Our Latest Blog
Stay Trendy in 2021 on Social Media
Goodbye, 2020. Can’t say we are sad to see you go. Hello, 2021! Please be good to us, we are fragile. Although no one could have predicted what 2020 had in store for us, it is safe to say that the “social” in social media took on a whole new meaning. With the global...
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
Our Core Pillars:
Client Satisfaction
Communication
Community
Creativity
Our Team
Stephanie Gillis-Paulgaard
When you first meet Stephanie, it’s no surprise that she was drawn to a career in communications; she’s a charismatic conversationalist, energetic spirit and has a palpable passion for whatever she chooses to dive into. While she has called Edmonton home for more than 20 years now, she is a proud native of Cape Breton, and credits her east coast roots with shaping her into who she is today.
Throughout the past almost 20 years, her tenacity has allowed her career to blossom from communications newbie to experienced entrepreneur. Whether it’s strategic communications counsel, corporate reputation management, public affairs or media relations strategy, Stephanie has seen it all. She’s worked within the Hospitality, Life Sciences and Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) sectors for both public and private companies.
Her diverse background, mixed with her creativity and passion, provide clients with the insight needed to effectively tackle project objectives.
Stephanie’s zeal is not exclusive to communications – health & fitness, culinary adventures, and travel are all near-and-dear to her heart. She relishes any opportunity to volunteer in her community and actively seeks out opportunities to bring awareness to local initiatives.
Lindsay Erickson
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.
Kim Erickson
Kim has been a part of the graphic industry since 1997 and worked with some of Edmonton’s busiest sign companies. In 2006 she furthered her education with a NAIT web design certificate and was a founding partner of Twisted Edge Design. Upon moving to Dawson Creek, BC in 2014 she started Kerick Design and has continued to assist both Edmonton and Peace Country businesses in realizing their visual and online aspirations.
She grew up in the Peace Country before moving to Edmonton and is inspired by both natural and urban settings. Never happier than when experimenting with new graphic ideas and techniques, Kim aspires to be a lifelong learner and do her best to help others to find and attain their vision.
Kim believes in serving others and enjoying life. She sits on a variety of volunteer boards, is a fanatical reader of fiction and plays volleyball regularly. Her favourite leisure activity is spending time with friends and family and her home is always open for any type of gathering.
Brett Paulgaard
You guessed it, I’m Stephanie’s husband.
Always a creative person, my passion for computers and digital media has followed me since I was quite young. It was that passion that helped influence my decision in 2017 to close one chapter of my life and open another. I closed my construction company to pursue a career in digital media. Boss Digital Media was born.
It was during my years in the construction industry that I first became interested in the design and development of websites. I taught myself to create the websites that we used for each of our different construction projects and for the company as a whole. The creation of those sites would require photography, which became one of my favorite aspects of the creation process and today, remains an obsession of mine. Digital animation and video creation was the next progression, and I found those aspects to be both challenging and extremely fulfilling. Creating 3D imagery and video is literally my favorite thing to do. I love the idea of being able to start with nothing more that an idea and a blank screen and end up with at product that is both visually stimulating and informative at the same time.
My new company Boss Digital Media, is extremely proud to partner with Take Roots and create visions, new ideas, and sometimes new directions for clients.
Ashley McLellan
Ashley’s career in communications and PR began in late 2012 and, since then, she has worked with some of Canada’s largest companies. With a focus on writing, social media, and online expertise, she provides clients with a unique and creative perspective.
She has a knack for elevating various types of communications writing with her natural storytelling ability and authentic tone. Whether it’s creating original social media content, writing news releases, or managing websites (CMS), Ashley’s previous experience with leading national companies has proven to be invaluable.
Born in North Bay, ON, Ashley spent much of her adolescence in the Toronto area, where she still resides. She writes, records and performs music, and remains active in various sports during her spare time.
Our Services
Communication rooted in clarity and purpose doesn’t come easy.
Select a tab below that best describes your business.
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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