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In this engaging episode, Jas Butalia shares his journey from a traditional CA to a family business advisor, highlighting the importance of mentorship, learning from mistakes, and adapting to meet clients' evolving needs. Jas discusses how his mentors encouraged him to explore tax planning, even if it meant making errors, as they provided a safety net for growth.
A pivotal moment in 2009 led Jas to realize that family businesses required more than technical expertise; they needed guidance on family dynamics and continuity planning. He emphasizes the significance of asking probing questions to understand clients' true goals and visions, challenging their assumptions, and educating them on the broader definition of value beyond financial metrics. Jas also touches on the evolving roles of patriarchs and matriarchs in family enterprises and the importance of coaching rather than advising to empower families in their decision-making processes.
About Jas Butalia:
Jas Butalia, a Partner at WBM Partners LLP, is a seasoned Chartered Accountant and tax practitioner with over 50 years of experience. His impressive career includes serving as a Tax Partner in western Canada with one of the largest national and international accounting firms, where he honed his expertise in navigating complex tax landscapes. Jas' versatility is further demonstrated by his experience as a CFO for a private family farm corporation with over 54,000 acres in cultivation, showcasing his ability to apply his knowledge to diverse industries.
As a Chartered Professional Accountant, Trust and Estate Practitioner, Family Enterprise Advisor, and Professional Coach, Jas brings a multifaceted approach to his clients' needs. His extensive background, both within Canada and internationally, allows him to provide comprehensive solutions tailored to the unique challenges faced by a wide-ranging clientele. With his wealth of knowledge and dedication to delivering exceptional results, Jas is an invaluable resource for individuals and businesses seeking expert guidance in accounting, tax planning, and family enterprise advisory.
Resources discussed in this episode:
Contact Cory Gagnon | Beacon Family Office at Assante Financial Management Ltd.
Contact Jas Butalia | WBM Partners LLP:
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In this episode, Sharon Gray, CPA CA CBV, shares her expertise in navigating the complexities present in family business assignments. We explore the importance of proactive planning, education, and clear communication among parties involved in business transactions to ensure better outcomes for both the family and the business.
Hear Sharon's perspective on the need for shareholders to have a clear understanding of their roles, responsibilities, and expectations in an open forum to reduce conflicts and minimize costly legal intervention. She discusses the challenges of transitioning ownership, the fight between personal financial needs and business investments, and the consequences of making tax-driven decisions without considering long-term implications.
Throughout our discussion, Sharon offers valuable insights on the importance of understanding value drivers, organizing your business for optimal profitability, and seeking expert advice for a comprehensive understanding of your business's worth. She emphasizes the need for a cohesive plan between personal finances and business growth, as well as the significance of managing expectations and creating a fair and equitable transition process for all parties involved.
About Sharon Gray
Sharon Gray, CPA CA CBV, is the founder and partner at RDT Valuations Group Inc., bringing extensive experience as a CA and business valuation consultant to her clients. Throughout her career, Sharon has worked with a diverse range of corporate and private business clients across various industries, assisting them with business valuations, transition transactions, and the sale of their businesses. She has also been retained in dispute situations, providing expert testimony in court for cases involving shareholder disputes or matrimonial matters. Her experience has exposed her to the complex ecosystem and dynamics that exist between family and business.
Through her work, Sharon has identified a need for proactive planning, education, and clear communication among parties involved in business transactions to ensure better outcomes for both the family and the business. She believes that by providing shareholders with a clear understanding of their roles, responsibilities, and expectations in an open forum, conflicts can be reduced, and the need for costly legal intervention can be minimized. Driven by a desire to apply her expertise proactively and positively, Sharon has transitioned her practice to focus on navigating the complexities present in family business assignments. The knowledge gained through the FEA educational program has equipped her with the tools and frameworks necessary to be an effective process expert, helping to strengthen families, and institutions, and prepare them for the future.
Contact Cory Gagnon | Beacon Family Office at Assante Financial Management Ltd.
Contact Sharon Gray | Founder and Partner at RDT Valuations Group Inc
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In this episode, Spencer Mellace shares his journey from his early days as a financial advisor to his current role as a trusted guide for families seeking alignment and prosperity. As a fee-only adviser specializing in estate and succession planning, Spencer emphasizes the importance of a personalized, client-centric approach that focuses on understanding each family's unique dynamics, values, and aspirations. He highlights the significance of prioritizing objectives, tailoring strategies to meet specific needs, and guiding families through the decision-making process with clarity and purpose.
Throughout the conversation, Spencer discusses the evolution of his career and the key lessons he has learned along the way. He highlights the significance of prioritizing objectives, tailoring strategies to meet specific needs, and guiding families through the decision-making process with clarity and purpose. Spencer also delves into the importance of creating a safe space for open dialogue, empowering quiet voices, and fostering a sense of belonging within the family system.
About Spencer Mellace
Spencer Mellace is an advice-only advisor who specializes in helping families and family businesses navigate the complex landscape of estate and succession planning. With a keen focus on understanding each family's unique dynamics, Spencer works closely with his clients to define their family values and wealth philosophy. By gaining a deep understanding of their specific needs and goals, he develops comprehensive plans that align tax, legal, and financial strategies with the family's objectives, ultimately creating a solid foundation for maintaining family harmony.
As a highly qualified professional, Spencer holds several prestigious designations, including Certified Financial Planner (CFP), Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU), and Trust and Estate Practitioner (TEP). These certifications demonstrate his expertise and commitment to providing top-tier advice and guidance to his clients. Spencer's company, Experience Financial - Coaching and Consulting Inc., serves as a platform through which he delivers his personalized, client-centric approach to estate and succession planning, ensuring that each family receives the attention and support they need to achieve their long-term goals.
Contact Cory Gagnon | Beacon Family Office at Assante Financial Management Ltd.
Contact Spencer Mellace | Experience Financial - Coaching and Consulting Inc.:
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In this episode, Tim Yeung shares his insights on navigating family businesses. As a family enterprise advisor, he emphasizes the importance of finding one's path, maintaining a growth mindset, and effectively communicating with others. Tim discusses the challenges of differentiation and creating an identity separate from the family business. He highlights the psychological barriers that next-generation family members often face when joining the business, such as the pressure to live up to the founder's legacy and the need to establish credibility.
Furthermore, Tim emphasizes the significance of a shared vision, core values and focuses on human capital for the long-term success and legacy of family enterprises. He stresses the importance of the older generation believing in and supporting the younger generation's choices. Tim also discusses the concept of a family bank as a mechanism to encourage entrepreneurship and support family members' endeavours. Finally, he underscores the value of co-creation and involving all family members in shaping the family's vision and legacy for future generations.
About Tim Yeung
Tim Yeung brings valuable knowledge from his ten years of experience working in his family's successful multi-generational commercial real estate business. His transition to a Family Enterprise Advisor role reflects his strong background in business and a deep understanding of family enterprise dynamics and governance structures. Tim is a Mechanical Engineer from the University of British Columbia who graduated with distinction. He is also a certified Family Enterprise Advisor (FEA) and a trained Certified Professional Co-Active Coach, preparing him to guide families toward prosperity.
Born and raised in Vancouver, Tim is a life-long learner. He is deeply devoted to his love of sports analytics, powerlifting, and personal development. His interest in fostering a growth mindset extends to competitive gaming. Tim is married and has two beautiful girls, and in their family's spare time, they love to go for picnics and ice cream.
Resources discussed in this episode:
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Contact Cory Gagnon | Beacon Family Office at Assante Financial Management Ltd.
Contact Tim Yeung | Family Business Advisor (LGA):
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In this episode, Judi Cunningham shares insights on building resilience when faced with adversity during strategic planning for family enterprises. We explore the importance of facilitating open and curious dialogue to understand differing perspectives, giving family members agency in conversations, and assessing what's truly important to make clearer decisions.
Hear Judi's perspective on transforming unproductive communication into a constructive discussion over time, establishing clear family versus business roles to reduce confusion, and implementing information-sharing protocols as more households take ownership. She offers examples of leaning on wider communities or specialists like her Trella Advisory Group when alignment remains elusive internally.
Throughout our discussion, Judi offers insightful takeaways to put into action - make room for open dialogue even when uncomfortable, clearly delineate family versus business roles, implement structures around information flow and decisions as ownership broadens, and don't hesitate to access outside help when stuck.
About Judi Cunningham
Judi Cunningham is the founder of Trella Advisory Group, a consulting firm that works with family enterprises and families of wealth. With a Master’s in Family Systems Counseling and over 25 years of experience, she excels in navigating complex family dynamics and business challenges. Judi’s strategic insight and facilitation skills help families find alignment and address tough decisions. Judi is known for her innovative educational initiatives. She pioneered the Family Enterprise Advisor Program, establishing global standards for professional advisors. In addition to her for-profit work, Judi volunteers her time to support multi-generational family success. She serves as the Chair of the Board for the Purposeful Planning Institute which helps advisors serve families of wealth and families in business.
Resources discussed in this episode:
Contact Cory Gagnon | Beacon Family Office at Assante Financial Management Ltd.
Contact Judi Cunningham | Family Enterprise Consultant and Educator:
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In this episode, Leah Tolton shares insights on business governance and ownership transitions for family enterprises. We explore the importance of flexibility in shareholder agreements, setting clear expectations around participation to prevent disputes, formalizing information flow as more households get involved, and not letting perfect planning delay progress. Hear Leah's perspective on navigating fair vs equal dynamics, protecting assets in marriages, and bridging generational risk profiles.
How can transitioning from first to third-generation ownership be smooth? Leah offers examples of family and ownership meetings to align on goals. We also discuss prenuptial agreements, estate freezes, and special shares to balance liquidity needs across generations invested in the business.
About Leah Tolton
Leah has practiced corporate law for 30 years, with extensive experience advising family-owned businesses, lending clients, and real estate clients on a broad range of matters including business agreements, tax planning, equipment leasing, mergers and acquisitions, real estate joint ventures, business structuring, and reorganizations. Her practice emphasizes serving ultra-high-net-worth families and their companies across critical areas such as corporate governance, succession planning, reorganizations, strategic planning, risk management, and navigating mergers, acquisitions, and sales transactions.
Additionally, Leah negotiates and drafts commercial contracts advises on private financing and syndicated lending arrangements, earned the Family Enterprise Advisor designation in 2023, and sits on the Board of Advisors of the Alberta Business Family Institute. This wide-ranging expertise and dedication to serving family enterprises equips Leah to provide tailored legal advice and counsel to family businesses seeking to establish continuity across generations.
Resources discussed in this episode:
Contact Cory Gagnon | Beacon Family Office at Assante Financial Management Ltd.
Contact Leah Tolton | Partner at Bennett Jones:
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We're honoured to tap pioneering succession advisor Gerry Meyer for the first 2024 episode of Legacy Builders. Guiding families and firms through leadership changeovers for over 30 years, Gerry unpacks the forward-thinking strategies that enable generational continuity.
He spotlights communication and accountability as the bedrocks for seamless transition planning. We discuss best practices for aligned expectations across generations, detailed timelines for readiness as well as Gerry's proven enterprise blueprint to future-proof any family company.
Gerry also provides invaluable perspective into the unique inclusion challenges facing non-family executives in navigating complex family dynamics. Tune in for critical lessons on the long view needed to enable both family and company to thrive across leadership eras now and for generations to come.
About Gerry Meyer
Gerry is the founder of Meyer Advisory Group. He is a highly experienced leader and enabler of organization effectiveness and transformation with 36+ years as an HR practitioner, consultant, and advisor. He provides trusted, authentic, and values-based leadership across a diverse range of business environments including public and private sectors, family enterprises, non-profit, real estate, high-tech, and professional services industries. He advises on a broad range of business issues including HR and business strategic planning, executive/leadership recruitment, next-generation development and succession planning, talent acquisition and retention, employee performance development and high potential programs, executive compensation and total rewards, and business and family governance.
His experience encompasses multiple business cycles in different industries including upswings and downswings – seeing both growth and recessionary markets and addressing the realities of each. Gerry holds a CPHR (“Chartered Professional in Human Resources”) and FEA (“Family Enterprise Advisor”) designation as well as a Bachelor of Economics and Labour Relations from Carleton University.
Contact Cory Gagnon | Beacon Family Office at Assante Financial Management Ltd.
Contact Gerry Meyer | Founder & CEO Meyer Advisory Group:
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In this podcast, Cory engages in a conversation with Barb, unveiling the intricate dynamics of family enterprises through Barb's extensive experience. Throughout their discussion, Barb sheds light on the varied yet common threads among family-owned businesses, particularly emphasizing the pivotal areas of succession and continuity planning. She underscores the often-overlooked aspect of thoughtful preparation, stressing the need for timely succession planning and urging families to commence this process well in advance.
Barb's profound expertise shed light on the nuances of integrating external directors into family enterprises and the potential challenges that may arise during this process. The necessity for board evaluations, addressing potential dysfunctions, and aligning with family values emerged as key themes. Moreover, the conversation explored the role of the board chair, emphasizing the chair's responsibility to ensure everyone's voice is heard, thus fostering an environment of mutual respect and productivity.
Throughout the conversation, Barb offered practical insights, emphasizing the delicate balance between control and integrating external perspectives. Her suggestions included mentorship programs, tailored coaching, and the integration of external voices, all aimed at guiding the next generation and facilitating smooth transitions within family enterprises. Furthermore, her approach emphasized a thorough understanding of the organization's current state, bridging alignment gaps, and preparing for the seamless integration of high-powered management teams.
About Barb Schimnowsky
Barb Schimnowsky is a Partner and leader in WATSON’s Board Director and Executive Search practice, boasting a robust background of over 25 years in executive search and human resources. Renowned for her expertise as a Certified Management Consultant and Family Enterprise Advisor, Barb's reputation stems from her exceptional ability to identify and recruit senior executives. Her personalized approach ensures a tailored match for every Director, Chair, and executive search, establishing her as an unparalleled connector between clients and their ideal candidates. During her tenure at KPMG, spanning two decades, Barb honed the delicate art and science of executive search, mastering the nuanced balance required for success.
Throughout her career, Barb has triumphantly concluded numerous recruitment endeavors, placing adept candidates in diverse senior management and executive roles across various sectors and functions. Recognized for her commitment to understanding each client's needs and business, Barb is often perceived as an integral part of her teams. Outside her client engagements, she channels her passion for advancing the human resources domain by actively contributing to publications and groups within the executive search and HR sectors. Barb's affiliations include memberships in the Canadian Association of Management Consultants, Family Enterprise XChange, and the BC Human Resources Management Association. Her extensive community involvement also spans past Board positions in significant organizations like the Abbotsford Police Department, KidSport Abbotsford, 2004 BC Summer Games, Pacific Sport Fraser Valley, and the Surrey Library Board. Her contributions to the community have been recognized among Abbotsford's Top 100 Most Influential People, highlighting her multifaceted impact and commitment beyond her professional endeavors.
Resources discussed in this episode:
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Contact Cory Gagnon | Beacon Family Office at Assante Financial Management Ltd.
Contact Barb Schimnowsky | Watson Board Advisors:
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In this podcast episode, Cory engages with Shauna Feth, President and CEO of the Alberta Chambers of Commerce (ACC), delving into the pivotal value of family enterprises in communities. Shauna emphasizes embracing opportunities for growth and learning, drawing from her privileged experience within a multi-generational business family. She passionately highlights how family enterprises not only contribute financially but also socially and emotionally to communities. These businesses play a pivotal role, in giving back by supporting local economies, sponsoring events, and investing in various community projects.
Shauna underscores the significance of support networks within family enterprises, advocating for open communication and shared experiences among members. She discusses the critical role of organizations like the Alberta Business Family Institute (ABFI) and Family Enterprise Canada in offering resources and guidance to family enterprises. These institutes facilitate learning opportunities and provide courses, webinars, and platforms for families to address vital topics like succession planning, leadership development, and estate planning.
Furthermore, Shauna navigates the complexities of transitioning family businesses across generations. She highlights the importance of structured communication channels, comprehensive succession plans, and recognizing individual talents within the family to foster a seamless transition. Shauna emphasizes the need for continual adaptation and planning in family enterprises, encouraging proactive approaches to business growth and operational changes while maintaining strong familial and community ties.
About Shauna Feth
Shauna Feth, currently serving as the President and CEO of the Alberta Chambers of Commerce (ACC) since June 2022, brings a wealth of experience in fostering entrepreneurship and supporting family businesses. Before her tenure at ACC, she spent over a decade as the Executive Director of the Alberta Business Family Institute at the University of Alberta School of Business. With a strong foundation as a designated Family Enterprise Advisor™ and being part of a third-generation business family, Shauna has passionately promoted and advocated for entrepreneurs and business families for nearly 15 years.
Her impactful initiatives include managing the Creating Pathways for Entrepreneurial Families Initiative, a collaboration funded by the University of Alberta and Rural Alberta’s Development Fund. Throughout this endeavor, Shauna facilitated ABFI programs and services, reaching out to over 8,000 constituents across the province, significantly enhancing the sustainability of rural family businesses and communities. Additionally, she has a diverse professional background, having ventured successfully into oilfield/pipeline consulting, maintenance, and construction, co-establishing and selling two companies. Currently, she co-manages an apiary and is deeply committed to the welfare of a thriving community of honeybees.
Moreover, Shauna’s engagement extends to project and event management consulting, where she contributed to the success of notable Alberta events, including the Big Valley Jamboree, Alberta Hockey Hall of Fame's Grand Opening, and the Viking Cup International Hockey Tournament. A dedicated community volunteer, she has held various influential positions across multiple organizations, serving as Co-Chair of the Provincial Talent Development Task Force, Past Chair of the Alberta Chambers of Commerce, and holding positions in boards and advisory roles for initiatives supporting entrepreneurship and family enterprises.
Resources discussed in this episode:
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Contact Cory Gagnon | Beacon Family Office at Assante Financial Management Ltd.
Contact Shauna Feth | Alberta Chamber of Commerce:
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In this episode of the Legacy Builders Podcast, we sit down with Trevor MacLean, a Partner at MNP's Agriculture team in Lethbridge. With over two decades of experience, Trevor is dedicated to providing creative, customized, and practical solutions to agricultural producers and agribusinesses throughout Western Canada. Drawing on his extensive background in agribusiness and financial services, Trevor excels in identifying key issues and crafting tailored solutions to manage risk, improve performance, and capitalize on emerging opportunities.
Trevor shares his motto of "be aware, be curious, and be inspiring," emphasizing the importance of lifelong learning and leadership in both personal and professional life. The conversation delves into the challenges of family farm transitions, the complexities involved, and Trevor's unique approach to initiating a family chemistry meeting to navigate these sensitive discussions. He highlights the significance of finding alignment on the purpose of the enterprise, advocating for a strategy that involves planned, interdependent systems to protect family and ownership.
Trevor's wisdom extends beyond the professional realm; he discusses the changing landscape of agriculture, the impact of technology, and the delicate balance between harvesting and planting wealth for future generations. As families embark on the challenging journey of succession planning, Trevor's insights serve as a valuable guide, reminding listeners that successful transitions require teamwork, vulnerability, and a focus on the long-term legacy.
About Trevor MacLean
Trevor MacLean, MBA, BMgt, is a dedicated Partner at MNP's Agriculture team in Lethbridge, bringing over 20 years of experience to provide specialized business and advisory services across Western Canada. With a focus on creativity and customization, Trevor empowers agricultural producers and agribusinesses by delivering practical solutions that enhance overall success. His role involves leveraging his extensive background in agribusiness and financial services to offer clients a unique and balanced perspective, excelling in issue identification and tailored risk management, performance improvement, and capitalization on emerging opportunities. Trevor's academic achievements include an MBA from Royal Roads University and a BMgt from the University of Lethbridge, specializing in accounting and co-op education. Beyond his professional pursuits, Trevor actively contributes to the local and agricultural community through various volunteer roles, showcasing a deep commitment to community development.
Resources discussed in this episode:
Contact Cory Gagnon | Beacon Family Office at Assante Financial Management Ltd.
Contact Trevor MacLean | Partner at MNP
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