Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Additional Information
Timeline
Generic
Shay (Michele) Drinkwalter

Shay (Michele) Drinkwalter

Centre Wellington,ON

Summary

Results-driven individual with forward-thinking approach centered on company success and competitive growth with exceptional background in sales, marketing and managing a business.

Overview

44
44
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Business Owner

Thebuzzr.net
08.2013 - Current
  • Implemented business strategies, increasing revenue and effectively targeting new markets.
  • Interacted well with customers to build connections and nurture relationships.
  • Promoted business via social media to generate leads and maximize brand identity.
  • Demonstrated product presentations to prospective customers to showcase features, benefits and value.
  • Tracked trends and suggested enhancements to both challenge and refine the company's product offerings.
  • Participated in business events, conferences and trade shows to promote products and network with business owners and prospective clients.
  • Provided outstanding customer service by resolving escalated problems and calmly responding to shifting priorities.
  • Hands-on creation of websites, social media content, cover art for music and press releases.
  • Conducted target market research to discover customer needs and analyze competitor trends.
  • Researched trends and current innovations to determine competition and develop competitive pricing points.
  • Designed business plan to define concepts, short-term and long-term goals and strategies.
  • Put together realistic budgets based on costs and fees for successfully operating business

Business Owner

Work My Mojo Corp
03.2013 - 09.2015
  • Founded social advocacy project committed to ending poverty and homelessness across Canada.
  • Conducted target market research to discover customer needs and analyze competitor trends.
  • Implemented business strategies, increasing revenue and effectively targeting new markets.
  • Organized and attended trade shows and special events to showcase products, network with other businesses and attract new customers.

Reporter/Editorial Writer

Independent
01.1979 - 09.2015
  • Covered regional sports at regional news outlet now part of Metroland Media Group, after community correspondent
  • Covered special events and breaking news with an eye for detail and tenacious pursuit of important information.
  • Collaborated with writing team to refine story angles and content.
  • Developed stories by researching facts and tracking down sources.
  • Developed relationships with sources and contacts to gain additional insight.
  • Created content for periodicals, newsletters, national corporations, and not-for-profits
  • Engaged in professional networking to maintain strong relationships with communications and media professionals to drive partnerships and effective dissemination of mass communications.
  • Utilized social media to promote stories and build audience.
  • Researched and analyzed newsworthy events, trends and issues.
  • Investigated important corporate and community issues and put together well-received reports.
  • Selected material to develop interesting and professional presentations for different formats.
  • Edited stories for accuracy and clarity.
  • Built strong relationships with sources to gain access to exclusive information.
  • Adhered to ethical and legal standards to maintain credibility and trust with audiences.

Regional Sales Manager

CVC Market Point Inc
01.2010 - 04.2013
  • Management, supervision, & compliance of Eastern Canada Division
  • Speaker at World Alternative Investment Summit
  • Chief contributor to staff compliance & mutual fund training manual.
  • Achieved regional sales objectives by coordinating sales team, developing successful strategies, and servicing accounts to strengthen business relationships.
  • Developed and maintained positive relationships with clients in assigned sales territories.
  • Resolved problems with high-profile customers to maintain relationships and increase customer base.
  • Finalized sales contracts with high-value customers.
  • Achieved sales goals and service targets by cultivating and securing new customer relationships.
  • Participated in sales calls with direct reports to strengthen customer relationships and uncover possible opportunities for growth.
  • Attended industry conferences and trade shows to stay up-to-date with market trends and customer needs.
  • Prepared sales presentations for clients showing the success and credibility of products.
  • Executed successful marketing campaigns to generate new business and expand customer base.
  • Collaborated with upper management to implement continuous improvements and exceed team goals.
  • Modelled strong negotiation skills to help team members close tough deals with lucrative clients.
  • Collaborated cross-functionally with headquarters, regional and other teams nationally to maintain consistent message and experience.
  • Managed accounts to retain existing relationships and grow share of business.
  • Contacted key accounts regularly and achieved high satisfaction scores by routinely re-assessing needs and resolving conflicts.
  • Directed sales support staff in administrative tasks to help sales reps close deals.
  • Held one-on-one meetings with sales team members to identify selling hurdles and offered insight into the best remedy.
  • Developed compelling presentation decks to gain approval for ideas and communicate results.
  • Interviewed and hired employees
  • Demonstrated products to show potential customers benefits and advantages and encourage purchases.
  • Enhanced profitability by developing pipelines utilizing marketing and sales strategies.

Branch Manager

Great-West Life
08.2008 - 12.2009
    • Management, supervision & training of 10 – 80 Life & Securities Registrants
    • Awarded prestigious Management of Excellence 2009, recognized for retention, team building and success in meeting sales targets set by Head Office.
    • Maintained friendly and professional customer interactions.
    • Generated financial and operational reports to assist management with business strategy.
    • Assessed employee performance and developed improvement plans.
    • Met deadlines by proactively managing individual and team tasks and streamlining processes.
    • Interviewed and hired talented individuals with top-level strengths, improving organizational talent, and skill set.
    • Complied with regulatory guidelines and requirements.

Associate Manager

Sun Life
02.2003 - 08.2007
  • Management, supervision and compliance training of over 120 Life & Securities Registrants
  • Created and executed 90-day mutual funds training program for Scarborough branch and Sun Life Head Office Branch Manager Training
  • Trained management in securities/mutual fund compliance & supervision
  • Kept records accurate, detailed and fully compliant with reporting requirements to meet corporate, provincial and regulatory requirements.
  • Increased employee performance and job satisfaction to strengthen retention and engagement.
  • Mentored and supported over 100 registrants to create strong workplace culture.
  • Oversaw training and onboarding process for all newly hired employees within Scarborough Sun Life Branch
  • Made hiring recommendations to increase the company's productivity and profitability with quality workers.
  • Generated repeat business through exceptional customer service and responded to customer concerns with friendly and knowledgeable service.
  • Developed a strategy to increase sales and drive profits.
  • Offered hands-on assistance to customers, assessed needs and maintained current knowledge of consumer preferences.

Branch Manager/Vice President

Desjardins Securities
08.2000 - 06.2002
    • Management, supervision, compliance of 30 Securities Registrants
    • House and New account opening review & monitoring
    • Opened initial Desjardins Ontario office in downtown Toronto/Investment District
    • Role involved superior audit and research skills, branch management and human resources management.
    • Collaborated with senior management to develop strategic initiatives and long term goals.
    • Led development of strategic marketing plans to raise awareness and drive sales growth.
    • Developed innovative sales and marketing strategies to facilitate business expansion.
    • Represented organization at industry conferences and events.
    • Collaborated with legal, accounting and other professional teams to review and maintain compliance with regulations.
    • Identified opportunities to improve business process flows and productivity.
    • Demonstrated proficient leadership skills to motivate employees and build competent teams.
    • Oversaw business-wide changes to modernize procedures and organization.
    • Hired and managed employees to maximize productivity while training staff on best practices and protocols.
    • Assessed employee performance and developed improvement plans.
    • Interviewed and hired talented individuals with top-level strengths, improving organizational talent, and skill set.
    • Engaged employees in business processes with positive motivational techniques.
    • Met deadlines by proactively managing individual and team tasks and streamlining processes.
    • Complied with regulatory guidelines and requirements.
    • Completed filings and upheld strict compliance with regulatory agencies and supervisors.
    • Maintained friendly and professional customer interactions.
    • Represented bank at community events to establish strong ties and promote business.
    • Supervised branch operations and made continuous improvements in each area.
    • Provided direction and leadership to all employees to maximize productivity and bottom-line profitability.
    • Complied with established internal controls and policies.

Stock Broker

CIBC Wood Gundy
08.1998 - 07.2000
    • Built book to over $11 million first year
    • Formulated algorithms to search for real-time mathematical indicators and flag trades worth executing.
    • Average trade value $350,000 USD with specialty in technology, bio- technology & communications/media.
    • Monitored market trends and developed strategies to capitalize on potential opportunities.
    • Utilized in-house resources to seek out sellers and match with buyers.
    • Created daily market recaps and profit and loss information to active traders at close of each trading day.
    • Developed and maintained strong knowledge of multiple products and varying levels of benefits within each product.
    • Collaborated with clients to maintain relationships and provide customers with thorough support and guidance.
    • Discussed financial options with clients and provided informed suggestions.
    • Compiled and analyzed data to determine approaches to improve sales and performance.
    • Networked to identify potential new clients and expand geographic territories.
    • Created and implemented strategic trading approaches.
    • Conducted research to answer questions and handle issues using multiple systems and resources.
    • Worked on behalf of companies to buy and sell financial instruments.
    • Discussed trading strategies with portfolio managers to highlight current market sentiment, price points of resistance and support and liquidity characteristics of positions.
    • Developed advanced product knowledge to share current information while generating and delivering products quotes.
    • Collaborated with analysts and coverage traders to distribute relevant market information.
    • Used data-driven approach to project trading and make successful trading plans.
    • Promoted and managed key accounts through direct communication with clients and advising on stock opportunities and market trends.
    • Built and deepened productive relationships with prospective and competitive customers to drive sustained growth.
    • Worked with clients to develop financial planning strategies and solutions through evaluation of finances.
    • Prepared contracts and related documentation according to strict standards.

Financial Advisor

Sun Life
06.1996 - 07.1998
    • Life & Mutual Funds sales & Service
    • Achieved Gold Level and awarded President's Club, making Convention within first 6 months of hire
    • Specialist in Large Life Premium Sales, with top premium sold of $12,000 monthly premium cost.
    • Educated clients on potential risks and rewards associated with various investments.
    • Presented financial plans and investment recommendations to clients.
    • Developed personal rapport with each client to maintain customer loyalty and establish long-term accounts.
    • Helped individuals and families build and execute wealth management strategies based on unique goals and objectives.
    • Facilitated presentation and recommendation of services by optimizing client relationships.
    • Met with clients to discuss assets, expenses, and long-term and short-term investment goals to devise personalized financial plans.
    • Analyzed financial needs of clients and developed tailored strategies to meet goals.
    • Worked with clients to support understanding of rationale and details of financial strategies.
    • Recommended specific investments to help clients meet financial goals.
    • Developed and maintained strong relationships with clients to maximize satisfaction.
    • Facilitated new client onboarding process and investment account setup.
    • Studied financial documents to identify potential areas needing improvement.
    • Monitored and updated financial plans to comply with client goals.
    • Educated clients on various financial matters and provided professional recommendations on investment opportunities, products, and services based on each clients' individual needs.
    • Helped clients make informed decisions about financial future.
    • Assisted clients with budgeting and cash flow management.
    • Educated clients on financial topics and best practices.
    • Updated clients on changes in tax laws and other regulations affecting investments.

Partner

Limited Market Dealer
07.1989 - 06.1996
  • Key team member that brought firm from seed idea to $1 million dollar profit first year in business
  • Marketed tax driven investments to accredited investors & corporations.
  • Analyzed legal documents and identified pertinent issues for clients.
  • Provided outstanding service to all individuals, promoting effective, and lasting business relationships.
  • Stayed informed on industry developments and market trends to gain competitive advantage.

Analyst/Content Writer

Brault Guy O'Brien
03.1986 - 05.1989
  • Research, copywriting & publication of stock/securities recommendations in the mining & natural resources sectors
  • Featured in Investors Digest for recommendation of Noranda Forest as Stock Pick of the Week.
  • Wrote and edited high-quality content and visually impactful programs under deadline pressure with exciting, captivating, and authentic approach.
  • Developed content for press releases and newsletters to promote products and services.
  • Built, established and maintained relationships with sources.
  • Studied and commented on current news and trends.
  • Completed thorough research into assigned topics.
  • Managed competing deadlines with efficiency.
  • Formatted content to adhere to industry-specific style guides.

Education

Bachelor's Degree - English

University of Guelph
Guelph, ON
06.1985

Skills

  • Promotional Marketing
  • Project Management
  • Sales Planning and Strategies
  • New Business Development
  • Negotiation and Persuasion
  • Verbal and Written Communication
  • Professional Networking
  • Client Rapport-Building
  • Interpersonal Communication Skills
  • Project Requirements
  • Effective Multitasking

Certification

  • TICO Travel Counsellor Exam Training - 2023
  • Responsive Web Design - freeCodecamp - August 2022

Additional Information

  • Campus & Community Radio Show Host for music format program called !earshot, broadcasted across Canada.
  • Podcast project I developed during lockdowns to support independent music globally. Coverage is provided free of charge to independent artists. The network is called thebuzzr.
  • Travel and Tourism
  • Comic illustrations

Timeline

Business Owner

Thebuzzr.net
08.2013 - Current

Business Owner

Work My Mojo Corp
03.2013 - 09.2015

Regional Sales Manager

CVC Market Point Inc
01.2010 - 04.2013

Branch Manager

Great-West Life
08.2008 - 12.2009

Associate Manager

Sun Life
02.2003 - 08.2007

Branch Manager/Vice President

Desjardins Securities
08.2000 - 06.2002

Stock Broker

CIBC Wood Gundy
08.1998 - 07.2000

Financial Advisor

Sun Life
06.1996 - 07.1998

Partner

Limited Market Dealer
07.1989 - 06.1996

Analyst/Content Writer

Brault Guy O'Brien
03.1986 - 05.1989

Reporter/Editorial Writer

Independent
01.1979 - 09.2015

Bachelor's Degree - English

University of Guelph

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Shay (Michele) Drinkwalter