About me
![Me and Colette standing in front of an old building in Cuba](https://ksokmarketing.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/About-me-1.jpg)
When the Pine Falls Paper Mill shut down, it sent shockwaves through our community. My dad, like many others, suddenly found himself out of work. But instead of succumbing to despair, he teamed up with my uncle, and together, they started a construction company to make ends meet. Both were skilled carpenters, and they threw themselves into the business—doing everything from the books and scheduling jobs to the hard, hands-on work of building.
But the demands of entrepreneurship are relentless. My dad and uncle were great at what they did, but the pressures of managing a business became overwhelming. Without the right tools or guidance, they struggled to balance the day-to-day operations with the long-term vision necessary to sustain and grow their company. After a few years, they had no choice but to close the business. My dad had to return to a gruelling day job, a path far from the rewarding future he had once hoped for.
I often think back to those days and wonder how different things could have been if I knew then what I know now. I could have helped them focus on their ideal customers, build a strong and reputable brand, and create a consistent sales funnel. They could have directed their limited time and resources more effectively, and perhaps, they would have reached a point where the business could thrive on its own, allowing my dad to step back and enjoy the fruits of his hard work.
This story is all too familiar, and it’s the driving force behind why I do what I do today. I focus on helping contractors and small business owners avoid the same fate that befell my dad and so many others. My goal is to empower business owners to navigate the complexities of marketing and entrepreneurship so they can build sustainable, thriving businesses that don’t just survive—but succeed.
Values
Community
I’m in the business of developing long lasting relationships.
Honesty
Always tell the truth.
Integrity
Stick to your word.
Determination
Where there’s a will, there’s a way.
Humour
If you can laugh at yourself, you’re going to be fine. If you allow others to laugh with you, you will be great.
Experience
I've worked for over ten years in marketing in various positions. During that time, I have developed several skills, including:
- Graphic design (for print and digital media)
- Web hosting and design
- Content marketing (blogs/video)
- Social media marketing
- Email marketing
- Google and Facebook advertising
- Photography/videography
Education
Bachelor's in Commerce double major in marketing, from the University of Manitoba Asper School of Business.
Favourite Resources
I've read and studied many books, but here are the books most responsible for broadening my understanding of marketing:
- Influence by Robert Cialdini
- Traffic Secrets by Russell Brunson
- Predictably Irrational by Dan Ariely
- 80/20 Sales and Marketing by Perry Marshall
- 1-Page Marketing Plan by Allan Dib
- Story Driven by Bernadette Jiwa
- Different by Youngme Moon
I heard of most of these game changing books from the Everyone Hates Markerters podcast. An incredible treasure trove of marketing insights.
Why should you work with me?
My insatiable curiosity has given me a deep understanding of why people behave the way they do, particularly regarding their buying habits. This understanding has pulled me away from "shiny object syndrome," or chasing the latest marketing trend or tactic, and has allowed me to focus on marketing fundamentals -- evergreen strategies that have stood the test of time.
Instead of starting with tactics (i.e. You should post more on Instagram, run more Google ads, put up a billboard, make a website, spam your audience with pushy sales emails, etc.), I focus first on why you exist.
Essentially, it boils down to this. Small businesses like yours solve problems for customers in need of a solution, and my job is to use my knowledge and skill set to connect your business to the perfect customer and then, and only then, figure out what tactics will work best for you. So, what are you waiting for?
Let's get started
Want to schedule a planning session? Send me an email and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible. I look forward to working with you!