Resume

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 & President
Assist entrepreneurs, small businesses, family businesses, professionals, and not-for-profits to make the most of business technology.

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
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-Present
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
Volunteer, Covenant House, Toronto, 2007
Volunteer, St. Christopher House, Toronto, May 2004 – Present
Fund Raiser & Photographer, Bell Walk for Kids, Toronto, May 2004 & 2005