PROFESSIONAL BIOGRAPHY OF BRENDA PATERSON
Born in Toronto but raised in the tourism atmosphere of Niagara Falls, Ms. Paterson worked in and studied the hospitality business. A degree from Wilfred Laurier University and courses from U of T launched her career in marketing and advertising which spanned 30 years.
Ms. Paterson's experience started at Maclean-Hunter and Southam Business Press divisions. While selling advertising was the end goal, Paterson always wanted to make sure that her clients were given the best marketing advice her resources provided and thus won loyalty and respect from her clients. The resulting sales awards and elevation to the Board of Directors of the Advertising and Sales Club of Toronto are testaments to her success.
After troubleshooting for many publications, which covered fields such as engineering, architecture and electronics, Paterson, at the urging of several clients, decided to venture out on her own. Determining target audiences and reviewing existing media plans became the main function of her new company, Kayser Communications Group. This confidential work earned Paterson and KCG the reputation of offering careful research and successful implementation of marketing plans.
Then a new career was thrust upon Paterson. In 1989, she and her husband, Brian, decided to move to their Muskoka home where her husband would expand his window and door business; however, this was not to be. Very shortly afterward and very unexpectedly, Ms. Paterson became a widow. Carrying on her husband's plans, Paterson took several courses in building and contracting and, with the support of the community, decided to try her hand at the trades. Exposure to estimating building costs and working with the local building talent was an enjoyable new challenge. However much she enjoyed the design aspects of that business, when the economic slump of the mid 90's struck, and people were economy not creativity driven, Paterson considered selling the company to a key employee.
Despite Paterson's challenges and variety of business commitments, contacts in the advertising world were maintained through her work with the Royal Ontario Museum, the Lake of Bays Association Yearbook, the Muskoka Tourism Board, Aben Graphics and MetroLand Publications.
Out of the building business, Paterson looked for a new position, which would utilize most of her experience. Knowledge of building trades, tourism, sales, marketing, research, advertising, and her thirst for challenge were all at her disposal. A beautiful 30 acre piece of historic land not far from her home became available and, with a courageous leap of faith, sold everything she owned to buy a decaying old lodge with cabins and a dance hall.
Using her recent building contacts, renovations were accomplished while marketing the property as a cosmetic recovery retreat and later as a B&B. One of the B&B guests suggested the concept of fractional ownership and this suggestion started a seven-year journey.
In 2000, the new concept of fractional cottage ownership had to be sold to the township and the neighbourhood to gain Site Plan Approval. By the time Paterson won her plan's approval, she had visited many developers around the province and found them a generous bunch with their time and expertise. A potential investor was so impressed with the overall business plan that he offered to purchase the property and go forward with it.
Paterson is interested in helping promote the fractional concept and marries this with her knowledge of markets and media. The most successful recent launches of fractional projects have used Paterson's guerrilla style of marketing. Working with the press and creative people requires a special skill set and experience available to you through GPMG.
Paterson is not limited to any one industry segment. GPMG is currently reviewing the plans for a major resort chain, a small winery, a rate payers association, a fractionanl cottage project and is also writing a column for a woman's magazine.
In summary, Paterson's experience will work for you. The team of marketing experts employed by Paterson's GPMG will give you cost effective direction and achievement of your goals.
Please call with confidence 705-640-1054 or email info@grovepark.ca.
Although education is a continuous process, the following are highlights:
- Waterloo Lutheran University (now called Wilfred Laurier University)
- Advertising and Promotion, Media and the Message - U of T
- Creative Thinking - ASCOT
- New Trends in Real Estate Promotion - University of Chicago (October 2006)
- Internet Marketing - Georgian College
Employment highlights:
- 1974-1985 - Started at Maclean-Hunter as a production manager. Moved into sales. Sales manager at Southam earning various awards. Sales and marketing manager at Image Band Research.
- 1985 - founded Kayser Communications Group.
- 1990 - inherited Foresight Windows and Doors
- 1999 - purchased Grove Park Lodge
- 2004 - founded GrovePark Marketing Group