What’s your background?
After graduating from Queen’s University with a mechanical engineering degree, I began my career in the aerospace and automotive industries as a process engineer, subsequently earning my professional designation. Then, wanting to apply my technical background to help guide businesses, I decided to transition into a professional services/consulting role. I spent two years in risk consulting and internal auditing before moving to Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) tax consulting. Since then, I’ve had the privilege of working with a diverse range of clients in practically every industry, most notably the engineering, scientific and software development sectors. After a number of years managing my own firm – Robert Matthew Consulting – with my partner, we both decided to take the next logical step by joining Baker Tilly Windsor and its highly regarded SR&ED practice.
What keeps you busy outside the office?
My family mostly. My wife Kristina and I have two teenagers – Joel, 19, and Sarah, 16. We’re also parents of two “fur kids,” a Golden Retriever named Zak and a Newfoundland named Maizee. So, we have quite a full house. In my free time, I enjoy playing a variety of sports, including hockey, golf, skiing, mountain biking, fishing and generally being outdoors as much as possible. I also started F45 high‑intensity training a few years ago, which has really helped me both physically and mentally. I can even keep up with the dogs – most of the time.
What is your proudest professional accomplishment?
By far, that would have to be establishing my own SR&ED consulting practice with my partner, Rob D’Amico. I view it as a “real‑world MBA” that I’ve been working on over the past six years. It’s certainly taught me a lot about not only the technical aspects of the field but also managing a business and being an entrepreneur. In many ways, it has helped me better understand my clients. I also pride myself on my understanding of different jobs and industries – a trait I’ve developed by working with such a wide array of clients in different industries over the past 25 years. I find every new job, career and client provides me with new insights into previous experiences.
What advice would you give someone starting a career in your field?
Worry less about job titles and more about gaining work/life experiences. Seek as many new experiences as possible because this will ultimately make you a more capable and valuable team member and leader as your career progresses. Also, try to find a mentor who shares your values and you can learn from. Don’t be afraid to ask them questions!
What are the qualities that make Baker Tilly Windsor unique?
I’m still new to the firm and learning about all its special qualities, but my first impression is how friendly, welcoming and helpful everyone here is. I’m not exaggerating when I say this is the nicest office environment I’ve ever been in! When conducting my due diligence about joining, I quickly sensed this is also a very entrepreneurial culture, which is exciting to be part of. The team here is very growth‑focused and forward‑thinking. It’s definitely not a “business as usual” mindset.
If you weren’t in your current job, what profession would you pursue?
Well, I love the outdoors. So, if we’re talking about a dream job, it would have to be a fishing guide in the summer and a skiing guide in the winter, ideally living in a small town somewhere in the Canadian Rockies. I suppose I’m like a guide now, but instead of fishing or skiing I lead clients to new business opportunities.
What does “Now, for tomorrow” (Baker Tilly’s mantra) mean to you?
It means taking the time to do things right now to prepare yourself and your clients for what is coming in the future. Where you will be tomorrow is a direct reflection of the steps you take today.
What does the future hold for you and your profession?
I can’t say for certain, but I don’t see the $3 billion SR&ED market going away anytime soon. If anything, it will only grow. This area provides a wealth of opportunities for Canadian companies and keeping Canadian brainpower here. I envision artificial intelligence and the “big data” sector will eventually automate the process of claiming SR&ED incentives, making it much easier for companies to participate in available programs.