AREA 81

AREA 81 is obsessed with the development, acceleration and success of rural entrepreneurs, the starting and scaling of innovation driven ventures and development of rural markets. AREA 81 will evolve into an entrepreneurial ecosystem in Grey Bruce creating and accelerating world class entrepreneurs and innovation driven ventures. AREA 81 will also be a gateway for global entrepreneurs seeking to develop rural markets in North America.

Founding Member

Mi6 Agency

The Mi6 Value Proposition is designed exclusively for small business owners and entrepreneurs. It's built around three things: 1) Empowerment; 2) Support, and 3) Freedom.

We empower small business owners to achieve business growth and market leadership by providing strategic leadership and tactical marketing, sales and business development campaigns.

We support entrepreneurs through our services, solutions, networks and communities, to address the unique challenges they face, from creating and retaining customers to maximizing revenue and contributing positively to the community. 

Our goal is for small business owners to gain the freedom to focus on what they love, secure financial success, and enjoy a positive, stress-free business environment, all while leveraging our marketing, sales and business development expertise to generate leads, sales opportunities, and impactful business outcomes.

Partner & Founder

Futurpreneur Canada

Mentoring a new entrepreneur and his lead generation startup.

Business Mentor 

Silicon Halton

UPDATE: Sold my shares and exited in April 2024.
Silicon Halton is a technology community with over 1500 members in Halton Region, Ontario, Canada. We are dedicated to connecting people and companies in hi-tech together through networking, learning and engagement experiences. The short term goal is to build a strong and engaged community of Hi-tech companies AND professionals in Halton Region. I founded this grassroots groundswell movement with Rick Stomphorst and Reema Duggal.

Co-Founder

Tech Under Twenty

Tech Under Twenty (TU20) was hatched in 2016 by a high school student who's Dad was a member of Silicon Halton (SH). She wanted local high school students to have a voice and relevant opportunities in the technology space. Since it started up until 2019, as the co-founder of Silicon Halton, I supported and encouraged and helped local youth in Halton on this initiative including her successor.

Supporter, Coach, Judge

UNIS LUMIN

Update: Unis Lumin was acquired by Softchoice in 2011

- Key member of leadership team that grew company from $10M to $40M
- Implemented B2B business development program that achieved a 25:1 return on investment and generated $3M plus in bookings and $4M in pipeline in less then two years from implementation
- Ran all marketing and demand generation events including tradeshows and custom "Box Events".
- Applied marketing framework and unique "4 R's" of marketing to generate revenue and build company brand based on reputation and references
- Led joint promotional ventures with Cisco and Microsoft
- Integrated social media/web 2.0 into traditional marketing tactics
- Implemented various integrated marketing promotions packages consisting of radio advertising, telemarketing, social media and special events.
- Started and led inside sales team that generated $2.7M in net new revenue over 18 month period.
- Developed marcom package and initiated first ever special events and demand generation campaigns for the company
- Created formal reference program and process resulting in high profile case studies being published in Canadian Healthcare Technology Magazine and promoted on Cisco.com.

Director of Marketing, UNIS LUMIN

Update: Unis Lumin was acquired by Softchoice in 2011

Responsible for new business development from net new accounts. Booked over $871K in revenue.

Business Solutions Manager, UNIS LUMIN

Cisco I-Prize Competition

Led a virtual team and reached the finals of this global innovation contest. Developed business and product line concept for Consumer Market. Over 1100 ideas were submitted during this contest. Our idea made it through each due diligence phase and was picked as one of the 12 finalists by Cisco's Emerging Technologies Group.

Team Captain and Finalist

American Computer Experience

- Increased online registrations from 15% to 40% of gross sales through re-design of eCommerce site
- Led development team in the enhancement of extranet to allow real time access to critical camp information. Reduced cost and complexity by moving paper documentation and information online.
- Led development team in the architecture, design and implementation of ACE virtual camp, an elearning and collaborative system for camp participants
- Participated in Agency of Record selection process with CMO and Director of Marketing, Camps
- Established workflow process for the ongoing content management of web site portfolio
- Conducted market and competitive research

VP, Marketing & eCommerce

Squash Ontario

- Introduced the concept of one to one marketing to association in order to strengthen relationship with key stakeholders
- Re-branded the association to make it more current and appealing to consumer channel and strengthen relationship with clubs
- Launched individual membership program as a new source of income in order to increase revenue and reduce reliance on Government funding
- Member of Board of Directors

Vice President, Marketing

TLC Laser Eye Centers

- Contributed to the development of business model, marketing plan and budget
- Participated in fundraising and pre-IPO related activities
- Led team of web/graphic designers, developers and marketing managers
- Co-led cross functional teams for client and product development projects
- Launched with VP of Technologies a vertical market portal prototype targetted to eye care professionals and consumers.
- Maintained and managed web site portfolio including an extranet that serviced 15,000 eye care professionals and a national retail chain of eye care practices
- Created new corporate identity and branding strategy for eyeVantage.com
- Led marketing team in the architecture, design and implementation of an interactive web site for parent company TLC Laser Eye Centers.

Director of Marketing, Vision Corp (subsidiary of TLC)

25 years as Entrepreneur and Professional Marketer | Founding Member of AREA 81 | Founder of Mi6 and Silicon Halton (exited) | Husband, Dad and Papa | Home is #greybruce

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