GK is proud to introduce our new Territory Account Manager for Eastern Canada, Janie Lapierre! She comes to the company with over twenty years of experience in the cheerleading industry. She has a Bachelors Degree in Fashion and previously owned her own cheerleading apparel business and event company. In an interview with GK, her passion for the cheer industry came across as she told us, "I want to become one of the best Territory Account Managers GK has ever had! My desire is to truly understand my client’s needs so they don’t have to worry about their cheerleading apparel. I want them to feel like they can rely on me!" Janie is very excited to start this new chapter in her life, and we are thrilled to have her on board! Read on to see her plans to bring Canada to the next level with GK Cheer!
GK: How do you plan on growing the GK brand in Canada?
JL: I plan to use the experience and contacts that I have acquired in the past seven years to grow Gk in Canada. I can't wait for my clients from my previous business to discover the great company I now represent. I think teaming up with GK will bring a lot of success to the company. I am so excited to bring these amazing cheerleading uniforms to Canada and to represent the most innovative cheer brand in the world!
GK: Why did you choose to join the GK team?
JL: GK is well known in Québec and was the local cheerleading brands biggest competitor. I was at a cross roads in my life where I had to choose to continue with my own business or become a part of the GK team. I decided that working with GK will allow me to have more time to do the things I want, such as spending more time building relationships in the cheer industry.
GK: Does the Cheer apparel market differ in Canada than the US?
JL: In the main cities of Montreal and Quebec it is quite similar, but when you go out of these areas, All Star competitive cheerleading is not as developed or well known.
GK: Being a gym owner, what do you look for in practice wear?
JL: Style and Comfort. When I buy a product for my athletes, I want them to feel confident while remaining comfortable in their cheerleading apparel. I know that if they feel confident in their cheer uniforms they will perform confidently, so style and comfort in training and competing are really important.
GK: How do you think Canada will receive GK?
JL: The Canadian cheerleading market is thrilled to have access to GK in an easier way! I think it will be a great adventure!
GK: What are you most excited about in your new position?
JL: Talking directly with the clients. With my previous business, I was in a position where I had to work on more strategic and operational things which caused me to loose contact with the clients. I love talking with the clients and helping them with their cheerleading apparel needs. I am thrilled to go back on the road and meet new people in the cheer industry.
GK: What did you think about your visit to the GK Headquarters in Reading, PA?
JL: It really felt like home! I was impressed with how efficient GK is and loved seeing all the smiling faces everywhere I went! It really felt like a family. It was a lot of fun and a great experience. I can’t wait to see everyone again!
Welcome to the family, Janie! We are so happy to have you be a part of the team and look forward to watching the plans you have for Canada unfold.
If you need help ordering your GK cheerleading apparel contact your local Cheer Account Manager today! For international sales, contact your International Sales Distributor to start planning next seasons GK cheer wear!
GK Cheer. The Next Level.