People

A good team operates like a finely oiled machine. A great team works like a tight-knit family. Our team is a solid group of friends and colleagues that have known and worked with each other for over 25 years. The chemistry that our team has together is rare. The result of this rare chemistry is a dynamic, creative force that delivers a fresh perspective in the strategy and design of shopper engagement in the retail environment.

Shawn Hall - Partner, Creative Director

Shawn Hall has been working in retail advertising as a creative his whole career. Shawn started out working at various advertising agencies focusing on new technology and electronics in the early nineties. Shawn became the creative director at Henry’s cameras and electronics shortly thereafter and helped the company change into a multi chain organization within a few years. After being approached by other retailers, (including Bell Mobility, Franchise Bankcorp and Baka Communications), Shawn launched his own company (Ideation advertising and design) and set out on his own for six years. In those six years Shawn helped his clients launch products in every large retail chain in Canada and also Target in the United States. After working on his own for six years Shawn went back to the big agency world where he worked at agencies like OSL, Taxi, Draft FCB, Publicis, Capital C and 76Design. During these years Shawn worked on award winning print and digital marketing campaigns for a number of companies. (Including Pepsi, Quaker, Tropicana, Bacardi, Mars, Rogers and Kimberly Clark). After picking up a wealth of new knowledge Shawn thought it might be the right time to start a new company and that was the birth of Retail Roadways. shawn@retail-roadways.com

Ralph Hoskins
- Partner, Engineering, Logistics

Ralph began his career over 24 years ago with Litho Plus. AKA  Maclean Hunter. Accounts were in the US and Canada and ranged from Polo Ralph Lauren and  Pepsi to Yorkville press. Ralph went into business for himself with the inception of the Mac, launching his company "Gripworks" and was convinced that while service and quality were key ingredients to a successful business, flexibility and adaptability were key in a modern economy. With the creation of Gripworks, Hoskins built a reputation on the ability to deliver without compromise. His mission has always been to provide the very best in service and innovation and now he brings that to Retail Roadways. Ralph helps Retail Roadways in providing clients the support and services that they require accurately, on budget and with unrivalled speed, flexibility and ingenuity. ralph@retail-roadways.com

Marko Paajanen - Art Director, 3D Artist

Marko's formal education is in graphic design and advertising, fields in which he has worked professionally for over fifteen years. During this time he has had the opportunity to work with many of the world’s most recognized brands. He has earned a place amongst his industry peers as an accomplished art director and 3D artist, both skills that he has brought to Retail Roadways. Apart from being a fixture in the creative community, he has made efforts to give back by helping a new generation of artists and designers. He has dedicated time as an educator, and now as a curriculum consultant to several Toronto colleges.

Agnes Debowski - Senior Designer

Agnes' retail experience has grown and evolved greatly over the last 10 years of her career. Agnes has always excelled as a talented designer, providing award winning creative in promotional marketing, packaging and other direct to consumer mediums. This collective experience has kept her familiar with the landscape of today's various retail environments. After working with clients like Quaker, Tropicana, Gatorade, Pepsi, Kimberly Clark, Heinz, Johnson & Johnson, Sobey's and Loblaws on various promotional programs, Ms. Debowski clearly understands how to engage the shopper in many of the retail chains across the country. Agnes has become a valuable asset for Retail Roadways, her creative vision and exceptional execution skills allow us to take a seed and build a forest with great efficiency.

George Lazaridis
- Production, Logistics, Administration

George is the glue that holds us together here at Retail Roadways. His incredible attention to detail and innate ability to stay organized under pressure makes it easier for all of us to get our work done on a daily basis. With 25 years of experience under his belt in print production from raw image to final product, George can identify and solve challenges that we may encounter at any stage of a project. This extensive wealth of knowledge is also valuable at the scope and budgeting stage, giving us incredible accuracy when estimating the time and cost of a proposed program.