David Willson Email & Phone Number

Toronto, Canada Area

I provide consulting and project management services to a wide range of organizations in Canada and the U.S. including software developers, publishers, wholesalers and distributors, school boards, public and academic libraries and industry associations. Uniquely qualified to assist with new start-ups, launching new products and services and business development.I have just completed a 1-year contract with Canadian Scholars Press as their Sales & Marketing Manager including strategic planning and oversight.I recently assisted software start-up Shattered Glass Productions with the launch of GlassConnect (a new email to text solution) and provided client management support on various projects resulting in timely program implementations along with profitability improvements.I have also prepared and taught College courses for both the Humber College post-grad Creative Book Publishing Program (13 years) and previously at Conestoga College within the Continued Ed Computer Programming & Systems Analysis Program (10 years).Acting as the Director of SBT (Scan-Based-Trading) expanded the systems infrastructure (Spectrum) to facilitate the business model change to a Pay-From-Scan client relationship between members of Canada Mass Media Inc. (CMMI) and Wal-Mart Canada. Successfully transitioned the $250M revenue stream under budget and with lower than planned 'shrink' exposure.I also introduced Canada's largest Remainder Book Company to the School Library marketplace increasing sales by $1M across the country in the first year through customer visits, presentations and customized web development.I was also contracted to Improve the CMMI Publisher Marketing and Promotions process, concept-to-launch, through a web-based platform; reduced labour costs by $50k and improved the throughput by several days.

Xello, formerly Career Cruising, is a leading developer of future readiness resources for the North American marketplace. Established in 1997, Xello is currently used by over 20,000 institutions across North America, including schools, employment agencies, libraries, colleges, and universities. Xello’s mission is to help anyone, anywhere in the world create a successful future through self-knowledge, exploration, and planning. Started by three friends who sought a way to answer the “what’s the right path for me” question, our online software programs are used globally by millions of students, educators, and adults. Xello is committed to continually updating and improving our products to better serve clients now and in the future. To this end, we invest heavily in research and development, we listen carefully to our clients' needs and expectations, and we seek out complementary partnerships and alliances to ensure Xello remains at the forefront of future readiness.

Prepared and taught college courses for both the Humber College (Post-Grad) Creative Book Publishing Program (13 years) and the Conestoga College (Continuing Ed) Computer Programming Program (10 years), providing information and skills to a wide variety of students while contributing to course development.

Successfully managed the launch of a new start-up division within a mature organization exceeding expectations. Designed industry-best website, established Canada-wide customer base, developed new marketing strategies and negotiated exclusive and unique supplier contract and Industry Awards sponsorship.

Managed the largest Canadian library wholesaler increasing sales by 65% through corporate acquisitions, product and services additions and national showroom expansions. Developed and implemented new marketing strategies while negotiating exclusive publisher agreements for print materials and e-content platform.

Responsible for logistics as well as cataloguing and processing departments for the Canadian and U.S. facilities as well as a branch office in the Netherlands. Within that framework I supported a middle management group with direct reports of more than 100 employees, managed the purchasing team accountable for more than $30M in Trade and non-Trade worldwide acquisitions and personally managed larger, selective, corporate customer accounts.

Teaching Effectiveness

Computer Programming And Systems Analysis

Ivey Executive Program

Honours Ba