ABOUT GAWCK

“gawck has one sole purpose: to capture people’s attention using large format graphics.”
gawck was founded in 2010 by Erick Vandergeest and Cathy Vandergeest in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Already working in the marketing, design and print fields, they knew that focusing on the large format segment of the marketplace would allow them to achieve greater efficiency and depth of offering. It was also an area in the printing industry and in marketing that continued to see consistent growth, year over year. The result has been better pricing, greater expertise and more options than their customers were finding at copy and quick printing stores.

Erick Vandergeest, president & founder
After graduating from Simon Fraser University in British Columbia with a BBA in Marketing, Erick relocated to Toronto. He gained four years of experience in marketing, advertising sales and business operations, then went on to complete an MBA at the Schulich School of Business. Erick wanted to focus on a business with a tangible element, so he jumped into the printing industry and found his niche. 

After seven years in the printing industry, customers include organizations of all sizes, many in B2B services, not-for-profit and retail fields. Erick brings a strategic, can-do attitude to gawck, with a laser-like focus on meeting the needs of customers. 

“Cost effective excellence for our customers and the company. That’s what we strive for.”

Cathy Vandergeest, design director
After working in business management and nursing roles in the veterinary field, Cathy switched gears to find an outlet for her creative aptitude. She graduated from the graphic design program at Seneca @ York and became a respected member of the Registered Graphic Designers of Ontario. Cathy has over ten years experience working with organizations of all sizes and ages, from start-ups to those with brands over 100 years old. Known for her clean design style, her work spans a number of industries including retail, not-for-profit and hospitality. 

Cathy brings unique value to gawck as she is creative, practical and personable--three traits that don’t often exist in a single person. She brings these traits together to serve the needs of both her customers and the company.

“When we chose the name gawck, we knew it would get attention just by being different. But really, we chose it to describe the result of our work.”