Marilyn Magas

WHAT GOT YOU STARTED?

by Burke Campbell

Published in the Financial Post

January 28, 2008

Marilyn Magas, as President of Magas and Associates, runs and administers  the Sunshine Coast Employment Centre (www.scces.ca), located in Sechelt, just west of Vancouver in  British Columbia.  This resource centre informs and prepares people who are seeking changes in their careers or employment. Ms Magas tells Burke Campbell what motivated her to become an entrepreneur.  

EARLY VENTURES: “I was raised on a farm. When father died, my mother was left to bring up the family. I saw that farming is a risky business and you learn to take chances.”

THE PATIENT EAR: “I taught hairdressing at a high school in Winnipeg. People open up to a barber or hairdresser. I became a good listener.”

TWIST OF FATE: “I also did hair and cosmetics for film and television shows. In 1987, my husband and I moved to the Sunshine Coast to work on the CBC series, ‘The Beachcombers’. I loved the place and wanted to stay, so I had to find work there.”

THE IDEA: “I was passionate about helping people make the right choices and find opportunities that suit them. In 1997, I started this business with three people. Now we have twenty-three full time workers. ”

THE REWARDS KEEP COMING: “In this business, we help people understand their motivations as well as their skills. Many of our clients stay in touch with us well after moving away. They are so thankful when they find work that means something special to them. It’s wonderful to have that connection with others.”

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