CSR Profiles
Tiffany Blanchard
I have been in the customer service industry for many years but the printing industry is a new frontier. Before coming to Friesens, I worked for a marketing company starting as a frontline employee and worked my way into being the trainer of their customer service group. I also like to pick up courses in my spare time to complete a Human Resources diploma.
Our family moved to Southern Manitoba 3 years ago. I was originally from Selkirk, Manitoba and my husband was from Grafton, North Dakota. In the true spirit of compromise, we decided to move to Morris Manitoba. Morris seemed liked the perfect fit as it was halfway in between our two worlds. My husband makes the daily commute to North Dakota where his family runs a Chiropractic Clinic and with my new position at Friesens, he now has someone to share part of the commute with.
The Blanchard household is busy with four kids, ranging from 11 years old to 19. After the spring thaw you will find us on the golf course. We especially enjoy travelling to new and different places to golf. I’ll admit to not having the low score but the time with the family offsets any bogeys that might appear on the score card. In winter, we spend our time travelling around North Dakota following our son’s Hockey Team.
Becky Cianflone
My name is Becky Cianflone and there are many reasons that I love my job as a CSR here at Friesens. I get to work with many amazing publishers, and have access to a plethora of talented individuals here in our production facility. I have been honored to work on a variety of books of all shapes, sizes, colours and topics and it is very rewarding to watch projects evolve from their conception to completion.
Altona has not always been home. I grew up in northern Manitoba on Lake Winnipeg where fishing was king, not books. My husband and I have enjoyed the move to Altona as it has opened doors to great opportunities and wonderful friendships.
I have a Business Diploma from Red River College in Winnipeg. Prior to coming to Friesens, I worked in student government, retail, and hospitality. All of these experiences serve me well in my ability to serve you!
When I am not busy at work I enjoy spending my time camping, fishing, taking care of our 3.5 acre property, playing with our Chocolate Labrador Retriever, Charlie, and of course, reading.
Thanks for choosing Friesens for all your printing needs. I can’t wait to talk about your next book project! Feel free to contact me at beckyc@friesens.com
Erin Enns
I grew up in Altona and have known many people who worked at Friesens. I also consider myself and avid reader. Right now a Stephen King novel is holding my attention. But I wanted to go to school and try my hand at something new and different so if a career at Friesens was in the cards, it would come later in life. After graduating from high school I went to college and received my diploma as a Travel Counselor. Some of you are thinking sun and sand but it was actually snow and tundra. During my time as a Travel Counselor, I spent most of my time booking corporate travel arrangements into Canada's arctic. If you think business travel is difficult, try getting to the most remote areas in Canada's North. Creative problem solving came into play on a regular basis and I have a feeling that skill will serve me and my customers well.
My husband, Lee, and I recently moved back to Altona. We very much enjoy being back in a rural setting. I've traded my daily commute in Winnipeg through potholes and traffic for a quiet walk across town. Aside from work, Lee and I like watching movies, camping, reading and spending time with friends and family. An you guessed it, we like to travel. I'm sure there will more of that but any destination will be warmer. It's cold enough here.
Elvira Filion
Bonjours les internautes, soyez les bienvenues au site Friesens. Mes racines étaient bien ancrées dans la ville de St Eustache, QC où j'ai vécu presque toute ma vie. Et, cela fait maintenant proche de sept ans que je suis établie à Altona, MB.
I have an extensive retail background, and have been member of Toastmasters International for many years. With the move to Altona came the launch into the fascinating printing industry. I enjoy working with the friendly staff at Friesens. Their knowledge, experience and commitment is amazing and they are a constant source of information and inspiration. During my first three years at Friesens, I was a part of the book estimating team. Here I acquired insight into making books which has been very helpful in my role as Customer Service Representative. I have been part of the Eastern Canada team for the past 3-4 years. Learning is a 'never ending story' at Friesens with constant innovations in technology and systems, we have the privilege to work with the leaders in the industry. And on a personal note, since I joined Friesens, I have developed a passion for books. A book will never be “just a book.”
J'ai un éventail d'intérêts personnels. Voici quelques uns: la pêche, la natation, l'artisanat et la lecture. Ma plus grande passion est de voyager.
Merci d'avoir visité notre site web. Si vous avez des commentaires, ou vous désirez communiquer avec nous, il me fera un plaisir de vous répondre à elviraf@friesens.com.
Mike Giesbrecht
As long as I can remember, I have always wanted to be in a place where I would serve people. This has proved to be an interesting journey in my life.
Altona was home for most of my growing up years. I loved being here and experiencing all that this town has to offer. After High School, I attended the Graphic Arts course offered by Friesen’s through Red River Community College. This gave me the opportunity to put that knowledge into practice immediately in the Press Room and build a solid understanding of the process of books. I continued my education and moved away from the community for several years. My wife and I decided to move back to Altona where both our families live. Kids have a marvelous way of influencing a decision like that.
My wife, Tanya, and I have a 3 year old daughter, a one year old son, and a very intelligent dog. I have been able to teach all three to say I love you. Of course my 3 year old says that and much more. Quiet times are a thing of the past. We love it.
Customer Service was a natural fit for myself and the work I had been doing prior to our move back. Aside from work, my family and I enjoy Fishing, Camping, Movies, and Travel. Our most recent trips include Orlando, Sioux Narrows and New Orleans.
I look forward to serving you.
Ralph Hamm
Welcome to Friesens website. My name is Ralph Hamm and I am the Customer Service Manager. During my time at Friesens, I’ve had the privilege of working with customers from all over Canada and the US.
The book titles and topics may vary from region to region but one thing that is a constant is our customers. They are passionate about the ideas and vision for their books and it’s wonderful experience to see these ideas come to life.
Away from the office I enjoy spending time with my family. We have 3 children, all under 5 years of age which makes for busy household. We love spending time in the back yard and park or being out at my parents farmyard. When I’m not busy reading books to the kids, I enjoy non fiction and historical fiction titles.
I look forward to working with you on your next project. Feel free to contact me at ralphh@friesens.com.
Mark Jede
From Munch to Mercer, Seuss to Scott Card, the books I read may have changed but my love for them has continued. Every great book begins with a spark; a small idea that starts a fire until it becomes too big for one person, and needs to be shared with the world. I am both excited and honored to be a part of the process that brings those ideas to life.
My background has not always been in the printing industry. I have been in the dark, smoky, fabrication shops of Nisku, Alberta to emerge into sunny children’s camps in the BC interior. I have seen the northern lights at college in northern Saskatchewan, and now the sun flower fields of southern Manitoba. Every place I’ve lived has its own unique charm and beauty with Altona being no exception.
I have a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Bethany College and pick up different financial courses for personal interest in my spare time. Most recently I completed a course in financial planning from Advocis.
In my free time I enjoy traveling, fishing, hiking, and camping when ever I can get out. Some of the more quite weekends are spent playing games with friends, reading a book, or simply spending the evening with my wife.
Glenda MacPhail
After completing an Administrative Accounting course, I found myself working for small printing company. My career path led from Administration, to planning and then into customer service. I had heard of Friesens and applied for a position several years ago. At that time I was not quite willing to move from the big city even though a career at Friesens seemed like a good fit. As luck would have it, a position was open when we did decide to move our young family out of the city and the rest is history.
Our family lives about 10 minutes out of town and enjoys the rural lifestyle. Weekends in summer you’ll find us hosting many family members and friends from Winnipeg who come out to visit. The usual fare is barbeque and time sitting around a camp fire. In winter we are busy watching our son play hockey for the Winkler Flyers or playing board games. Although I enjoy winter because it is hockey season, I do not enjoy the driving conditions that a Canadian winter entails. A move back to the big city, Altona that is, sounds like it might be in the future.
