Allyson Kassie
Westmount,QC
Summary
Versatile business leader bringing 23 years of experience as an accomplished business owner. Strategic problem-solver, change manager and visionary executive with success in implementing plans to meet current and future needs. Key expertise in needle trade, event planning, media, Dance studios and competitions.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
President
Myself/ Company Juste Danse Inc.
04.2013 - 08.2024
- Hired and managed employees to maximize productivity while training staff on best practices and protocols.
- Developed and implemented new strategies and policies to establish long-term business objectives and provide strong and sustainable organizational leadership.
- Cultivated strong relationships with external partners to foster collaboration and maximize resources.
- Reduced operational costs through strategic cost management initiatives.
- Monitored financial performance and implemented measures to enforce compliance with budgetary standards.
- Prepared annual budget forecasts and monitored performance to meet organizational objectives.
- Developed and implemented new strategies and policies in collaboration with executive partners to establish and achieve long-term business objectives, providing company with strong and sustainable organizational leadership.
- Employed optimal safety practices to reduce worksite complaints and hazards.
- Established innovative policies to improve organizational performance and increase customer satisfaction.
- Spearheaded development and implementation of distributed organizational structure to increase efficiency.
- Established and maintained strong relationships with customers, vendors and strategic partners.
- Managed financial, operational and human resources to optimize business performance.
- Initiated strategy to drive company growth and increase market share and profitability.
- Analyzed industry trends and tracked competitor activities to inform decision making.
- Developed innovative sales and marketing strategies to facilitate business expansion.
- Cultivated company-wide culture of innovation and collaboration.
Consultant
Reitmans Group
01.2012 - 12.2012
- Analyzed problematic areas to provide recommendations and solutions.
- Delivered outstanding service to clients to maintain and extend relationship for future business opportunities.
- Managed multiple deadlines across several businesses to meet dynamic needs of multiple clients.
- Created and developed detailed work plans to meet business priorities and deadlines.
Owner
Myself/ Bloom Maternity Inc.
01.2004 - 12.2011
- Managed day-to-day business operations.
- Consulted with customers to assess needs and propose optimal solutions.
- Trained and motivated employees to perform daily business functions.
- Evaluated suppliers to maintain cost controls and improve operations.
- Established foundational processes for business operations.
- Enhanced operational efficiency and productivity by managing budgets, accounts, and costs.
- Monitored market conditions to set accurate product pricing and take advantage of emerging trends.
- Organized and attended trade shows and special events to showcase products, network with other businesses and attract new customers.
- Trained and developed team members to build human capital.
- Used knowledge of market trends to create value-added solutions resulting in significant increase in revenues.
- Generated revenues yearly and effectively capitalized on industry growth.
- Oversaw business budget planning and administration, accounting functions, purchasing, and bi-weekly payroll to handle financial needs.
- Prepared bank deposits and handled business sales, returns and transaction reports.
- Put together realistic budgets based upon costs and fees for successfully operating business.
- Interacted well with customers to build connections and nurture relationships.
- Trained new employees on proper protocols and customer service standards.
- Trained and guided team members to maintain high productivity and performance metrics.
- Handled problematic customers and clients to assist lower-level employees and maintain excellent customer service.
- Assisted in recruiting, hiring and training of team members.
- Scheduled employees for shifts, taking into account customer traffic and employee strengths.
- Managed purchasing, sales, marketing and customer account operations efficiently.
- Monitored daily cash discrepancies, inventory shrinkage and drive-off.
Sales Associate
Fame Jeans
01.2000 - 06.2003
- Provided superior service to customers by quickly responding to requests, suggestions and concerns.
- Developed methods and procedures to increase sales, expand markets and promote business.
- Contacted regular and prospective customers to demonstrate products, explain product features and solicit orders.
- Negotiated pricing with vendor suppliers to fit customer's budget and generate maximum gross profit.
- Clarified customer requests, forwarded product information and answered questions to support sales operations.
- Contacted customers and prospects to generate new business to achieve company growth goals.
- Serviced existing accounts on regular basis to maximize revenue.
- Resolved order issues efficiently and enhanced customer satisfaction ratings.
- Addressed each customers' needs and wants to recommend suitable product options.
- Worked with sales team to collaboratively reach targets, consistently meeting or exceeding personal quotas.
- Networked at events and by phone to expand business profits and revenues.
- Worked closely with commercial operational departments to schedule targeted promotional campaigns.
- Demonstrated products and specific features at customer locations and special events.
- Supported customers continuously from sales process to product set-up and use.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Cultural Studies
Concordia University
Montreal, QC12.1999
Skills
- Program Oversight
- Product Development
- Staff Management
- Policy Development
- Company Representation
- Project Management
- Talent Recruitment
- Media Relations
- Employee Relations
- Contract Negotiation
- Event Planning
- Staff Training
- Creating and Delivering Presentations
- Negotiation
Accomplishments
Produced the fundraiser "Dancing with the Stars" raising over $11 million over 10 years for the Just For Kids Foundation.
Mentor to over 500 kids over 10 years.
Canadian Ballroom Pro-Am Champion 2017- 2019
Lady B, Gold.
Languages
English
Full Professional
French
Professional Working
Affiliations
Canadian Ballroom Federation.
Ballroom Dance
Canadian Ballroom Champion 2018-2022
Pro-Am
Lady B, Gold.
Canadian Latin Champion 2016-2020
Pro-Am
Lady A&B, Silver
Timeline
President
Myself/ Company Juste Danse Inc.
04.2013 - 08.2024
Consultant
Reitmans Group
01.2012 - 12.2012
Owner
Myself/ Bloom Maternity Inc.
01.2004 - 12.2011
Sales Associate
Fame Jeans
01.2000 - 06.2003
Bachelor of Arts - Cultural Studies
Concordia University
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