Thirty-year-old Jason DaCosta is the Regional Store Experience Manager for Club Monaco in Eastern Canada. This York University grad challenges the consumer conceptions of his stores with innovative and eye-catching visual displays, essentially creating the first wave of the overall shopping experience. Find out more about this YP in today’s feature.
Elevator Pitch: Describe your job in a nutshell.
I’m a Regional Store Experience Manger for Club Monaco, overseeing all of Eastern Canada. I consider myself to be a creative leader, guiding a great bunch of visual merchandisers who come up with innovative and compelling presentations for the brand and each store’s experience. This visual merchandising goes hand in hand with the commerce side of the business – creating inspirational presentations which truly, in turn, draws the customer in.
Why did you start working at your company? What was the inspiration for this career route?
I stared working at Club Monaco part-time during university. I didn’t think of it as a career at the time, just a fun job selling clothes and styling people. It only became serious when I was offered a visual management position at our flagship Bloor St. At that time, I wanted to bring the creative skills that I had learned in school to a different type of outlet. I always told myself no matter what I did career-wise, I would always invest in a job that allowed me to be as creative as possible.
What is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis? The most challenging part?
The best part is challenging and inspiring my people to consistently think outside the box. I consider myself a pusher. With that being said, I drive my employees to think of new and innovative ideas on how to present the Club Monaco lifestyle in a dynamic way. What challenges me is to be that constant inspirational leader, a person who resonates amongst his peers and his employees. At the end of the day all I want is to see my staff shine, which is often a reflection of how well the business does.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
To be honest I’m not too sure. I’m passionate about what I do now, so maybe it’s on a larger scale of some sort.
What does success look like to you?
Success is a pat on the back; it’s being recognized for a lot of hard work and dedication. Success is also watching my staff grow and evolve. Over the years some of them have become more and more amazing, and I appreciate all the countless hours they put in each day.
What is the most memorable milestone in your career?
One day I will never forget is when I became “regional.” I received a call from my boss at the time and I nearly fell off the couch. I was so surprised. Well…not that surprised.
Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
Do what you love and take risks doing it!
Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is that important to you?
I would like in the future to get more involved with many local organizations.
What to you is notable?
People who take pride in what they do, and who they are.
Blackberry, iPhone, Android, or Other?
Currently a busted up Blackberry that I have had too long. But I’m not willing to part with it just yet!