INTRODUCING | TESS PARENT
We’re thrilled to introduce our wonderful new Sales Manager, Tess Parent, and can’t wait for you to meet her. Until then, we sat down with her ourselves and asked a few questions…
What’s your favourite part about working at MMS so far?
The team. I love being surrounded by intelligent, passionate and supportive people.
You’ve just received 10 brownie points! How did you know this was the role for you?
I knew after my first interview that this is where I wanted to be. I came away from that meeting feeling inspired and impressed by the entrepreneurial spirit of the team. Of course, it helps that Matt’s designs are magic, and the business itself is at a stage where opportunities abound. For someone like myself who focuses on growth and business development, it is a very fortunate position to come into.
What you are most looking most forward to in this role?
I’m excited about the broad scope of the role, and the seemingly boundless opportunities. I love the open-minded and agile nature of MMS as a business. Matt is known for reiterating and refining his designs, and I’m happy to say that the Studio is run much the same way. There is an understanding that there isn’t necessarily a “right way” to grow, which allows us to pursue the “best way” for MMS while continuing to try new things going forward.
What is one thing are you most proud of in your career so far?
I’m proud of my versatility and bravery. I co-founded a start-up called Natura Solutions Ltd. with a good friend of mine a few years back and I learned a TON while working to get that business off the ground. My personal and professional growth during that time was exponential. There was no aspect of that business that I was not involved in, which gave me a broader understanding of the interdependencies within a small business, and how they impact its growth.
What’s your favourite MMS Light?
This is a toughie! I’m partial towards the Line Light and the larger Cascadia installations. For me, they represent the best of the west coast. I spend a lot of my free time exploring our local mountains with my dog, so the beauty of the solid wood Line Lights and the cascading, waterfall effect of the Cascadia really speak to me.
“‘No one has it all figured out. The truth is that we are all just doing our best.’ I find this statement so empowering. If no one has all the answers, (and no one is pretending to), then there is no harm in trying something new. It gives us the freedom to explore, and also to fail.”
— Tess Parent
What’s your definition of success?
Success for me is two-fold:
Progress is the first measure, which is very much reflected in our team values at MMS. We strive to be ‘better than yesterday’ as a holistic measure. My progress may not always be linear day-to-day, but the hope is that when I zoom out from the graph, it trends upward.
The second is balance. I’m not racing to get anywhere. I want to enjoy the ride.
What are three words that best describe you?
Outgoing, adventurous and determined.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?
My mom, who earned her yoga teaching certificate at the age of 62, has imparted many pearls of wisdom over the years, but I think my favourite may still be: “No one has it all figured out.” The truth is that we are all just doing our best. I find that statement so empowering. If no one has all the answers, (and no one is pretending to), then there is no harm in trying something new. It gives us the freedom to explore, and to fail.
We’re grateful to have Tess on the MMS team and the valuable skillset and wealth of experience she brings.
Tess can be reached by email at tparent[at]matthewmccormickstudio.ca
or by phone at 1-888-290-0840 (ext #104).
