About Wendie Brooks
Picture this: a small-town enthusiast, born and bred in the heart of Saskatoon, armed with a Recreation and Tourism Management Diploma from Saskatchewan Polytechnic. My journey took a detour through the University of Regina, where I not only snagged a Bachelor of Sport and Recreation Studies with Distinction but also earned my stripes with a Business Administration Diploma.
Now, here's where the plot thickens. My passion for Recreation and Tourism was cruising smoothly until 2020 dropped the notorious COVID-19 bomb. Cue the unexpected twist: my jobs in recreation and tourism hit pause. Just as I was gearing up to toss my cap for the Bachelor's, I found myself at a crossroads.
Enter the unlikely hero – marketing and branding classes. Suddenly, the humdrum of lockdown life became the backdrop for my newfound passion. With everyone glued to screens, I asked myself, 'How can I sprinkle joy without the usual dose of recreation and tourism?' The aha moment hit me like a ton of virtual likes – social media!
I unleashed my creativity on my own social platforms, and guess what? I was having a blast! That's when the light bulb flickered – how about turning this newfound digital playground into a career? Fast forward to today, and I've sculpted a full-blown career out of steering local businesses through the wild landscape of social media.
Now, I'm on a mission to let business owners indulge in their own form of recreation, leisure, and tourism. How? By having them hand over the social media reins and giving them the freedom to savour the good stuff while I navigate the ever-exciting world of pixels and posts. Life's a journey, and I'm here to make it one heck of a ride for businesses looking to navigate the social media terrain!
How did I get here?
2015-2021
Continued Education - Saskatchewan Polytechnic and University of Regina
Received my Diploma of Recreation and Tourism Management Studies at Saskatchewan Polytechnic, my Diploma of Business Administration and my Bachelor of Sport and Recreation Studies at the University of Regina.
2018-2020
Promotions Coordinator - Rawlco Radio
At Rawlco Radio, I dove headfirst into the dynamic world of marketing, gaining invaluable insights into its multifaceted realms. From radio and promotional marketing to billboard and social media strategies, the synergy at C95, Rock102, and 650CKOM was nothing short of spectacular. My days were a whirlwind of orchestrating events, crafting compelling social media content, and even stepping into the spotlight as an on-air host—all dedicated to championing local businesses and amplifying their presence through the airwaves!
2020-2021
Fieldwork placements - Saskatchewan Rattlers and University of Saskatchewan
As part of the prerequisites for graduating from the University of Regina, I embarked on an immersive journey called Fieldwork Placements. My first stop was as a Communications Intern for the Saskatchewan Rattlers Basketball Team, followed by another stint as a Communication Intern for Huskie Athletics at the University of Saskatchewan. These experiences were my ticket to a hands-on masterclass in internal and external communication, with a special focus on the ever-dynamic realm of social media. From navigating the unique communication styles of professional basketball, hockey, soccer, wrestling, to volleyball teams, I not only adapted but discovered an innate passion for the intricacies of social media marketing and crafting targeted communication strategies.
2021-2023
Partnership Relations Manager - Saskatoon Blades Hockey , Saskatchewan Rush Lacrosse and Saskatoon Berries Baseball
During my time at Sask. Entertainment Group, I spearheaded the responsibility of nurturing relationships with over 150 sponsors. These dynamic partnerships spanned a spectrum of advertising avenues, from in-game and promotional advertising to the expansive realms of social media, radio, and billboards. Balancing the execution of over 1000 elements for each partner and maintaining robust communication with a diverse portfolio of 150 sponsors demanded precision and organizational finesse.
In this role, my education and prior experiences became invaluable assets, propelling me to not only excel but also truly understand the essence of marketing and advertising. My passion for elevating Saskatchewan businesses through strategic advertising ignited a dual commitment—juggling my business, Wendie Brooks Media, alongside my role at Sask. Entertainment Group. However, as the time arrived to chart my course, I realized my heart was calling for a singular focus. It was time to channel all my energy into propelling Wendie Brooks Media to new heights.
2020 - Today
Founder and Owner - Wendie Brooks Media
In the whirlwind that was 2020, the pandemic threw a curveball, putting a pause on my usual gigs in recreation that had been my academic lifeline. While the world grappled with uncertainty, my passion for helping local businesses thrive burned brighter than ever. But how does one navigate advertising and growth during a pandemic? The answer unfolded in my digital marketing classes, paving the way for the birth of Wendie Brooks Media.
In the beginning, this venture of mine was a side hustle, a small business that danced in the shadows as I continued to hunt for opportunities in recreation and tourism. Fast forward, and it's no longer just a gig; it's an obsession. I've cast aside my other pursuits to plunge headfirst into the exhilarating world of Wendie Brooks Media. And let me tell you, I've never been more grateful. Today, I wear a multitude of hats – Founder, Business Owner, Social Media Maven, Photographer, and Content Creator – all in the name of elevating brands and creating magic. Tomorrow? Well, tomorrow I'm ready to be all those things for you!
Personal Life
Let's get personal! I grew up in the vibrant city of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, with a dash of rural adventure spent every other weekend on my dad's farm in Rosthern. There, I embraced my 4-H roots, caring for sheep and cows and even strutting my stuff in the show ring!
graduating from Bedford Road Collegiate in 2012, I found myself missing the dance team and the thrill of competitions. A job that kept me on my toes seemed like the perfect fit, leading me to pursue diplomas and a degree in Sports, Recreation, Tourism, and Business.
Fast forward to 2019, where I crossed paths with my now-husband, Brad, at Rawlco Radio. He was the Senior Marketing Consultant with C95, and, yes, I may have had a bit of a crush. Fate had its way, and we officially started dating in 2020 after my maternity leave position at Rawlco Radio concluded. Brad introduced me to his incredible kids, Noah, Calla, and Emma. Our love story took us to the Bahamas for our first international trip, where we got engaged. A year later, on July 1st, I happily said 'I do' to my best friend.
Today, I wear multiple hats as a loving wife, a stepmom of three, and a proud dog mom of two. I cherish every moment with my family, sharing the journey of my business and the path that led me to where I am today. Below, you'll find snapshots of my beautiful family, adorable dogs, and some magical moments from my wedding. I'm excited to connect and learn about you just as much as you've gotten to know me!
