Stephen Laroche

Experience

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  Canoe

  Oct 2000 - Dec 2001

  Online Editor

  - acted as an online editor and writer for several areas of one of Canada's busiest websites.- responsible for updating partner sites as necessary.- conducted interviews and published stories on several legends of professional wrestling. - began with the company as a freelancer in August, 2000 writing for SLAM! Wrestling and JAM! Showbiz.

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  SLAM! Collectibles

  Mar 2001 - Sept 2004

  Editor

  - created and developed an area on CANOE dedicated to the sports collectibles market. - generated partnerships and built business relationships with key individuals within the industry.- regularly reviewed new products and published stories in order to inform readers of new hobby developments.- responsible for updating the site on a regular basis.- actively promoted site through regular appearances on Sportsology.net’s Card Corner online radio program.

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  University Settlement Recreation Centre

  Mar 2003 - Jun 2004

  Executive Assistant

  - acted as the assistant to the Executive Director of University Settlement Recreation Centre.- managed the administrative team and prepared payroll information.- prepared internal/external correspondence and assisted in the revision of policies.- responsible for organizing and producing agency newsletter.- assisted in the organization of meetings and agency events in addition to preparing related materials.- prepared research materials regarding purchases and human resources issues. Show less

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  In The Game, Inc.

  Sept 2004 - Sept 2009

  - responsible for the development of hockey trading card releases prior to release in various stages of production.- selected photography for all releases and worked directly with various suppliers to obtain imagery.- produced copy, compiled research and prepared statistics for all releases.- initiated contact with National Hockey League alumni members and negotiated contracts with over 200 individuals in order to allow the company to obtain autographs and the rights to depict players on cards.- active in the process in finalizing designs and developing player checklists.- represented the company at industry events throughout North America.- responsible for proofreading all cards prior to printing.- prepared newsletter copy and provided information to members of the hobby media. Show less

  • Consultant

    Jan 2008 - Sept 2009

  • VP, Product Development

    Sept 2004 - Dec 2007
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  In The Game, Inc

  Oct 2009 - Jun 2014

  Brand Manager

  - produced copy and compiled statistics for a number of licensed trading card sets released to an international audience, including the In The Game Action, Parkhurst Original Six, Toronto Star series, Heroes & Prospects, Ultimate Memorabilia, Between The Pipes, and Sport Kings brands.- performed quality control-related tasks as necessary.- acted as a consultant on a proposed Trading Card Game (TCG) product. - assisted In The Game in the coordination of purchasing vintage hockey photos and signatures for various releases.- initiated contact with retired hockey players and negotiated contracts with over 300 individuals in order to allow the company to obtain autographs and the rights to depict players on cards for recent releases.- responsible for selection of photography and artwork and working with photographic suppliers and artists.- developed new product ideas and work closely with design and production staff to create them. Show less

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  Beckett Media

  Jan 2014 - Oct 2017

  - Editor of three leading publications covering the trading card markets with a focus on hockey and basketball.- Responsible for generating timely, accurate and relevant content for hobbyists both online and in print.- Regularly conduct interviews with athletes, industry professionals, and celebrities. Writes articles pertaining to hockey and the collectibles market on a freelance basis.

  • Editor (Beckett Hockey, Beckett Basketball, and Beckett Sports Card Monthly)

    Jun 2014 - Oct 2017

  • Contributing Writer

    Jan 2014 - Jun 2014
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  Redpath Sugar Ltd

  Oct 2017 - Dec 2018

  Food Production Worker

  • Performed a variety of tasks as assigned, primarily helping manage product flow on the sugar line • Completed forms and paperwork as required • Adhered to company procedures and policies regarding health & safety through proper use of protective equipment, job-specific tools, and cleaning supplies• Temporary contract October, 2017 to January, 2018. Returned full-time in August, 2018.

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  The Upper Deck Company

  Sept 2018 - now

  Freelance Writer

  • Prepared text for trading card releases under tight deadlines • Contributed to corporate communications efforts by preparing blog posts• Hosted Facebook Live broadcasts for the company at the NHLPA Rookie Showcase

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  Loyalist College Student Tax Clinic

  Feb 2020 - Mar 2020

  Tax Preparer

  • Prepared tax returns for student clients• Consistently checked facts and cross-referenced information• Submitted completed tax returns via e-File

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  RinkNet Software

  Jan 2021 - Oct 2022

  Content Administrator

  • Updated player data for a prominent database used by scouts and other professionals in the hockey world• Edited company’s weekly newsletter• Provided customer service over the phone and via e-mail• Conducted daily research to obtain information for the database

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  Sun Life

  Dec 2022 - now

  To follow To follow.

  • Payout/Annuity Administrator

    Jun 2024 - now

  • Payment Services Specialist

    Dec 2022 - Jun 2024