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-The Sounding Board for the Vancouver Board of Trade published a snapshot biography on Carole MacFadden, our founder, in February 2005, this is the expanded version-

Carole MacFadden is the chief designer at Personalized Creations Gift Basket Service. Since 1991, she have been designing exquisite gift baskets and packages for her corporate clientele. Her company offers a large selection of quality gift baskets and year round gift delights that help her clients shine when sending gifts of gratitude and acknowledgment. Personalized Creations is the place to go when ordinary gift giving is not an option!

Reasons for joining The Board:
Even though I was a member of another prominent business organization, after my initial Vanc Board of Trade event I was struck by the sheer number of like-minded business owners. The next day while attending my regularly scheduled club meeting, I had to ask myself “Why am I spending my time & energy here when I could be a part of that strong network of business people who understood and have already expressed interest for my services?” I was so motivated, I joined the next day and never looked back!

Favorite business book and why: Can we get better than 7 Habits of Highly Successful People by Stephen Covey. It’s been around a while, but I believe in the basic premise; build your business on your values and consistently do the right things.
My current read is becoming a fast favorite as well though -Blink by Malcolm Gladwell

Details about family life: I was born in Ontario, then moved to BC and called the West End home until I was a teenager. Now Richmond has been home for the last 12 years.

Biggest business challenge: Continuing to raise the bar in customer service and exceeding their expectations with unique gift ideas that make my clients and customers look good to their clients, prospects, suppliers, etc...

Best positive networking tip: Show up to meetings! I have been a member of the Board for almost 10 years now and I have seen plenty come and go. The people who receive business at the Board of Trade (or any group) are the people who show up, meet others regularly and give referral business themselves. You have to be there to make it happen for fellow members as well as for yourself.

Tip to resolve conflict: Hang up the phone! (haha, just kidding) Taking time to breathe and clear my mind for 60 seconds while I really listen to what is being said. Often, listening without prejudgment is usually all it takes to see their other side and offer a solution pleasing to both parties.

Best advice you ever received: Look both ways! - Tunnel vision can get you in trouble.

Preparation for 2010: System development is crucial for handling the quantities and expectations of the Olympic experience. We are tweaking as much as possible in preparation for 2010 by streamlining, contracting, sourcing out, and improving customer satisfaction.

Passions: I am so blessed to have a life surrounded by everything I am passionate about. Finding something new to discover and be grateful for everyday, allows me to squeeze the juice from everyday… but a few cute "passions" I can mention here would be - movies & buttered popcorn, Starbucks Chai Mistoes, fine cheese & bread and my continual hunt for the perfect red wine.

Adventures: Adventure is another constant in my life, sometimes it is something I seek and sometimes it is something that seeks me out. ;-)
Recently I learned to skydive and walk a tight-rope at the circus as well as learn to shoot a 9mm gun and juggle. Currently though I am working towards getting my pilot's license as well.
Oops, the question meant business adventure... ok, well... running your own business for 14 years makes everyday an adventure!

Favorite sport Although I enjoy baseball, golf and roller blading, my favorite sport is a night of laughter... fun stories, fabulous food, amazing wine and loads of giggles shared with great friends. A great night of laughter is as good for your abdominal development as 50 crunches is!!

Some accolades we have been blessed with:

	1998 Awarded Entrepreneur of the Year for the Monthly Mentor Business Coaching Program		1999 Awarded International Who's Who of Entrepreneurs
	2002, 2003 & 2004 Business Network International Master Networker Award		2003 & 2004 - Awarded Best Gift Basket Company in Vancouver BC by Best of BC.com

More Gifting Assistance Information and Policies, click here.
Traditional Gift Info - Anniversary Gifts, Birthstones, Flower Meanings, Zodiacs, click here.
Corporate Gift Giving Services, click here.
Online Ordering Guide, click here.