Company: College Pro Painters

Position: General Manager - Eastern Ontario

Employed: 4 years

Degree: Business Administration

Where did you go to School? What program did you attend?
I went to school at Red River College in Winnipeg, Manitoba. I attended one of the most popular courses offered at the college--Business Administration.

What drew you to your current field?
While I was in high school, I would spend every Saturday at my father's automotive repair shop. As I swept the floors or threw out the garbage, I would watch my father deal with his customers, and coach his employees. It was because of him, that I got involved with College Pro. The Idea that I could be in control of my own schedule, deal with customers, and be the leader in my business, just seemed perfect.

How did you find your current position?
After 3 intense interviews and a bunch of reference and background checks in 2007, I was granted my very own painting franchise with College Pro at the age of 18. I operated my franchise for 3 years. Each year brought forth a new set of challenges and a whole new skill set that I felt like I needed to conquer. After this last year I ran the biggest and most profitable business in central Canada, and the biggest of my career. I talked to my GM about further growth and he put me in contact with the VP and President of the company. The thing about College Pro is that when you have grown beyond your current role, they open their doors to new roles with a whole new set of challenges and growth opportunities.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?
After going to college for Business Administration, I had second thoughts and looked at becoming a teacher. I wanted to impact peoples lives and help grow their skill set. What I ended up discovering after a few years with College Pro was that I was doing exactly that, but in a different field. I was helping other franchisees succeed with their business, by sharing ideas and tactics that have worked for me. The pride I felt when someone else's business took off in a positive direction was amazing.

What skills have you learned through your work experience?
One of the most important skills that I have learnt is priority management. It is best to be in control of your day, and to approach it with a well thought out battle plan. In our day and age, its almost as if we have no time for anything. Set aside an hour at the end of the week to plan out the following week. Be sure to factor in some time to yourself! Life is also about having fun!

What do you think it takes to be successful in this career?
Be a sponge! Soak in as much knowledge as you can and be open to Ideas. Be extremely selfish for your learning--ask questions! It's the best way to learn.

Is there one accomplishment you are most proud of to date?
I am most proud of my latest promotion. I have just been promoted from being a franchise owner in a small area in Winnipeg to being put in charge of operating Ottawa + Eastern Ontario. This role is going to put me up against a whole new set of challenges that I just can't wait to embrace! It's great to see that my hard work within the company has been recognized.

What advice do you have for students looking to land their first job?
Be sure to diversify your resume and differentiate your self from others. Your book smarts aren't everything, be sure to get some real world experience in your portfolio! Look at each job as one of the greatest learning and development opportunities in your life! Best of luck!
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