Laurie G., as her friends and colleagues fondly refer to her, brings her diverse life and business experience to bear on every project she undertakes. Whether it’s creating custom gift baskets for her corporate clients, running a networking meeting for local women, or mentoring a new business owner, she knows that community and giving are essential to growth and success.

Creating Excellence Through Service

Laurie Giftochristos began her career in the Customer Service Industry over 20 years ago. Educated in French in Montreal and fluently bilingual, she was quickly sought out by well-known corporations for her exceptional customer service skills.

In her capacity as Sales Coordinator for the Montreal Office of Timex Canada Inc., she provided high-level administrative support and customer service with clients big and small. Laurie developed an excellent rapport with owners of small retail stores, and wholesales and buyers for large corporations such as the Hudson’s Bay Company. Laurie’s natural tendency to treat all of her customers with a high level of courtesy, integrity and professionalism continues today in her new businesses.

When Laurie and her family moved to Toronto, Laurie was hired by the Jones Apparel group, the distributors of the ‘Jones New York’ and other related fashion labels. As a bilingual customer service representative reporting directly to the President, Laurie dealt directly with the sales offices, assembled product catalogues for the yearly collections, processed orders, coordinated fashion shows and career-dressing workshops, and again worked closely with the buyers for retail stores across Canada. She was also the official French translator for both the Canadian and American offices. A natural leader, valued for her high standards of achievement, it was only a matter of time before Laurie was promoted to Supervisor of Customer Service.

Creating Opportunity with Entrepreneurial Flair

In 2008, Laurie launched her own company, EZ Connections and Events to help others connect with the resources they needed to succeed, and to formalize her involvement with local charitable event planning. The Grand Dessert Night is now her premier annual event, and supports the Canadian Cancer Society as one of York Region’s most successful fundraising events. She is also the founder of the York Region Chapter of Company of Women, one of Canada’s fastest growing networking groups for women. Each month she hosts a breakfast networking meeting and frequently organizes special evening events. Find out more about becoming a member of Company of Women, and how it can help your business.

In 2011, Laurie purchased the York Region franchise of Two Blonds and a Brunette, one of Canada’s largest gift basket and gift idea companies and has quickly grown the franchise into a successful business. In late 2011, she joined together with two other local entrepreneurs to found Creative Lanes, with a vision of bringing Newmarket businesses together in one stylish location. Providing office space and a professional boardroom, Creative Lanes is quickly becoming the place to network and grow your business.

Laurie is the proud mom of two beautiful children and has recently made the big move from Sharon into Newmarket to be closer to her clientele and office at Creative Lanes. Contact her today to find out how she can help your business grow.