What’s your background?
I was born and raised in Windsor and am proud to call the city my home. As a kid, I began working part-time at my family’s business, where I learned the value of hard work and leadership from my father and grandfather. Having a natural interest in business, I obtained my Honours B. Comm from the Odette School of Business. Over the past 10 years, I have held various positions in Commercial Banking, both in Windsor and Ottawa, supporting private and public enterprises with their capital management requirements.
What keeps you busy outside the office?
What I enjoy most is spending time with family and friends. As for hobbies, I’m an avid golfer, though my handicap doesn’t reflect it. I love sports in general and am a diehard Montreal Canadiens fan. I also like to keep active with weightlifting, yoga and walking my dog Tiger – named after Tiger Woods. He’s a great companion but not much of a golfer.
What is your proudest professional accomplishment?
That’s an easy one to answer. It would be passing my CFA Level I exam while working full‑time. Looking ahead to the next step, I will soon be writing my Level II exam.
What advice would you give someone starting a career in your field?
Seek out mentors and build lasting relationships. I’m fortunate to have had several mentors throughout my career. In addition to providing wise advice and valuable opportunities, these mentors have become close friends. Overall, it’s important to cultivate a network of professionals from different industries and backgrounds – people you can share resources with and learn from.
What are the qualities that make Baker Tilly Windsor unique?
We’re able to offer the services and expertise of a global firm, with the entrepreneurial mindset and approach of a smaller firm. We provide world‑class resources with deep knowledge of the industries unique to this region.
How would you describe your contribution to Baker Tilly Windsor?
Our Corporate Finance practice is a new value-added service for Baker Tilly clients, which no other firm locally is offering. As an example, many baby boomers are considering exiting their business; we’re able to offer expertise to assist these entrepreneurs in maximizing the value of their business, and manage the often daunting M&A process. We also provide advice to clients looking to transition their business to the next generation. This frequently comes with many challenges beyond just the numbers, which we can help manage.
If you weren’t in your current job, what profession would you pursue?
I would be a sports agent. I love hockey but quickly realized I didn’t have the skills for the NHL. Being a sports agent would be a great way to bridge my passion for hockey with my aptitude for business. But while it would’ve been great to be like “Jerry Maguire,” I’m still thrilled to be doing what I do.
What does “Now, for tomorrow” (Baker Tilly’s mantra) mean to you?
Having grown up in a family business, I understand how important such an enterprise can be to the entire family – especially the legacy it can create. In Corporate Finance, we help maximize the value of enterprises, creating generational wealth for our clients. Whether assisting in the transition of a family enterprise to the next generation, or managing the sale of the business, we’re supporting entrepreneurs now in establishing their legacy for tomorrow.
What does the future hold for you and your profession?
I see M&A becoming a growing interest and need for our clients. Between the pandemic and increasing economic uncertainty, many older entrepreneurs will be looking at the future of their business and a potential exit or transition. We’re here to support these new paths and goals.