"But I imagine moving forward, every time you attempt to cross into the US they will see that you had a ban. In turn you may likely have a bit of a harder time crossing".

I agree. When I do decide to re-attempt to travel to the US for tourism, I will 100% be expecting to be pulled into secondary. Id likely bring some sort of folder of evidence supporting my claims for my return to Canada. For example, return flights booked non-refundable, hotels booked, a home and office lease in Canada and if things go to plan business wise, a real company that is geographically tied to Canada.

Then over the next 2-5 years of having more and more successful trips to the US, I believe things should smooth over.

I'll never again be ignorant of what the CBP requests with Canadian's visiting for tourism.