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Learn How to Measure Your PR Efforts and Improve Your Results
Welcome to the final instalment of our three-part series on public relations (PR) for small business owners. In the previous articles, we covered the basics of PR, why it's essential for small businesses, and practical tips to implement it. In this blog, we'll discuss...
Bell Let’s Talk: An Inspiring Lesson About Mental Health
Whether or not you realize it, someone you know or work with is likely suffering from a mental illness. Let’s Talk states that one in five Canadians will suffer from mental illness at some point in their lifetime. While the conversation is increasing and, in-turn, the stigma decreasing, there are still so many people out there who are suffering in silence. …[continue reading]
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About Us
Unleash the full potential of your brand with Take Roots Consulting – the premier provider of integrated marketing solutions. Our team of seasoned professionals is well-versed in all aspects of creative design and marketing, including video production, website and graphic design, copywriting, and social media strategy and management. Collectively, with over 50 years of experience, we have successfully lead employee engagement campaigns, navigated crises, enhanced stakeholder relations, driven strategic communication and marketing plans for national brands across public, private and nonprofit sectors. At Take Roots, we understand that a cohesive, integrated approach is key to successful marketing. That’s why we offer a comprehensive range of services to help you build a strong, consistent brand identity that resonates with your target audience and drives results.
Don’t settle for a one-dimensional marketing strategy. Let our team elevate your brand and reach new heights of success. Contact Take Roots today and let’s start creating!
Our Core Pillars:
Client Satisfaction
Results-driven. Our success is measured by the satisfaction and success of our clients. We strive to exceed their expectations and deliver measurable outcomes.
Communication
All great relationships begin open and honest communication. We aren’t afraid to have the tough conversations necessary for success! We will always be clear and direct in our communication, always.
Community
We view every client relationship as a true partnership and strive to understand their unique needs and goals. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment that values and respects all members of our community.
Creativity
We stay ahead of the curve by constantly researching and implementing the latest trends and technologies. Our team is driven by creativity, a passion for pushing boundaries and desire to finding new solutions to complex challenges.
Our Team
Stephanie Gillis-Paulgaard
Founder & Chief Strategist
Dhvanay Solanki
Student Intern
Lindsay Erickson
Copywriter & Communications Strategist
Kim Erickson
Graphic Designer
Brett Paulgaard
Boss Digital Media
Adam Migacz
Website developer
Stephanie is a dynamic and charismatic communications professional who brings a wealth of experience to every project she’s involved with. With a passion for strategic communications, corporate reputation management, public affairs, and media relations strategy, she has established herself as a respected leader in the industry. She’s a proud native of Cape Breton, and credits her east coast roots with shaping who she is today.
With over 20 years of experience, Stephanie has seen it all and has worked in a variety of sectors, including Hospitality, Life Sciences, and Consumer Packaged Goods, for both public and private companies. Her diverse background and creativity have allowed her to provide clients with the insight and guidance they need to achieve their project objectives.
Stephanie’s enthusiasm for communications is matched by her love for health and fitness, culinary adventures, and travel. She is also deeply committed to giving back to her community and actively seeks out opportunities to support local initiatives and causes. With her energy and passion, Stephanie is a force to be reckoned with in the communications world and beyond.
Through the creation of countless art projects, hours messing around on design softwares and numerous Shark Tank episodes, the fields of design and entrepreneurship are areas that Dhvanay has grown up with. His journey down the marketing funnel began with these blobs of creativity, and have altered themselves into a passion that truly energizes him to continue learning every day.
This love for the design industry doesn’t simply stem from Canva, social media, and video editing expertise, but through the application of these principles in programs such as Junior Achievement and this CAREERS Program summer placement!
Aside from the creativity pumping through his blood, Dhvanay values being active. Taking part on multiple sports teams, and building a community of fitness go-getters, he finds purpose in pushing his physical limits. Nonetheless, if he is not challenging his right brain through DIY projects, you’ll find him creating lasting memories and embarking on unimaginable adventures with his friends!
A graduate of NAIT’s Graphic Communications program, Lindsay started her career in graphic design in 2007. She worked for a commercial printer until she made the switch to freelance work in 2012. Through volunteer work, she found a passion for communications and PR. In 2019, she chose to further her education with a public relations diploma from MacEwan University.
As a lifelong learner, Lindsay values community and collaboration as methods to learn and support others. She is an active volunteer and is always excited to learn about a new skill or tool. She frequently attends Edmonton technology, media, and design events.
Lindsay grew up in Edmonton, where she still lives with her husband and two children. An animal lover, she shares her home with two cats and a dog. In her spare time she enjoys reading, crocheting, and learning new art and design techniques.
With over two decades of experience in the graphic design industry, Kim has made a name for herself by working with some of Edmonton’s top sign companies. But she didn’t stop there! In 2006, she dove headfirst into the world of web design by earning a certificate from NAIT, and even went on to become a founding partner of Twisted Edge Design. Fast forward to 2014, and Kim took her talents to Dawson Creek, BC where she founded Kerick Design and has since been helping businesses in both Edmonton and the Peace Country bring their visual and online aspirations to life.
Inspired by the natural beauty of her hometown in the Peace Country and the hustle and bustle of the city, Kim is constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with graphic design. She’s a lifelong learner at heart and is always eager to help others achieve their vision. When she’s not working, you can find Kim giving back to her community through volunteer work, getting lost in a good book, hitting the volleyball court, or spending quality time with friends and family. Her home is always open for a gathering, so come on over and let’s make some memories
Adam has been on a lifelong journey with computers, and it all started with his first computer, a Texas Instruments, where he discovered his passion for creating basic programs. As he delved deeper into the world of computers, he studied data structures in college and became known as the unofficial IT guy in any industry he worked in. So, when the web boom hit, Adam jumped in with both feet and never looked back!
He loves nothing more than programming and optimizing websites, and his custom solutions have made many clients incredibly happy. Adam brings a unique approach, a fun and bright personality, and a special skill for making clients smile while talking tech, making him a valuable asset to the Take Roots team. And the best part, he’s just getting started!
Our Services
Communication rooted in clarity and purpose doesn’t come easy.
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Why Take Roots?
You have a challenge, we provide a solution.
Why Take Roots?
You have a challenge, we provide a solution.
Why Take Roots?
You have a challenge, we provide a solution.
Why Take Roots?
You have a challenge, we provide a solution.
Why Take Roots?
You have a challenge, we provide a solution.
Why Take Roots?
You have a challenge, we provide a solution.
Workshops
Take Roots offers workshops on a variety of topics pertinent to all things communications. Below, you’ll find samples of workshops currently being offered. Additionally, all workshops can be customized to deliver specific client objectives.
Want to talk to Take Roots about customizing a workshop or webinar for you? Book now for a complimentary 30 minute consultation!
Online Courses
We are working to turn some of our popular workshops into online courses. Please take a moment to answer a few questions. Your responses will help us decide which topics to prioritize.
Improve Your Grant Writing Skills
So you found a grant to apply for. Now what? With grants becoming more competitive and difficult to attain, we want you to gain knowledge on the best ways to get funding and create sustainability for your organization.
During this workshop, participants will walk through the essential components of a proposal, the do’s and don’ts, key writing styles, the budget, and tricks of the trade, along with some interactive exercises. We will focus on crafting two essential components: the need statement; and the impact. Bring a proposal you are working on and we can work on improving it.
Building Confidence through Public Speaking
The rewards for acquiring public speaking skills are many. From job interviews to team presentations or making a speech at a family wedding – public speaking is a life skill.
This interactive course will provide participants with tips and tricks to become a more dynamic speaker by managing their jitters, connecting with their audience and creating memorable presentations.
Communications 101: Traditional Communications Strategies & Best Practices
In this workshop, you’ll learn the tried and tested strategies that are the foundation of any successful communications plan. Whether communicating with customers or your own employees, there are several best practices you can apply to help you become a more effective communicator. From developing key messages to understanding the importance of tone, you’ll gain a greater perspective for the philosophy behind communications upon completing this workshop.
Crisis Response Manuals 101: Are You Ready for a Crisis?
At the drop of a hat, and without warning, your company could be swept into a less-than-favourable situation that requires swift action to minimize damage to its reputation. These emergencies can affect small businesses, not-for-profits and large corporations—there are no exceptions. Although these problems can happen suddenly, there are still steps we can take to ensure we are as prepared as possible. For example, a crisis response manual serves as an important blueprint to navigating the aftermath of any sticky situation. During this workshop, participants will gain a greater understanding of how to best prepare for, and navigate, crises that may suddenly arise.
What Does It Mean to be a Brand Ambassador?
Whether you’re an entrepreneur or part of a growing organization, representing your brand shouldn’t just take place Monday-Friday, 9 to 5. The fact is, no matter where you are, you should always actively promote and share information about your company. Although this can seem daunting, if properly executed, it’s an excellent opportunity to propel your brand, and career, to the next level. After all, the better your company does, the better you do.
So, what is a brand ambassador and what does this responsibility entail? This workshop provides valuable tips, tools and tactics to help you become an effective and confident brand ambassador.
The Basics of Event Planning
Plan, organize and host events like a pro – even if it’s your first time. Ever notice how the best events look effortless? Everything just seems to unfold perfectly – and at just the right moment. A well-planned, well-run meeting, retreat, fundraiser or convention is a thing of beauty.
After attending this workshop you will be able to:
- Understand the fundamentals of event planning
- Negotiate the best deals from vendors
- Build an event guide to keep you (and your team) on track
- Plan a workable budget – and stay within it
- Assess and manage printing needs – agendas, programs, signage
- Know your critical tasks (6 months out, 30 days out, the week of the event & the night before)
- Handle setup & tear down schedules smoothly and efficiently
- Conduct a day-after evaluation to assess your event and improve planning and management for the next one
How to Develop Effective Key Messages for Your Audience
Knowing how to properly speak to your audience is as important as knowing your audience. What should you focus on? How do you clearly convey your message? How should you deliver your message? In this workshop, you’ll learn the answers to these important questions and walk away with a greater understanding for the opportunities that can arise when you take time to develop key messages.
Community Fundraising: Cultivating Relationships and Building Trust
Often times, community fundraising is the difference between a successful campaign and one that falters. But how does one ensure their fundraising campaign isn’t a bust? For one, it’s essential to have a clear and concise message in order to properly convey your goals and intentions. Understanding what communication vehicles are available to you to share your message is just as important as crafting the message. In this workshop, among other things, you’ll learn why cultivating relationships, providing frequent communications updates and building trust with potential donors is imperative to the success of your fundraising campaign.
Developing a Communications Plan For Your Company
Take a look at any successful company and, chances are, their accomplishments aren’t an accident. In this workshop, you’ll learn how to develop and execute an effective communications plan for your company. From determining your end goal to understanding who your audience is, a successful communications plan should be carefully considered and well thought-out. You’ll take part in activities throughout the workshop in order to gain hands on experience with the development process.
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