I’m based in Canada. My investing journey began in 1995. Having graduated University, I started my career in the investment industry where I completed the IFC, CSC and CPH courses and became a licensed investment advisor. I then set about earning several professional designations such as the FMA (Financial Management Advisor), the CFP (Certified Financial Planner), and finally the FCSI (Fellow of the Canadian Securities Institute).

I spent the bulk of my ’employed’ career working at one of the world’s largest investment firms. The firm encouraged an entrepreneurial approach, allowing representatives to pursue their own unique strategies and approaches to money management. As a result, I developed an interest in investing in early stage companies and special situations. What really fascinated me was my wealthy clients. They didn’t make their money in the markets, they made it in their businesses.

In 2010 I pivoted – I decided instead of just investing in companies, it was time to operate one. So I changed course and became the director, owner and eventually President and CEO of a private company, headquartered in Toronto, with operations across Canada and global business partners. This has been an incredible business education.

Also valuable to me has been my interest in and study of some amazing – if unusual – strategists and philosophers, first among them being Jim Corbett – The esteemed conservationist and hunter of man eating tigers & leopards. Jim dispatched 33 man-eaters – under incredibly difficult conditions – that had killed over 1200 people in India in the early 20th century. His amazing book, The Man Eaters of Kumaon, details his exploits, and is a masterclass in strategy and perseverance, amongst other things.

The other Key strategist I continue to study is the sword-saint of Japan, Miyamoto Musashi. Musashi was a Ronin – A Masterless Samurai, who dedicated his life to a study of swordsmanship, art and philosophy. He authored the classic ‘Book of Five Rings’ – A translucent treasure trove of ideas and philosophies regarding strategic and tactical survival and success.

Now, along with acting as a CEO, I enjoy volunteering as a mentor to start ups, and working as an advisory board member to several dynamic Canadian companies in sectors such as Financial Services, Technology, Real Estate, Engineering, Construction and Equipment Manufacturing.

You can find me living in the middle of Canada’s most amazing city, or hiding out among the forests and lakes of the Haliburton Highlands.