Job Description
I work with a team of people who help clients make money decisions for their families. It could be anything from buying a business to saving money for retirement, to buying a cottage. The team does a lot of planning with the clients to around their money goals to make sure that all of their financial needs are met.
Relevant School Subjects
- Business
Areas of Expertise
- Admin/Business
- Financial/Insurance/Banking
- Retail/Customer Service
Career Story
First Job, paper route in Grade 7. Then I started working in Grade 9 and worked through highschool. Worked at different retail spots - Shoppers Drug Mart, Grocery Stores, Canadian Tire, Bingeman Park. In grade 13 I started working at the Bank.
I went to WLU for Economics, failed calculus, so switched to Political Science and kept taking business classes. Was able to graduate with a BA and then a year later with a Business Admin Diploma. During university I worked part time at the bank and also at Athletes World.. (like footlocker).
After I finished University, I wanted a full time role. Of course my goal was to make money, buy a house and get married. We put this pressure on ourselves to do this. I tell my daughter now to travel, try different jobs, see what the world is all about. She is 22 and worried about buying a house.
I interviewed with Manulife for an insurance role. It was 100% commission and full time sales. I realized at 22 I did not care about insurance so how would I sell it to people. I had a couple of interviews in the Bank for Sales roles and ended up taking on a Bank Teller Manager role. I loved leading people and seeing them develop in their roles.
I have been at the bank now for 30 years. I had the opportunity to take on many roles, including being part of the transition team at a local level when TD bought Canada Trust. Many roles were lateral moves, but really rounded out my skill set. I worked in retail branches, then regional Human Resources, Training and Workshop facilitation, Local area marketing, and then moved to the Wealth Business.
Through out my career I have had to continue my education for my Securities licensing and compliance. I also went back to school and completed my MBA at Laurier in 2004.
Given that I love to learn there have been times when I have taken an adhoc course at Conestogo College.
6 years ago, after 24 years at Canada Trust and TD, I made the move to BMO Nesbitt Burns, and this has evolved to leading BMO Private Wealth in our local market. In my current role I co-lead a team of 100 individuals, covering geography from Simcoe to Collingwood. Our teams work with High Net clients and their families to ensure their current and future personal, family, estate and business needs. I am lucky to work with amazing professionals. I am lucky to have a career that I love. I have a career that gives me opportunity to work as a volunteer in the community and support various organizations and causes. k