Tarrah Wynn

Tarrah Wynn

Job Description

As a general manager (GM) I am responsible for all or parts of the Canadian operations, including sales, manufacturing/production and controlling costs.

Relevant School Subjects

Business

Areas Of Expertise

Architecture & Construction

Career Story

In high school I thought I wanted to be either a Writer or a Psychologist. I had always enjoyed writing, had won some awards, however I was also drawn to people, and the factors around how the interacted in the world. I have always been a good listener and people were drawn to tell me things they generally wouldn’t tell others. Throughout high school I was very driven to work to earn money, to have as much independence as possible. I worked numerous jobs including, scooping ice cream, babysitting, to maintaining community parks.

Although I was accepted into a Journalism program, I decided to take a general Arts degree at Dalhousie University with a major is Sociology and a minor in History. During my time in University I worked various jobs including retail and serving in restaurants. Upon graduation, I found myself unable to find a suitable job so I enrolled at ITI (Information Technology Institute). At that time, IT professionals were in high demand, and I realized I needed some further training in that area. Upon completing that diploma program, I realized that the IT bubble had burst, and there I was again, unable to find a suitable job. Due to various personal reasons, I decided to go to South Korea to teach ESL (English as a second language), and work towards paying down some of my student load debt.

When I returned from overseas I was offered a management position at Acadia University. It was my first time managing anyone, let alone, employees twice my age. Shortly thereafter, I decided to move to Ontario with a boyfriend, and found myself again, looking for work. For three months I worked three jobs, including telemarketing, waitressing, and as a sales associate at a fitness gym. Finally, I was given an opportunity to join a company that supplied and installed door openers, and was given the task to organize and build their service department. I grew throughout that company, eventually working my way up to the Operations Manager, and staying for 11 years.

After 11 years with that company I was head hunted by a large company, who was looking to fill a vacant General Manager role. Although nervous, I took that opportunity, and have been with the same company for 7 years now.