What’s your background?
I started my career as a 17‑year‑old mould‑making apprentice and during my 15 years in the tool and mould sector, I became a certified mould maker (CQ, 2007) and program manager. In 2010, I graduated from the University of Windsor (B.A., Honours, Economics). The last 11 years have been spent working as a professional consultant preparing Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) tax claims and securing government grants for small- and medium‑sized enterprises operating in Ontario, with a specialization in the automotive, precision metalworking and manufacturing sectors. In 2023, I joined Baker Tilly Windsor as a senior manager to help manage and grow the SR&ED practice.
What keeps you busy outside the office?
When I’m not in the office, I try to stay active. I enjoy long‑distance running, working out, shooting hoops and golfing poorly.
What is your proudest professional accomplishment?
Working with charitable organizations to secure critical grant funding for valuable community projects.
What advice would you give someone starting a career in your field?
Remain up to date on the latest technologies and industry trends. Being ahead of the curve enables you to provide forward-thinking solutions to your clients and help maximize their future SR&ED potential. Building trusted client relationships is paramount to long‑term success. Also, it’s important to have a passion for what you do.
What are the qualities that make Baker Tilly Windsor unique?
Coming from a small, boutique SR&ED firm, one thing that really stood out to me when I first started at Baker Tilly Windsor was the friendly staff and culture they’ve built. Baker Tilly Windsor promotes a healthy work and life balance that I have not experienced elsewhere. For example, the “fun committee” schedules monthly social events outside of work to foster additional team chemistry (and let off some steam). Another defining quality that makes the firm unique is that entrepreneurialism is encouraged. With the support of the partners, the experienced professionals in the SR&ED service line have been entrusted to build the practice – the sky is the limit!
How would you describe your contribution to Baker Tilly Windsor?
I’m responsible for managing relationships and preparing eligible SR&ED claims. As someone who comes from the industry, I’m able to leverage my first‑hand knowledge and experience to assist our many manufacturing clients in maximizing their input tax credit (ITC) returns.
If you weren’t in your current job, what profession would you pursue?
At this point in my career, I honestly can’t imagine doing anything different, but if I had had to choose a new profession, it would probably be accounting (specializing in SR&ED).
What does “Now, for tomorrow” (Baker Tilly’s mantra) mean to you?
Preparation and results. As Wayne Gretzky says, “Skate to where the puck is going, not where it has been.”
What does the future hold for you and your profession?
With exponential advancements in machine learning technologies already happening, there are endless possibilities for SR&ED innovation across all industries. Through hard work and dedication, our team of professionals at Baker Tilly Windsor will continue to service our valued clients and grow the SR&ED practice – Now, for tomorrow!