Women in Business
From women running large corporations to the self-employed
they are contributing in a big way to the local business community.
Over one million women will own their own businesses by 2010.
Interestingly enough, the fastest growing group of business women
are over 55, with an annual growth rate of 4%, double that of self-employed
men in the same age group. The CIBC calls “seniorpreneurs” a key driver
in small business growth.
In this special feature, MB salutes an outstanding group.
Insiteful Solutions
Insiteful Solutions, established in 2002, is the result of a partnership between two Internet Consulting Companies, combining 13 years of Internet marketing and E-business experience, implemented by an exceptional team of Internet and programming specialists. Jess relates: “Our goal is to help clients use the Internet effectively to promote themselves and increase profitability. We are online results specialists. We created a unique process for business owners and marketing decision makers called The Targeted Insite Solution™. This system helps you continuously gain new insite to efficiently reach your targeted Internet audience. The outcome? Targeted Internet Results.
We provide expert service, harnessing talent in Graphic Design, HTML, Flash and Database programming, as well expertise in the fields of Search Engine Services, Social Media Marketing, Videography, and Website Content. Our client relationships are built for the long term.” As a result, the company continues to grow through word-of-mouth referrals as well as the implementation of the Online and Offline Marketing Strategies they recommend to clients.
Blair Insurance Brokers
Andrea Blair, President of Blair Insurance Brokers Ltd., has many reasons to celebrate this year. For one, the family-run brokerage has been providing insurance solutions to customers since 1978, making this the company’s 31st year of operation. As well, Andrea takes great satisfaction in fulfilling both her personal and professional roles, working hard to carry on and expand the family business while balancing her additional responsibilities as the mother of two boys. Blair Insurance Brokers is a one-stop insurance provider, specializing in Automobile, Property, Business and Life Insurance. The founding principles of the company are integrity, reliability and a commitment to providing the best independent insurance advice.
Is there anything else that sets them apart from the masses of insurance businesses out there? “We shop the marketplace for you, saving you time and money,” Andrea explains. “But most importantly, we find the right coverage to suit your needs.” Another advantage is that they are fully independent and work for the client, not anyone insurance company, so they can offer objective advice and service.
Over the past 31 years, the company has built a solid reputation with many quality insurance companies, allowing them to provide superior coverage and competitive premiums for clients. “We represent some of the largest and most stable insurers in Canada.” says Andrea. There is also much to be said for old-fashioned personal service. Large insurance companies, banks, and call centres can be intimidating, and sometimes frustrating. Blair Insurance Brokers prides itself on getting to know individual clients along with their unique needs.
Despite market fluctuations, Blair Insurance Brokers is dedicated to getting clients the best possible package for the best possible price. Even when navigating through a hard market cycle, whereby insurance coverage options are more limited and prices are higher, Andrea’s clients can rest assured that she is passionate about getting the best coverage package for her clients.
While this may sound good, Andrea believes that “actions speak louder than words” so she encourages anyone considering an insurance broker to test them out. “Let us show you our benefit!” she enthuses. As for future goals and plans, Andrea continues to focus on expanding the business so that when the time comes she can proudly pass it on to her boys, making it a third-generation Canadian business.
Ad2000
Daisy Wai, President of Ad2000 And Beyond Advertising Inc., has been in the advertising, public relations and publishing business for 37 years. She founded Ad2000 And Beyond Advertising Inc., a full-service marketing and advertising agency, in 1993. Her goal is to bring growth and success to clients’ business with professional, innovative and results-oriented marketing. She grows her business through her belief in “Creating Your Successful Promotion is Our Best Campaign”.
“We are very down to earth and are committed to our clients, big or small,” says Daisy. Ad2000 was awarded the Business Achievement Award by the Richmond Hill Chamber of Commerce and the Award of Merit by the Ontario Chamber of Commerce. Daisy has been recognized by several business groups including the ACCE and the York Region In Celebration for Women Marketing Award.
Ad2000 also specializes in marketing into the Chinese markets both in Canada and China.
AMR Services
Angela Rosa, President and CEO of AMR Services, has over 15 years of experience in the accounting field and works hard to ensure the success of her business as well as that of her clients. She also successfully meets the challenge of balancing her professional and family life, running her accounting services business while raising two children.
“There is no magic potion,” Angela says.“Determination, perseverance, patience and knowing that you must balance both family and business is what gets me through.”
In regards to her growing business, Angela makes sure that her clients are not treated simply as files. “Each company we work for has a unique methodology to their business. AMR Services applies the owner’s philosophy and business acumen to the work we complete on their behalf. Even though AMR Services operates as a separate and distinct contractor, the services we provide are personal. The relationship is not simply as a hired outside contractor but more so as partners, with each partner knowing their role in the relationship and striving for success.
Markham Executive Suites
Elizabeth Dawson, the driving force behind Markham Executive Suites has been nominated for this year’s Markham Board of Trade Entrepreneur of the Year Award.
While the majority of people still work in conventional offices, a growing number are now working from home, working from offsite locations, or working on the move. For many of these companies and individuals, office space needs to be a moveable feast. And now it is…
Businesses, large and small, can now rent office space for an hour, a day, a week, a month, a year, or more. And these flexspace offices come fully equipped with all services supplied. From receptionist and administrative support to communications systems; from conference rooms to catering facilities, these offices have it all. You just move in and get to work.
Whether you need a meeting room for an hour, a conference room for a day, or office space for a year, this flexible approach to office rental provides a viable commercial solution for a wide variety of companies with unconventional requirements.
Nimlok Canada Ltd.
Tina Vedovat - "As President of Nimlok Canada Ltd I find the challenge of evolving our business to help our client market with meaning an exciting feat. Nimlok Canada is a leading display and exhibit solutions provider of custom exhibits, graphics, show services and event management committed to making our client’s tradeshow or event a success.
With expertise and resources throughout North America and in the United Kingdom, Nimlock Canada provides full service tradeshow and exhibit resources anywhere around the globe.
The company has been around for 25 years and we are constantly evolving by introducing new products and expanding our capabilities in order to assist with the ever-changing marketing demands facing our clients. Aside from manufacturing some beautiful creative displays I am blessed to work with a great group of people in the company on a daily basis. We work hard, have a lot of fun (sometimes I think too much fun), and share one common goal, that is, keeping the client happy."
OnRichmondHill.com
Marj Andre, Director of OnRichmondHill.com, a web site and weekly email newsletter informs people about what is happening in Richmond Hill.
There are so many ways in which to participate in what is happening in our Town, and OnRichmondHill.com does a very good job of listing them all in one place. There is no charge to have an event posted. OnRichmondHill.com also includes articles such as the H1N1 clinics, toy drives, petitions for the DDO, and also features as many events as one can imagine which go on in a thriving Town. Advertisers can submit general information articles related to their line of business.
Marj also profiles the community’s organizations. The weekly email newsletter is currently sent out to about 3000. Marj hopes to be sending it to 35,000. More and more advertisers are coming on board. They want to be associated with something that has been well received by the community. The Nabernet technology that is the back end of the web site allows Marj to quickly and easily post events, send out the newsletter and create a presence for advertisers by publicizing their information. Advertisers have more than just a button ad - there is an expanded listing that can include photos, descriptions and the opportunity to let the community know how they are involved.
The Office Shop
The Office Shop offers furniture solutions to meet their customer’s budgets with their style. The manufacturers they represent are selected for their quality, service and product offerings, in order to provide customers with numerous options and solutions.
What sets The Office Shop apart from the crowd? “Knowledgeable, friendly service,” Helen explains. “Product selection alone will not meet our customer’s needs nor will it be to our satisfaction. We take pride in taking the time to understand our customer’s needs. We also will provide every potential client with full design drawings. There is no better way to understand their future purchase than for them to visualize it.” The Office Shop’s professional design team provides two- and three-dimensional drawings to ensure that the client fully understands how their office will look.
Helen has worked in the office furniture industry for almost 20 years now and her staff has over 10 years of experience. This wealth of knowledge and experience enables them to provide clients with suitable solutions to their needs and contributes to the company’s ongoing success.
Raising two small children while running a business is an ongoing challenge for Helen, but with the help of a supportive husband and close family, it is easier for Helen to achieve the right balance. This also contributes to her success as a business owner. “My children add an element of appreciation to my life which is shared with my staff and customers every day. I realized that family is why we work, what helps with our everyday achievement, and it makes me most proud.”
Helen has also had the satisfaction of seeing the business she started with her sister Joanne Triantafilou over 12 years ago flourish. “There is no better reward than starting a business for the first time and watching it flourish over the years. When we started The Office Shop we knew the industry and had worked in it for many years, but when it’s your own business, the passion is stronger, and there is a greater sense of satisfaction. Every day, I still wake up with that same passion and dedication, and with a relentless drive, we continue to earn our reputation for providing exceptional business furniture.”
2600 John Street, Unit 207, Markham, ON L3R 3W3 T: 905.475.5222 F: 905.475.6369
