Business, web marketing, psychology, and authorship, focused on helping others succeed.
With professional web and marketing experience dating back to the 1990s, I bring a seasoned, practical approach to my work with clients. As an entrepreneur, author, speaker, and consultant, I’ve built and worked through multiple brands that help businesses, freelancers, and organizations make smarter decisions online. On a day-to-day basis, I spend much of my time consulting, teaching, developing ideas, writing, helping people solve problems, and running my brands, especially Uniseo. I’m also the president of the Canadian Internet Marketing Association.
I’ve received multiple awards and recognitions over the years, including being named a finalist for the Quebec Notable Awards. I hold two Master’s degrees in psychology, have taught undergraduate university courses, including at McGill University and Boston College, and provide training and keynote talks on topics such as content marketing, SEO, social media, business, entrepreneurship, freelancing, personal development, and online marketing. My academic research history includes having been the principal investigator on one of the early studies on Internet addiction.
The Entrepreneurial Spirit
From the time I sold wallets as a seven-year-old learning about business, I knew there was something exciting about being an entrepreneur. My first real business venture came during my teen years. I marketed and ran mini-conventions (selling comic books and sports cards) out of my parents’ garage. After my first show, while having dinner with my parents, I was enthusiastic and amazed at the thousands of dollars that had gone through the garage. I could hardly control my excitement. My entrepreneurial dad’s response to the success of the show was “let me guess, if you buy low and sell high, you can make money” and I was like “Yes! This is fantastic!” That was a big awakening moment for me. Becoming a comic book “dealer” really helped me gain insights into the risks and rewards of running your own business. So while I pursued a clinical and academic research career in Psychology, it was intertwined with businesses on the side.
Education
I have studied internationally at these schools.
Bachelor of Science (B.SC.)
Master of Arts (M.A.)*
Dean’s Honour List for Best Thesis
Master of Arts (#2!)*
Diploma of Collegial Studies (D.C.S.)
Web Design Certificates
Photography Certificates
Technology Entrepreneurship Certificate
*Both Master’s degrees started as Ph.D.s but I left each program early to work in the web industry… long story but no complaints!
Brand Involvement
I went down the academic path but never left my entrepreneurial spirit behind. While in university, I honed my marketing and business talents putting on fundraising events such as film festivals. As the Internet slowly crept into our lives, I naturally embraced this new communications tool. I launched my first website in 1997 and began marketing it. That same year, an early version of Citynet Magazine emerged as one of the first ever blogs. It is now among the longest running online publications. In 1999, I launched my first web company, offering web design and related services. By 2004, I had launched Uniseo, Redstone Photography, and other brands. Uniseo was founded as one of the first SEO companies in the world, and it has since grown to be a full service boutique online marketing and training company. I work with a core group of talented professionals. As a professional photographer, I’ve worked with over 50 major brands. My work has been published in dozens of significant publications.
Best Selling Author
In my youth, I started writing many books, both fiction and non-fiction, and the habit never really stopped. Although I’ve written many books, I’ve only chosen to publish a select few. My published works have been well received by readers, earning praise, positive feedback, and five-star reviews. My book Search Visibility and AI for Business Leaders became a #1 Amazon best seller in Search Engine Optimization and multiple business categories. Additionally, my earlier books continue to reflect my focus on practical ideas, clear explanations, and helping people make better decisions in business, marketing, freelancing, pricing, and life.
In-Demand Speaker
My talks are rated among the best at every conference at which I speak. I’m proud of that and work hard to deliver an entertaining, funny, and informative session each time. I give the talks I want to attend. I hate boring “fluff talks” that make me stare at my phone for an hour.
Say “No!” to lifeless talks and scream “YES!” to my dynamic talks where the audience walks away educated and excited. I want attendees to feel empowered while learning practical insights without feeling like they are in a dull school-style lecture. More of an experience, if you will.
Positive Psychology & Personal Development
I believe that there’s more to life than striving to keep up with the Joneses. Being healthy and active are keys to helping you stay positive, especially during these difficult times. Despite the lack of top-down promotion of these ideals during the pandemic, never lose sight of such an important idea. About a decade ago, I changed my life to keep up with my positive belief system, lost 70 pounds, and the associated negative health consequences of being overweight disappeared. The Montreal Gazette published a story on my achievement which has inspired many to change their own lives. After all these years of personal development success, the lockdowns have hindered some of my progress, as it has for so many others, but life is about balance and I’m working with it. Mental health and balancing your life are more important than ever. I help people with their journeys to a better life through mentorship, consulting, and education.
A Renaissance Man
One of the biggest compliments I have received is having been called a “renaissance man.” The first time it happened was during an interview with the department head of a New York City graduate school where I was applying to do a PhD. I’ve since been called that many times, as I’ve gone on to be a writer, blogger, entrepreneur, strategist, consultant, conference speaker, photographer, creative director, editor-in-chief, and so much more! I enjoy sharing my knowledge and helping young companies and freelancers grow their businesses and themselves personally. I mentor many budding entrepreneurs. I’m guided by a strong belief in transparency and integrity, while encouraging people to just be themselves. Oddly enough, the harder I work, the luckier I get. Imagine that!
How I Work
I bring a practical, honest, and strategic approach to every project. Clients often come to me when they need clear thinking, creative problem-solving, and advice they can actually use. I’m direct, hype-free, and focused on my clients’ best interests. I work best with people who value experience, high standards, and honest guidance.
