Alexandra Ross Professional Organizer

"We adore chaos because we love to produce order." --M. C. Escher

Alexandra C. Ross

Owner & President

BA, MA, Level II CD

I have been living and enjoying Whistler for over 10 years. For the last four years I have been living in Pemberton just 20 minutes north of Whistler. Whistler and Pemberton are indeed magical places. The Pemberton valley, surrounding mountains, lakes and forests are stunning and I truly consider this place a paradise. Business here has been booming and opened up new opportunities. Not to mention the growth and benefits we will experience with having the Olympics in 2010.

My experience in Property Management, Hotel and Real Estate covering everything from Sales, Marketing, Management and Operations helps me to grasp the workflow and daily challenges of a company life.

Being a mother of a toddler helped me to understand the daily challenges of a family. In addition running my own company taught me the amount of pressure one can encounter, trying to balance family and business..

Growing up in Europe gave me the opportunity to develop a strong work ethic, to appreciate diversity and experience the variety of the European traditions and culture. I am fluent in English, German and conversational French and Spanish. I further explored the South American and the North American culture.

Back in Germany I completed my Masters in German Literature in addition to a degree in Psychology, and Political Science. Prior to my Masters I received my Bachelor degree in Business and Economics and completed an apprenticeship in Retail Management. Believe it or not I started organizing when I was 14 years old at my Dads' advertising agency, consisting of 20 employees.

While attending University I maintained my own consulting and freelance organizing business. I organized offices for: Insurance, Real Estate, and Property Management companies, as well as for an Osteopathy Healing Centre, an Advertising Agency, and Music Producer.

Besides the usual office organization, I organized events, meetings, conferences, designed ads & brochures, translated text, edited (including speeches), organized display companies to get ready for tradeshows, and I helped my friends organizing and decorating their houses. This is where it all started.

My passion is to create inviting living and working environments in order for people to experience harmony and balance. To provide training for the time and project challenged individual to re-gain control, focus, and clarity.

I completed a certificate as a Professional Organizer, in 2003 at HG Academy in Burbank, California. Today, Chronic Disorganization as well as ADD becomes more and more an issue around the world. Therefore I decided to build on my Psychology degree and educate myself and specialize in Chronic Disorganization. I earned my level II certificate in Chronic Disorganization at NSGCD.

We are able to help people with certain disorders to get a handle on life and making it more enjoyable in applying positive elements in their environments and simply give them back control over space, clutter and time in providing them with tools to be able to maintain a certain degree of organization and being able to function on a daily base in a balanced and harmonious way.

The Organizing Wizard also provides a service to all Professional Organizer that focus on the hands-on part and do not handle the emotional part nor provide after-support. After the Organizer is done with the physical part of organizing, the Organizing Wizard provides the coaching part, which includes changing habits and implementing provided organizing tools, training to maintain organization and resolving any issues that prevent the individuals to stay organized and focused. If outside of our service area the Organizer will extent the contract with the client and will be eyes and ears to The Organizing Wizard, since the coaching will be handled over the phone.

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Proud member of Professional Organizers of Canada
www.organizersincanada.com
POC National Board of Directors - Director of Education
POC Venue Chair 2007 Conference Vancouver
Past Chair Education Committee (2004-2006)
Developer Training Program for Professional Organizers (implemented by POC in 2006)

Other Memberships:

NSGCD - National Study Group on Chronic Disorganization
AHP - Association of Holistic Practitioners
E-Women Network
Whistler Chamber of Commerce
Pemberton Chamber of Commerce
Spirit of BC Winterfest Pemberton Committee - Sponsorship Chair

Testimonials

Last year I had a number of unexpected events including starting a business from home. My home office had become a vortex of paper. I felt I was spending most of my time moving paper from one pile to another trying to get a handle on it. I knew the space wasn't used efficiently but I couldn't see my way through it. After almost a year of feeling nothing but the stress of clutter - mentally and figuratively - I decided to stop beating myself up about "not being organized enough" and to treat myself to a professional organizer. Alex the Organizing Wizard! It took a while to explain to my friends and family, what a professional organizer does. I wasn't hiring someone to file my paperwork and "clean" my office. I can do that. I wanted someone to help me utilize my office space more efficiently.

It was so worth the money! Alex was great! She helped see the trees through the forest! By booking appointments with Alex it helped to keep my momentum going. I now have room (which is an office and a guest room) that is a calm place to be. It has also spread to other areas of my life. I didn't just de-clutter my office but also my mind, which is a very good feeling. I was somewhat surprised that physically de-cluttering a space would have such an affect on my life.

Finally, to get the most out of your experience with Alex - take some time to figure out how you work not how you think you should work. If it's not easy or natural for you to maintain, what's the point. You'll end up right back where you started in short order. It has been over 4 months and my office is still blissfully clutter free!

Kathleen Wilson
J-Marr Systems

Dear Alex,
I am writing to thank you for your valuable help with my office last winter. I called you in a moment of desperation, when stacks of clutter had taken over my office and my mind. You sorted everything out smoothly and efficiently, and I have been thankful ever since.

My office was suffering from lack of space and time and an inefficient filing system. You were able to identify specific problems and implement solutions effectively, and to provide the necessary coaching for me along the way. Now I can find necessary documents within seconds, and even more importantly, so can my staff. The office environment has become less cluttered and more harmonious, and my only regret is that I did not call for your help sooner.

Thank you again for transforming my office. I am happy to recommend your services to any one who finds inefficient use of time and space to be affecting their business and personal lives.
Best regards,

Gwendolyn Kennedy
Redpoint Mechanical Services, Pemberton

"The Organizing Wizard recently prepared a Marketing Analysis for us at Okanagan Lodging Company.

The paper was presented in a professional manner and was both detailed and thorough. This research has helped us with our marketing efforts. Thank you Organizing Wizard"

Andy Skerlec, President
Okanagan Lodging Company Ltd. Kelowna
www.okanaganlodging.com

Dear Alexandra,
Thanks for your recent help in organizing my business. Last year, I experienced a 40% growth in sales and prior to meeting you, it was rather chaotic. I was stressed out and spent most of my time trying to find stuff.

During our sessions, we were able to isolate the key factors causing me to lose control of my orders, and work life. You initiated several systems for categorizing my work and organizing my day. What was particularly useful to me was your ability to set up office up in a whole new way so that I can work with other people.

Six months later, I have a new employee, who adapted to the new system easily. Previous to meeting you, I was handling around 25 active client files and it was a total nightmare keeping all the information organized. Now I’m handling in the neighborhood of 60 files and can sleep at night, knowing that everything is under control.

Your tenure here made my transformation from a one man show, to an expanding enterprise, a breeze. Thanks!

Regardless of the industry you work in, I feel strongly that “The Organizing Wizard” could help your business get to the next level.

Sincerely,
Craig Davidiuk
“The Idea Guy” - Squamish, BC
www.ultipromo.com

“Alexandra, the Organizing Wizard, was a pleasure to work with and really helped focus our efforts in the development of my re-election campaign.

Gordon McKeever – Whistler councillor

"Alexandra was instrumental in putting together a very successful inaugural summit for the Whistler Forum in November 2004. Her superb organizational skills and ability to work to tight deadlines were critical to our success"

Peter Shrimpton, Chair The Whistler Forum for Dialogue

Alex is truly an "Office Wizard" from understanding my needs to kicking me out of my office to uncover the state it is in to recommending filing systems and then actually doing the organizing I saw things change before my eyes. I felt more in control and able to manage the day to day more efficiently once I had an easy to use system under foot.

Glenn Iles
Director of Sales and Marketing
Four Seasons Resort Whistler.

Thank you again for all your work in organizing the summit! I've been to a lot of conferences in my time -- and organized a few myself -- and I must say I was incredibly impressed with the professionalism and thoroughness of the organization.
It's really hard to pull off an event like that without any visible glitches, but you did it, and did it in a way that was both very polished and very welcoming. The whole thing far exceeded my expectations. I hope you'll keep in touch, and again, congratulations on a great event.

Participant of North American Summit on Citizen Engagement.

We are a family with 3 teenage daughters (and a large dog) in a large house that has become cluttered. Wow, Alex, we are thrilled with our simplified, more peaceful house! The baking centre has had several enjoyable test runs with tremendous success. Your kind encouragement to make changes, and your hard work to actually accomplish them has improved every room. You have inspired each family member to declutter and maintain their personal spaces!
Warmly,

Diane
Kelowna, BC

My piles grew bigger and bigger on my desk. My attitude was to "deal with it later", which resulted in lots of extra time to find what I needed at the moment. Alex came in an "clean sweeped" my office, re-arranged my workspace, organized my files, everything is labeled and easy to find. She implemented a great filing system and gave me suggestions how to maintain the system she had personalized for me. The whole experience was uplifting. Thank you Alex!

Sofia Lofstrom
Realtor
Whistler Real Estate Company

"It was difficult to imagine the vast amount of energy that was being funneled away from what really mattered in how I live my life. Alex and her compassionate wizardry took my workspace, shook it out like an empty box, and revealed an environment that worked productively and efficient at a fraction of the weight. What a refreshing feeling!!.
Thank you very much.

Brent Martin
President
SunTech Optics/ Bugaboos
www.suntechoptics.com

"Thank you Alex!
You did not just clear my desk, you cleared my mind!
Being a local real estate agent is a full time job. Being a local real estate agent and creating an online international real estate business is a full time life. I am constantly juggling the needs of my local and international clients, traveling and attending conferences to stay at the top of my field, and managing my team of service professionals, (everyone from assistants to web designers to graphic artists and writers).
The first thing to suffer when I am crazy busy is the day-to-day organization and paperwork in front of me. And once that starts, it is difficult to catch up and feel in control again. I was reluctant to trust anyone else with my business files as I always have so many things on the go at once. But you stepped in and instantly put things in order. Not only that, but your tips for organizing my business habits have been invaluable. I am now prioritizing and feeling 100% more focused in my day-to-day business.
Unfortunately for you, your assistance may have been too good. It will, (hopefully), be a while before I need your services as a Personal Organizer again! Writing to say thank you is the least I can do. I have been raving about how great your service is, and educating other entrepreneurs in the Sea to Sky Corridor about the benefits of hiring you as their Personal Organizer."

Thanks again,

Ursula Morel.
Remax
www.ursulamorel.com

"I just wanted to thank you for the fine job you did with my office. Today, I paid my bills out of the "pay bills" folder you created - so simple! Having everything all tidy has made my office more comfortable and inviting than it was before, whereas before I was avoiding the mess. I will happily recommend you."

Tim Allix
Zoomy Computers
www.zoomy.com

"I know Alexandra Ross since 1996, and she has worked for me off and on for the last 8 years. Before she moved on to manage one of Whistler's most-recommended and high end property management companies, Alex was assistant to myself and Inge Flanagan. Her extensive knowledge of property management and marketing make her a valuable assistant to any Realtor or Property Manager. Further, Alex's training in simple accounting has proven invaluable. Her honesty and integrity are such that I trust her to handle both my private and business financial affairs. I wish Alex all the best in her own venture, her organizational skills have certainly been one of the keys to my success."

Richard H. Christiansen.
Sutton West Coast Realty Ltd. Whistler.
www.christiansenrealestate.com

"Alex, of Office Wizard, is truly a magic "wizard" for any office. Her organizational skills, prompt response and professionalism has helped to get our small home office and business running more smoothly. Her suggestions in re-arranging the filing system and storage solutions has greatly benefited in helping to get me further organized with the mountain of paperwork that comes in; thus, allowing me extra time to concentrate on the more important tasks within my business. She has been a great time saver! Thanks Alex and I look forward to using your services in the future."

Bettina Fallon. Mountain Vacation Planners, Pemberton.
www.mountainvacations.bc.ca

"I have known Alexandra Ross for ten years in business and personally. I know Alex to be someone of sound character, who enjoys a harmonious environment and quality of life, and is very capable of creating these.
For these special qualities she has, I highly recommend Alex to anyone seeking her professional services. I know you will find her strong work ethic, enthusiasm and creativity a great asset. As a business owner I would have no hesitation hiring Alex again any time."

Lindy Gagne. Whistler Therpeutic Centre, Whistler.

Dear Alex,
"I wanted to tell you how much I enjoy working with you. Your great ability to listen carefully to my needs, and then articulate them into an order that is both sensible and well organized has given me peace of mind. You are a great asset to any business person who likes to have the details carefully organized so that the big picture vision can become a reality. Thanks, and I look forward to working with you in the future."

Paddi Moore, Zen Property Management.

Alex:
I am writing to thank you for the website editor work you have done for the web site. Thanks for listening to us, and working with us closely to provide the kind of recommendations we were after. Additionally, we are also happy that you were always in a good disposition and offered us your so valuable friendship.