Karl Simpson
E-commerce Merchandiser at Silver Crystal Group- Claim this Profile
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Bio
Credentials
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CANSI Level I Instructor
Canadian Association of Nordic Ski InstructorsJan, 2011- Nov, 2024
Experience
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Silver Crystal Group
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Canada
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Manufacturing
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1 - 100 Employee
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E-commerce Merchandiser
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May 2023 - Present
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IBK Events and Konsulting
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Canada
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Spectator Sports
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Founder and Director of Digital Content Creation
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Apr 2016 - Present
Founded Canada's first Floorball Consulting firm, from equipment sales to tournaments and events, we aim to help grow and develop the sport of Floorball here in Canada. We provide a multitude of services to a wide variety of clients. From the individual player looking for a select piece of equipment, to teams wanting to join a tournament, or being on the LOC board of an international tournament, we can help the Floorball community in Canada with any and all of their needs. As the sole employee of IBK Events & Konsulting, Karl has experience with handling multiple projects, tasks and demands all at once. Recently Karl was a venue manager in Halifax for the 2019 Men's U19 World Floorball Championship to rave reviews from the LOC, IFF and the referee staff. At the end of 2020 Karl launched his second Floorball Brand (under the IBK umbrella) FreeHit Floorball Clothing Co. Which is the first lifestyle focused apparel brand for the sport in Canada. In 2021 Karl launched his third Floorball focused brand/ project (again under the umbrella of IBK) - The Snowball Floorball Podcast. The Snowball was started to help curate the conversation around Floorball in Canada as well as to spark new conversations about the sport both in and outside of the community in Canada. Make sure to stay up to date on all of these activities by following the companies social media pages, which Karl also runs. Or you can check out the company page here on LinkedIn. For a more detailed look at our portfolio you can click on the links below! https://ibkprofile.my.canva.site/ https://linktr.ee/IBK_Events Show less
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Pro Hockey Life Sporting Goods Inc.
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Canada
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Retail
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100 - 200 Employee
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Inventory Control Manager
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Dec 2020 - May 2023
In charge of receiving shipments of products, both from our DC as well as other stores and vendors. This responsibility includes logging and tracking all shipments in and out of the store, as well as manually receiving products so as to make sure inventory reflects what we receive. I also am in charge of managing our warranty products and procedures. This includes creating and filling paperwork when necessary. I am also responsible for maintaining and organizing our stock room location setup. This program helps us organize product in our warehouse so that back room and floor staff can easily find and pick stock for replenishment, ecommerce orders or for customers.In 2020 this role was expanded to include E-commerce, which includes picking and packing orders in store that are then sent directly to the customer, or for instore pick up. In conjunction with my role as Shipper/ Receiver, a major part of my position is using our ShipHero program to correct inventory and adjust our on hand and ecomm inventory, so that our online selection reflects current stock. Show less
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Sales Specialist
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Oct 2018 - Dec 2020
Worked the sales floor helping customers figure out what they need and fitting them for that need. Was also relied heavily upon to help resolve Customer Service complaints as well as assist my Department Managers with their efforts to visually merchandise and replenish their departments.
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Department Sales Manager
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Oct 2016 - Oct 2018
As a DSM I was responsible for maintaining the visual look, as well as the standard of my assigned departments. During my tenure at the Vaughn location, which is the Flagship store of the PHL banner, I was in charge of the Skate and Goalie departments. These departments had the smallest footprint in the store, but they contained the largest ticket items and required the most attention from a training and visual standpoint.My main functions as DSM was to make sure that all pricing and promotions in my departments were up to date and maintained to company standards at all times, ensure that department staff were trained not only in Product Knowledge, but department visual standards, as well as setting and maintaining the visual standard of product in both departments. Again during my tenure at the Vaughn location, I helped to create and maintain the visual presentation of the goalie department that was used as the standard for visual execution company wide. This included not only using previously set company standards for visualization (i.e. ROYGBIV, fixtures, hanging standards etc.,) but adapting and creating new standards that reflected the modern Goalie and their shopping habits. These standards were carried out by not only myself as Department Manger, but my visual team as well as the day to day staff that functioned in this department on a regular basis. Through training of these staff, they knew what the standard of visualization was, regardless of when the last time they had worked. Show less
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Sales Associate
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Mar 2016 - Oct 2016
Goalie Fit SpecialistProvide customers with not only a great experience but with the proper fit, even if that means directing them somewhere else. In charge of merchandising the Goalie department.
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Ballhockeygear.ca
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Toronto, Canada Area
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Marketing and Event Manager
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Dec 2015 - Mar 2017
In charge of overall Marketing strategy, branding and sales. A major part of this effort, is searching out tournaments and trade shows for us to attend as part of our coordinated plan to create customer connections and sales. Coordinate with tournament and league directors to attend these tournaments. Also work with our partners to create packages that benefit both parties. In charge of overall Marketing strategy, branding and sales. A major part of this effort, is searching out tournaments and trade shows for us to attend as part of our coordinated plan to create customer connections and sales. Coordinate with tournament and league directors to attend these tournaments. Also work with our partners to create packages that benefit both parties.
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The Canada Cup Floorball Championship
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Spectator Sports
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Tournament Director
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Mar 2016 - Jun 2016
Was the Tournament Co-Chair for the 2016 Canada Cup. With the tournament becoming a property of Floorball Canada, changing venues, and only a few months to plan, we were able to successfully execute the tournament despite many obstacles. As the Co-Chair I was in charge of the following: -Venue Management -Logistics -Marketing & Sponsorship I also coordinated with our committee to manage: -Volunteers -Officiating and Score keeping -Game operations -Facility management Show less
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Linmoore Sports
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Thornhill, ON
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Store Operator and Events Manager
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Sep 2015 - Mar 2016
Operated Canada's first Floorball Pro shop. Located in Markham, Linmoore Sports was also the distributor for Fat Pipe and Azetx in Canada. From boards and sticks, to jersey printing, we provide extraordinary service to the tight-knit Floorball community in Canada. Besides managing the store, responsibilities include: Buying Inventory Communicating with Vendors Sponsoring Athletes Distribution of Equipment Printing Marketing Social Media Branding Expanding Business Opportunities - Ballhockeygear.ca Event Management Brand Communication Show less
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FloorballPro Inc.
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Toronto, ON
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Customer Service and Events Manager
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Dec 2014 - Sep 2015
My main focus was to provide our customers, both retailers and consumers, with the information they need required to make an educated purchase of a Salming product. Whether it be shoes, sticks or rackets. I organize, plan and attend events as our Ambassador in Canada, from marathons to trade shows. Besides handling accounts and events across North America, I also deal with several of the following categories: Sponsorship: Player, Teams/ Squads, and Clubs Event Partnership: Prizing, Event Management, Sales, Marketing, Social Media Digital Media: - email blasts - Social Media: Twitter, Facebook, Instragram - CASL proficient - ROI Metrics Copy Writing: Sales sheets, Creative ads, technical write ups, digital copy Copy Editing Contract Writing: Individual and Team Partnerships Product Liability Warrantee Claims Research Sales Calls, Product Knowledge Sessions B2B and B2C E-Sales Category Extension Recruiting and Hiring Logistics and Problem Solving Warehouse Integration Transitionary Training Sales Quotes, Purchase Orders and Price Lists Show less
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Clutch Sports Co.
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Toronto, Ontario
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Events and Category Manager
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Sep 2014 - Sep 2015
Responsible for contacting event coordinators and working out the logistics of attending their events (marathons, tournaments, and sport shows) so as to demonstrate our products. Liaise between these events and our brand. Work with Brand Ambassadors to inform and educate potential clients about our brands and products. Also responsible for expanding our current product line into other categories that our product fits in. By working with individuals and teams, I have helped expand our customer base significantly as well as creating new retailing opportunities that had not previously existed. Categories I have helped create at Clutch: Ball Hockey Volleyball Badminton Cross-Fit (2 locations of Fitbody Gyms have picked up shoes, the first retailers in Canada). Events I have worked at or for: SDC Show: July 2014 Toronto Maple Leafs Summer Camp Toronto Maple Leafs Coaching Clinic Scotiabank Waterfront Marathon GBC Hockey Tournament Banting SS Floorball Clinic UST Fundraiser Play it Again Hockey Show SDC Show: Jan 2015 Goodfellow Squash Tournament OMHA Pizza Pizza Hockey Festival Ottawa Blizzard Invitational Tournament Southlake Foundation Run Canadian National Squash Championships Goodlife Toronto Marathon Canada Cup Floorball Tournament 2015 Toronto Maple Leafs Hockey School SDC Show: July 2015 CBHA 2015 National Trade Show 2015 Cambridge 3 on 3 Floorball Tournament Show less
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Legends Sports New and Used Sporting Goods
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Pickering, ON
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Social Media Director
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Jun 2014 - Mar 2015
Planned and launched a social media re-vitalization campaign to increase brand awareness, foot traffic, sales, and customer relations. We have already increased our following on Twitter by 50% in one month and 200% on Facebook after 3 years of no growth. Responsible for planning and controlling the message released over all of our Social Media platforms. Created several sets of guidelines for future and current employees to follow when posting to social media. Also created a schedule for Social Media landmarks to be hit by specific dates in order to create a loyal and consistent following. Show less
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The Canada Cup Floorball Championship
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Spectator Sports
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Special Event Manager
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Nov 2014 - Feb 2015
Assisted in the planning of the 2015 Women's Qualifier tournament between Canada and the U.S.A. Was in charge of managing volunteers and communicating with facility staff during the tournament. Also lead contact point for both teams, IFF and international referees. Besides these main duties was also involved the completing the following responsibilities: Rink Construction and Maintenance Anti-Doping Procedures Integrity of Competition Keeping Event up to par with international expectations Event atmosphere Community involvement Clean up Transition between local and international event. Show less
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SMASH Media
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Toronto, Canada Area
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Logistics Director
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Feb 2014 - Dec 2014
Responsible for keeping an eye on the "big picture" of projects, as well as making sure that the little things are being done leading up to, and during the event. In charge of assigning event responsibilities and maintaining a coherent event. Besides looking at the event as a whole, was in charge of the following tasks: Tournament Schedule Day off Schedule for events team Day off logistics: - transportation, decorations, staff responsibilities, scheduling, charity aspects. Market Research Purchasing Copy writing Show less
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Legends New and Used Sporting Goods
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Pickering, Ontario
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Assistant Manager
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Oct 2011 - Nov 2014
As an Assistant Manager was responsible for assisting in scheduling, training new employees, coming up with sales programs, and handling customer complaints, along with normal sales rep duties. These included sales, skate sharpening, trades, opening and closing the store, and being our resident goalie equipment expert. Was also in charge of keeping up with product knowledge of all newly released equipment. As an Assistant Manager was responsible for assisting in scheduling, training new employees, coming up with sales programs, and handling customer complaints, along with normal sales rep duties. These included sales, skate sharpening, trades, opening and closing the store, and being our resident goalie equipment expert. Was also in charge of keeping up with product knowledge of all newly released equipment.
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FloorballPro Inc.
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Canada
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Sporting Goods
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Social Media and Events Intern
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May 2014 - Aug 2014
Responsible for managing and coordinating a marketing plan across several social media platforms including Facebook and Twitter. Help strategize and plan for events as a pop-up Vendor, then executing these plans at events from information sessions, workshops, and sales events to Sporting Good shows. As well as assisting with sales of Salming sports equipment to store chains along with internet sales. Responsible for managing and coordinating a marketing plan across several social media platforms including Facebook and Twitter. Help strategize and plan for events as a pop-up Vendor, then executing these plans at events from information sessions, workshops, and sales events to Sporting Good shows. As well as assisting with sales of Salming sports equipment to store chains along with internet sales.
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Rent-a-Ball-Wall
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Toronto, Canada Area
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Rental Goalie and Founder
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Feb 2013 - Aug 2014
A ball hockey goalie rental start-up that I initiated myself. I used social media and digital marketing to get my message out in my attempt to challenge the conceived notions about the role of ball hockey goalies and their payment methods within the sport. The stature of the goaltender position in ice hockey has not transferred to the indoor version of the sport. Perceptions of worth and value are different and such changing this mindset was the main goal of this company. A ball hockey goalie rental start-up that I initiated myself. I used social media and digital marketing to get my message out in my attempt to challenge the conceived notions about the role of ball hockey goalies and their payment methods within the sport. The stature of the goaltender position in ice hockey has not transferred to the indoor version of the sport. Perceptions of worth and value are different and such changing this mindset was the main goal of this company.
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The Canada Cup Floorball Championship
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Spectator Sports
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Logistics Intern
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Mar 2014 - May 2014
Responsible for assisting in the procurement of in-venue entertainment for the Canada Cup 2014, Responsible for the logistical aspects of setup/ tear down during the tournament, medals and prizing. Also responsible for the scheduling of the event in terms of actual games and teams. Assisted in other game-day operations for North America's largest Floorball event. Responsible for assisting in the procurement of in-venue entertainment for the Canada Cup 2014, Responsible for the logistical aspects of setup/ tear down during the tournament, medals and prizing. Also responsible for the scheduling of the event in terms of actual games and teams. Assisted in other game-day operations for North America's largest Floorball event.
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Tim Hortons
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Canada
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Food and Beverage Services
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700 & Above Employee
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Team Member
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Jun 2013 - Feb 2014
Responsible for making and serving coffee. Providing Customer Service. Responsible for closing the store when our hours end. Clean and maintain multiple pieces of machinery Responsible for making and serving coffee. Providing Customer Service. Responsible for closing the store when our hours end. Clean and maintain multiple pieces of machinery
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All-Star Sports Camp
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Markham, ON
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Sports Supervisor
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Jul 2012 - Aug 2012
Was in charge of running and organizing the daily hockey program at Al-Star Sports Camp. Also responsible for camper safety and running staff programs. Was continually recognized as an example for other staff. Was in charge of running and organizing the daily hockey program at Al-Star Sports Camp. Also responsible for camper safety and running staff programs. Was continually recognized as an example for other staff.
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Pro Hockey Life Sporting Goods Inc.
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Canada
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Retail
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100 - 200 Employee
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Goalie Specialist
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Jun 2010 - Oct 2011
Was responsible for fitting, selling and educating customers on goaltender equipment that not only was in our store but that was on the market in general. Also had to be knowledgeable in all protective equipment as well as sticks and skates. Specialized in goalie equipment as the company believed that only goalies should sell to goalies. Fitted everyone from small children to high level athletes. Had contact with professional brands through product knowledge sessions and helping customers create custom pads. Show less
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All-Star Sports Camp
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Markham, ON
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Sports Instructor
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Jul 2009 - Aug 2011
Responsible for assisting in the running and planning of the camp's daily hockey program. Responsible for camper safety at all times. Responsible for assisting in the running and planning of the camp's daily hockey program. Responsible for camper safety at all times.
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Dagmar Ski Resort
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Uxbridge, Ontario
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Lead Ski Instructor
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Dec 2006 - Jan 2011
Responsible for instructing beginners and experts on the proper technique to Cross-Country Ski, so that they may enjoy their time skiing. Was also responsible for patrolling trails and assisting customers in renting skis. Was also responsible for maintaining our fleet of skis. Created a lead tech position and started the process of establishing a certification process for said process. Certified as a Level 1 Instructor by the governing body of CANSI for my period of employment at Dagmar. Led initiative to have new rental equipment brought in, as well as turning our resort into an Atomic retail location. Show less
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Rebound Sports
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Pickering, ON
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Sales Lead
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Aug 2007 - Apr 2010
Worked for an independent sports retailer who specialized in used sporting equipment, specifically Hockey, Golf, Ski & Snowboarding. Responsible for opening and closing the store, skate sharpening and customer satisfaction. Led initiative to increase the sale of new goal equipment over used. Sharpened Skates to excellent standards and reviews. Worked for an independent sports retailer who specialized in used sporting equipment, specifically Hockey, Golf, Ski & Snowboarding. Responsible for opening and closing the store, skate sharpening and customer satisfaction. Led initiative to increase the sale of new goal equipment over used. Sharpened Skates to excellent standards and reviews.
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Education
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George Brown College
Sport and Event Marketing, Post-Graduate -
University of Toronto
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), History -
Dunbarton High School
Diploma