- By Laura Kassama, MPS staff member since 2004
When Karline Mark-Eng, owner of MPS Executive Suites, stood up to give her speech at our company’s 30th anniversary celebration held on June 3rd, 2011, one of the first things she mentioned was the old saying, “It takes a village to raise a child.” She said, “In my case, this couldn’t be more true. I have been blessed with having so many mentors and supporters in my life – and I’m still learning and growing, wondering what I’ll be when I finally grow up!”
Looking around the room at the party revellers, listening to the stories of our clients, suppliers, family and friends, I was filled with appreciation, knowing that these people are the very reason for the ongoing success of MPS Executive Suites.
Karline described the history of her life as a business owner. She spoke about the challenges of growing the business from a small secretarial service into what the business has become today, a thriving office business centre that provides a wide range of services to meet the needs of its ever growing and incredibly diverse clientele.
There were a few very special guests at the party, who Karline revealed to be great influences in her life. Karline started with Mr. Ellingham, her 6th Grade teacher, who came all the way from the Sunshine Coast to be here for this important occasion.
Karline said of Mr. E., “He had such a fun and interesting method of teaching, often using examples and stories to relate to the lesson at hand to make things easier to learn and remember. I seemed to have adopted his style, since I can never give instructions without long explanations and stories as to why I want things done a certain way . . . which I’m sure drives my team crazy at times!” A few of us staff members knowingly chuckled at this comment. Although it’s true, all the staff agree that without this trait, Karline would not be the great manager that she is. Thanks, Mr. E.!
Next, Karline spoke about “the woman behind it all”, the founder of “My Private Secretary” (the name that we now shorten to “MPS” Executive Suites) and Karline’s business mentor ever since: Diana Gray. Without Diana, Karline, the “little receptionist that could”, may never have turned into the successful entrepreneur she is today. Karline explained that Diana always has a positive outlook and gives her just what she needs from time to time – nudging, prodding, pushing and sometimes even shoving! Diana is usually right! There was great applause when Karline announced that this anniversary also marks Diana’s 30th year as a business entrepreneur. Congratulations, Diana, on all your accomplishments!
Also sharing in this special celebration, were Karline’s parents. Her father, who owned and operated two restaurants back in his early years, had given Karline some excellent advice that has stayed with her since she first purchased the business in 1989. Karline shared her dad’s simple, but obviously effective advice with everyone: “Always treat your customers fairly, be sure to pay your suppliers on time, and appreciate your staff with all your heart.”
Karline explained during her speech that her parents have always been supportive about her business decisions. During our full office expansion and renovation, which was a painful and protracted experience for Karline and the staff, as well as our tenant clients, there were many who questioned Karline’s decision to expand. Karline’s dad remained positive and supportive, and provided a much needed sounding board for her during this difficult time.
Karline also thanked the other rocks of support in her life: Her husband who has stood by her and has helped tremendously during her most challenging times; her two sons who have shared their “mom-preneur” with MPS their whole lives; and sisters Clara and Kathy, who catered the party with the most amazing food – this was definitely a highlight of the event! – and assisted in all the preparations, clean-up and everything in between to ensure that all the guests had a great time and enough to eat and drink. Clara designed and created most of the menu, and Kathy helped manage the party planning aspects, including door prize shopping and wrapping. Everyone marveled at Clara’s creations, especially the beef tenderloin, and the lucky winners of the door prizes will know first-hand what a superb job Kathy did with those!
The supportive staff, clients and suppliers were also given a special and heartfelt acknowledgment by Karline. It is a real tribute to MPS that so many of these people have been a part of its success for so long. MPS Executive Suites has been built on these longstanding relationships, which Karline and the MPS staff are proud to say are the backbone of our success. It was truly an honour to be able to say “thank you” to everyone present.
While the MPS Executive Suites 30th Anniversary Celebration had all the elements of a party, including cake, balloons, an elaborate menu and even a life-sized Stanley Cup cut-out and M&Ms stamped with a special message, the event held an understated emotional tone. Throughout this momentous occasion, there has been a true feeling of pride in looking back on 30 years.
All of us greatly appreciate the relationships we have built with our suppliers and clients, most of which go back many, many years. We all enjoy being a part of each client’s business, in whatever unique capacity they need us. Thanks again to all our clients, suppliers, family and friends. We would be nothing without all of you!
