how many people you employ.
- Keep it conversational. Write the way you’d talk to a customer at the counter.
- Don’t sell. The story sells for you. Readers can tell the difference.
Photos matter too
Send at least one photo of yourself, one of your space and one of what you make or do. Natural light and real moments work best. Our guide to photographing your business with a phone covers the basics.
Ready? Apply to be featured.
