Employee Spotlight
May 2025
Q: Can you tell us a little bit about what your role at Canadian Retail Solutions and what your typical day looks like?
A: At Canadian Retail Solutions, I hold the position of Director of Professional Services. My role is multifaceted, encompassing the management of the Tech Team’s health, project and process leadership, research and development, and overseeing enterprise client relations. Having been with the company for 18 years, I’ve had the privilege of growing through various roles, including Senior Support Tech, Project Manager, and Operations Manager.
A typical day for me is dynamic and engaging. It starts with a team check-in, where I monitor and mentor the technical team, ensuring everyone is aligned and motivated. These sessions are crucial for maintaining the team’s health and productivity. Throughout the day, I am deeply involved in helping our enterprise clients navigate their issues, providing them with tailored solutions and support. This aspect of my job is incredibly rewarding, as it allows me to build strong relationships and trust with our clients.
In addition to client interactions, I dedicate time to research and development, exploring new technologies and methodologies to enhance our services. Continuous improvement is a core value for me, and I strive to implement innovative strategies that benefit both our team and clients. My day often concludes with a review of ongoing projects and processes, ensuring everything is on track and identifying areas for improvement.
Q: Outside of your work life, what kind of things are you interested in? Do you have any hobbies or side projects that you’re passionate about?
A: Outside of work, I have a deep passion for travel and exploring new places and cuisines, often accompanied by my wife, Jaclyn. Some of the highlights of our travels include visiting Tahiti and Hawaii, where we immersed ourselves in the local cultures and savored the unique flavors of each destination.
Experiencing different cultures is something we truly cherish, as it broadens our perspectives and enriches our lives. One of our most memorable trips was driving along the stunning coast of Croatia. The scenic routes and the thrill of the open road made it an unforgettable experience for both of us.
Another hobby of mine is driving and watching motorsport. Additionally, I have had the opportunity to attend the F1 Grand Prix in Montreal on two occasions, which was a dream come true and a major item crossed off my bucket list.
In my spare time during the summer, I enjoy visiting our cabin, where I can unwind and connect with nature. It’s a perfect retreat for relaxation and recharging. I also have a keen interest in technology and enjoy making smart home improvements. Whether it’s setting up automated lighting or creating a smart security system, I love finding ways to integrate technology into my daily life.
Q: What inspired you to pursue your career path and what kind of advice would you give to someone aspiring to be in your field?
A: My journey into the world of technology was sparked by my dad when he brought home our first computer in the 80s. As a kid, I was instantly captivated by this new piece of technology, and my fascination has only grown since then. I had the unique opportunity to gain work experience with my dad, which further fueled my passion for technology. Coupled with my formal education in technology, I was well-prepared to dive into the professional world.
My breakthrough came when I started working, leveraging my depth of knowledge to accelerate my career and climb the ladder. What truly inspires me in my career is the ability to help people with technology. Whether it’s assisting a customer, a family member like my mother-in-law, or a colleague, I find immense satisfaction in making their lives better through my expertise. My day feels incomplete unless I’ve fixed an issue or helped someone, making their day a little brighter.
For anyone aspiring to enter the field of technology, my advice is to pursue something you are passionate about. In this industry, we ultimately serve the client, and making clients happy is incredibly rewarding. When you do what you love, it reflects in your work and brings you joy, just as it has for me.
Q: If you could swap roles with someone for just one day – either within the company or outside of the industry – what would it be and why?
A: If I could swap roles with someone for a day, I think it would be most appropriate to choose someone within our company. My journey to Canada 18 years ago brought me to Canadian Retail Solutions, where I’ve had the unique opportunity to meet and work with many great colleagues. Given that my role has always been technically based, I would love to step into a non-technical role for a change.
The role I would swap with would be Dan, our Director of Planning and CEO. We both share the same goal of making retailers better, and I believe gaining the perspective of helping retailers with their inventory planning, providing advice, and making them and their employees better would bring great satisfaction. This is especially true for the small businesses that need our help. Understanding the challenges and strategies from a planning and advisory standpoint would be incredibly insightful and rewarding.
Q: Tell us a surprising fact about you that your coworkers don’t already know.
A: In my late teens and early twenties in England, UK, I was an accomplished cricket player, regularly playing at a high level. Cricket was a significant part of my life during those years, and I dedicated a lot of time and effort to honing my skills. The camaraderie, the thrill of competition, and the discipline required to excel in the sport were incredibly fulfilling. Even today, I still love to watch cricket and keep up with the latest matches and tournaments. It’s a passion that has stayed with me and continues to bring me joy. I have also managed to visit Lord’s Cricket ground, the most famous ground, behind the scenes which was a great experience.