With a combined 40 years of business experience, Kim Dempsey and Odette Hooton, the dynamic duo of business management, decided to embark on the journey of launching Advantage Project Solutions earlier this year.
Tell us about yourselves and Advantage Project Solutions.
Both of us have built careers in the Project Management and Consultancy space, with a combined 40 years of experience between us. We initially crossed paths more than 13 years ago (more about that below!), and over the years have noticed a void in certain industries and businesses, so decided to join forces earlier this year and fill this void with a bespoke business model.
Advantage Project Solutions (APS) is a “turn-on, turn-off” skill set, and our four main pillars are Project Management, Contract Management, Community & Stakeholder Engagement, and Business & Employee Development.
But what does this mean? It means that while businesses are busy in their day-to-day operations, they sometimes slip on the areas listed above, and so APS can help by stepping in to provide support and solutions until things are back on track.
We can help with a range of solutions including tender and bid submissions, social media, community engagement, program and methodology development, contract negotiations and management, Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) development, policy writing, and so much more.
What has been the most challenging aspect of starting/owning Advantage Project Solutions?
Recruitment!
We have an outgoing and dynamic office culture that thrives on collaboration, innovation, and a sense of shared purpose, so finding the right people to fit seamlessly into our team is critical for us to continue moving forward.
What is a fun fact about yourselves?
As mentioned above, we first met more than 13 years ago and for nearly a decade we have been working together as a modern-day blended family, akin to the Brady Bunch, with Odette being married to Kim’s former husband!
We both strive to achieve a harmonious blend within both our business and our families, and firmly believe it’s the ideal approach to life.
What is the best piece of career or business advice you have ever received?
Don’t’ take criticism from someone you wouldn’t get business advice from or aspire to be!
This perspective has served us as a valuable filter, enabling us to discern and prioritize advice from individuals whose insights we genuinely value and respect in the industry.
Going forward, what is next on the cards for Advantage Project Solutions?
We are committed to further expanding our business and our network, aiding other businesses in achieving growth and success by complementing their operations with our skill set. We will persist in collaborating with local, state, and federal governments to develop policy documents that contribute to successful outcomes for all stakeholders. Our aspiration is to leverage our position to support the growth and promotion of regional communities, including the organization of events and initiatives.
If you’d like to know more about our services and how we can help your business, please visit our website and follow us on LinkedIn.
Main image – Odette Hooton (L) and Kim Dempsey, Co-Directors of Advantage Project Solutions.
Images Credits – All images supplied.
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