The best thing about being part of the WSI network is that you get to meet some really great people, and Denise & Jason Gervais are the most successful husband and wife team in our network. Let’s find out more about them.
Hi Denise, tell me a little about yourself, and where you are located?
I’m a mother, wife, and operate as VP of Operations of our franchise in Milton, Ontario.
Why did you want to become an Internet consultant?
My husband Jason started the franchise and convinced me to join him when my maternity leave was done. On top of that, I had already worked at head office for 10 years, so I had drank the WSI kool-aid.
What job/business were you in before you started your WSI business?
10 years in Franchise Development at WSI.
Tell us about anyone who helped influence you into starting your own business?
My husband, and spending years around the co-founders of WSI.
How long have you been with WSI?
Just celebrated my 13 year anniversary of owning the franchise - started in October 2005.
Describe your typical work week?
We have a great team in place, so I’m fortunate enough to be in the office only when our son is in school, around 9am to 3pm. Of course, I’m addicted to email at all hours though!
My role in the business is everything except sales – I function as the VP of Operations and all of the digital marketing specialists reports to me. We have a team of 11 right now, plus freelancers. My focus is to make sure everyone else is delivering results to our clients (effectively and efficiently).
What highlights have you had since being with WSI?
- Anytime we hear a client say they’ve had their best month or year ever. Seeing the growth and results our clients experience from our efforts.
- I could never have imagine the growth we’ve achieved. We’re now in our second office space, over $1.5M a year.
What are the biggest obstacles that you have faced in running your business and how have you mastered them?
Over the last 13 years? There has been a lot!
Main issues are often around having the right staff/suppliers in place to deliver to clients, since I don’t have the skills myself. And keeping up with Jason, my husband. He’s the driver and visionary of the business – so trying to have productive business discussions and decisions while having the familiarity of being spouses can be tricky. We keep learning about human behavior, being patient with each other, and making sure we match our Core Values:
- Results First
- Proactive Service
- Quality Work
- Accountability
- Constant Learning
- Work Hard and Play Hard as a Team
Do you have any skills or talents that most people don't know about?
CrossFit, paleo cooking/baking.
What do you think are the best skills that you bring to your business?
I’m all about processes and systems. Keep your brain power for relationship building, problem solving, creativity. Everything else can be made into a system.
What goal do you have for yourself that you want to accomplish in the next year?
Onboarded our internally promoted Digital Marketing Manager.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?
I hope that the business will be running without me. Beyond that, I'm not sure what’s next, waiting for God to show me.
What advice would you give a new WSI Internet Consultant?
I always tell new applicants:
- One of the best things about WSI is there are a LOT of ways of making money. That’s also one of the biggest challenges. If you spend all of your time learning those different ways, you’ll be stuck learning forever and not do any business. So learn a little and go! Learn, go; learn, go.
- There are 2 main hats in this business, sales and project management. Remember to put both on every day.
- Get recurring revenue, sell ongoing marketing services.
What would be your personal motto?
What would Jesus do?
If we went to happy hour, what would you order?
Most days a hot water with lemon, or a really good glass of red wine.
If you could be anywhere other than here talking to me - right this minute, where would you be?
On a beach - Curacao is booked for February!
Feel free to connect with Denise & Jason Gervais from Ontario. They have 13 years of experience that they can share with other WSI Digital Marketing Consultants.
