Briefly describe your work journey that led to where you are today?

My professional journey began with 18 months in farm sales, where I gained valuable experience selling grain, fertilizer, and seed. This initial role allowed me to develop a strong understanding of agricultural commodities and their market dynamics. However, I eventually decided to pursue other interests that would lead me to greater challenges.

I then became the youngest commodity broker in North America, dedicating the next 8 to 10 years trading commodities primarily with hedging client’s financial risks. I managed several portfolios, thriving in the fast-paced and high-pressure environment that the commodities market demands. My career started at Merrill Lynch, where I honed my trading skills and learned the intricacies of the financial markets.

Recognizing the need for a shift, I transitioned to a retail-focused role, as I realized the life expectancy of business relationships in the commodities sector is often short-lived and leads to a lack of fulfillment. Seeking a better work-life balance, I moved into the parent company part of sales and focused on building a retail business. By 1996, I had fully transitioned away from commodities, concentrating on expanding my client base and establishing long-term business relationships with individual investors.

Throughout my career, I have remained passionate about the markets and genuinely enjoy working with people to help them achieve their financial goals.  I believe in simplifying the investment process and creating tailored strategies that align with my clients’ objectives . This approach has allowed me to build a successful retail business while fostering meaningful client connections.

Knowing JA’s three pillars of financial health, work readiness, and entrepreneurship, how do you think being involved in JA learning experiences in your own schooling would have made a difference in your career?

If I’d had been involved with JA in high school it would have exposed me to areas of business that I had no experience with at that age.  Coming from a family tobacco farm it was the path I assumed I would continue. However, after taking specific business classes (financial statements, marketing etc.) and taking a trip to the Toronto Stock Exchange, I was inspired to start in the financial industry. Exposure = education.

What do you think has been the key to your success?

What my father taught me!  Set a target – work hard.

One of the most important lessons my father taught me is the value of hard work. He always emphasized that nothing worthwhile comes easy, and the key to achieving a goal is to dedicate yourself fully to the task at hand. My father instilled in me the importance of setting clear targets and working diligently toward them.  Whenever I face challenges, I remind myself to focus on my goals and make the necessary effort to reach them. This mindset has been instrumental in my journey, shaping my approach in both my professional and personal life. By working hard and staying committed to my targets, I have learned that perseverance and determination can lead to success in whatever I choose to pursue.

If you could do one thing differently in your career, what would it have been and why?

I would not change anything in my career as all the ebbs and flows in this industry have brought me to where I am today.

What advice would you give young people starting out in business?

Pressure is a privilege!  Starting off in any career will not be a 9 to 5 position should you want to excel and succeed. Roll up your sleeves and jump in. Having and keeping connected to multiple mentors is a necessity. Realize that stress is a part of life.

What do you think a young person’s biggest opportunity is at this time? 

You can always work harder than your competition.

What do you think the biggest obstacle is for a young person today? How could they overcome this?

I was born with an extremely busy brain so I had professionals and consultants help me learn that it was a gift, not a curse.  They all played a critical part in helping me overcome and learn to focus, hence being more efficient with my time and organizational skills.  Having a great assistant and staff that have been loyal and part of the team for over 30 years were key factors in my success.

Having clear cut vision and written goals (1 yr, 5 yr and 15 yr plans).  Learning work ethic and going above and beyond. Being patient with the process and learning as much as they can from everyone. Remember: Integrity follows you for life.

What is one goal you have set for yourself that you have not yet achieved? What has prevented you from achieving it?

So many great community leaders have been nominated to the Business Hall of Fame.  It would be an honor to be named to the Business Hall of Fame but because I am not technically an independent business person, I don’t qualify.

What is your biggest passion in life, outside of work?

Work to live, not live to work!  Spending time with family and friends. Sports (skiing, hockey, golf, fishing, motorcycle, boating, woodworking and adventure/extreme travel)

What three words would your family use to describe you? Are those three words the same or different that your employees would use? If different, what would your employees say?

Driven, compassionately committed and boundless energy.

If a young person reads this interview, what do you want them to take away from it?

Success is achieved by those who go get it. Be focused, driven, and not afraid to stand out from your peers. Be open to volunteering and helping in the community and those around you.  Do not fear failure as failure is a part of success.

Who has been your greatest inspiration/role model/mentor? Why? What did they teach you?

My father and mother played a vital part in my success, passing on their work ethic, values and reiterating that challenges are what make you grow.  Another couple, who I admire and have inspired me through their philanthropy, are people with great integrity and incredible values. I believe having people like this in my life reinforces my own values.

I have clients who are professional athletes and have always been in awe of their dedication to their goals. It takes grit, perseverance and mental stamina to succeed as a professional athlete.

What is your earliest memory of philanthropy? Why do you believe being philanthropic is important personally and/or in your business?

A six-year-old boy who did not have a father present in his life was a child that I took under my wing and in a sense, adopted. To this day I am like a father to him and a grandfather to his children. This young boy ended up getting a Master’s in Education, is a great son, father and husband. He is family and I consider him my son.

I have always chosen specific organizations to support with my time and money. It started with the United Way where I spent 22 years on fundraising campaigns and helped raise a significant amount of money.  I have been on numerous Boards and volunteered with many worthwhile causes, over the years.  I’ve watched closely and learned from the philanthropic efforts of past and present community leaders such as those who have been honoured in the Business Hall of Fame .  All have the same mindset; it is each of our responsibilities to give back.  Giving back is high on my priority list and part of my Christian beliefs.

What is it about JA’s mission that makes you choose to support its efforts?

I have supported JA for over 30 years and fully support the JA mission. JA offers students hands-on learning, teaching economics, networking, the importance of community involvement and so much more. Students flourish when they are involved with JA. They are exposed to great mentors and people they can aspire to be.  These students are our future leaders.