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Resume
French Version
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, web designer and programmer, photographer, filmmaker.
Experience
EmpowerYou, Toronto, Ontario 2004-
Founder & President
Assist entrepreneurs, small businesses,
family businesses, families, and not-for-profits to use the
Internet and information technology to market their products and services,
increase their revenues, operate more efficiently, and achieve their goals.
Family Memories, Toronto, Ontario, 2004-
Founder & President
Family Memories helps families preserve their history, share their experiences, maintain strong family ties, and improve communication between the generations using the Internet. Click here for more information.
Web Site Developer, Toronto, Ontario, 2004-
I have been involved in the design, development, and/or maintenance of the following web sites:
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
Digital Film Production, Film & Sound Editing, Theory of Photography, Digital Photography II, The Business of Film-Producing, Ryerson U. 2004
Coaching, Communication, and Alternate Dispute Resolution, Dennis Dwyer, in progress
B. A., University of Waterloo, in progress
Executive Development Program, McGill University, 1998-1999
Selecting, Managing, Launching New Products, McGill Executive Development Program,88
Financial Management in Wholesale Distribution, Ohio State University, 1978
Forestry Engineering, University of New Brunswick, 1963-67
Leadership Activities
Board of Directors
& Treasurer, The Registered Nurses Foundation of
Ontario-Toronto, 2005-06
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 (See also here)
Volunteer, St. Christopher House, Toronto, May 2004 Present
Fund Raiser & Photographer, Bell Walk for Kids, Toronto, May 2004 & 2005
Leader, Boy Scouts of Canada, Beavers & Cubs - Kirkland, Qc, 1974-83
Corporate Fund Raiser, Centraide (United Way) Montreal, Qc, 1990-93
Membership Recruiter, Quebec political party Montreal, Qc, 1984-86
Coach and Mentor, of adolescents in hockey, baseball, and golf West Island, Qc, 1970-87
Committee Member, Allancroft Home and School Association, Beaconsfield, Qc, 1974-79
Member, Young Mens Christian Association (YMCA) Montreal, Qc, 1985-95
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