126 | Dan Desmarais | How I Built a World-Class Virtual Consulting Practice

In today’s show, Chris interviews Dan Desmarais, President, Cantactix Solutions Inc. Dan worked as a Student Works painter and manager in 1989-90. After Student Works, Dan entered the corporate world and eventually formed his own consulting company. Today, Dan’s organization is providing services to some of the biggest retail organizations in the world. 

This show starts with Dan recalling his life before Student Works. Working hourly jobs, Dan was frustrated that he was not working to his full potential. Another big grouse of his was the fact that he was not getting recognition for his work. This is when Dan discovered Student Works. Here, listeners will learn how managing a painting business can equip young college students with the skillsets necessary to succeed in the real world.

After Student Works, Dan had a very successful stint in sales at P&G. Dan shares the FIVE-STEP sales process that he learned at P&G that he uses even today. After P&G, Dan worked for 12 years at JDA Software Group Inc. JDA is in the business of providing space management tools to top-tier retail and manufacturing organizations. 

In the next segment of the show, Dan gives us an interesting peek into the world of retail. You will learn how the world’s largest retail organizations use sophisticated data analytics to optimize their inventory and save millions of dollars. The economic crisis of 2008 threatened to end Dan’s successful stint in an abrupt fashion. However, some quick thinking helped Dan strike a partnership with JDA instead. This led to the formation of Dan’s current business, Cantactix.

The business model of Cantactix Solutions Inc. is particularly interesting. Cantactix provides space management solutions and planogram automation tools to companies in the retail space. How does Dan manage his entirely virtual team of 35+ people? Is managing a virtual business significantly different from running a traditional business? Dan reveals some great insights.

The last segment of the show is particularly interesting as Dan talks about his many failures and successes. As far as failures go, he reveals how he quoted lowball prices to build up his client roster in the initial stages of his business. Whereas, Dan’s endeavor to give back to his employees and to continuously update his knowledge will surely inspire you.  

We wrap up this show by sharing some crucial attributes that truly define a leader of tomorrow. Tune in for some excellent nuggets!

 

Resources:

Student Works 

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