About Duncan
I am motivated and goal-oriented with a strong focus on developing my skills and knowledge to set myself up with a financially secure future in order to enjoy life and spend time with friends and family.
Work experience
Percussion Instructor Leduc School of Music
2009 - 2010
Through putting on percussion and drumline performances in highschool, I was referred to the Leduc School of Music where they needed another drum teacher. Every week I would work with 3-6 students, providing one on one drumming instruction at various ages and skill levels. I got most of my student to perform at the recitals held at Christmas and again at the end of the year.
"As Duncan Ross' employer, I was most impressed by the high level of responsibility and professionalism that he brought to the job of drum teacher, which I found astonishing due to his relatively young age at the time! He was a wonderful and organized teacher, who had a clear understanding of how best to work with each different age group of student. Parents loved Duncan too, and commented that they viewed him as a role model for their children. We were all very pleased to have him work at the Leduc School of Music, and were sorry to see him go!"
Skills
Leadership
Management
Small Business Management
Small Business Marketing
Business Consulting
Sales
Private Pilot
Percussionist
Commercial Painting
Teaching
Music Instruction
Civilian Music Instructor Department of National Defence - Cadet Program
Contractual
2010 - present
2010 - present
On a contractual basis I am hired as a percussion instructor to teach cadets. Being an ex-cadet myself and advancing through the program has opened up opportunities for me to assist when and where I can. I have worked with cadets ages 12-18 and all skills levels.
Painter Student Works Painting
2010
I was given to opportunity to own/operate my own franchise with Student Works Painting, but in 2010 I had to decide between two great opportunities. I took a risk and choose the potential to get my Private Pilot Licence via Cadets that summer, and so with the time I could offer I worked as a painter for another franchisee who gave me valuable experience which aided in running my own SWP franchise the following year.
"When I ran my painting business in 2010 I had to rely on upstanding, hardworking and dedicated student painters. I hired Duncan Ross as a painter at the start of the Summer, and I became well-aware of his personal contributions to my businesses success. He worked tirelessly throughout the season, all the while learning the intricacies of painting and performing professional level jobs. Duncan stood out among my painters with his vision for his future and by taking the reins, he started to run his own painting business. I have every confidence that Duncan can display his authenticity and prove that his team, under his leadership, is the right choice to work for you."
Franchise Owner/Operator Student Works Painting
2011 - present
I operate a Student Works Painting franchise in Edmonton SW as a Senior Franchisee in the area. I am accountable for the marketing, sales, production, quality, customer relations/satisfaction, strategic planning, equipment purchasing/maintenance, hiring and training employees, and the overall success and profitability of my franchisee.
"I was very impressed with your organizational skills and attention to detail when my condominium was painted by [your crew] during the week of August 5-10, 2012. They worked very carefully and their expertise and outstanding quality of work were evident throughout the week."
A showcase of a few painting projects my outlet of Student Works Painting has done.
A showcase of a few painting projects my outlet of Student Works Painting has done.
"I am more than happy to provide a reference for this franchise. Duncan was thorough and professional when discussing my painting needs. He was reliable, accommodating and timely when scheduling the work. The painters in his crew were polite and made every effort to work within my schedule. They liaised carefully with me to make sure that the job was done to my satisfaction."
District Manager Student Works Painting
2014
After operating a franchise for 3 years I was offered a very unique and exciting opportunity to become a District Manager (DM). As such, my role was to hire and teach new franchisees how to run a successful business. This included making individual business plans and setting goals and teaching topics such as marketing techniques, sales, time management, client relations, recruiting/hiring, and project management. As a DM, I was also a local representative for the company which involves maintaining/growing local business relations, meeting past clients and addressing issues, and operating with an overall goal to preserve an industry leading name for my company.
Education
Grandview Heights Edmonton
Grades 1 - 9
My family was fortunate enough to live in a community with such a great school. Grandview Heights was focused on academic achievement and set a good pace for my studies when I moved onto highschool.
"Duncan was an active, fun-loving student who was always enthusiastic in any activities in which he participated. He particularly enjoyed his science projects, and came back to the school to volunteer as a Science Fair judge. I have been impressed with Duncan’s continued motivation and dedication in his business endeavors outside of school."
Strathcona Composite Highschool Edmonton
Graduated 2009
Once again I was fortunate to attend a wonderful school. "Scona" had something for everyone and I was able to maintain my academics, athletics, and music. Graduated with Honours. I was also the founder and instructor of the "Scona Drumline" of which we did many performances at different rallies and recitals. I received the Rutherford Scholarship upon completion.
University of Alberta Edmonton
Currently - Part Time
I am currently part way through my Bachelor of Commerce at the University of Alberta School of Business with a major in Business Economics and Law and working on a minor in Economics.
Volunteering
Air Cadet League of Canada 504 Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron
2011 - Present
After aging out of the cadet program, I decided to give back as much as I could to program after it gave me so much. I have carried out many different roles as a Civilian Volunteer at the cadet squadron including assisting in training, teaching (topics including aviation, leadership, citizenship, marching drills, and music), and directing the flight simulator program. Currently, I am the officer in charge of the "Level 5" cadet's training as well as the directing band officer. As the directing band officer I schedule the practices, set a training plan, manage the band, and mentor cadets.
Being in this position required me to have a clean and clear police records check.
"I have known Duncan for 8 years and in this time have watched him grow into an amazing young man. Duncan has been volunteering with our cadet unit for the last two years and is an energetic, enthusiastic individual with attention to detail. He is very adept in finding solutions to situations that may require some “out of the box” thinking. I find Duncan to be honest, trustworthy and reliable in all areas. We have used Duncan’s professional services to enhance our facility and his standards remain high in all regards. I would highly recommend Duncan for any activity he undertakes!"
My Cadet History
I include this section because I feel my experience as an Air Cadet has had such an impact on my life and has shaped me into who I am today. Some of my greatest achievements and experiences have been with the cadet program.
A Brief Summary
2003 - 2010
When I joined cadets I had no idea what I had coming for the next 7 years. The program started out a little slow, but I soon found a niche which turned out to be Band. For the next 4-5 years in the program, my focus was with the band and learning percussion. In that time I attended 5 music summer camps and obtained the highest cadet music level on drums. On the side I was developing my leadership skills and knowledge. I moved up the ranks in the band and soon became the Drum Major (band commander). Outside of the band I was also moving the ranks and in 2008 I attended Senior Leaders Course which is a national level cadet summer camp of which some of the best cadets attend to learn and practice leadership. Soon after that course I became the Warrant Officer 1st Class (highest ranking cadet) of my squadron. I then turned my focus to the aviation aspect of Air Cadets and was lucky enough to get my Private Pilot Licence through the cadet program. When I aged out in 2010, I decided to stay with the squadron as a civilian volunteer and give back to the program that offered me so much.
Awards and Achievements
2006
- Top Service Band Musician - Cold Lake Air Cadet Summer Training Centre (CLACSTC)
- Top Bandsman - Outstanding bandsmanship and musical ability.
2007
- Top Overall Cadet, Service Band - CLACSTC (Was rewarded with a flight in a CF-18 Hornet)
- Cadet Long Service Medal - Four continuous years of honourable service.
- Top Bandsman - Outstanding bandsmanship and musical ability
- Ex-Air Achievement Award - Excellence in drill, dress, deportment, and "espirit de corps."
2008
- Royal Canadian Legion Cadet Medal of Excellence - Outstanding leadership and citizenship
- "B3 Hornet Flight" Most Valuable Flight Member, Senior Leaders Course - CLACSTC
- Top Overall Cadet, Senior Leaders Course - CLACSTC (Was again rewarded with a flight in a CF-18)
- 435 Squadron Leadership Award - Outstanding leadership
- The Spirit of 504 Award - Awarded based on votes from the cadets in the squadron.
- Top Bandsman - Outstanding bandsmanship and musical ability.
- Chinthe Award - Outstanding leadership, teamwork, and initiative.
2009
- Lord Strathcona Medal - exemplary performance in physical and military training.
2010
- Flynn Memorial Trophy - Top marks on the aviation exam and getting Private Pilot Licence.
- 435 Chinthe Squadron Trophy of Excellence - Outstanding contribution to overall success of the unit.
- The Spirit of 504 Award - Awarded based on votes from the cadets in the squadron.
- Chinthe Award - Outstanding leadership, teamwork, and initiative.
