We’ve introduced you to a lot of cool things about Vicinity. Things like the email and texting features, how you can use it to run marketing campaigns, even how the technology works! But we totally forgot one of the most important pieces of the puzzle – the people behind Vicinity. We’re a nimble team of managers, account reps, trainers and salespeople and we thought we’d give you an inside peek at who we are!
Fiona Lake Waslander, General Manager
1. When did you join Vicinity, and what’s your role on the team?
I joined in February 2013 as the first employee and I’m the General Manager of Vicinity (also known as cat herder, cheerleader, office supplier orderer, scorekeeper, etc…)
2. What’s the one treat from a Vicinity merchant that you can’t resist?
Wine from Bloor West Winery – I just made a batch of wine last weekend.
3. Since the weather is getting warmer, what are your top 3 favourite summer activities in Toronto?
1) Taking the kids to Centre Island; 2) Biking along the Lake Shore; 3) Eating dinner out on a patio
4. If you could travel to any Vicinity city in Canada, which one would it be?
Edmonton because I’ve never been there.
5. It’s a long weekend. Do you go to the beach, the cottage, or stay in the city?
Stay in the city because there are always so many great festivals in Toronto on long weekends in the summer.
Adam Santangelo, Merchant Success Team
1. When did you join Vicinity, and what’s your role on the team?
I joined Vicinity in March 2013 as the second employee after Fiona. I manage our Merchant Success team and have worked directly with many of our existing Vicinity businesses.
2. What’s the one treat from a Vicinity merchant that you can’t resist?
I’m a big fan of the cheese steaks from I Went to Philly.
3. Since the weather is getting warmer, what are your top 3 favourite summer activities in Toronto?
I do the same 3 things all year round (eat food, buy books, watch movies), but walking to these places is less painful in the summer.
4. If you could travel to any Vicinity city in Canada, which one would it be?
Vancouver – never been there.
5. It’s a long weekend. Do you go to the beach, the cottage, or stay in the city?
I’m a city guy – there aren’t many things I like to do outside of cities. Luckily I live in a city with over 400 Vicinity merchants, so I’m never short of options!
Peter Ziskos, Sales and Training Manager
1. When did you join Vicinity, and what’s your role on the team?
I joined Vicinity in September of 2013. I am the Sales & Training Manager. My role is to take care of newly hired Sales Representatives during the onboarding process in a way that is efficiently productive yet enjoyable. We preach integrity as well as giving merchants the best customer experience possible.
2. What’s the one treat from a Vicinity merchant that you can’t resist?
Ooooooh, that’s a toughie. If I had to choose…the Smoked Chili Lime Wings at Rally Sports Bar are magical.
3. Since the weather is getting warmer, what are your top 3 favourite summer activities in Toronto?
Sports, Pools and Patios.
4. If you could travel to any Vicinity city in Canada, which one would it be?
Another hard question. I love Canada. I’ve been to many cities across this great nation. If I had to choose, Centreville, Nova Scotia.
5. It’s a long weekend. Do you go to the beach, the cottage, or stay in the city?
Since my friends and I are getting to that age (and I hear it from my mom at least twice a day), you’d probably find me at a wedding. If I’m lucky, then I’d be at the cottage!
Alex Kardash, Inside Sales Rep/Team Lead.
1. When did you join Vicinity, and what’s your role on the team?
I joined the Vicinity Team in November. In a short four months I have progressed to an inside sales rep/team lead. Go Killa B’s
2. What’s the one treat from a Vicinity merchant that you can’t resist?
Cupcakes from Desmond and Beatrice
3. Since the weather is getting warmer, what are your top 3 favourite summer activities in Toronto?
Trinity Bellwoods Park, Toronto Island, Pedestrian Sundays in Kensington Market. Check out our newest merchant in the market Sanagans.
4. If you could travel to any Vicinity city in Canada, which one would it be?
Vancouver
5. It’s a long weekend. Do you go to the beach, the cottage, or stay in the city?
Cottage. I am lucky enough to have a cottage in Halliburton on Red Stone Lake