Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Websites
Additional Professional Skills
Timeline
Generic

BARBARA PARMENTER

Burlington,Canada

Summary

Enthusiastic and detail-oriented professional with a background in customer service as a dog groomer/salon manager, seeking to leverage my strong interpersonal skills and attention to detail in a cashier or cashier's assistant position at Costco. With over 9 years of experience in a fast-paced environment, I bring a customer-first attitude, excellent communication skills, and the ability to thrive under pressure. Adept at managing multiple tasks, maintaining a positive and helpful demeanor, and ensuring a smooth and efficient experience for clients. Eager to apply my skills in a new setting and contribute to the success of the team at Costco.

Overview

32
32
years of professional experience

Work History

Entrepreneur/Professional Dog Groomer

A Tangled Tail
05.2015 - Current
  • Providing services to approximately 100 clients each month.
  • Maintained meticulous records of all business transactions and scheduling calendars, demonstrating strong organizational and record-keeping abilities
  • Streamlined appointment scheduling process, resulting in reduced wait times for clients.
  • Client retention by consistently providing outstanding customer service to both clients and pets.
  • Monitored animals for behavioral problems and signs of health issues.
  • Managed inventory, ordered new supplies and maintained optimal storage to meet expected needs.
  • Exceptional customer service, fostering a loyal customer base and nurturing strong client relationships.
  • Managed budgets and expenses with precision
  • Adapted seamlessly to changing business needs and trends, demonstrating a keen sense of flexibility and a strong drive to learn and grow
  • Increased brand visibility with targeted social media campaigns, engaging with diverse customer base.
  • Participated in industry conferences, networking with peers and staying informed about emerging trends and technologies.
  • Managed purchasing, sales, marketing and customer account operations efficiently.
  • Handled dogs of all sizes and temperaments calmly, ensuring minimal stress throughout the grooming process.
  • Demonstrated exceptional attention to detail and safety when performing essential grooming tasks.
  • Exemplified excellent time management skills by consistently completing grooming appointments within the allotted timeframe without compromising service quality.
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction by providing high-quality grooming services tailored to individual pet needs.
  • Elevated overall service quality by consistently soliciting feedback from clients to identify areas for improvement or enhancement.

Career Break / Volunteering

Various
04.2004 - 01.2015
  • Burlington Food Bank
  • Burlington Barracudas Girls Hockey
  • Distress Centre of Toronto
  • Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
  • Self-motivated, strong sense of personal responsibility, detail oriented with a strong work ethic.
  • Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in team environments.
  • Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
  • Adaptable and proficient in learning new concepts quickly and efficiently.
  • Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
  • Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
  • Passionate about learning and committed to continual improvement.
  • Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.

Assistant to the Vice Chairman, Investment Banking

National Bank Financial
04.1997 - 09.2003
  • Provided high-level administrative support to 5 senior executives and the Vice Chairman in a fast-paced environment, demonstrating excellent time-management, prioritization, and multitasking skills
  • Interacted effectively and professionally with all levels of staff and external stakeholders, utilizing exceptional communication and interpersonal skills
  • Maintained confidentiality and handled sensitive information with discretion, demonstrating strong ethical and professional values
  • Managed calendars, scheduled appointments, and coordinated travel arrangements with efficiency and accuracy, showcasing strong organizational and logistical skills
  • Contributed to a positive work environment with strong interpersonal skills and proactive teamwork attitude.
  • Safeguarded sensitive information through proper documentation handling, data entry, and record maintenance procedures.
  • Strengthened client relationships through consistent follow-up communication and efficient problem resolution.
  • Demonstrated adaptability by quickly mastering new software applications for various tasks.
  • Expedited project completion times due to the ability to multitask effectively under tight deadlines.
  • Collaborated effectively with cross-functional teams to achieve shared goals in a timely manner.
  • Elevated executive productivity, managing complex calendars and arranging travel itineraries.
  • Optimized expense tracking, significantly reducing overhead costs by meticulously reviewing and reconciling monthly expenses.
  • Streamlined document preparation, ensuring accuracy and compliance with industry standards.
  • Answered incoming phone calls to process requests, transfer calls, or relay messages to appropriate personnel.

Corporate Meetings and Special Events Planner

Ernst & Young (EY)
11.1992 - 03.2001
  • Spearheaded event planning efforts for conferences, trade shows, and client building events
  • Negotiated with vendors, secured venues and hotel space, managed delegate registration, coordinated food & beverage, a/v, air and ground transportation, ensuring seamless execution of all events
  • Oversaw all aspects of the hospitality tent at the Bell Canadian Open.
  • Managed the Executive Dining Room and led a team of waitstaff and 2 executive chefs, ensuring exceptional service.
  • Responsible for the Corporate Season Ticket Program, including suites for Toronto Maple Leafs and Raptors for all events held in the executive suites, ensuring that all guests received VIP treatment
  • Drove corporate sponsorships of the National Ballet, Canadian Opera Company, and The Toronto Symphony, providing significant corporate support to these cultural institutions
  • Managed $500,000 budget for the annual Christmas Gala, hosting 2,200 people at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, ensuring that the event was executed flawlessly and guests had an exceptional experience
  • Created memorable experiences for guests by incorporating innovative entertainment options and engaging activities.
  • Implemented risk management strategies to proactively address potential issues or disruptions during events, ensuring a safe experience for all attendees.
  • Developed comprehensive event timelines, ensuring all tasks were completed on schedule and resulting in well-organized events that consistently met or exceeded client expectations.
  • Conducted post-event evaluations, identifying areas of improvement for future events and implementing necessary changes accordingly.
  • Streamlined registration processes by implementing user-friendly online platforms for attendees to register and access event information.
  • Developed strong relationships with clients through effective communication, resulting in successful event planning collaborations.
  • Managed budgets efficiently for multiple events, ensuring the best possible allocation of resources without compromising quality.
  • Negotiated favourable terms with venues, catering services, and suppliers to optimize cost savings while maintaining high-quality standards.
  • Coordinated logistics, vendor contracts, and on-site management to ensure smooth execution of events.
  • Fostered a positive working environment by promoting open communication channels among team members involved in planning special events.
  • Developed creative themes for events and created related activities to engage attendees.

Education

Certificate of Technical Studies - Canine Massage Therapy

Royal Ontario College of Massage
Vaughan, ON
02-2024

Certificate of Technical Studies - Professional Dog Grooming Certification

DogPort Academy
London, ON
06-2015

Special Events & Festivals Management Certificate - Special Events And Festivals Management

George Brown College
Toronto, ON
01.1997

Bachelor of Arts - History

Carleton University
Ottawa, ON
01.1992

Skills

  • Customer Service
  • Business Management
  • Time Management
  • Communication
  • Administration
  • Goal setting
  • Customer relations
  • Social media management

Additional Professional Skills

  • Event planning for conferences, trade shows, and client building events.
  • Negotiations with vendors, secured venues and hotel space, managed delegate registration, coordinated food & beverage, a/v, air and ground transportation, ensuring seamless execution of all events, followed by post-event evaluation.
  • Managed corporate executive dining room, team of waitstaff and 2 executive chefs, ensuring exceptional service.
  • Oversaw corporate season ticket program, including suites for Toronto Maple Leafs, Blue Jays and Raptors for all events held in the executive suites.
  • Oversaw corporate sponsorships of the National Ballet, Canadian Opera Company, and The Toronto Symphony, providing significant corporate support to these cultural institutions.
  • Managed $500,000 budget for all aspects of an annual Christmas Gala, hosting 2,200 people at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.
  • Developed comprehensive event budgets, timelines and schedules and resulting in well-organized events that consistently met or exceeded client expectations.
  • Negotiated favourable terms with venues, catering services, and suppliers to optimize cost savings while maintaining high-quality standards.

Timeline

Entrepreneur/Professional Dog Groomer

A Tangled Tail
05.2015 - Current

Career Break / Volunteering

Various
04.2004 - 01.2015

Assistant to the Vice Chairman, Investment Banking

National Bank Financial
04.1997 - 09.2003

Corporate Meetings and Special Events Planner

Ernst & Young (EY)
11.1992 - 03.2001

Certificate of Technical Studies - Canine Massage Therapy

Royal Ontario College of Massage

Certificate of Technical Studies - Professional Dog Grooming Certification

DogPort Academy

Special Events & Festivals Management Certificate - Special Events And Festivals Management

George Brown College

Bachelor of Arts - History

Carleton University
BARBARA PARMENTER