TRAINING

With over 45 years of experience in the garment embellishment industry, my journey began as a teenager working in my father’s screen printing and crest-making business. This early introduction to the craft ignited a deep passion for the industry, leading me to explore a wide range of roles and develop expertise in screen printing, embroidery, heat transfer vinyl (HTV), direct-to-garment (DTG) printing, direct-to-film (DTF) printing, embroidery digitizing, and graphic design. Throughout this journey, I have had the privilege of building lasting relationships with incredible mentors, colleagues, and friends who have shaped my career.

My greatest role model has always been my father, the hardest-working man I have ever known. His craftsmanship in creating intricate, high-quality products was extraordinary, complemented by my mother’s exceptional sewing skills, attention to detail, and precision in producing stunning Felt Cut Crests. Together, they built a thriving business, screen-printing t-shirts, sports uniforms, crests, and more—all while raising ten children. Their dedication, resilience, and artistry have been a profound influence on my professional path, and I am forever grateful for the values they instilled in me.

In 1991, I expanded my skill set to include embroidery while working as a screen and offset printer at the University of Calgary. When the university acquired an embroidery machine, my curiosity led me to learn more, eventually earning me an offer from the supplier to become a technician and trainer. This opportunity opened new doors, including an unforgettable on-site training experience in Yellowknife, NWT. Before leaving Yellowknife, I was offered the role of General Manager at the Jessie Oonark Centre in Baker Lake, NU—an experience I deeply cherished. Even after 35 years, I remain in touch with many of the remarkable individuals I had the privilege of working with there.

Upon returning to Calgary, I focused on refining my sales, service, and training skills, which further solidified my passion for embroidery. A pivotal moment in my career was spending over a month at the Melco Embroidery plant in Denver, Colorado, where I gained hands-on experience in machine manufacturing, servicing, and embroidery software such as Wilcom and Melco EDS3. A specialized digitizing session with a Wilcom expert from Melco reinforced my commitment to mastering the craft. Eventually, I established my own business, selling Happy Embroidery Machines, offering digitizing services, and providing contract embroidery for some of Calgary’s largest clothing and promotional product companies.

After that chapter, I transitioned to Edmonton, where I spent a decade as a regional embellishment manager for a major retail chain, further expanding my expertise in large-scale operations. Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to collaborate with many talented professionals, many of whom I still stay connected with today.

Now, I am excited to embark on a new chapter with Infinity Embroidery Solutions, where I will apply my experience, dedication, and passion to drive innovation and growth in the embroidery industry. I look forward to reconnecting with old friends and forging new relationships—please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or just want to connect!

With over 45 years of experience in the garment embellishment industry, my journey began as a teenager working in my father’s screen printing and crest-making business. This early introduction to the craft ignited a deep passion for the industry, leading me to explore a wide range of roles and develop expertise in screen printing, embroidery, heat transfer vinyl (HTV), direct-to-garment (DTG) printing, direct-to-film (DTF) printing, embroidery digitizing, and graphic design. Throughout this journey, I have had the privilege of building lasting relationships with incredible mentors, colleagues, and friends who have shaped my career.

My greatest role model has always been my father, the hardest-working man I have ever known. His craftsmanship in creating intricate, high-quality products was extraordinary, complemented by my mother’s exceptional sewing skills, attention to detail, and precision in producing stunning Felt Cut Crests. Together, they built a thriving business, screen-printing t-shirts, sports uniforms, crests, and more—all while raising ten children. Their dedication, resilience, and artistry have been a profound influence on my professional path, and I am forever grateful for the values they instilled in me.

In 1991, I expanded my skill set to include embroidery while working as a screen and offset printer at the University of Calgary. When the university acquired an embroidery machine, my curiosity led me to learn more, eventually earning me an offer from the supplier to become a technician and trainer. This opportunity opened new doors, including an unforgettable on-site training experience in Yellowknife, NWT. Before leaving Yellowknife, I was offered the role of General Manager at the Jessie Oonark Centre in Baker Lake, NU—an experience I deeply cherished. Even after 35 years, I remain in touch with many of the remarkable individuals I had the privilege of working with there.

Upon returning to Calgary, I focused on refining my sales, service, and training skills, which further solidified my passion for embroidery. A pivotal moment in my career was spending over a month at the Melco Embroidery plant in Denver, Colorado, where I gained hands-on experience in machine manufacturing, servicing, and embroidery software such as Wilcom and Melco EDS3. A specialized digitizing session with a Wilcom expert from Melco reinforced my commitment to mastering the craft. Eventually, I established my own business, selling Happy Embroidery Machines, offering digitizing services, and providing contract embroidery for some of Calgary’s largest clothing and promotional product companies.

After that chapter, I transitioned to Edmonton, where I spent a decade as a regional embellishment manager for a major retail chain, further expanding my expertise in large-scale operations. Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to collaborate with many talented professionals, many of whom I still stay connected with today.

Now, I am excited to embark on a new chapter with Infinity Embroidery Solutions, where I will apply my experience, dedication, and passion to drive innovation and growth in the embroidery industry. I look forward to reconnecting with old friends and forging new relationships—please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or just want to connect!.