General Manager of day-to-day operations of Continental Auctioneers,Certified Auctioneer

I remained available for strategic consultation to help the company through the 2012 Christmas season.

After selling 2 TDJ stores in early 2008, remained as part of the Sales Agreement. Advised and prepared new owner of the TDJ stores in every aspect of all operations including hiring and training; marketing and advertising. Was the strategic consultant for purchasing and sales planning. Collaborated with graphics outsourcing firm in order to redesign and upgrade company image including annual catalogue, print, and media advertising; executing advertising programs with partners in radio, print, and the web.Conducted competitive pricing analysis in order to improve overall gross margin as well as upgrade existing product offering.Opened and established the first store outside of Greater Montreal, St. Hyacinthe

What first started as a hobby, eventually became a sucessful business operation. Tour de Jeux was created from scratch only because there was a passion for games and the need of such a store in the Montreal area. From the 1st location in the west end of Montreal, the company eventually grew to 5 stores throughout the island. Designed the concept, hired and trained staff. Did all the buying and new product deveopment.Oversaw all aspects of marketing and advertising including brochures, Conducted monthly manager meetings with preparations and reports. Negotiated with landlords and suppliers and established pricing of merchandise. Developed budgets, forecasts, business plans and strategies. In 2008 the company was re-organized into franchising it's locations. Today, the existing 5 locations are still franchised.

Participated actively in the corporation’s growth achieving 5 million dollars in annual sales.Developed and implemented business plans driving market development, new product launches, advertising, sales growth, and profitability. Attended numerous fur fairs in both Frankfurt and New York in order to conduct business on behalf of the company.Traveled to China in order to seek out new manufacturing suppliers.Resided in Finland for several months in order to attain ‘raw fur evaluation’ training; resulting in obtaining the purchasing managers position. Implemented a computerized inventory & production control system; the first of its kind in the Montreal fur industry.Exhibited annually at the Canadian Fur fair. Organized every aspect of the show including the presentation of the collection, pricing preparation, show set-up, model hiring & client relations. Established and developed the fur market in Russia resulting in the creation of a joint venture in Moscow named Montreal Express. This positioned the company strongly in the Russian market enabling after sales service for buyers in Moscow.Prospered significantly with the Russian joint venture providing me with the financial means to create Tour de Jeux in 1996: as the decline of the Montreal fur industry had become evident. Remained as a consultant and liaison to Russia for Suren Furs until the owner’s death in 2000.