Introducing Ross…

It may be a cliché, but in this case it’s the truth.

It’s the people at Phantom Screens that make it a special place to work. I’m not just saying that because I’m the CEO. I’m saying it because it’s true.

We really do have amazing people who work here. They come from all over the world (13 different countries at the last count) and each and every one of them is extraordinary. People who work here often describe Phantom Screens as a family and I’d say that’s a pretty accurate description.

So now I’m in the happy position of welcoming a new family member. Not in the baby shower and booties kind of way, but more of the adoption-by-choice kind of way! He’s our new VP of Sales and he’s awesome.

Welcome to Phantom Screens …. Ross Tripp!

Ross has had a pretty amazing career so far including Vice-President Sales and Vice-President, Business Development with Coca-Cola Canada. He was also National Director of Sales with one of my favorite garden products – Scotts Miracle-Gro. Most recently he was Executive Vice-President and General Manager of Acosta Canada.

So that’s his business background. But there’s always more to a person than their career and Ross is no exception. He started his career as a Lecturer/Athletic Director at McMaster University, Ontario and has a Master’s Degree in Kinesiology. He’s not so much involved in sporting activities these days, but he still likes to run and ski!

Unfortunately, as it will upset our die-hard Vancouver Canucks fans here at Phantom Screens, he supports the Chicago Blackhawks. It may take a while, but I guess we’ll forgive him that. After all, nobody’s perfect! And he does have a really cute Bernese Mountain Dog called “Kayla”.

So that’s a bit about Ross. From our company’s point of view, we’re really fortunate to get Ross’s experience in strategic planning and new business growth to help us to grow Phantom`s presence both in North America and internationally.

And from a personal point of view, it’s great to work with his boundless energy and huge enthusiasm. If you’d like to see him in his own words, you can always watch this short video:

[vimeo http://www.vimeo.com/63599702 w=450&h=253]

What do you think makes a good leader? What do you think business can learn from sport – or vice versa? I’d love to know your thoughts.