Sonny Au-ieong

Manager, Retail Operations

“We are trusted by a wide variety of unique clients.  We create the voice of a brand.  We don’t just promise….. We prove it!”

Sonny is a graduate of OCAD University in Advertising Concept & Design, and has over 20 years working in Toronto, Hong Kong, Osaka and Tokyo, with experience spanning TV commercials, magazines, radio, newspapers, packaging design, multimedia and digital printing. Sonny oversees our large format digital printing, finishing and kitting operations, producing in store marketing materials, influencer boxes, custom wall coverings, window films and so much more!

“We are what we repeatedly do; excellence, then, is not an act but a habit.” – Aristotle

Brian Evans

Manager, Visual Merchandising

Managing fabrication for visual merchandising was a natural progression for Brian, as it combines all of the trades he has worked in over his 40+ year career. He works directly with clients to structurally design and build their vision for successful execution at store, using a variety of materials and tools.

 

“Working with and teaching the people here how to succeed in the display industry is what excites me the most about working at TI Group. I’ve always enjoyed passing on my knowledge and TI Group provides that platform. TI Group truly backs the trades and that is so important in this day and age, and to me personally.”

Angela Fraser

Manager, Client Services

Angela leads an incredibly important team here at TI Group, that is comprised of customer service reps, project managers and production planners. Whatever name we give these talented people, the fact still remains that they are part of our strong backbone that supports successful projects from concept to doorstep.

 

“My background is in Graphic Design, I started in this industry as a proofer for a film separation company. I love watching projects go from the design stage through to the final display/piece. I’m also fascinated how our industry keeps up with the evolving needs of our clients, into the digital world. I’d have to say the diversity of our business impresses me the most! From photography to fulfilment, we offer a wide variety of services which sets us apart from other companies in the industry. I also love the people here at TI Group – a fun team and always willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done.”

Fernando Gonzalez

Finishing Supervisor

Fernando’s history with TI Group dates back to 2001 with SCL Imaging, which was later acquired by TI Group.

He began his career as maintenance personnel in March of 1991 at Colour Prints Lab and he quickly learned skills and expertise in the business, working in different departments. Fernando expertly oversees all finishing operations for our retail/large format digital operations which includes i-cut, industrial sewing, laminations, and various other post-print offerings.

Working in SCL and TI groups was and is a wonderful experience.

“I did not know much about this industry when I started but I was young and eager to learn.

What I love about my job in this industry is the possibility to create and develop new ideas.

I am passionate about creating harmonious and motivated hard working teams, as well as teaching everything I know.”

Steve Ing

Manager, TI Response

Steve joined TI Group as part of the acquisition of The Helicopter Group in 2016 and he currently manages our direct mail and marketing services operations under the TI Response banner. He is an expert at data and forms, variable data digital printing and Canada Post requirements. Steve “stumbled” into the industry working as a Xerox photocopier/laser technician.

“I enjoy witnessing the ever changing technology to get our client’s messages out. I love the family feel of TI Group, and being able to provide solutions to client requirements.”

Vincent Kan

Manager, Estimating

Vincent joined TI Group in 2020 and has been in the print industry for 20+ years. Vincent oversees our team of Estimators that supports our sales team and clients producing timely quotations. Vincent possesses both the analytical rigor required for cost accounting and therefore accurate estimating, as well as an astute knowledge of the ever-changing market conditions.

 

“TI Group is the most dynamic and exciting Company I have ever worked in! I enjoy working with the various departments within TI Group to provide a service that is a large contributor to whether or not we are awarded a project.”

Mike Krispanis

Manager, Compliance

Mike had print and ink in his blood at an early age, studying flexography in secondary school. He then went on to the Graphic Communications Management program at Toronto Metropolitan University and had been applying his studies real-world ever since. He began his career at TI Group in 2016 where he created a clearer and more transparent day to day production schedule for the Company. He currently fosters a closer/more cohesive workflow between departments, recommending technology to modernize our existing processes.

 

“The most exciting part about working at TI Group is the willingness to explore every avenue of service to the client. We are always pushing to constantly learn and add new capabilities. The industry, as old and based in tradition as it is, forces you to stay on the cutting edge of technology. It’s a breath of fresh air to know that the overall directive is to invest and grow instead of dig in and stay the same.”

Patty Kruka

Manager, Retail Execution

Patty has rich experience with all things retail! From substrates to installations, she is TI Group’s subject matter expert for solutioning any in-store opportunity or challenge. Patty is instrumental to TI Group’s retail growth initiatives and currently is currently championing our cause to be kinder to our planet by finding and testing unique, innovative and eco-friendly substrates.

 

“In my early days I worked at Benjamin Film Labs on Richmond St. I developed a love of photography. This is how I ended up at BGM Imaging on King St, working at the front counter dealing with photographers and retail clients. I eventually ended up in outside sales, and retail windows became my world! Holt Renfrew, Hugo Boss, Danier Leather, Marks & Spencer, Bell, and Virgin Mobile are a few that I have dealt with.

 

Retail clients bring us new creative every day. Our job is to bring our client’s ideas to life with innovation. This can be done with all different types of materials, and with skilled and dedicated employees. Projects can be 2D or even 3D. Adding the Visual Merchandising team to TI Group has made us a ‘one stop shop’.”

Kevin Smith

Manager, Commercial Print Operations

Kevin manages our litho operations, overseeing a crew that runs 3 presses 24 hours a day, 6 days a week. Kevin’s first exposure in the printing industry was in high school, where he was a driver. An opportunity presented itself for Kevin to go on press running an AB Dick after only 6 months.

 

“There is no challenge too big for us. We constantly push our presses to achieve more. We successfully print on paper, n-flute, plastic – you name it, every day with quality results. I strive for quick changeovers, fast makereadies and easy press approvals.”

Rick Sproule

Manager, Warehouse Operations

Rick has held various operations and compliance management positions at TI Group. He has been instrumental in compiling our documentation, alongside developing process and cadence for our press maintenance, our joint Health & Safety program, various certifications and the oversight of our facilities. Currently he manages our warehouse operations which includes the “call center”, pick/pack, fulfillment, shipping/receiving, storage and inventory control.

“I like crossing tasks off my list! The team prides ourselves on getting client orders fulfilled accurately and quickly from a clean, safe, organized and efficient warehouse.”

Chris Thompson

Manager, TI Studios

Chris started with TI Group in 2004 as a photographer, collaborating with clients, designers and agencies on photoshoots ranging from food, product and interiors to fashion & cars.  He went on to work freelance with some of Canada’s largest studios & clients for over a decade,  returning to TI Group in 2018.  He now manages TI Studios, encompassing both the creative design department and the photo & video studios.

With over 25 years experience in the content creation and advertising industry, working with national and international clients in advertising, editorial and retail markets, Chris brings a passion for imaging, design & branding to everything he does.

“The possibilities are endless at TI Group, with such diverse capabilities being provided by creative, solution-focused people!”

Rajesh Verma

Manager, Procurement

Paul Walker

Manager, Premedia

For over a decade, Paul has managed our prepress process which includes ensuring colour fidelity across all our printing devices. In fact, Paul leads the team that maintains our Idealliance G7 Master Colour Space Facility certification.

 

“Working in the graphic arts is very rewarding for me! I enjoy that every day has new challenges. Our client base is diverse and each project has very specific requirements that we help to meet. It is very satisfying to find solutions that can work for everyone involved”