Justin McDonough has built his Halifax-based business in small increments and with a long-term focus. The financial advisory firm he co-founded in 2001 now has $150 million in assets under management and a diverse client base
Fred Ryall, once a promising football player, has built a solid insurance practice that specializes in helping families who have children with special needs. Ryall’s efforts led to him receiving the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012
Pat O'Connor spends a lot of time listening to what his high net-worth clients have to say before he makes recommendations for them. He charges a fee for financial plans based on hours, not assets, and says client response is positive
When Diane Dupuis first entered the insurance business as a financial advisor with Sun Life Financial (Canada) Inc. 35 years ago, she was the only female among approximately 35 advisors in the firm’s Vancouver office. That year, and with less support than her male counterparts – including being denied the base salary that the other […]
Advisor Diane Giesbrecht says that clients in law enforcement require a specialized approach to financial advice, one that involves your willingness to answer a lot of questions and which allows the client to dominate the initial interview
Jeanette Brox is serious about helping her clients reach their financial goals, with an emphasis on female clients and family issues. But on evenings and weekends, Brox's standup comedienne alter ego has them rolling in the aisles
A 23-year career that has taken Yves Giroux as far afield as Edinburgh and Paris has given him a unique perspective on the financial advisory sector, at both the local and the global level
Working with celebrity clients has its own set of challenges, from the necessity for great discretion to dealing with highly paid professionals who often can't be certain of how much they will make next year. Conserving assets is a big priority
After 25 years and several moves, Dean Bowe has an impressive client-retention record - some of his clients have been with him since Day 1. The key to maintaining that loyalty, he says, is to never lose focus on the client
Stephen Cox, a financial planner in Halifax, focuses on a process to find out what his clients need. Then, he helps them realize their goals. In many cases, that involves doing the small things that can mean a great deal to his clients