1. by Avanti Software
The Little Book of
People Management
Superheroes

2. About This Book
Why did we decide to create this book? We wanted to showcase the people who live
the values of their respective Canadian organization and, through technology, are able
to better service the needs of their employees and contribute to the success of the
organization.
This book is about superheroes.
ThankYou!
Thanks to all of our amazing clients who are featured in this book.You took time out
of your incredibly busy schedules to tell us about your world.A thank you also goes
out to the people who work with the superheroes featured in this book.And finally,
thank you to our amazing illustrator Kim Smith.You really helped us bring this project
to life and continue to give it a personality all its own with your talent and creative
illustrations.
AreYou a People Management Superhero?
Do you make a difference in your organization through your people management
solution? We would love to hear how.
Visit avanti.ca/superherobook

3. The Little Book of
People Management
Superheroes
Superhero Illustrations: Kim Smith
Book Design & Layout: Wes Quintin
Distributed by Avanti Software Inc.
Calgary,Alberta, Canada
Copyright © 2016.All rights reserved.
Volume 2

4. My goal is to respond quickly to the needs of my team members and make
sure that they feel heard and valued when they talk with me. I believe that
whether you are the CEO or the janitor, you deserve the same respect.

5. Real Name:
Barb Taylor
Barb’s Superpowers
Barb understands how important it is to ensure open and consistent communication
with the rest of Nature’s Fare’s team members. Avanti’s Self-Service Portal has helped
her improve that communication and the distribution of important information to
team members. Barb’s reporting superpowers enable her to provide things like FTE
reporting, wage cost reports, wage to revenue reports, and more. Her team is now
better informed and employees are more adept at embracing change because that
communication furthers their understanding of those changes.
About Nature’s Fare Markets
Nature’s Fare is a grocery store you can trust. Full of the best, handpicked natural and
organic foods, vitamins and supplements you can find.They really care about their
products, their people and their planet. BC family-owned, happily serving customers in
Kamloops, Kelowna, Langley, Penticton,Vernon,West Kelowna and White Rock.
Title
Payroll & Benefits Administrator and
HR Assistant
Organization
Nature’s Fare Markets
Location
Vernon, British Columbia

6. Having a system that can house all employee related information and
being able to utilize and understand how it works are key to success.

7. Amy’s Superpowers
As a Human Resources Professional, Amy aims to always be available to her employees
by helping them with any questions or concerns that they may have. With Avanti,Amy
has the important information she needs to provide the ASC employees with answers
quickly and efficiently, all in one place. And thanks to Self-Service,Amy empowers the
ASC managers with the ability to access information on their direct reports, such as
performance reviews, with ease.
About The Alberta Securities Commission
The ASC is the regulatory agency responsible for administering the province’s securities
laws. As a member of the Canadian Securities Administrators, the ASC works to
improve, coordinate and harmonize the regulation of Canada’s capital markets.
Title
Assistant, Corporate Resources
Organization
Alberta Securities Commission
Location
Calgary, AlbertaReal Name:
Amy Neault

8. A positive attitude is something I always try to maintain.
Even when things are going wrong, if you can look at the bright side, and
work with patience and a smile, it makes a big difference.

9. Amanda’s Superpowers
Amanda has a keen ability to tie people and data together in a meaningful and effective
way. When the City was implementing Avanti, Amanda learned the basics of the system
and used those insights to educate clerks and managers on how to access Avanti and
enter data into the system. Having a solid training plan for end users led to a successful
implementation of the system to help better serve the needs of managers, employees,
and ultimately, the City.
About City of Brandon
Brandon has been nicknamed the “Wheat City” in honor of its rich agricultural heritage
and reputation as a prosperous farming community. Brandon is an important cultural
centre for the southwest region of Manitoba. The City strives to create a thoughtful
and dynamic cultural programme which recognizes, enhances, and supports the existing
cultural and ethno cultural communities and infrastructure of their city.
Title
Corporate Projects Supervisor
Organization
City of Brandon
Location
Brandon, ManitobaReal Name:
Amanda Dupuis

10. Having the right payroll tools and knowledge gives me the confidence I need
in administering UWinnipeg’s payroll accurately.
I am proud to have a strong team who are also very knowledgeable in the
payroll profession.Together we can meet any challenge.

11. Mark’s Superpowers
Mark is an experienced Canadian Payroll Professional who knows the importance of
paying employees and paying attention to detail. He is a very active volunteer with
the Canadian Payroll Association and has been since 2003, and that means making
sure his employees are paid accurately and on time are paramount. Avanti’sYear-End
functionality gives Mark greater control to auditT4s for discrepencies.That way he can
ensureT4s are correct and when his employees get theirT4s, they can feel confident
they have the right information showing.
About University of Winnipeg
The University of Winnipeg is a dynamic campus and a downtown hub that connects
people from diverse cultures and nurtures global citizens. UWinnipeg is committed to
improving access to post-secondary education for all individuals, especially those from
non-traditional communities.
Title
Manager, Payroll Services
Organization
University of Winnipeg
Location
Winnipeg, ManitobaReal Name:
Mark Betcher

12. Don’t continue to do something because ‘it’s always been done that way’.
Challenging your employees to think of different ways to tackle their jobs
promotes accountability and engagement.

13. Karen’s Superpowers
Karen loves what she does as a Human Resources Professional.When GSC employees
come to Karen with requests and questions, she provides timely, confidential and
accurate assistance. Through Avanti’s Self-Service Portal, Karen empowers employees
with the ability to see their vacation entitlements, take ownership by keeping track of
their time off, and make changes to their own schedules.
About Green Shield Canada
Since 1957, GSC has been Canada’s only national not-for-profit health and dental
benefits specialist. GSC is committed to funding programs focused on providing
frontline care and improving access to health care for uninsured/under-insured
Canadians (homeless, working poor, those on social assistance).
Title
Human Resources Analyst
Organization
Green Shield Canada
Location
Windsor, OntarioReal Name:
Karen Loebach Smith

14. Always remember how important payroll is to your employees.
Keep it on time and accurate.

15. Linda’s Superpowers
Linda works hard to ensure that Payroll is delivered on time, as she knows how
important Payroll is to an employee. As a Payroll subject matter expert at the ASC,
Linda keeps her manager informed of Canadian Payroll legislative requirements and
helps to ensure compliance. Avanti provides Linda with the platform she needs to do
her job and offers her the support she needs whenever she has a question.
About The Alberta Securities Commission
The ASC is the regulatory agency responsible for administering the province’s securities
laws. As a member of the Canadian Securities Administrators, the ASC works to
improve, coordinate and harmonize the regulation of Canada’s capital markets. The
right people, the right tools and equipment, and an open door policy make the ASC a
great place to work.
Title
Senior Payroll Accountant
Organization
Alberta Securities Commission
Location
Calgary, AlbertaReal Name:
Linda Werthmann

16. Keep calm, and try to think outside of the box. Sometimes the best solution
isn’t always the easiest.
Be accountable. If you make a mistake, admit it, fix it, and learn from it.

17. Tanya’s Superpowers
Tanya credits her Payroll and legislative knowledge, her understanding of the
organization and the six collective bargaining agreements the City works with as part
of her success as a Certified Payroll Manager and the City’s Payroll Officer. She also
credits Avanti’s implementation team as part of the City’s success for going live on a
new system. Switching to a new Payroll system is a daunting task and their employees
barely noticed that such big changes were taking place. Smooth like a ninja!
About City of Brandon
Brandon has been nicknamed the “Wheat City” in honor of its rich agricultural heritage
and reputation as a prosperous farming community. Brandon is an important cultural
centre for the southwest region of Manitoba. The City strives to create a thoughtful
and dynamic cultural programme which recognizes, enhances, and supports the existing
cultural and ethno cultural communities and infrastructure of their city.
Title
Payroll Officer
Organization
City of Brandon
Location
Brandon, ManitobaReal Name:
Tanya Addison

18. It’s important to revisit and challenge your business processes to find areas of
improvement.What works for 300 employees, won’t necessarily work for 700.
Communicate and be receptive to concerns and struggles.

19. Athina’s Superpowers
Through her experience in Payroll, Athina has become an effective leader, a
champion of change management, process improvement and lean practices. Pfaff is an
organization that continues to succeed and grow. Over the past four years, Athina has
leveraged her skills and experience to help Pfaff successfully scale from 300 to 700
employees. With Avanti’s Self-Service,Athina can provide her employees with online
pay statements, easy (and secure) access to Pfaff policies and other information, which
is a huge asset for an organization that has multiple locations.
About Pfaff Automotive Partners
Since 1964, Pfaff has grown as an automotive retailer and they have their customers
to thank for it. Pfaff doesn’t take their past or future for granted and they strive to be
better every day. Cars are their passion. They have been from the day Pfaff started. But
as much as they love the cars, they love the people who drive them.
Title
Payroll Manager
Organization
Pfaff Automotive Partners
Location
Vaughan, OntarioReal Name:
AthinaTzakas

20. avanti.ca
With Avanti as your all-in-one solution for Payroll, Human Resources,
and time tracking, everyone in the company is part of your
people management success.
Discover the Avanti advantage and talk to us today!