“I studied finance in college, then maths and statistics at McMaster University, working in finance and business operations roles through college. After graduation, I made some time to travel. I embarked on a solo backpacking trip to Australia and South East Asia for about four months before coming back home and working for my dad's home renovation company. I then worked for tech firm Perpetua in a customer success role. The firm provides growth optimization and reporting tech for ecommerce businesses, including Amazon. I managed PPC advertising for around 50 small to medium businesses and mid-market customers.
“The Gift Card industry is relatively new to me, but one Christmas my brother and I had a unique idea to gift our dad a 'taster menu' of all of his favourite restaurants in the areas he works in. After putting some research and thought into it, I realized there was a gap in the market. So I started researching the industry in more depth, I wrote a business plan, and I started looking for potential partners. That's when I stumbled across Miconex.
"I really enjoyed the first few conversations I had with Colin and Janette. They were very passionate about the Gift Card industry and about supporting local businesses, and they were really supportive of the plan I had put together. They asked if I might consider working for Miconex and helping to grow the Downtown Gift Cards in North America. With their goals and values aligning so well with my own plan, it felt like an easy decision.
“I think during the pandemic there was a big push towards supporting local businesses. People want to see the businesses in their community that have been in operation for 20+ years survive and thrive. And that’s what I liked about Miconex and the Downtown Gift Card concept. It’s an innovative solution to the challenge of a Gift Card for a variety of local businesses, keeping money local and keeping communities together. The potential for digital Downtown Gift Cards is exciting too. It’s about creating solutions that make it easier for people to shop locally.
“In my role at Miconex, I’ll be involved in both customer experience, helping our clients to effectively operate, grow and develop their programs, and with business development too. Looking after clients on a day to day basis is something I have plenty of experience of, while the business development side will be newer to me. In my first weeks, I can see so much potential and opportunity for growth, working alongside an experienced team and fantastic clients. I’m looking forward to meeting new and existing clients over the coming weeks and learning more about how we can support them to drive footfall and spend in their district through their Downtown Gift Card program.”