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Executive Summary
CEO of a successful national consumer products distributor for over 20 years, founder of an information technology services company, experience in dealing with all the stakeholders in a family business succession, interim President of a graphic design business, Internet marketing consultant, web designer and programmer, photographer, and videographer.

Experience
EmpowerYou, Toronto, Ontario 2004-present, Founder & Principal Consultant
WordPress Website Design and WordPress Search Engine Optimization for entrepreneurs, small businesses, family businesses, professionals, and not-for-profits.

The Osborne Group, Montreal, Quebec, 2002-2004, Principal
The Osborne Group is a management-consulting firm, specializing in executive interim management. As a Principal, was appointed Interim President of a Montreal graphic design business for 6 months after the premature death of the Owner/President. Key accomplishments:

  • Full P&L responsibility reporting to the Board of Directors
  • The successful sale of this 40-employee company to two key stakeholders
  • Management of the day-to-day operations using a collaborative approach
  • Preparation of the books for the year end audit
  • The hiring and training of a controller
  • Assuming the role of mediator, coach and mentor on behalf of the new owners

WorkSmart Corporate Education Services Inc., Montreal, Quebec, 1995-2002, Founder & President
WorkSmart was a provider of information technology software and hardware training services for corporations and individuals. Key accomplishments:

  • Identified the business opportunity, started and built this IT services company and grew the business to 30+ full and part time employees before the end of the second year
  • Researched industry, prepared a detailed business plan, and invested personal funds
  • As Business Development Manager, created a performance driven culture and grew sales to $2m before the end of second year
  • Created a strong brand image in the market through various promotional methods
  • Successfully negotiated financing, franchise agreements, & equipment and facilities leases
  • Operated as a Productivity Point International franchise for 5 years
  • Attracted, trained, coached, and retained an effective team of sales and technical people
  • Developed strategic alliances, partnerships, and effective working relationships with software vendors, information technology and education companies
  • Installed a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system and used it profitably for marketing and business development
  • Installed e-business capability, allowing clients to shop and purchase directly online
  • Sold the business to a large competitor

E. M. Ball Limited, Montreal, Toronto, Winnipeg, 1968-1994, Owner & President
E. M. Ball Limited was a national distributor of consumer durables. Full P&L responsibility for this company with 50 employees and many other stakeholders. Responsible for all administration, marketing & sales, finance, and human resources. Key accomplishments:

  • Achieved a tenfold increase in revenues to $10m
  • Developed marketing plans and profitably launched dozens of new consumer products nationally using a variety of promotional methods
  • Negotiated partnerships and alliances with manufacturers and national retailers
  • First-hand experience working in a family business and initiating a succession plan
  • Selected, purchased, and installed several IT systems that improved client service and increased earnings
  • Gained extensive knowledge of inventory management systems and used them to improve earnings
  • Managed warehouse and distribution operations across Canada

Selected Professional Development
Advanced WEB and Social Media Strategies, University of Toronto, 2011
Tools and Fundamentals of Web Marketing, University of Toronto, 2010
Tools and Fundamentals of E-Business, University of Toronto, 2008
Strategies for a Web Presence, University of Toronto, 2007
Digital Photography Editing, Digital Film & Sound Editing, Theory of Photography, Digital Photography II, Video Production, Ryerson U. 2004
Executive Development Program, McGill University, 1998-1999
Selecting, Managing, Launching New Products, McGill Executive Development Program,1988

Leadership Activities
Board of Directors & Treasurer, Working Skills Centre-Toronto, 2008-2010
Board of Directors & Treasurer, The Registered Nurses Foundation of Ontario-Toronto, 2005-2008
Board of Directors, Canadian Association of Family Enterprise-Montreal, 2002-04
Board of Directors, Royal Montreal Golf Club – Montreal, 1991-93
Board of Directors, Budget Committee, Montreal General Hospital – Montreal, 1990-92
Board of Directors, National Building Materials Distributors Association – Chicago, 1973-75
President, Canadian National Building Materials Distributors Association – Toronto, 1973 & 81

Volunteer Activities
St. Christopher House, Toronto, Meals-on-Two-Wheels Program, May 2005 – 2010
St. Christopher House, Toronto, FAPS Income Tax Preparation Program, January 2006 – Present
Fund Raiser & Photographer, Bell Walk for Kids, Toronto, May 2004 & 2005