Entrepeer: Meet Carla of Ultimate Promotions Inc.

Carla Rakestraw compares her life as an entrepreneur to the “Choose Your Own Adventure” books she used to read as a little girl, building her future entrepreneurial skills through her involvement in her local 4H club.

Carla Rakestraw of Ultimate Promotions

As the young woman behind Grande Prairie’s Ultimate Promotions Inc., Carla loves having the freedom to choose her own business objectives – from marketing mediums to team members to working hours. Having cut her teeth working from the ground up at different companies in the promotional industry, she knew the only way she could truly control her career in a field she loved was by striking out on her own, and launched Ultimate Promotions, a promotional products distribution company, in 2008.

“I love what I do,” enthuses Carla. “I couldn’t imagine doing anything else. I take pride in helping others grow their business with my products and service.  I really feel that my life purpose is to use my creativity and enthusiasm to help others feel appreciated, recognized and motivated.  Becoming an entrepreneur has allowed me to move towards that purpose.”

The new business owner has already been recognized as a standout in her field, speaking to business students throughout Grande Prairie and at the Women in the North Conference.  Carla is also a board member of the Executive Women International Grande Prairie chapter and the Promotional Product Professionals of Canada Alberta chapter, and has been featured in Promotional Product Association International PPB magazine as a rising star in the industry.

Entrepeer Weekly is an online newsletter for CYBF entrepreneurs, mentors and community partners.  For more information on Entrepeer Weekly, please contact marketing@cybf.ca.