grow up around such a resilient woman who never gave up and who always found time to help those who needed it. The most important thing my Mom taught me was to put one foot in front of the other and keep going. After she passed away in 2015, I called on her strength often to get me through and I still hear her voice of encouragement daily. I truly believe I’ve found somuch success with FanSaves because of everything my Mom taught me before she left and I only wish she could see all that I’ve accom- plished because I know she’d be so proud.
What is your greatest strength and what is something that you struggle with as an entre- preneur and or businesswoman? SF: I think my biggest strength is the ability to just get things done. I’ve always been great at organization and project management and when I get an idea to do something I don’t stop until it’s done. I believe they call that tenacity. I do struggle with always wanting things to be perfect but I work hard daily to remember that it’s impos- sible for everything to always be perfect and that “perfection is the enemy of progress.” What motivates you as an entrepreneur and small business owner? SF: I love working for myself and don’t think I could go back to working a 9-5 for someone else. That motivates me a lot on the tough days and helps me to remember my why. I also love knowing that what we’ve created from scratch is truly helping people and knowing that we have created something that has the potential to be really huge. Where do you see yourself 5 years from today? SF: Still running FanSaves while spreading my message of determination and success. I’ll be
“My biggest and most important mentor will always be my mother.”
“I also love knowing that what we’ve created from scratch is truly helping people and knowing that we have created something that has the potential to be really huge. ”
What was the inspiration behind FanSaves? SF: Kris and I created FanSaves to solve a problem we were having when selling sponsorship for two minor pro hockey teams. Businesses wantedmore than the traditional rink board, scoreboard ads and wall signage we were offering to them. They wanted something that brought people into their stores while tracking ROI and customer demo- graphics, so we decided to create an app that offers fans discounts and deals from sponsors of their favourite teams. Since then, we’ve grown to service more verticals than just sports and are currently helping over 43 organizations across North America, including Chambers of Commerce, universities, colleges, events and media, like Spotlight on Business! Can you tell us about a particular project that you have worked on or are going to be working on that stands out to you? SF: We recently launched our new Flash Deals feature on FanSaves which was a big project and helps FanSaves be more pandemic proof. Flash Deals allow businesses to sell packages or gift certificates through our website, giving them the chance to generate revenue even if their business is closed because of lockdown. Currently, I’m also a YLAI (Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative) Fellow which will help me improve my leadership skills and business strategy from mentors and other business leaders, like how to take our business from 5 to 50 employees, over the next four months.
standing on a stage after my book signing, speaking to up-and-coming entrepreneurs about what it takes to build a successful business and brand while overcoming obstacles like grief, loss and divorce. I really want to make an impact and help others through my own success. As a small business owner herself, Shannon understands the power of being able to connect and stay engaged with your customers. We per- sonally believe that the sky is the limit for this amazing and talented entrepreneur, and we are very excited to have her as part of our Spotlight on Business Family and we are confident that your mother would be very proud of your accomplish- ments but more importantly the caring person that you have become.
“I think my biggest strength is the ability to just get things done.”
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JANUARY 2021 • SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE
SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2021
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