Unique management, sales and marketing experience working with and developing small businesses, large national companies and not-for-profit organizations. Embrace new challenges, open and willing to expand knowledge and learning to be a valuable and effective asset to any team. Always striving to be a positive and resourceful team member. Determined, professional and dedicated to producing tangible results.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
Owner, Interior Decorating and Project Consulting
RL Consulting & Design
01.2016 - Current
Negotiated contracts with suppliers for better pricing and terms, reducing overall costs for the business.
Observed each employee's individual strengths and initiated mentoring program to improve areas of weakness.
Implemented marketing strategies to increase brand awareness and attract new customers.
Interior decorating for residential and small commercial.
Home staging and home organizing for new property listings.
Project management for home owners for large insurance claims rebuilds and renovations. Monitoring budgets, due diligence reporting, selecting and finalizing finishes.
Technical Library Consultant
Biblioteca Technical Library Consusltants
10.2022 - Current
Maintain and update current in-house technical information libraries for 8 Architectural and Design firms.
Constantly sourcing and curating product and material information relevant to each firms niche design markets within Canada, USA and International. Resourcing both exterior and interior materials information as well as maintaining product and finishes samples.
Liaised with design teams to research and source specific samples and research new materials and sourcing alternate or new products.
Established trusted partnerships with industry representatives expanding each company's network of resources and contacts.
Facilitated workshops with design teams and industry representatives to promote product knowledge and identifying trend and growth opportunities and developments specific to certain materials.
Developed and maintained courteous and effective working relationships.
Gathered, organized and input information into digital database.
Freelance Consulting Marketing & Special Events
Self-Employed
01.2006 - 01.2016
Clients included: Canadian Housing and Mortgage Corporation, HummingBird MediSpa and Rockmount Financial Corporation.
Oversaw creation of promotional materials, including print collateral, digital assets, and video content to support special event marketing efforts.
Monitored emerging industry trends, ensuring that marketing tactics remained fresh and relevant.
Developed and managed budgets up to $500,000.00 for various marketing initiatives, ensuring cost-effective promotion of special events.
Coordinated with design and media teams to develop high-quality creative assets.
Merchandiser and Sales Associate
PIER 1 Imports
01.2013 - 01.2015
Engaged with customers to build rapport and loyalty.
Organized in-store promotions and events to increase foot traffic and drive additional sales opportunities.
Boosted customer satisfaction levels through exceptional service, addressing concerns promptly, and providing a welcoming store environment.
Maintained accurate inventory records to ensure adequate stock levels, minimizing out-of-stock situations that could impact customer satisfaction.
Achieved monthly sales targets consistently by implementing effective sales strategies and maintaining a high level of product knowledge.
Managed efficient cash register operations.
Assessed customer needs and utilized suggestive selling techniques to drive sales.
Participated in team meetings and training sessions regularly for continuous professional development within the retail industry.
Owner, Gourmet Kitchen and Home Décor Store
LIVING ON 33RD
01.2002 - 08.2005
Successfully navigated challenging economic conditions by making informed decisions that protected the business''s financial stability.
Implemented marketing strategies to increase brand awareness and attract new customers.
Negotiated contracts with suppliers for better pricing and terms, reducing overall costs for the business.
Tracked trends and suggested enhancements to both challenge and refine company's product offerings.
Interacted well with customers to build connections and nurture relationships.
Enhanced operational efficiency and productivity by managing budgets, accounts, and costs.
Conducted target market research to discover customer needs and analyze competitor trends.
Expanded product offerings by researching market trends and identifying potential growth opportunities.
Established foundational processes for business operations.
Managed day-to-day business operations.
Project and Creative Manager
FMS Creative Inc.
03.2000 - 04.2002
Streamlined communication between departments, fostering a collaborative work environment and boosting overall efficiency.
Oversaw implementation of editing, color correction and other post-production processes.
Presented creative concepts to clients and implemented continual feedback to achieve client satisfaction.
Wrote creative briefs and coached copywriters to develop compelling content.
Created innovative advertising campaigns that successfully generated increased brand awareness and recognition.
Developed innovative re-Branding campaign for Rogers Video. Enhanced brand visibility, coordinating national roll-out of a $10,000,000 budgeted rebranding of over 150 Rogers video stores across Canada including exterior signage and all in-store directional and POP signage and materials.
Creative & Design Manager, Studio Manager
BIG EYE CREATIVE Inc.
01.1999 - 03.2000
Managed senior-level personnel working in marketing and sales capacities.
Engaged with design team to mitigate health and safety risks.
Defined clear targets and objectives and communicated to other team members.
Controlled resources and assets for department activities to comply with industry standards and government regulations.
Chaired design team meetings and issued action items.
Built strong relationships with stakeholders through active listening, collaboration, and clear communication of design objectives.
Assisted in organizing and overseeing assignments to drive operational excellence.
Successfully managed budgets and allocated resources to maximize productivity and profitability.
Spearheaded design process to align with client specifications and budget.
Production Supervisor & Studio Manager
Grey Advertising
01.1996 - 01.1999
Optimized workflow through effective resource allocation and scheduling adjustments.
Interpreted work order information and specifications to plan, schedule and complete jobs precisely.
Coordinated project workflows for departments.
Negotiated contracts with suppliers to secure best pricing and quality of components.
Managed budgetary constraints effectively by controlling labor costs, optimizing resource utilization, and making strategic spending decisions.
Education
Professional Designation - Interior Decorating
Mount Royal University
Calgary, AB
03.2017
Biological and Behavioral Psychology -
University of British Columbia
Vancouver
12.1994
Bachelor of Science - Biology
University of Western Ontario
London, ON
05.1994
Skills
Work Planning and Prioritization
Project Implementation and Strategic Planning
Client Requirements Assessment and Client Engagement
Research and Development
Attention to Detail
Flexible, Adaptable and Problem Solving
Public Speaking
Customer Relationship Management
Organization and Timeline Management
Dependable and Responsible
Creative, Motivated and Resourceful
Continuous Improvement
Volunteer Experience
01/01/2014, 12/31/2015, Jeunesse Classique Ballet, Volunteer – Costumes and Props
01/01/2010, Current, Olympic Heights Elementary School, Volunteer for Special Events
01/01/2003, 12/31/2005, Marda Loop Business Revitalization Zone (BRZ), President and Marketing & Advertising Chair
01/01/1993, 12/31/1997, Leukemia Research Fund, Special Events & Fundraising Coordinator, Public Relations Chair, Vancouver, BC
Office Administrative Assistant at Number One Investment and Design Consulting JSCOffice Administrative Assistant at Number One Investment and Design Consulting JSC
Business Development Specialist /Senior Wealth Advisor at OP Elite Wealth (Raymond James Ltd)Business Development Specialist /Senior Wealth Advisor at OP Elite Wealth (Raymond James Ltd)