Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Previous Experience
Additional Training Info
References
Languages
Timeline
Generic

Helen Brooks

Summary

Entrepreneur/Manager with years of experience in both small and medium business, as well as face paced film industry. Demonstrated leadership, administration & strong interpersonal skills, with special focus on customer service.

Enterprising and successful in leading every facet of new and ongoing business operations. Strategic thinker and tactical decision-maker with passion for serving customers and exceeding expectations. Creative problem solver skilled at de-escalating situations and driving positive change.

Detail-oriented Owner with proven success building relationships and maintaining partnerships with top accounts to increase overall productivity and grow profit channels. Expands network connections by effectively determining and meeting customer needs, implementing price models and optimizing inventory control procedures.

Overview

36
36
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Owner/Operator

WHOLE HOUND INC.
06.2008 - 08.2023
  • Owned & operated proprietary premium canine nutritional supplement company
  • Web-based retail and wholesale sales North America wide.
  • Developed business plan, processes and procedures to provide superior products to customers.
  • Oversaw end-to-end business processes to maintain proficiency and profitability.
  • Consulted with customers to assess needs and propose optimal solutions.
  • Devised and deployed sales and marketing tactics to drive strategic growth and support achievement of revenue goals.
  • Cultivated and strengthened lasting client relationships using strong issue resolution and dynamic communication skills.
  • Served as primary point-of-contact with suppliers and contractors to achieve inventory expectations.
  • Employed prompt decision-making and in-depth research to resolve issues.
  • Organized and attended trade shows and special events to showcase products, network with other businesses and attract new customers.
  • Worked with marketing teams to create print and online advertisements to bring in new customers.

Financial and Insurance Advisor

CO-OPERATORS GENERAL INSURANCE COMPANY
04.2010 - 07.2020
  • Specialization in commercial/business insurance, family & estate planning, life and investment solutions, RRSP's, RESP's, Group Benefits, Disability Insurance, Critical Illness Solutions
  • Co-managed and ran 2 Co-operators agencies and a staff of 11.
  • Explained features, advantages and disadvantages of various policies to promote insurance sales.
  • Evaluated business and individual customer needs and financial situations to propose individualized policy recommendations.
  • Interviewed prospective clients to discuss any existing coverage and obtain data about financial resources and physical condition of person or property.
  • Built relationships with clients using active listening and issue resolution to provide excellent service.
  • Educated clients on insurance policies and procedures.
  • Determined financial needs by assessing existing coverage and aligning new products and services with long-term goals.
  • Worked with sales team to collaboratively reach targets, consistently meeting or exceeding personal quotas.
  • Generated leads through cold-calling, networking and other outreach methods.
  • Conducted annual reviews of existing policies to update information.
  • Created sources for continuous client referrals within community and with businesses using extensive networking skills.
  • Cross-sold insurance products to existing clients to reach sales targets.
  • Negotiated with insurance underwriters to obtain better coverage and improved rates for clients.
  • Utilized CRM software to manage client relationships.
  • Identified potential risks in client businesses and recommended appropriate insurance coverage.
  • Developed and implemented marketing strategies to boost sales and increase customer base.
  • Evaluated competitors' products and services to gain competitive advantage.
  • Researched and identified potential new markets.
  • Monitored changes in insurance industry to stay compliant with relevant laws and regulations.

Owner/Operator

THE HEALTHY HOUND WHOLE PET FOOD INC.
01.1998 - 06.2009
  • Owned & operated manufacture, retail sales, wholesale sales and home delivery service of organic raw and cooked dog food
  • Retail location featured dog food, treats, supplements, and other canine accessories in West Vancouver.
  • Worked with raw materials to develop complete and commercially viable products.
  • Conducted performance tests and quality assurance tests of goods to meet product certification requirements.
  • Observed quality assurance measures to avoid potential lawsuits from consumers.
  • Reviewed demand forecasts to determine realistic production approach and manage inventory comprehensively.
  • Built and maintained positive working relationships with suppliers.
  • Managed production of high-quality products in timely and cost-efficient manner.
  • Delivered exceptional customer service to every customer by leveraging extensive knowledge of products and services and creating welcoming, positive experiences.
  • Promoted superior experience by addressing customer concerns, demonstrating empathy, and resolving problems swiftly.
  • Consulted with customers to assess needs and propose optimal solutions.
  • Developed business plan, processes and procedures to provide superior products to customers.
  • Oversaw business budget planning and administration, accounting functions, purchasing, and bi-weekly payroll to handle financial needs.
  • Kept all building areas and equipment functional and well-organized to promote business performance.
  • Trained new production staff members on safe and efficient production procedures and proper machine operations.
  • Assembled products according to changing daily work orders and specific customer needs.
  • Operated with safety and skill to avoid accidents and delays.
  • Demonstrated safe driving by following regulations and safety procedures, resulting in zero accidents.
  • Trained and motivated employees to perform daily business functions.


Film Industry Technician

Various Film Studios And Production Companies
01.1988 - 01.1998
  • Employed by multiple companies in film industry
  • Job descriptions included Associate Producer, Assistant Production Coordinator, Producer's Assistant, Production Assistant and Extra's Casting
  • Responsibilities included coordination of information, production schedules and objectives between Producers and Directors to all film crew, including cast, department heads and all other related employees and contractors
  • Arranged immigration, travel, accommodation and all other special needs of foreign Cast members, Directors, Producers and Film crew
  • Ordered and coordinated materials, equipment, post productions facilities, catering and transportation requirements in a fast paced, high pressure, time sensitive and unpredictable (i.e rapidly changing) environment.
  • Organized work to meet demanding production goals.
  • Liaised with production manager, suppliers and vendors to support production needs.
  • Handled confidential and sensitive information with discretion and tact.
  • Managed executive calendars, scheduling meetings and appointments and coordinating travel arrangements to optimize time.
  • Answered high volume of phone calls and email inquiries.
  • Screened calls and emails and responded accordingly to support executive correspondence.
  • Created and maintained detailed reports and schedules of all production tasks.
  • Forecasted production schedules and adjusted plans to accommodate changes in demand.
  • Applied critical thinking and research to address complex issues.
  • Worked with diverse types of weather and ground conditions.
  • Liaised with internal departments to optimize productivity and efficiency.
  • Conducted interviews with extra candidates to test suitability.
  • Circulated breakdown notices among talent agencies and independent agents to search for perfect cast.
  • Engaged in sourcing activities to find suitable candidates.
  • Examined scripts to understand storyline and needed roles.
  • Negotiated payments, schedules and billing with actors and agents.
  • Worked closely with producers and directors to define casting needs and deliver casting options according to expectations through comprehensive talent binders.
  • Performed essential administrative support duties by providing scripts, preparing breakdowns, developing shortlists, handling paperwork and agreements and communicating with actors.
  • Auditioned and interviewed performers to match attributes to specific roles or to increase pool of available acting talent.

Education

General Arts And Honors English -

University of British Columbia
Vancouver

Langara College
Vancouver, BC

High School Diploma -

Magee Secondary School
Vancouver, BC

Skills

  • Computer Literate
  • Organizational Skills
  • Relationship Management
  • Time Management
  • Adaptability and Flexibility
  • Dependable and Reliable
  • Problem Solving
  • Attention to Detail

Certification

Serving it Right Certified

Previous Experience

  • Hospitality at the Sutton Place Hotel
  • Hostess and waitressing in Vancouver

Additional Training Info

  • Glenlyon Norfolk International Baccalaureate School (GNS) – Victoria, BC - Served as Vice Chair on GNS Society Board. Served on GNS Foundation Board, Finance Committee, and as head of Nominating Committee. Also served in the lunch program at the junior school., 01/01/2017, 12/31/2022
  • Completed 5 Transformational Breathwork certification courses., 01/01/2019, 12/31/2022
  • Bioenergetics/HR management training under Jim McNeish (Cantle), Perthshire, Scotland., 01/01/2010

References

Upon Request

Languages

French
Limited Working

Timeline

Financial and Insurance Advisor

CO-OPERATORS GENERAL INSURANCE COMPANY
04.2010 - 07.2020

Owner/Operator

WHOLE HOUND INC.
06.2008 - 08.2023

Owner/Operator

THE HEALTHY HOUND WHOLE PET FOOD INC.
01.1998 - 06.2009

Film Industry Technician

Various Film Studios And Production Companies
01.1988 - 01.1998

General Arts And Honors English -

University of British Columbia

Langara College

High School Diploma -

Magee Secondary School

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Helen Brooks