Darren Dearing, MBA, CFP®, CIM®, FCSI®

Experience

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  DEARING INVESTMENTS INC

  May 2002 - Nov 2005

  President

  Owned and operated a Color Your World paint store franchise.Responsible for the day to day operations of a $1 million plus store. Worked closely to solidify relationships with key industry partners. Focused on creating lasting and profitable relations with both retail and commercial customers. Spearheaded local marketing initiatives and constantly evaluated and analyzed both the effectiveness and the return on investment. Fostered an energetic, loyal and hard working team including several highly skilled industry professionals. Show less

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  DEARING PUBLICATIONS INC

  Mar 2004 - Nov 2005

  President

  Developed, owned and operated three real estate publications in Fredericton, NB, Saint John, NB and PEI.Brought a new concept of real estate advertising to local agents with immediate success. Built a dynamic sales team and created a system of compensation based on performance. Created a strategic plan for the business that included acquisitions to achieve desired growth. Implemented marketing campaigns that generated agent interest and consumer awareness. Responsible for design, layout and production of publications using the latest graphic design and print software. Show less

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  SOUTHWOOD HOLDINGS INC

  Nov 2005 - Apr 2008

  General Manager

  Operate residential and commercial painting company in a highly competitive market.Lead all operations for growing company with total responsibility for bottom line measures. Create, manage and implement all marketing and sales initiatives. Responsible for the strategic direction of the company while maintaining a focus on budgetary restrictions. Recruit, train and manage a diversified work force that during peak season can range between 25 to 30 skilled workers. Manage multiple projects at once while maintaining one of the highest customer satisfaction ratings in the industry. Show less

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  COOKE AQUACULTURE INC

  Dec 2008 - May 2011

  Management Consultant, Process Improvement

  Lead and manage a variety of project based initiatives involving change management and process improvement.Source potential projects by developing relationships with key personnel. Evaluate projects based on company needs and department requirements. Manage projects from the design phase to implementation and installation of controls. Build trust and elicit compliance and involvement from stakeholders and people affected by the projects and the change they may bring. Drive projects through obstacles and objections to ensure completion on time and on budget. Utilize structured process improvement techniques including Six Sigma, Lean manufacturing and internally developed systems.Some of my recent projects include: developing an innovative and unique way of reducing packaging waste along with the potential of millions in savings due to reduced transportation, labour and disposal costs; lead the build of a new plant and a never before tried manufacturing process; spent 8 months on assignment in Philadelphia, PA running a newly acquired value added plant and facilitated the move of that operation to Canada. Show less

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  Dearing Consulting

  Jul 2011 - Aug 2012

  President

  Providing management and operational consulting for small business owners. Advice and guidance has been given in financing, marketing, valuation, business planning, strategy, sales management and process improvement.

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  Lounsbury Furniture

  Aug 2012 - Jun 2014

  Category Manager

  Gather and analyze consumer, market, and industry information to formulate strategies and tactics within the context of the overall marketing/buying strategy. Negotiate and source product, prices, and contracts/agreements on behalf of the stores, while ensuring quality standards are understood and met by each vendor. Determine and manage the financial performance goals related to sales, pre-shrink, gross margin rate, controllable activity costs, and inventory productivity.

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  TD

  Jun 2014 - Mar 2022

  Senior Financial Planner at TD Wealth Financial Planning
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  Scotia Wealth Management

  Mar 2022 - now

  Wealth Advisor
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  United Way of Central New Brunswick

  Sept 2024 - now

  Campaign Chair - 2024/2025 United Way Central New Brunswick

  For almost 60 years, United Way has worked to improve communities in Central New Brunswick. We create long-term, sustainable change. To do so we focus on moving people from poverty to possibility, creating strong and healthy communities, and help kids be all that they can be.United Way raises funds through our Annual Fundraising Campaign established to address identified critical needs throughout Central New Brunswick. During Campaign, hundreds of workplaces, individuals, charities and non-profits partner with us to create long-lasting meaningful change. We’re active throughout the year, raising funds and engaging community members in volunteerism and action.My role is to help bring awareness to this important organization. Show less