Senior Human Resources Manager, Alma Mater Society 

The Alma Mater Society (AMS) at the University of British Columbia is the Student Union Organization whose mission is to improve the quality of the educational, social, and personal lives of the students of UBC. This is done through various clubs, student support mechanisms, restaurants and stores.

How David got into retail:

Prior to AMS, I was with Purdy’s Chocolates Ltd for over 4 years. During my tenure in this 100+ year old family owned business, I developed a recruitment and retention strategy, Leadership Development Program and became a change agent through LEAN Manufacturing (I have a black belt). I was able to drive the company to organizational change through all these programs by layering the learning objectives of each program on top of the other to create consistency in learning and application. Today, our culture is rapidly becoming one of can do, not what should I do next?  

I am a graduate of Humber College hotel/restaurant management and continued my training through my first management role with McDonald’s restaurants. I then spent 2 years in Germany working as a civilian on a military base as a Restaurant Manager. Upon my return to Canada I landed in BC. I revamped my career and decided to return to school to upgrade my business skills and started working retail as the hours were better than restaurants. Retail absolutely rocked! So I continued my journey into retail management and eventually switched my career path to Human Resources. I am currently completing my certificate in Human Resources and am a CHRP candidate.

What’s the best thing about retail?

The People. Really it is all about the team work and camaraderie and fun!

What does Shelfspace, mean to David?

This is a great organization to help make others understand the passion we have in this industry and to teach others what a viable group of entrepreneurs we are as well as showing others we can provide amazing opportunities for careers or all types (casual, part time, full time, management, sales, accounting, shipping/receiving, purchasing, I.T. and the list goes on and on).

What’s one thing I would like other retail entrepreneurs to know about me?

I am a very passionate person. I believe in helping others reach their goals no matter what they are…

David’s favourite things to do:

I have a variety of interests from attending theatre, running, yoga, plants (found out I am very good at growing orchids!) and continually upgrading my education.