Advisor Directory

Get Connected with Local Expertise

One challenge facing family businesses is connecting with local professional business advisors, from all fields, who have the background to understand the unique dynamic of family business, as well as the experience to guide their business to long-term success.

The Centre for Family Business has created this Advisor Directory as a guide for family businesses to locate the professional resources and assistance they require.

Members

Industries

  • Allan Bush

    CIBC Wood Gundy - Allan Bush Investment Team

    Specialization: Finance & Accounting

    As the leader of the Allan Bush Investment Team, Allan has almost three decades of experience and a wealth of knowledge. Since 1987 he has been developing successful financial plans and finding the right investment and insurance solutions. In the last 14 consecutive years, he has achieved the level of Chairman’s Club which is awarded to the top Investment Advisors across Canada and maintained President’s Club every year prior to that. He is the team’s Chief Strategist for his clients – he determines financial priorities and develops individual roadmaps while choosing the appropriate financial solutions to help get them there. In addition, he himself has experienced the process of building up and selling a business. Allan oversees the investment practice and with his five-person team and they bring together 100+ years of expertise.

    The Bauer Buildings
    150 Caroline St. S. 3rd Floor
    Waterloo, ON N2L 0A5

    Phone: 519-883-5353
    Fax: 519-888-6887
    Website: https://allanbush.com/

    04 Justin Caldwell

    Justin D. Caldwell​

    Investment Advisor, Associate Portfolio Manager, Richardson Wealth – The Caldwell Housepian Group

    Specialization: Finance & Accounting

    Justin leads a wealth management process and works closely with clients to bring clarity to their goals. As an Associate Portfolio Manager, he is licensed to provide discretionary advice as a fiduciary.

    He joined The Caldwell Group – which recently became Caldwell Housepian Group – in January, 2016 after working with one of Canada’s top think-tanks, the C.D. Howe Institute. There, he refined his skills in analysis and communication by developing strategic partnerships with leading CEOs and senior government stakeholders.

    Justin is a strong advocate for giving back, believing everyone can play a role in helping create a resilient, prosperous community. He serves on the Investment Committee of the Kitchener-Waterloo Community Foundation and as a Director for the Centre for Family Business.

    540 Bingemans Centre Drive, Suite 100, Kitchener, Ontario N2B 3X9

    Phone: 519.772.7833
    Email: Justin.Caldwell@richardsonwealth.com
    Website: www.CaldwellGroup.ca

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    Amy Finch

    Lawyer, McCarter Grespan​

    Specialization: Legal Services

    Amy practices corporate, estate planning, commercial and business law with an emphasis on mergers and acquisitions, succession and estate planning, complex corporate reorganizations, restructurings, private placements, and corporate financings.

    Her core client base includes enterprise owners and their operations, partnerships, and joint ventures.

    Amy joined the firm as an Associate in 2002 and was nominated to become a Director in 2013. She has served as lead counsel on numerous large-scale transactions and continues to help strengthen the Firm’s reputation for integrity, teamwork, commitment, and entrepreneurial spirit.

    Practice Areas
    Having served as lead lawyer on a number of transactions in the $1M to $5M range, Amy has extensive experience in drafting a wide variety of corporate documents including share and asset purchase agreements, employee agreements and more. She is also gaining an impressive reputation for counsel on corporate shareholder matters including rights, shareholder support, joint ventures and other agreements.

    675 Riverbend Drive
    Kitchener, ON N2K 3S3

    Phone: 519-571-8800
    Website: http://www.mgbwlaw.com/Our_Lawyers/Lawyer_Profile/~192_Amy%20Finch

    MarlowGingerich

    Marlow Gingerich​

    Gift Planning Consultant, Abundance Canada​

    Specialization: Business Consulting Services

    Every business owner should consider charitable giving as part of their financial planning. The benefits may offer tax advantages and your generous support impacts a worthy cause. Marlow Gingerich, a gift planning consultant with Abundance Canada, is an expert in charitable giving and has extensive knowledge of developing appropriate giving strategies that best suits your scenario.

    Abundance Canada offers a customized gift planning service by helping you to match your interests and philanthropic goals with your assets and a timeline. We can assist you by facilitating a simple donation of cash or something more complex such as:

    • a charitable gift in a will;
    • donating stocks, mutual funds or private company shares;
    • setting up a family foundation;
    • a gift of life insurance;
    • donating anonymously.

    Our confidential consultation service is free, with no obligations.

    Abundance Canada is a public foundation registered with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).  Since 1974, we have helped individuals with charitable giving during their lifetime and through their estate.

    703-20 Erb St. W, Waterloo,

    ON N2L 1T2

    Phone: 519.745.7821 ex. 208
    Email: mgingerich@abundance.ca
    Website: https://abundance.ca/

    DarrylGoodall

    Darryl Goodall, CPA, CMA CTP​

    CPA, PartTime CFO​

    Specialization: Finance & Accounting

    Take your business to new heights!

    The benefits of hiring a Part Time CFO are no secret. It offers small and medium sized private businesses a seasoned financial executive to increase the depth of their team when a full-time hire is not required.

    Our team works directly with entrepreneurs, owners, and management to improve a company’s long-term financial health. We become part of your team, bringing our diverse experience and network of resources.

    Our Mission

    As trusted strategic business partners, we work with family and private enterprises to collaboratively build and implement customized financial and management solutions. Utilizing a hands-on approach, we strive to exceed our clients’ expectations and enhance long-term stakeholder value.

    Our Vision

    We strive to be the pre-eminent financial and management advisory team for family and private enterprises in Ontario.

    Our Values

    • Integrity
      We conduct our work with high standards, accountability, and utmost transparency. We provide honest and unbiased advice focusing on our clients’ best interests, allowing them to make informed decisions.
    • Collaboration
      We value teamwork and focus on building a strong and trusting relationship with our clients and each other, collaboratively building and implementing customized financial and management solutions.
    • Excellence
      It is essential that we have knowledgeable and experienced staff to provide timely and expert advice second to none. We encourage lifelong learning and constantly modify and evaluate the work we do.
    • Customer Focused
      We provide solutions addressing our clients’ specific needs and understand their demand for immediate results. With our large and diverse team, we are flexible enough to adapt to their changing requirements.
    • Community Oriented
      We value connections in our community, supporting local charities, social programs and sports teams as well as partnering with organizations providing assistance and advice to new entrepreneurs.
    • Work Hard, Play Hard!
      Our team exemplifies this philosophy and regularly partakes in team building sessions and fun social events where knowledge and experiences are shared, and strong connections are made.

    With extensive management experience ranging from small, owner-operated enterprises, to large, publicly traded companies, the Part Time CFO Services team provides senior financial leadership and brings valuable insights to any business.

    Sherry Hempel

    Sherry Hempel​

    Director, Private Company Service Group, PwC​

    Specialization: Finance & Accounting

    We understand private companies We have developed a deep understanding of the unique issues faced by private companies of all sizes and across industries. Through our day-to-day interactions with private companies, our industry relationships and extensive network, we are able to keep a pulse on the issues of importance to private companies. Our Business Insights Survey of Private Companies as well as our Global Family Business Survey helps to affirm the hottest issues on the minds of owners and leaders of private companies and provides a voice for those leaders to share their views. We provide a holistic business perspective Business issues don’t happen in silos. We understand that private companies need flexible thinking that helps them connect the dots across the entire organization. Our role is not to run your business. Instead, we can work with you as your business advisor to help spot opportunities for growth, avoid risk, realize savings, create value and help you put all the pieces together. We have expertise wherever you need it In today’s interconnected global economy, private and family-owned businesses are increasingly becoming involved in overseas operations, joint ventures, and partnerships. Planning how the business will continue to grow and succeed into the future is as important as the planning undertaken to start and grow your business. Successful plans take time and care and effective strategic planning can help see family firms succeed in this brand new world. PwC’s private company network offers our clients access to dedicated professionals with local market expertise throughout the world.

    95 King Street South, Suite 201
    Waterloo, ON N2J 5A2

    Phone: 519-570-5727
    Email: sherry.hempel@pwc.com
    Website: https://www.pwc.com/ca/en/private-company.html

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    Chris Housepian, CPA, CMA, CIM, CFP​

    Portfolio Manage, Richardson Wealth​

    Specialization: Finance & Accounting

    Chris holds designations as a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA), a Certified Management Accountant (CMA), a Chartered Investment Manager (CIM) as well as being a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional (CFP®). As a registered Portfolio Manager, he offers clients the many benefits of our customized discretionary portfolio management service. Combining his professional qualifications with extensive industry experience, Chris has earned the trust of clients for 40 years.

    540 Bingemans Centre Drive, Suite 100, Kitchener, Ontario N2B 3X9

    Phone: 519.772.7834
    Email: chris.housepian@RichardsonWealth.com
    Website: https://www.richardsonwealth.com/

    Michael Synders Photo via canva

    Michael Snyders, HCS, CIM​

    President, Future Focus Inc.​

    Specialization: Business Consulting

    Michael has been providing practical guidance to small and mid-size companies in the areas of leadership, strategy, continuous improvement and human capital management for more than 20 years. Michael is skilled at coming alongside business owners and leadership teams, and helping them to maximize the potential resident in their organizations through: leadership development & coaching, succession planning, leadership recruiting, strategic planning, and diagnosing the leadership bench-strength. He is determined to continuously add value to his clients using best practices and truly understanding their business.

    Michael’s formal education and professional designations have provided him with a strong understanding of best practices in leadership, strategy and talent. His post-secondary education began with the Management Studies program and Post-Graduate Studies Program in Human Resources. Michael also holds professional designations as Human Capital Strategist (HCS) and Certified In Management (CIM).

    Over the past 20 years of Michael’s career, he has been actively engaged in assisting organizations in their growth as a Business Advisor, Leadership Trainer, and Coach with organizations like Management Development Group, Michael Follett Consulting, and Future Focus Inc (as Senior Partner).

    As an alumnus of Leadership Waterloo Region, Michael has demonstrated a strong focus and passion for local and world community service. He has worked with a variety of committees and boards of Not-For-Profit organizations such as Centre for Family Business (CFFB), Kitchener-Conestoga Rotary Club, Conestoga College, Meals On Wheels, Big Brothers, YMCA, Greater KW Chamber of Commerce, Habitat For Humanity, Teen Challenge and Canada’s Technology Triangle Inc, 100 Men Who Give a Damn – Waterloo, and on KW Counselling Services. Michael has participated in three international development programs – building schools in Peru for Students Offering Support, and building homes in Ethiopia and Argentina for Habitat for Humanity Global Village.

    Michael grew up in a small Southwestern Ontario town and has called Waterloo his home for the past 20 years. His favourite time outside of work is spending time with his daughter travelling, boating, playing soccer, reading, and going on adventures.

    235 Bathurst Dr, Waterloo, ON N2H 5A2

    Phone: 519-897-6245
    Email: msnyders@future-focus.ca
    Website: https://home.future-focus.ca/

    PaulKroetsch

    Paul Kroetsch, CPA, CMA, CTP​

    CFO, PartTime CFO​

    Specialization: Finance & Accounting

    Part Time CFO Services works with entrepreneurs and their management teams to address business challenges and maximize opportunities.  Our team brings their extensive experience working with family businesses, providing solutions to guide your company towards meeting its short-term goals and achieving its long-term vision.   We identify and implement new strategies to improve your business’ profitability, at a fraction of the cost of a full time CFO

    Paul has spent over thirty years in corporate finance, with both private and public companies.  He has an extensive background in process improvement, modelling, cost control and debt and equity financings.  He has helped arrange credit lines, including syndicated bank facilities and completed an IPO as a CFO.  He has been deeply involved in the M&A field, helping several companies complete over a dozen successful acquisitions and integrations.  Paul enjoys working with teams to focus on business drivers and eliminate tasks that do not create value for stakeholders.   He is a Chartered Professional Accountant and also holds a Certified Treasury Professional designation.

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    Avril Lavallee​

    Lawyer, McCarter Grespan​

    Specialization: Legal Services

    Avril has a wealth of experience in Condominium Law. Avril has been involved in many high profile developments, both residential and commercial throughout the Waterloo region. She has also developed an enviable reputation for guidance in all aspects of real estate development including purchase and sale, financing, leasing and more.

    Practice Areas
    Avril regularly provides counsel for Standard, Phased, Vacant Land and Common Element Condo planning, condo conversions, amalgamations and governance. She has drafted documentation including by-laws and declarations to cost sharing and other multiple party agreements. Avril is also a valued member of our firm’s merger, acquisition and divestiture practice.

    675 Riverbend Drive
    Kitchener, ON N2K 3S3

    Phone: 519-571-8800
    Website: http://www.mgbwlaw.com/Our_Lawyers/Lawyer_Profile/~191_Avril%20Lavallee

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    Russ McEachnie, CFP, CPCA, CDFA​

    McEachnie Group Private Wealth Management of Investors Group Financial Services Inc.​

    Specialization: Finance & Accounting

    McEachnie Group Private Wealth Management with Investors Group Financial Services Inc. will work with you to provide customized Financial and Tax Planning Solutions. Your family will receive a high level combination of Investment, Tax, Risk Management, Retirement, Estate and Succession Planning. We believe that Business Owners take on the greatest amount of risk managing their businesses. Our customized approach to planning is based on asset protection around your goals and objectives. Your plan will be unique to you.

    80 King Street South Ste 201
    Waterloo, ON N2J 1P5

    Phone: 519-886-2360 ext: 241
    Website: http://www.russmceachnie.com/

    Moore Steve-019_4x5 300 CL

    Steve Moore, CPA, CA​

    Partner and Business Advisor, MNP LLP​

    Specialization: Finance & Accounting

    Steve Moore, CPA, CA, is a Partner and Business Advisor with MNP LLP in Waterloo. A member of the firm’s Private Enterprise group, Steve draws on more than 25 years of experience to help owner-managed businesses achieve their goals, today and in the future. Steve delivers a comprehensive suite of assurance, tax and advisory services, including succession planning services.

    A trusted advisor, he works with growth-oriented, entrepreneurial clients and delivers advice and solutions tailored to their unique needs and objectives. His clients are in a broad range of industries, including retail, technology, real estate and professional services. In 1984, Steve received his Bachelor of Arts (Hons) degree from the University of Toronto, where he majored in economics and philosophy.

    He is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA), qualifying as a Chartered Accountant (CA) in 1991. Steve has been involved with Rotary Club for more than 20 years and has served as treasurer and president.

    3-139 Northfield Drive West
    Waterloo, ON N2L 5A6

    Phone: 519.725.7700
    Email: Steve.Moore@mnp.ca
    Website: http://www.mnp.ca/en/contact/ontario/waterloo

    WillStakiewicz

    Will Stankiewicz​​

    Senior Manager, Private Company Service Group, PwC​​

    Specialization: Finance & Accounting

    We understand private companies We have developed a deep understanding of the unique issues faced by private companies of all sizes and across industries. Through our day-to-day interactions with private companies, our industry relationships and extensive network, we are able to keep a pulse on the issues of importance to private companies. Our Business Insights Survey of Private Companies as well as our Global Family Business Survey helps to affirm the hottest issues on the minds of owners and leaders of private companies and provides a voice for those leaders to share their views. We provide a holistic business perspective Business issues don’t happen in silos. We understand that private companies need flexible thinking that helps them connect the dots across the entire organization. Our role is not to run your business. Instead, we can work with you as your business advisor to help spot opportunities for growth, avoid risk, realize savings, create value and help you put all the pieces together. We have expertise wherever you need it In today’s interconnected global economy, private and family-owned businesses are increasingly becoming involved in overseas operations, joint ventures, and partnerships. Planning how the business will continue to grow and succeed into the future is as important as the planning undertaken to start and grow your business. Successful plans take time and care and effective strategic planning can help see family firms succeed in this brand new world. PwC’s private company network offers our clients access to dedicated professionals with local market expertise throughout the world.

    95 King Street South, Suite 201
    Waterloo, ON N2J 5A2

    Phone: 519-570-5715
    Email: will.r.stankiewicz@pwc.com

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    Scott Wagler​

    Managing Partner, Josslin Insurance​

    Specialization: Finance & Accounting

    As a managing partner at Josslin Insurance, Scott Wagler has over 35 years’ experience in risk management providing insurance solutions and support for business, personal and life. Scott is a former president of the CFFB, a recipient of the 2013 Leadership Award, and has served on the board for many years. He was also one of the original members of the next generation round table group.

    Currently celebrating 45 years of Wagler family ownership, Josslin Insurance has six offices in and around Waterloo Region. It has a team of brokers who work with insurance providers to offer a wide selection of insurance options. They offer professional advice, helping you choose the coverage that works best for you, and assistance in the event of a claim.

    Josslin also offers a program for discounted home and auto coverage for CFFB members and their employees.

    118 Peel Street
    New Hamburg, ON N3A 1E3

    Phone: 519-662-1644
    Email: scottw@josslin.com
    Website: http://www.josslin.com/

    Steve Wagler of Josslin Insurance

    Steve Wagler​

    Managing Partner, Josslin Insurance​

    Specialization: Finance & Accounting

    As a managing partner at Josslin Insurance, Steve Wagler has over 30 years’ experience in risk management and providing insurance solutions and support for business and personal use. Steve was the 2018 recipient of the Peter Hallman mentorship award and has been a member of the Outlaws round table for 12 years.

    Currently celebrating 45 years of Wagler family ownership, Josslin Insurance has six offices in and around Waterloo Region. It has a team of brokers who work with insurance providers to offer a wide selection of insurance options. They offer professional advice, helping you choose the coverage that works best for you, and assistance in the event of a claim.

    Josslin also offers a program for discounted home and auto coverage for CFFB members and their employees.

    118 Peel Street, New Hamburg, ON N3A 1E3

    Phone: 519-662-1644
    Email: steve.wagler@josslin.com
    Website: http://www.josslin.com/

    MEDA-logo

    Dean Shoemaker

    Senior Development Officer, MEDA

    Specialization: Business Consulting Services

    Dean Shoemaker works with family businesses and foundations to help them achieve their philanthropic goals through business. 

    MEDA is an international development organization that creates business solutions to poverty.  Many entrepreneurs in developing countries are not looking for a hand out but rather a hand up. MEDA’s global programs support entrepreneurs with business training, access to capital and new markets.  With these three key elements business owners can increase their income and provide a livelihood for them and their families. This global outreach is sustainable and through succession, often reaches next generations.    

    There is a solution to poverty and the solution is business!  MEDA has 22 active projects globally and multiplies your private donations by 5X with funding from institutional donors like Global Affairs Canada, Mastercard Foundation, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and more. 

    If you are interested in learning more about MEDA’s business approach to poverty please contact me for a tour of our Waterloo office or even a tour of one of our global projects!

    Phone: 226-499-8985
    Cell: 519-823-3033
    Website: www.meda.org

    Donald Steele

    Blackwood family enterprise services

    Specialization: Family enterprise Advisory

    Blackwood has a wealth of lived experience and a deep passion for helping families find harmony as they work through the intricacies and challenges of their family-owned enterprises.

    Our disciplined planning process delivers innovative and meaningful results.

    We start in Discovery interviewing family members and their key advisors to ensure that all perspectives are clearly understood.

    Family meetings drive clarity. We are experts in facilitating the conversations that align mission, vision & values, so families can reach consensus around their goals and make great decisions.

    We are the quarterback. Working on behalf of our clients, we manage the strategy development process through to implementation. We document the family’s vision so that it can be shared with their advisory team, enabling legal, tax, accounting, estate, and investment professionals to work collaboratively from the outset to develop the proper strategies and structures.

    We deliver long-term sustainability: Our processes, resources, and tools keep families communicating. We identify when adjustments to strategies and structures are required, ensuring that plans remain aligned, goals are met, and visions sustained.

    138 Flatt Road, Burlington, ON L7P 0T3

    Phone:(416) 302-2146
    Email: don@blackwoodfes.com
    Website: www.blackwoodfes.com 

  • Business Consulting Services

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    Michael Snyders, HCS, CIM​

    President, Future Focus Inc.​

    Specialization: Business Consulting

    Michael has been providing practical guidance to small and mid-size companies in the areas of leadership, strategy, continuous improvement and human capital management for more than 20 years. Michael is skilled at coming alongside business owners and leadership teams, and helping them to maximize the potential resident in their organizations through: leadership development & coaching, succession planning, leadership recruiting, strategic planning, and diagnosing the leadership bench-strength. He is determined to continuously add value to his clients using best practices and truly understanding their business.

    Michael’s formal education and professional designations have provided him with a strong understanding of best practices in leadership, strategy and talent. His post-secondary education began with the Management Studies program and Post-Graduate Studies Program in Human Resources. Michael also holds professional designations as Human Capital Strategist (HCS) and Certified In Management (CIM).

    Over the past 20 years of Michael’s career, he has been actively engaged in assisting organizations in their growth as a Business Advisor, Leadership Trainer, and Coach with organizations like Management Development Group, Michael Follett Consulting, and Future Focus Inc (as Senior Partner).

    As an alumnus of Leadership Waterloo Region, Michael has demonstrated a strong focus and passion for local and world community service. He has worked with a variety of committees and boards of Not-For-Profit organizations such as Centre for Family Business (CFFB), Kitchener-Conestoga Rotary Club, Conestoga College, Meals On Wheels, Big Brothers, YMCA, Greater KW Chamber of Commerce, Habitat For Humanity, Teen Challenge and Canada’s Technology Triangle Inc, 100 Men Who Give a Damn – Waterloo, and on KW Counselling Services. Michael has participated in three international development programs – building schools in Peru for Students Offering Support, and building homes in Ethiopia and Argentina for Habitat for Humanity Global Village.

    Michael grew up in a small Southwestern Ontario town and has called Waterloo his home for the past 20 years. His favourite time outside of work is spending time with his daughter travelling, boating, playing soccer, reading, and going on adventures.

    235 Bathurst Dr, Waterloo, ON N2H 5A2

    Phone: 519-897-6245
    Email: msnyders@future-focus.ca
    Website: https://home.future-focus.ca/

    MarlowGingerich

    Marlow Gingerich​

    Gift Planning Consultant, Abundance Canada​

    Specialization: Business Consulting Services

    Every business owner should consider charitable giving as part of their financial planning. The benefits may offer tax advantages and your generous support impacts a worthy cause. Marlow Gingerich, a gift planning consultant with Abundance Canada, is an expert in charitable giving and has extensive knowledge of developing appropriate giving strategies that best suits your scenario.

    Abundance Canada offers a customized gift planning service by helping you to match your interests and philanthropic goals with your assets and a timeline. We can assist you by facilitating a simple donation of cash or something more complex such as:

    • a charitable gift in a will;
    • donating stocks, mutual funds or private company shares;
    • setting up a family foundation;
    • a gift of life insurance;
    • donating anonymously.

    Our confidential consultation service is free, with no obligations.

    Abundance Canada is a public foundation registered with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).  Since 1974, we have helped individuals with charitable giving during their lifetime and through their estate.

    703-20 Erb St. W, Waterloo,

    ON N2L 1T2

    Phone: 519.745.7821 ex. 208
    Email: mgingerich@abundance.ca
    Website: https://abundance.ca/

    MEDA-logo

    Dean Shoemaker

    Senior Development Officer, MEDA

    Specialization: Business Consulting Services

    Dean Shoemaker works with family businesses and foundations to help them achieve their philanthropic goals through business. 

    MEDA is an international development organization that creates business solutions to poverty.  Many entrepreneurs in developing countries are not looking for a hand out but rather a hand up. MEDA’s global programs support entrepreneurs with business training, access to capital and new markets.  With these three key elements business owners can increase their income and provide a livelihood for them and their families. This global outreach is sustainable and through succession, often reaches next generations.    

    There is a solution to poverty and the solution is business!  MEDA has 22 active projects globally and multiplies your private donations by 5X with funding from institutional donors like Global Affairs Canada, Mastercard Foundation, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and more. 

    If you are interested in learning more about MEDA’s business approach to poverty please contact me for a tour of our Waterloo office or even a tour of one of our global projects!

    Phone: 226-499-8985
    Cell: 519-823-3033
    Website: www.meda.org

    Legal Services

    CFFB_Cookies

    Amy Finch

    Lawyer, McCarter Grespan​

    Specialization: Legal Services

    Amy practices corporate, estate planning, commercial and business law with an emphasis on mergers and acquisitions, succession and estate planning, complex corporate reorganizations, restructurings, private placements, and corporate financings.

    Her core client base includes enterprise owners and their operations, partnerships, and joint ventures.

    Amy joined the firm as an Associate in 2002 and was nominated to become a Director in 2013. She has served as lead counsel on numerous large-scale transactions and continues to help strengthen the Firm’s reputation for integrity, teamwork, commitment, and entrepreneurial spirit.

    Practice Areas
    Having served as lead lawyer on a number of transactions in the $1M to $5M range, Amy has extensive experience in drafting a wide variety of corporate documents including share and asset purchase agreements, employee agreements and more. She is also gaining an impressive reputation for counsel on corporate shareholder matters including rights, shareholder support, joint ventures and other agreements.

    675 Riverbend Drive
    Kitchener, ON N2K 3S3

    Phone: 519-571-8800
    Website: http://www.mgbwlaw.com/Our_Lawyers/Lawyer_Profile/~192_Amy%20Finch

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    Avril Lavallee​

    Lawyer, McCarter Grespan​

    Specialization: Legal Services

    Avril has a wealth of experience in Condominium Law. Avril has been involved in many high profile developments, both residential and commercial throughout the Waterloo region. She has also developed an enviable reputation for guidance in all aspects of real estate development including purchase and sale, financing, leasing and more.

    Practice Areas
    Avril regularly provides counsel for Standard, Phased, Vacant Land and Common Element Condo planning, condo conversions, amalgamations and governance. She has drafted documentation including by-laws and declarations to cost sharing and other multiple party agreements. Avril is also a valued member of our firm’s merger, acquisition and divestiture practice.

    675 Riverbend Drive
    Kitchener, ON N2K 3S3

    Phone: 519-571-8800
    Website: http://www.mgbwlaw.com/Our_Lawyers/Lawyer_Profile/~191_Avril%20Lavallee

    Finance & Accounting

    Allan Bush

    CIBC Wood Gundy - Allan Bush Investment Team

    Specialization: Finance & Accounting

    As the leader of the Allan Bush Investment Team, Allan has almost three decades of experience and a wealth of knowledge. Since 1987 he has been developing successful financial plans and finding the right investment and insurance solutions. In the last 14 consecutive years, he has achieved the level of Chairman’s Club which is awarded to the top Investment Advisors across Canada and maintained President’s Club every year prior to that. He is the team’s Chief Strategist for his clients – he determines financial priorities and develops individual roadmaps while choosing the appropriate financial solutions to help get them there. In addition, he himself has experienced the process of building up and selling a business. Allan oversees the investment practice and with his five-person team and they bring together 100+ years of expertise.

    The Bauer Buildings
    150 Caroline St. S. 3rd Floor
    Waterloo, ON N2L 0A5

    Phone: 519-883-5353
    Fax: 519-888-6887
    Website: https://allanbush.com/

    04 Justin Caldwell

    Justin D. Caldwell​

    Investment Advisor, Associate Portfolio Manager, Richardson Wealth – The Caldwell Housepian Group

    Specialization: Finance & Accounting

    Justin leads a wealth management process and works closely with clients to bring clarity to their goals. As an Associate Portfolio Manager, he is licensed to provide discretionary advice as a fiduciary.

    He joined The Caldwell Group – which recently became Caldwell Housepian Group – in January, 2016 after working with one of Canada’s top think-tanks, the C.D. Howe Institute. There, he refined his skills in analysis and communication by developing strategic partnerships with leading CEOs and senior government stakeholders.

    Justin is a strong advocate for giving back, believing everyone can play a role in helping create a resilient, prosperous community. He serves on the Investment Committee of the Kitchener-Waterloo Community Foundation and as a Director for the Centre for Family Business.

    540 Bingemans Centre Drive, Suite 100, Kitchener, Ontario N2B 3X9

    Phone: 519.772.7833
    Email: Justin.Caldwell@richardsonwealth.com
    Website: www.CaldwellGroup.ca

    DarrylGoodall

    Darryl Goodall, CPA, CMA CTP​

    CPA, PartTime CFO​

    Specialization: Finance & Accounting

    Take your business to new heights!

    The benefits of hiring a Part Time CFO are no secret. It offers small and medium sized private businesses a seasoned financial executive to increase the depth of their team when a full-time hire is not required.

    Our team works directly with entrepreneurs, owners, and management to improve a company’s long-term financial health. We become part of your team, bringing our diverse experience and network of resources.

    Our Mission

    As trusted strategic business partners, we work with family and private enterprises to collaboratively build and implement customized financial and management solutions. Utilizing a hands-on approach, we strive to exceed our clients’ expectations and enhance long-term stakeholder value.

    Our Vision

    We strive to be the pre-eminent financial and management advisory team for family and private enterprises in Ontario.

    Our Values

    • Integrity
      We conduct our work with high standards, accountability, and utmost transparency. We provide honest and unbiased advice focusing on our clients’ best interests, allowing them to make informed decisions.
    • Collaboration
      We value teamwork and focus on building a strong and trusting relationship with our clients and each other, collaboratively building and implementing customized financial and management solutions.
    • Excellence
      It is essential that we have knowledgeable and experienced staff to provide timely and expert advice second to none. We encourage lifelong learning and constantly modify and evaluate the work we do.
    • Customer Focused
      We provide solutions addressing our clients’ specific needs and understand their demand for immediate results. With our large and diverse team, we are flexible enough to adapt to their changing requirements.
    • Community Oriented
      We value connections in our community, supporting local charities, social programs and sports teams as well as partnering with organizations providing assistance and advice to new entrepreneurs.
    • Work Hard, Play Hard!
      Our team exemplifies this philosophy and regularly partakes in team building sessions and fun social events where knowledge and experiences are shared, and strong connections are made.

    With extensive management experience ranging from small, owner-operated enterprises, to large, publicly traded companies, the Part Time CFO Services team provides senior financial leadership and brings valuable insights to any business.

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    Sherry Hempel​

    Director, Private Company Service Group, PwC​

    Specialization: Finance & Accounting

    We understand private companies We have developed a deep understanding of the unique issues faced by private companies of all sizes and across industries. Through our day-to-day interactions with private companies, our industry relationships and extensive network, we are able to keep a pulse on the issues of importance to private companies. Our Business Insights Survey of Private Companies as well as our Global Family Business Survey helps to affirm the hottest issues on the minds of owners and leaders of private companies and provides a voice for those leaders to share their views. We provide a holistic business perspective Business issues don’t happen in silos. We understand that private companies need flexible thinking that helps them connect the dots across the entire organization. Our role is not to run your business. Instead, we can work with you as your business advisor to help spot opportunities for growth, avoid risk, realize savings, create value and help you put all the pieces together. We have expertise wherever you need it In today’s interconnected global economy, private and family-owned businesses are increasingly becoming involved in overseas operations, joint ventures, and partnerships. Planning how the business will continue to grow and succeed into the future is as important as the planning undertaken to start and grow your business. Successful plans take time and care and effective strategic planning can help see family firms succeed in this brand new world. PwC’s private company network offers our clients access to dedicated professionals with local market expertise throughout the world.

    95 King Street South, Suite 201
    Waterloo, ON N2J 5A2

    Phone: 519-570-5727
    Email: sherry.hempel@pwc.com
    Website: https://www.pwc.com/ca/en/private-company.html

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    Chris Housepian, CPA, CMA, CIM, CFP​

    Portfolio Manage, Richardson Wealth​

    Specialization: Finance & Accounting

    Chris holds designations as a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA), a Certified Management Accountant (CMA), a Chartered Investment Manager (CIM) as well as being a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional (CFP®). As a registered Portfolio Manager, he offers clients the many benefits of our customized discretionary portfolio management service. Combining his professional qualifications with extensive industry experience, Chris has earned the trust of clients for 40 years.

    540 Bingemans Centre Drive, Suite 100, Kitchener, Ontario N2B 3X9

    Phone: 519.772.7834
    Email: chris.housepian@RichardsonWealth.com
    Website: https://www.richardsonwealth.com/

    Steve Wagler of Josslin Insurance

    Steve Wagler​

    Managing Partner, Josslin Insurance​

    Specialization: Finance & Accounting

    As a managing partner at Josslin Insurance, Steve Wagler has over 30 years’ experience in risk management and providing insurance solutions and support for business and personal use. Steve was the 2018 recipient of the Peter Hallman mentorship award and has been a member of the Outlaws round table for 12 years.

    Currently celebrating 45 years of Wagler family ownership, Josslin Insurance has six offices in and around Waterloo Region. It has a team of brokers who work with insurance providers to offer a wide selection of insurance options. They offer professional advice, helping you choose the coverage that works best for you, and assistance in the event of a claim.

    Josslin also offers a program for discounted home and auto coverage for CFFB members and their employees.

    118 Peel Street, New Hamburg, ON N3A 1E3

    Phone: 519-662-1644
    Email: steve.wagler@josslin.com
    Website: http://www.josslin.com/

    PaulKroetsch

    Paul Kroetsch, CPA, CMA, CTP​

    CFO, PartTime CFO​

    Specialization: Finance & Accounting

    Part Time CFO Services works with entrepreneurs and their management teams to address business challenges and maximize opportunities.  Our team brings their extensive experience working with family businesses, providing solutions to guide your company towards meeting its short-term goals and achieving its long-term vision.   We identify and implement new strategies to improve your business’ profitability, at a fraction of the cost of a full time CFO

    Paul has spent over thirty years in corporate finance, with both private and public companies.  He has an extensive background in process improvement, modelling, cost control and debt and equity financings.  He has helped arrange credit lines, including syndicated bank facilities and completed an IPO as a CFO.  He has been deeply involved in the M&A field, helping several companies complete over a dozen successful acquisitions and integrations.  Paul enjoys working with teams to focus on business drivers and eliminate tasks that do not create value for stakeholders.   He is a Chartered Professional Accountant and also holds a Certified Treasury Professional designation.

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    Russ McEachnie, CFP, CPCA, CDFA​

    McEachnie Group Private Wealth Management of Investors Group Financial Services Inc.​

    Specialization: Finance & Accounting

    McEachnie Group Private Wealth Management with Investors Group Financial Services Inc. will work with you to provide customized Financial and Tax Planning Solutions. Your family will receive a high level combination of Investment, Tax, Risk Management, Retirement, Estate and Succession Planning. We believe that Business Owners take on the greatest amount of risk managing their businesses. Our customized approach to planning is based on asset protection around your goals and objectives. Your plan will be unique to you.

    80 King Street South Ste 201
    Waterloo, ON N2J 1P5

    Phone: 519-886-2360 ext: 241
    Website: http://www.russmceachnie.com/

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    Steve Moore, CPA, CA​

    Partner and Business Advisor, MNP LLP​

    Specialization: Finance & Accounting

    Steve Moore, CPA, CA, is a Partner and Business Advisor with MNP LLP in Waterloo. A member of the firm’s Private Enterprise group, Steve draws on more than 25 years of experience to help owner-managed businesses achieve their goals, today and in the future. Steve delivers a comprehensive suite of assurance, tax and advisory services, including succession planning services.

    A trusted advisor, he works with growth-oriented, entrepreneurial clients and delivers advice and solutions tailored to their unique needs and objectives. His clients are in a broad range of industries, including retail, technology, real estate and professional services. In 1984, Steve received his Bachelor of Arts (Hons) degree from the University of Toronto, where he majored in economics and philosophy.

    He is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA), qualifying as a Chartered Accountant (CA) in 1991. Steve has been involved with Rotary Club for more than 20 years and has served as treasurer and president.

    3-139 Northfield Drive West
    Waterloo, ON N2L 5A6

    Phone: 519.725.7700
    Email: Steve.Moore@mnp.ca
    Website: http://www.mnp.ca/en/contact/ontario/waterloo

    WillStakiewicz

    Will Stankiewicz​​

    Senior Manager, Private Company Service Group, PwC​​

    Specialization: Finance & Accounting

    We understand private companies We have developed a deep understanding of the unique issues faced by private companies of all sizes and across industries. Through our day-to-day interactions with private companies, our industry relationships and extensive network, we are able to keep a pulse on the issues of importance to private companies. Our Business Insights Survey of Private Companies as well as our Global Family Business Survey helps to affirm the hottest issues on the minds of owners and leaders of private companies and provides a voice for those leaders to share their views. We provide a holistic business perspective Business issues don’t happen in silos. We understand that private companies need flexible thinking that helps them connect the dots across the entire organization. Our role is not to run your business. Instead, we can work with you as your business advisor to help spot opportunities for growth, avoid risk, realize savings, create value and help you put all the pieces together. We have expertise wherever you need it In today’s interconnected global economy, private and family-owned businesses are increasingly becoming involved in overseas operations, joint ventures, and partnerships. Planning how the business will continue to grow and succeed into the future is as important as the planning undertaken to start and grow your business. Successful plans take time and care and effective strategic planning can help see family firms succeed in this brand new world. PwC’s private company network offers our clients access to dedicated professionals with local market expertise throughout the world.

    95 King Street South, Suite 201
    Waterloo, ON N2J 5A2

    Phone: 519-570-5715
    Email: will.r.stankiewicz@pwc.com

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    Scott Wagler​

    Managing Partner, Josslin Insurance​

    Specialization: Finance & Accounting

    As a managing partner at Josslin Insurance, Scott Wagler has over 35 years’ experience in risk management providing insurance solutions and support for business, personal and life. Scott is a former president of the CFFB, a recipient of the 2013 Leadership Award, and has served on the board for many years. He was also one of the original members of the next generation round table group.

    Currently celebrating 45 years of Wagler family ownership, Josslin Insurance has six offices in and around Waterloo Region. It has a team of brokers who work with insurance providers to offer a wide selection of insurance options. They offer professional advice, helping you choose the coverage that works best for you, and assistance in the event of a claim.

    Josslin also offers a program for discounted home and auto coverage for CFFB members and their employees.

    118 Peel Street
    New Hamburg, ON N3A 1E3

    Phone: 519-662-1644
    Email: scottw@josslin.com
    Website: http://www.josslin.com/

    Family Enterprise Advisory

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    Donald Steele

    Blackwood Family Enterprise Services

    Specialization: Family Enterprise Advisory

    Blackwood has a wealth of lived experience and a deep passion for helping families find harmony as they work through the intricacies and challenges of their family-owned enterprises.

    Our disciplined planning process delivers innovative and meaningful results.

    We start in Discovery interviewing family members and their key advisors to ensure that all perspectives are clearly understood.

    Family meetings drive clarity. We are experts in facilitating the conversations that align mission, vision & values, so families can reach consensus around their goals and make great decisions.

    We are the quarterback. Working on behalf of our clients, we manage the strategy development process through to implementation. We document the family’s vision so that it can be shared with their advisory team, enabling legal, tax, accounting, estate, and investment professionals to work collaboratively from the outset to develop the proper strategies and structures.

    We deliver long-term sustainability: Our processes, resources, and tools keep families communicating. We identify when adjustments to strategies and structures are required, ensuring that plans remain aligned, goals are met, and visions sustained.

    138 Flatt Road, Burlington, ON L7P 0T3

    Phone:(416) 302-2146
    Email: don@blackwoodfes.com
    Website: www.blackwoodfes.com 

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