Episode 13 of the Pleasure Doing Business podcast, powered by Teed Saunders Doyle.
Interview with Mike O’Brien, Mayor of the City of Fredericton.
After a distinguished career in the private sector and serving for years as a City Councillor, Mike became Mayor in 2016. A passionate advocate for the City – in particular about fiscal responsibility, social development, and the City’s future potential – Mayor Mike heard about the PDB podcast and just HAD to be on it. Nick Lawrence joins in the interview as guest host with Andy.
This podcast will give you a crash course in municipal finances and a great window into the entrepreneurial aspects of running a City. And it was also tons of fun! Here’s some of what you’ll learn by listening in:
- What do you call the Mayor?
- What was his nickname, and what national sporting championship did he win, years ago?
- Why discipline is necessary, if not sexy
- How the City became debt-free with pay as you go and pay as you grow
- Why Fredericton is a great place to start a business
- What piece of sports equipment helps the Mayor think? (Hint: A Few Good Men)
- What is the Mayor’s # 1 stress buster?
- How did Nick and Andy sneak past security at City Hall?
- Are you allowed to drink beer in the Mayor’s office?
- The Mayor’s predictions for the Master’s, Stanley Cup, and NBA Championship
Quotable: “I love this job. I love this City!” – Mayor Mike
Featured Craft Beer: Into the Woods Brown Ale – Graystone Brewing, Fredericton, NB