Career Stories

Dean - Personnel Development Trainer

My career at Totem began on March 8, 1990. Jack Brown and I were hired on the same date. At that time, Totem was just launching their training program, so Jack and I were the instructor’s first students. The training we received was product knowledge.

I had been working as a salesman for about four years when I took a promotion as an estimator. I remember enjoying the position because of the new responsibility and challenges. However, I was only in the position for about three months when management asked me to be an assistant manager.

I worked as an assistant manager for about 12 years at three different locations in Calgary. During that time, I built two houses and renovated a third. The knowledge I gained working at Totem definitely helped me through those projects.

April 28, 2006 marked my first day as a trainer for Totem Building Supplies Ltd. The training has come a long way since March 8, 1990. I now instruct about 40 different courses … and love every minute of it.