Jarrod Goldsmith
Canadian Small Business Community Builder
ABOUT JARROD
Entrepreneur • Community Builder • Speaker • Musician • Fedora wearer
Jarrod Goldsmith is an Ottawa, Ontario Canada entrepreneur, community leader, music agent and connector who builds and leads professional ecosystems through networking events, virtual platforms, speaking, and service-based leadership.
About Jarrod Goldsmith
Known for his signature fedora, Jarrod Goldsmith is one of Ottawa’s most recognizable champions of small business, entrepreneurship, live music and community building. He embodies the entrepreneurial spirit through leadership, collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to community engagement.
A professional networker, Jarrod plays a unique role as a bridge-builder between sectors, industries, and generations. He brings together small business owners, corporate leaders, nonprofits, associations, educators, students, public-sector stakeholders and others to create shared momentum across the National Capital Region.
His leadership style focuses on inclusion, collaboration, and long-term value creation; ensuring entrepreneurs, musicians, professionals, nonprofits, and community organizations are not just connected, but supported.
His leadership philosophy centers on three principles:
• Community before transaction
• Relationships before revenue
• Impact before ego
This approach has made Jarrod a trusted figure in Ottawa’s business, nonprofit, and music community and a go-to connector for those seeking meaningful collaboration.
Leadership Through Service & Governance
Business, Nonprofit, Education & Civic Leadership
Jarrod Goldsmith demonstrates community leadership through entrepreneurship and formal service roles that have shaped Ottawa’s social and economic fabric.
- Founder: Sax Appeal Productions – Ottawa’s Live Music agency
- Founder: eSAX (The Entrepreneur Social Advantage Experience) – Ottawa’s entrepreneur networking community & tradeshow for small business
- Founder: eSAX Virtual Events – Hosting better virtual events that feel human
- Founder: eXclusive eXperience – Premium events that value strategic relationships over traditional networking
- Founder: Orleans Dog Sitting – ‘The dog whisperer of the suburbs’
- President – Kiwanis Club of Ottawa (founded 1917) – Leading youth-focused community service initiatives
- Program Advisory Committee Member -Events Management Program, Algonquin College – Helping shape future event professionals
- Ran a strong community-focused campaign for Ottawa City Council (Orléans, Ward 1) in the 2018 municipal election
- Ambassador – Ottawa Board of Trade – Supporting business growth and member engagement
An active member and Ambassador of the Ottawa Board of Trade, and a longtime participant in all previous regional Chambers of Commerce throughout the National Capital Region, Jarrod is recognized for his ability to bring people together, spark collaboration, and turn connections into opportunities.
These roles reinforce Jarrod’s position not just as a connector, but as a trusted leader influencing policy, education, business and community outcomes.
Why Jarrod Goldsmith’s Community Leadership Stands Out
What Makes Him Different: Jarrod Goldsmith’s impact comes from consistency, accessibility, and authenticity. He doesn’t just host events – he follows up. He doesn’t just introduce people – he stays invested in outcomes. He doesn’t just book professional musicians – he ensures every gig detail is perfect. He doesn’t just talk about community – he builds it.
👉 Looking to collaborate, book Jarrod as a speaker, hire musicians, or explore other opportunities?
Contact Jarrod today.
Originally from Montreal, Jarrod began playing and studying the saxophone in 1986. His high school teacher was George Doxas who inspired a love for music. While studying archaeology / anthropology at McGill University, he continued to actively pursue music and studied under the late Professor Gerry Danovitch. During this time, he played in numerous McGill ensembles, the CJAD All-City Big Band led by Denny Christianson (now called the Montreal All Star City Big Band) and other ensembles around Montreal.
Continuing his interest in human evolution, Jarrod earned a Masters degree in archaeology / anthropology at the University of Alberta, Edmonton, while continuing to play in professional bands with the occasional tour and recording.
Jarrod has traveled extensively pursuing both music and archaeology across North America, as well as in Japan, South Korea, Israel, and throughout Europe.
Jarrod launched Sax Appeal in 2011 and eSAX shortly after.
He is a proud member of
CONSULTING
Entrepreneurial Consulting Services in Ottawa
Business Strategy, Networking Coaching & Growth Advisory with Jarrod Goldsmith
Jarrod Goldsmith is an Ottawa-based entrepreneur, professional connector, and community leader who has built and scaled multiple niche businesses from the ground up. Having attended thousands of hours of networking events, trade shows, business conferences, and entrepreneurial forums, Jarrod brings real-world experience, strategic insight, and practical mentorship to entrepreneurs and organizations ready to grow.
Whether you are launching a startup, scaling an existing small business, planning a trade show, or seeking greater visibility in your industry, Jarrod provides personalized business consulting services designed to accelerate measurable growth.
How Jarrod Helps Entrepreneurs & Organizations Succeed
Jarrod works directly with founders, professionals, startups, event organizers, and business leaders who want clear strategy, stronger positioning, and better connections.
Business & Entrepreneurial Consulting
- Startup consulting and business launch strategy
- Small business growth planning and revenue development
- Business model analysis and strategic feedback
- Market positioning and competitive differentiation
- Community-based business development
Networking Strategy & Mentorship
- Business networking coaching in Ottawa and beyond
- How to network effectively at conferences and trade shows
- Building authentic professional relationships
- Follow-up systems that convert conversations into opportunities
- Confidence building for introverted entrepreneurs
Social Media Strategy for Entrepreneurs
- LinkedIn optimization for business growth
- Professional profile development (LinkedIn, Facebook, X/Twitter)
- Social media branding strategy
- Content positioning for thought leadership
- Audience engagement and visibility growth
Event Creation, Sponsorship & Promotion
- Trade show and networking event consulting
- Event sponsorship strategy and partnership development
- Community engagement initiatives
- Promotional strategy for maximum attendance and ROI
- Business event planning best practices
Personalized Consulting That Delivers Real Results
Clients receive one-on-one advisory support tailored to their unique goals. Jarrod provides:
- Strategic feedback and actionable recommendations
- Honest, practical insight grounded in experience
- Direct introductions to relevant contacts when appropriate
- Ongoing mentorship and accountability
- Access to an extensive Ottawa business network
These services are ideal for:
- Entrepreneurs considering starting a business
- Early-stage startups seeking clarity and traction
- Small business owners looking for growth strategies
- Professionals wanting to increase visibility and authority
- Organizations planning business networking events
- Founders who feel uncomfortable or inexperienced with networking
Networking Collaboration: Attend Events with a Professional Connector
For clients seeking hands-on guidance, Jarrod offers a unique networking mentorship experience: he will attend a business networking event with you.
This immersive coaching approach allows you to learn in real time how to:
- Enter and navigate a professional networking environment
- Use effective body language and communication techniques
- Ask meaningful, strategic questions
- Transition gracefully between conversations
- Build rapport quickly and authentically
- Follow up professionally to convert meetings into business opportunities
For shy professionals, first-time founders, or business owners entering new markets, this service provides immediate confidence and practical skills. As one of Ottawa’s most recognizable connectors, there is also a strong possibility Jarrod will know attendees and can facilitate warm introductions on your behalf.
Why Work with Jarrod Goldsmith?
Jarrod is not a theoretical consultant – he is a practitioner. You’re not hiring a vendor. You’re partnering with a proven ecosystem builder. Jarrod brings strategy, credibility, and execution – not just ideas.
As the founder of successful niche ventures and a recognized leader in Ottawa’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, he understands:
- How to produce high-impact events (networking, launches etc)
- What it takes to build a brand from scratch
- How to leverage networking for sustainable business growth
- How to create high-impact business events
- How to turn conversations into collaborations
- How community leadership strengthens business success
His consulting combines entrepreneurial strategy, networking intelligence, branding insight, and relationship capital.
Ready to Accelerate Your Business Growth?
If you are looking for entrepreneurial consulting in Ottawa, startup advisory services, business networking coaching, or event strategy consulting, Jarrod Goldsmith can help you build clarity, confidence, and momentum.
Let’s build your next opportunity together.
Contact Jarrod today to discuss customized consulting options tailored to your goals.
SPEAKING
A natural public speaker, Jarrod has the ability to engage and energize an audience.
Speaker, Educator & Workshop Leader
Jarrod Goldsmith is an in-demand keynote speaker and workshop facilitator known for his engaging style, practical insights, and motivational approach. He regularly delivers presentations for:
- Entrepreneurs and startups
- Small business owners
- Students and youth entrepreneurs
- Corporate teams and community organizations
Popular Speaking Topics Include:
- Entrepreneurship fundamentals
- Strategic networking and relationship-building
- Personal branding and visibility
- Social media for entrepreneurs
- Turning connections into conversions
Jarrod has been featured in dozens of television, audio, video, and podcast interviews, with articles published in newspapers, magazines, and online platforms focused on business, networking and entrepreneurship.
👉 Book Jarrod for your next keynote, workshop, or conference.
eSAX Ottawa Networking Events
Ottawa’s Signature Entrepreneur Networking Event
Jarrod founded and produces the eSAX Networking Tradeshow, an annual in-person entrepreneur networking event and tradeshow in Ottawa, Ontario Canada designed to showcase and support local small businesses, service providers, nonprofits, and community organizations.
eSAX is not “just another networking event.” It is a curated business ecosystem designed to create meaningful connections, qualified referrals, and long-term collaborations. See how eSAX events are changing the entrepreneur landscape in Ottawa!
The eSAX Networking Tradeshow is more than a traditional tradeshow. It is a community-powered business experience that combines exhibitor booths, facilitated networking, live engagement and brand storytelling. The event attracts entrepreneurs, professionals, decision-makers, and community leaders from across the Ottawa region.
Why Attend the eSAX Networking Tradeshow:
• Meet hundreds of entrepreneurs and professionals in one day
• Discover local businesses and services
• Build high-quality connections, not just leads
• Experience facilitated networking that actually works
• Support and strengthen Ottawa’s business ecosystem
eSAX Virtual Events
North America’s Premier Virtual Networking Platform
Jarrod Goldsmith is the founder of eSAX Virtual Events. Located in Ottawa, Ontario Canada, eSAX Virtual Events is a platform designed to help entrepreneurs, small business owners, startups, consultants, and professionals build real relationships in a digital-first world.
Created in response to the growing demand for meaningful online networking beyond Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or WebEx, eSAX Virtual Events has become one of Canada’s most recognized virtual networking communities. It is not just another video call – it is a structured, facilitated, relationship-driven virtual networking experience built for business growth.
Follow eSAX
Media
Media, Podcasts & Video Series
Jarrod is a prolific content creator and media host, using storytelling and interviews to spotlight entrepreneurs and community leaders.
Featured Media Properties:
🎩 Ask the Fedora (YouTube)
A popular video series where Jarrod answers real-world entrepreneurship and networking questions with practical, actionable advice. All learned from 1000’s of hours of actual networking practice!
🎩 Talk to the Fedora (Video & Interviews)
In-depth conversations with business and community leaders sharing insights, lessons, inspiration and hard hitting honest entrepreneur wisdom that YOU can use to grow your small business.
Stories of entrepreneurs and leaders who successfully adapted during COVID and beyond. Hosted by Jarrod Goldsmith of eSAX and Sean Cochrane of TCC Canada.
🎧 eSAX Podcast Series
Interviews with entrepreneurs, professionals, and community builders focused on growth, leadership, and collaboration.
Sax Appeal is Ottawa’s Live Music Agency
Jarrod’s first business!
Sax Appeal Productions is a full-service live music agency based in Ottawa, Ontario, specializing in professional musicians and elevated entertainment experiences for corporate, nonprofit, and private events. The agency curates exceptional live music tailored to the tone, audience, and objectives of each event.
Serving the Ottawa region and beyond, Sax Appeal Productions provides live musicians of ANY KIND, jazz ensembles, cocktail bands, corporate party bands, wedding bands, string musicians, solo performers, duos, trios and fully customized live entertainment solutions. Whether for a corporate gala , a fundraising event, conference reception, awards ceremony, holiday party, networking event, or luxury wedding, Sax Appeal delivers polished, reliable talent with seamless coordination.
Recognized as a trusted provider of live music in Ottawa, corporate event entertainment in Ottawa, wedding musicians in Ottawa, and professional saxophone players for hire, Sax Appeal Productions combines artistic excellence with event production expertise. Clients value the agency’s professionalism, clear communication, and ability to align live entertainment with brand experience and audience engagement.
For organizations and event planners seeking high-quality live bands in Ottawa, jazz music for corporate events, upscale cocktail hour entertainment, or experienced musicians for private events in Ottawa, Sax Appeal Productions provides a refined, turnkey solution.
History of Sax Appeal
Originally created as an all-saxophone ensemble (comprised of a Soprano, Alto, Tenor and Baritone saxophone) located in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, Sax Appeal was known as Canada’s Premier Saxophone Ensemble.
As the most extraordinary ensemble in the region, Sax Appeal transformed the musical landscape in Canada with their distinctive sound, look and feel!
Excellent musicians and a great variety of musical styles suitable for any occasion are hallmarks of the Sax Appeal saxophone quartet. Equally comfortable playing any musical genre ranging from jazz to classical to literally everything in-between, the versatility of this saxophone ensemble is unmatched.
From wedding ceremonies, cocktail receptions and diplomatic functions, to birthdays, retirement homes, holiday/Christmas parties and festivals (such as the Ottawa Jazz Festival and the Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival), a Sax Appeal performance will leave your guests in awe.
Check out this short documentary film exploring how the Sax Appeal sax quartet became a reality.
As an active member of the Canadian Federation of Musicians, Jarrod Goldsmith can also book any other kind of entertainment (or band) that you or your clients may need.
Always the Right Feel With Sax Appeal!
Pour un événement qui a du style, donnez-lui une touche de Sax Appeal!
Contact Jarrod today to discuss how he can make your next event one to remember!
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Building on his networking experience (and leveraging the whole ‘Fedora’ branding that he’s known for), Jarrod hosts a Youtube video series called ‘Ask The Fedora’. These one minute videos provide a wealth of practical knowledge covering a wide-range of networking/business tips that people find useful to help make their networking endeavors not only less stressful, but successful!
New businesses and people who are shy, introverted and/or otherwise dislike networking events will find these videos particularly beneficial.
As another way to help encourage, promote and offer greater assistance to aspiring entrepreneurs, Jarrod also hosts a YouTube video series titled Ask the Fedora.
Education Through 700+ YouTube Videos
In addition to hosting virtual networking events, Jarrod leads the eSAX YouTube channel with over 700 videos focused on:
- Entrepreneurship tips
- Small business marketing strategies
- Networking skills
- Interview-style conversations with business leaders
- Community spotlight features
This content supports:
- Entrepreneur education
- Startup visibility
- Personal branding development
- Business growth strategies
Entrepreneurs can subscribe and continue learning beyond the events.
Follow Ask the Fedora
Dog sitting in Orléans for small & medium breeds
‘The dog whisperer of the suburbs’
Besides being an accomplished entrepreneur, musician and community builder, Jarrod Goldsmith has a genuine love and passion for dogs! Having had small dogs most of his life, he has opened his home (and heart) to make sure your furry loved-ones will receive all the attention they get at home. In 2011 Jarrod started watching small dogs and hasn’t looked back.
Dogs are treated as part of his family. With a large forest across the street from his home, dogs will love exploring nature as much as he does! His home is completely dog-friendly with dog beds and plenty of toys to play with. Every time they are downstairs, they are welcome to explore the completely fenced backyard. Working from home allows him to give dogs as much attention as possible. Contact Jarrod now and rest easy that your furry family member will be well loved!
Contact Jarrod now knowing your dog will be in the best of hands !
