Kimberly Dubois lives a lucky life — not just because she has the opportunity to wake up and go to her dream job every day, but because a certain special aspect of her job helps her give back. As an owner/producer of G-Force Productions, Kimberly has worked for a long list of clients, including Lincoln, Mercury, Acura, Honda, Pioneer Electronics and Washington Mutual. And as much as she enjoyed bolstering her resume with some of the biggest brands, she’s quick to tell you that the producing/directing job nearest to her heart is the Beckstrand Cancer Foundation’s fundraising gala, the Diamond and Pearl Ball.
The Toronto, Canada native is a native of the health, fitness and sports industry, and was the former sales and marketing director of VersaClimber, a leading exercise equipment manufacturer. While there she worked on the promotion and sponsorship of events including the Olympics, U.S. Soccer, the NFL, The PGA Tour and Indy racing teams, among others.
When not at work, you can spot Kimberly outdoors where she loves to think and reflect. She and her husband have two kids — ages 16 and 21. And whenever she can, Kimberly loves to travel and learn about new cultures.
If you love what you do you are not sacrificing anything.
How did you discover your current job?
I was working as director of marketing for an exercise company and we were on the set of an exercise product infomercial. I met my future husband that day and also found a new career.
What is your typical day like, and what types of things do you do in your job?
When you are in production you are working 16 hours a day. You are juggling a million details while working with the client to make sure all of their needs are met. A lot of work goes into just budgeting the job to make sure every piece of the puzzle is accounted for. You determine the best crew and equipment for the job, location, permits, scouting, casting, lighting, set building, wardrobe/costumes, props, autos, animals, animation and graphics … keeping everything on schedule an on budget is key.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
At the end of the job you know that you have put your heart and soul into it, and it shows in the results. You develop great relationships with your clients and it's then that I know I have exceeded their expectations. They become more than clients; they are friends, and you have their complete trust and best interest at heart.
What challenges keep you awake at night?
Even though you may go into a shoot knowing that everything is buttoned up, you still go over all the details in your head. Double and triple checking everything to make sure it all goes smooth. I rarely sleep before a shoot. I don’t worry, I just think through the details.
What is the biggest personal sacrifice you have to make because of your job?
If you love what you do you are not sacrificing anything. My family understands and knows how each and every job means to me and they are behind me 100 percent.
What is one lesson you've learned in your job that sticks with you?
Be ethical and honest. As the old adage says, “What goes around, comes around.”
Who are your role models?
My mother, Ruby, is 85 years old. She has always had great common sense and I live by that. You don’t need a bunch of self-help books to make sound decisions.
What are some of the rules you live by?
Fun, focus and faith. Pretty simple.
What advice do you have for women who want to be in your industry?
1) Diversify yourself. Learn as many different jobs as possible before deciding where you want to settle.
2) Handle difficult situations under pressure with a cool head and positive attitude. It will set you apart.
3) Always be professional and respectful of others, no matter where you are on the totem pole.
Where do you see yourself five years from now?
I want to help families in need and change people's lives for the better.
Like the Beckstrand Cancer Foundation Diamond and Pearl Ball. This will be my sixth year producing/directing/art directing the event, and we have raised over 6 million dollars for cancer patients and their familes to help pay for rent, food, treatment, utilities, etc. There is nothing more rewarding to me when it comes to work.