Introducing Chere Spencer ~ Liquor Store Manager and Wine Advocate

What accomplishment are you most proud of?

Helping my youngest son come out of his “autistic shell.” My youngest son Jakob was diagnosed with autism when he was 3.5. It took many hours a day of intense behavioural therapy and speech and language therapies to help him achieve the spectacular young man he is today. Jakob didn’t speak until he was 4.5 and didn’t sleep for more than 4 hours a night. The fact that my husband and I survived the younger years with Jakob and I became such a lioness for him within the school setting, is my best achievement.

How do you think people will remember you?

For being fun and goofy, emotional, and caring.

What is your most embarrassing moment?

I don’t get embarrassed, I laugh at myself constantly

If you could possess one super-human power, what would it be?

Flying. Seriously…I don’t have the patience for traffic in the province.

What is your greatest fear?

That I die too young and my kids don’t have the proper support around them. Josh will need to be responsible for his brother and I know that’s a heavy burden on him. I am sad about that. I want to live a long time so that Jakob can be looked after properly.

What is your greatest hope?

That my kids grow up to be happy, healthy well-adjusted adults. With no emotional baggage!

What do you think happens after death?

Nothing, nada, goose egg. Dust to dust. Sorry

What advice would you give your 20 year old self?

Don’t rely on anyone else to define your mood or make you happy. Learn to rely on yourself alone. You don’t have to have kids right away, take some time for you. Travel first. Get that out of your system. Make sure your credit score is stinking awesome your whole life. Be quick to forgive and apologize.

Do you have any pet peeves?

Bad drivers, long lines, poor customer service, rude people, liars, the person before you emptying the toilet paper roll and not replacing it with a new role.

What inspires you to do good?

My heart inspires me. People suffering or less fortunate. I always thought I would run my own “soup kitchen.” I LOVE to help others. It’s the best feeling in the world.

What was your favorite game as a child?

Marbles in the sandpit, (I kicked it old school) Kissing tag (I was fast!) and Red Rover because…well who didn’t love Red Rover??

What was your favorite music/band/dance in high school?

Bon Jovi. I actually did an English report on them. Def Leppard was a close second. Man I sound like a shrub. When I lived in Toronto for grade 9 though, I was heavily influenced by my best friend Jessica Polley so it was Depeche Mode and Madonna. LOL

What would people you know find surprising about you as a teen?

I was super insecure. Didn’t have a lot of friends. But look at me NOW!?

Did you attend college?

Yes. Took my Legal Secretary Degree. CompuCollege had an accelerated program so I went there.

Why did you decide to attend college?

So I could say “I went to College.”

If you could do it again, would you take a different academic path, or are you satisfied with the route you followed.

Would take a different route. Something to do with Weddings and Hospitality. It’s never too late though!

What was your first job?

McDonalds! Made it to Crew Chief in 2 months.

What was your best job?

Department of National Defense and Robert Half International (Office Team) helping people find work was so rewarding. Of course Clover Crossing Liquor has been fantastic. Booking tastings, choosing new products, interacting with the best clientele. What’s not to LOVE?!

What are your biggest challenges?

Balancing family life and my desire to have a rewarding career full of growth potential. Also keeping my house from looking like a pack of wild wolves has it all week while I work.

How would your children describe you as a parent?

Goofy, funny, cool. (I may have added the cool part)

Have you ever been married? To whom and for how long?

I have been married to Kyle for 16.5 years! We got married when I was 12. LOL He is the most LOYAL man I have ever known and literally taught me what Love is. I was clueless before.

How did you and your spouse first meet?

I was waitressing in a sports pub of course. How else do you meet the love of your life?

Tell me about your children.

Josh is 16 with total swag. This kid has been cooler and more emotionally mature than me since the day he was born. He’s got a heart of gold and strong moral compass. Super sporty, awesome hockey player. Love this kid. He’s the 16 year old that is super cool at school and he doesn’t smoke, drink or mess around. And yes, because I am a freak I know that for a fact. Jakob is 13 and makes me GUT laugh every day. He is our stand up comedian and I adore him. So gentle and kind. I really lucked out with my kids. They are the best parts of my husband and myself. I couldn’t have dreamed better children.