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CAN'T FIND SOMETHING? |
Gina ArsensPresident and CEO, Klein Systems Group Ltd.Age: 39 Gina Arsens believes her success is the result of the right combination of skills. Burnaby-based Klein Systems Group Ltd., a software provider for the maritime port industry, hired Arsens in 2006 to turn its financials around. In half a year, Arsens was able to straighten out its books and help Klein turn a profit. “I definitely straighten things up and I definitely have a focus on the bottom line,” Arsens said. “I listen and I have a great deal of attention to service, problem-solving and communication.” Arsens developed her first business skills waiting tables at her family’s restaurant, but after she graduated from high school she said her father pushed her to go further and obtain an education. “He said, ‘You’ll always have the restaurant but you can do more,’” she said. And she did just that. In 1993, she graduated from the University of British Columbia with a bachelor of commerce. She followed that up with her chartered accountant designation and, in 1998, became a chartered business valuator placing third highest in Canada on her exam. She began her financial career at PricewaterhouseCoopers as a manager of corporate finance, before joining Raymond James Ltd. as an associate analyst where she marketed investment ideas to clients. Following that, she joined Xantrex Technology Inc., a power-supply manufacturer, as a corporate planner where she negotiated $8 million in government funding for product development and helped develop and improve budget processes. Yet amid all her personal achievements, Arsens believes it was the people along the way who helped her the most. “I think my success has really been a result of many people supporting me,” she said. “I was always able to meet people that gave me opportunities that … I was able to run with.” • Birthplace: Penticton Where do you live now: Vancouver Highest level of education: B.Comm. from UBC, chartered accountant, chartered business valuator Car or chosen mode of transport: BMW 128i Currently reading: Pinkalicious by Victoria Kann and The Talent Advantage by Alan Weiss and Dr. Nancy MacKay Last CD bought or music downloaded: Sweet Home Alabama by Kid Rock Favourite movie: Yes Man Favourite local restaurant: Paul’s Omelettery Person you would most like to meet (living or deceased): Oprah Winfrey Profession you would most like to try: Fine-art painting Mentor: Wanda Costuros and my dad Most memorable career milestone or event: Being asked to be the president and CEO of Klein Systems Group Ltd. Toughest business or professional decision: It doesn’t get much worse than laying off good people What’s left to do: To raise well-adjusted kids, delegate the stuff I’m not good at and inspire others to be the best they can be This article from Business in Vancouver December 29, 2009-January 4, 2010; issue 1053 Business in Vancouver (www.biv.com) has been publishing in-depth local business news, analysis and commentary since 1989. The newspaper also produces a weekly ranked list of the biggest companies and players in a wide range of B.C. industries and commercial sectors, monthly features and industry-focused sections that arm its subscribers with a complete package of local business intelligence each week. |
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