WEALTH STEWARDS - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Associate Financial Planner
I joined Wealth Stewards in 2024 as an Associate Financial Planner. In this role, I work with wealth advisers to help clients achieve their financial goals through the development of comprehensive financial plans and strategies focused on retirement, tax, estate, and investment planning.
Currently, I am completing my fourth and final year in the Honours Bachelor of Commerce - Financial Planning program at Seneca Polytechnic. In this program, I have learned about the necessity of understanding clients' goals and motivations, as well as the importance of distilling these ideas into measurable and achievable objectives, to create financial plans which are tailored to clients' individual circumstances. Prior to my enrollment at Seneca Polytechnic, I completed an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Sociology at Wilfrid Laurier University.
I chose to pursue a career in financial planning because of my desire to work with and help others. The opportunity to develop genuine connections and to build trusting relationships with clients is something that I value deeply within my work.
In my spare time, I love to stay active by participating in sports such as hockey, skiing, and tennis. In addition, I enjoy playing guitar and would like to learn to play other instruments such as piano.
Job Titles:
- Vice President, Portfolio Strategy
Following careers as International Commodity Trader for an international import/export company and a sales position with a Swiss-owned manufacturer of flavours for the food industry and fragrances for the cosmetic industry, Bob joined the investment industry in 1981 as a financial advisor with Nesbitt Thomson (which was acquired by Bank of Montreal) where he built one of the most successful advisory practices in Canada.
Seeking new challenges, he moved to managing money institutionally for a publicly traded insurance company and then to a series of positions, including fixed income strategist, branch manager, head of training and development, and a member of the national sales management team for Midland Walwyn, Canada's largest independent wealth management firm. When the firm as acquired by Merrill Lynch near the turn of the century, he moved on to pursue more entrepreneurial opportunities in the financial services industry.
In 1998, Bob founded Synchronicity Performance Consultants which he ran for over 25 years. Synchronicity was a coaching /consulting firm that worked with financial advisors across North America to help them "strengthen their core business stabilizers" - investment management, relationship management and business develop.
In 2020, he joined Wealth Stewards as Vice President, Portfolio Strategy where he helped the firm to construct client strategies and portfolios that are utilized today. He also works with the Wealth Stewards Wealth Advisor team to better communicate the investment management strategies and performance and is the host of our Quarterly Updates, Outlook, specialty webinars like the Real Estate Summit and the quarterly Due Diligence Interviews.
In May 2023, Bob co-founded www.privatedebtandequity.ca, "Canada's source for all things private investment" with Wealth Stewards' Managing Director Paul Tyers. Private Debt and Equity is a website designed to educate investors about private investing concepts through information and a series of master classes and provide details and updates about upcoming investment opportunities.
Until his retirement in October, 2018, Bruno was a trusted advisor to KPMG Enterprise owner-managed entrepreneurial businesses, not-for-profit organizations, and global multi-national companies in most business sectors, including manufacturing, wholesale & distribution, consumer & retail, real estate development, property management, transportation & logistics, construction, infrastructure, technology, information management, and an array of other service providers.
He played a central role in the creation of the Toronto Enterprise practice, and was the first and longest serving practice leader of the Enterprise practice.
Bruno also established and led the National Continuous Improvement Group; and contributed to several firm taskforces. He pioneered many innovative business operating model redesigns, supported by workflow integration and technology enabling platforms.
His core competencies include an innate ability to identify opportunities, develop innovative solutions, implement significant operational initiatives, including design of supporting change management requirements. Bruno's strong analytical skills, together with his high sense of urgency and passion to make a positive difference, drives an outcome oriented approach, which is highly valued and sought after.
Bruno is widely known in the Canadian marketplace, and has been featured in various newspaper, magazine, radio and television media, to comment on various business, financial, and community matters.
Bruno continues to actively support successful business owners and contributes to a variety of community & culturally based organizations.
We are very pleased that Bruno will be providing his skills and experience to Wealth Stewards Strategic Advisory Board.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Back to Our Team
Job Titles:
- CIM
- Senior Executive and Wealth Consultant
- Wealth Adviser and Associate Portfolio Manager
Craig F. Scott is a senior executive and wealth consultant that has been with the firm for over eight years. During his tenure at the firm, he has held a variety of positions while obtaining his CIM® (Chartered Investment Manager), and Associate Portfolio Manager designation.
He is passionate about strong customer service and the dedication required to help families, individuals and business owners make sound financial decisions about their future. He believes in using a holistic approach when establishing a collaborative financial plan that is tailored to meet their short, medium, and long-term goals. He also believes in client education and strives to empower them toward the best financial decisions they can make along their journey toward financial security and independence. In addition, his clients have expressed their appreciation of his ability to navigate the details of their unique situation, and make them feel comfortable and confident about the planning of their future.
In his spare time, he loves to read autobiographies (a book a month), ride his motorcycle (CBR-600RR) and spend time with his family (wife and 6 year old son) - ‘making ordinary moments extraordinary'.
Job Titles:
- Vice President, Compliance & Business Optimization
Gerald Zengeya, CFA, is the VP Compliance & Business Optimization for Wealth Stewards Inc and the Chief Compliance Officer for Portfolio Stewards Inc.
A Chartered Financial Analyst charter holder, Gerald has the education and experience to work in wealth advisory and portfolio management.
Upon completion of an Economics degree from the University of Cape Town, Gerald began working at BT in the UK, gaining experience in various finance and back-office roles. He moved back to Zimbabwe and worked as a Financial Advisor for a UK-based wealth advisory company, where he helped high net worth individuals and corporates diversify their investment portfolios into safer overseas jurisdictions.
Gerald started his journey at Wealth Stewards in 2018 as an Admin Assistant and over the years he has gained experience working in operations, compliance and portfolio management. In his current role as VP Compliance & Business Optimization he overseas all compliance matters for the portfolio management side of the business and works with the other departments to streamline the processes and procedures to ensure a smooth customer experience and more optimized business and the company continues to grow. He also sits on the Investment Committee and helps shape the direction of the company's investment philosophy.
In his spare time, he gravitates towards activities that keep his mind sharp - he plays Wordle everyday and occasionally plays chess. He's taking French lessons (he wants to be tri-lingual and loves Montreal), and recently has taken up more sporting activities too, swimming lessons and more recently tennis. He also volunteers as a mentor to the most recent graduates at his alma mater.
What charity or cause is important to you?
They say give a man a fish and he'll come back for another one but teach him how to fish and he'll support his family. Opportunity International, whose mission is to tackle global poverty in a way that empowers their clients to expand their businesses and create jobs, is the charity I support since it follows the mantra of tackling poverty in developing countries in a way that is similar to teaching them how to fish.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Back to Our Team
- CIM
- Vice President, Wealth Adviser
Haley Thomas joined the Wealth Stewards team in 2014 and provides holistic financial planning and wealth management services to professionals and business owners, typically in conjunction with their other "trusted advisors."
Haley completed her undergraduate Honours degree in Communications at Wilfrid Laurier University where she actively participated in three varsity sports; soccer, figure skating and cross country.
She began her career with Marret Asset Management Inc., one of Canada's largest fixed income managers, where she gained valuable industry experience working in operations. Prior to joining Wealth Stewards, Haley had the opportunity to intern with Hewins Financial in San Mateo, California, which provides integrated wealth management services to clients through a partnership with one of the largest accounting firms in the US.
In 2016 Haley earned the Chartered Investment Manager designation, in 2017 she became an associate portfolio manager, and in 2019 she completed the Certified Financial Planner designation.
In her spare time, Haley enjoys running, cross country and downhill skiing, going up to the cottage and adventuring in the great outdoors. She and her husband have two young boys.
Haley believes that each person's situation is unique, and she endeavors to help individuals and families to use their resources to accomplish their personal goals. Haley develops meaningful, long term relationships with her clients. With her personable and professional demeanor; combined with her expertise, and Wealth Stewards broad range of services, her clients are on the long term path to reaching their unique financial goals.
James Bentley is a Portfolio Manager at Wealth Stewards and is a member of the investment committee. In this role, he is responsible for completing in-depth due diligence on stock investments and analyzing alternative opportunities with external fund managers.
James joined Wealth Stewards in 2018 as an Associate Financial Planner. Working alongside the wealth advisors, he helped to develop in depth, comprehensive financial plans for their clients. Beginning in early 2019, he began to transition to a portfolio management role. James now does analysis on investment ideas, developing a full understanding of the opportunities and risks our investments have.
Prior to joining Wealth Stewards, James was enrolled at the University of Waterloo and earned an Honours degree in Mathematics / Business Administration. While attending university, he interned for a variety of public, private, and governmental enterprises gaining experiences in many different aspects of the finance industry. Since graduating, James has completed the CFA program and became a CFA Charterholder in 2022.
In his spare time James enjoys spending time outdoors, exercising, hiking, and traveling.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Strategic Advisory Board
Job Titles:
- Accounting Manager
- Assistant
- Assistant Manager - Corporate Account
Kalpesh Chauhan, Assistant Accounting Manager of Wealth Stewards Inc., manages financial operations and provide support in FP&A. He possesses Bachelor of Commerce degree with specialization in Advance Accountancy and Business Administration. He has over 20 years of work experience in the field of finance and accounting and his last assignment was with Chartwell Retirement residences in the corporate accounting division.
Kalpesh enjoys spending quality time with his family and love to travel.
What charity or cause is important to you?
Heart and Stroke foundation
Job Titles:
- Business Operations Specialist
Keith Jeremiah joined the Wealth Stewards Administration Team in 2017.
His primary role is to work with our advisors and coordinate with our custodian bank to ensure all regular "Back Office" operational functions are processed and completed efficiently.
These include but are not limited to :New Client Onboarding, Client account cash transactions, Client asset transfers in and quarterly client portfolio reports.
Prior to joining Wealth Stewards, Keith worked for one of the big Canadian banks for over 10 years, first as an Investment Representative and then as a Financial Planning Assistant.
Keith has completed a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Economics, as well as several investment related courses with the Canadian Securities Institute, including the Professional Financial Planning Course and Canadian Securities course.
What charity or cause is important to you?
Among Keith's core values are issues relating to global social justice and human rights. He is passionate about advocating and morally supporting causes that will ensure these principles are enjoyed by everyone, no matter where they live.
Job Titles:
- Operations and Portfolio Management Assistant
Michele assists the operational and administrative teams with ongoing tasks relating to client record management and compliance. In addition, she offers her support to the portfolio management team with trading as well as performing security analysis and portfolio communications.
Prior to her employment at WSI, Michele acquired over 8 years' economic and capital markets experience in analytical roles in Southern Africa. She brings with her a Bachelors Degree in Economics, Investment Management and Risk Management from South Africa, as well as an Honours Degree in Risk Management.
Outside of work she chooses to spend her time outdoors enjoying nature and is passionate about the conservation of wildlife and the protection of animals against human cruelty.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Back to Our Team
- Vice President, Wealth & Estate Advisor
Nicholas Meyer is an exceptionally qualified trust and estate practitioner, as well as a family office specialist, with an extensive and unique international background. He is a Swiss qualified lawyer and boasts an impressive array of qualifications, including being a Trust and Estate Practitioner (TEP) and a Certified Executor Advisor (CEA).
With over 23 years of extensive experience in the trust industry, including running a trust company abroad, and in the family office area,Nicholas brings a wealth of unique insights and perspectives to the table. What truly sets Nicholas apart is, amongst others, his proficiency in addressing cross-border complexities, especially within the realms of estate planning and administration, encompassing both common law and civil law jurisdictions.
Having worked for many different clients and families, Nicholas understands how unique each person, each family and each situation is, how complex the family dynamics can be and how to manage the family dynamics.
Nicholas's main missions are to:
Guide families through the emotionally challenging phases of estate administration while mitigating the potential for conflicts. Nicholas can help you separate financial considerations from emotional ones and continuously works to listen to and understand your unique needs and concerns.
Help families and family offices, in Canada and internationally, with appropriate options for their wealth
Job Titles:
- Managing Director
- Portfolio Manager
- CIM
Paul Tyers' passion for building, managing and preserving the wealth of private, high-net worth clients lead to the founding of Wealth Stewards Inc. in 2006. Today he is the Managing Director of Wealth Stewards Inc., registered with the Financial Services Commission of Ontario and President of Portfolio Stewards Inc., a registered portfolio manager.
Paul's "love of investment finance interwoven with an entrepreneurial admiration" has created a vibrant career journey that can help clients create a plan for and manage inter-generational wealth.
With the combination of his FCPA, FCA, CFP, CIM designations and a business degree, he has both the education and experience to provide comprehensive wealth advisory services to high net-worth clients. He and his team typically provide financial planning and wealth management services to affluent Canadians in conjunction with their other "trusted advisors." Working at a fiduciary standard, Paul and his team seek to ensure that every client's wealth is at their most optimal financial health.
Paul has been internationally recognized in the finance industry, with experience directing companies through substantial growth and is a published author of "A Roadmap for Canadian CPAs to Develop & Manage a Wealth Advisory Practice" and co-author of Canadian best-seller "Fiscal Fitness, Financial Planning for all Stages of Life."
His success is attributed to ensuring clients' interests always come first. This was borne out when he was nominated as an ELITE Advisor™ for his service to clients and he and his team were Canadian winners of the 2017 & 2018 Global Financial Planning Awards and runners-up for The Americas.
His advisory board and director roles on several private companies round out his business innovation skills and experience; for the benefit of Wealth Stewards clients.
In his spare time, he enjoys many sports activities like skiing, tennis, squash and triathlons. He also volunteers his time with his church and other entities such as Leader Impact and Opportunity International. He and his wife Peggy have been married for over 25 years and have two adult children and three enjoyable grandsons.
Job Titles:
- Director, Business Development
- Member of the Strategic Advisory Board
- Vice President, Business Development
- Vice President, Business Development / BBA
Peggy Tyers is the Director, Business Development of Wealth Stewards Inc. She earned an Honours Bachelor of Business Administration from Wilfrid Laurier University. In 2019, she became a CEA (Certified Executor Advisor).
In her previous role as President of 2020 Canada she worked with CPAs across Canada, US and Australia helping them to improve both their efficiency and bottom line through various services and technologies. Since joining Wealth Stewards, she devotes the majority of her time directing accountants on how to develop deeper relationships with their clients, and more business through the value-added service of wealth management.
She is and has been on boards of various businesses and non-profits and has been invited to speak nationally and internationally to accountants and business leaders on practice management. Currently, heads up a group of lady business leaders on leadership.
In her spare time she loves to spend quality time with her family, travel, stay active in various competitive sports (triathlons, tennis, squash and skiing) , read.
What charity or cause is important to you?
Opportunity International is a micro finance organization; predominantly helping women entrepreneurs in third world countries with a hand-up. Currently, I am part of a group of Canadian business leaders supporting a group of aspiring women in the Dominican Republic.
Excelling academically and in sport Pieter was selected for the prestigious American Field Service program spending a very formative year as an exchange student in North Carolina before returning to South Africa to become a CPA at age 22. A business career utilizing his team rapport, problem solving ability and entrepreneurial flair followed. Working for the prestigious Industrial Development Corporation, a very large provider of loan financing to a wide variety of companies, he was seconded early on with turning around its largest and ailing subsidiary. Successful disposal to a foreign investor followed some three years later.
Pieter's entrepreneurial instincts finally came to the fore, when together with his wife, a manufacturing and import enterprise was established that was to grow over a number of years into supplying some 1,000 home decor retailers, exporting to over 10 countries, as well as garnering an number of export and small business awards.
Emigrating with his family to Canada in 1996, Pieter was soon involved in turning around a number of companies covering retail, energy, media and property, establishing a second career from scratch in the process. Pieter actively manages a portion of his own funds trading in equities and options in order to remain relevant regarding the investment environment.
Blessed with 4 children and 14 lively grandchildren, Pieter has always remained a family man. Actively involved in church and a number of philanthropic activities, he serves as a Stephens Minister, giving back generously to those less fortunate.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Back to Our Team
- Associate Media and Marketing Manager
Requeza Reyes joined the Wealth Stewards team in 2023 as a graduate of the University of Guelph-Humber.
With an Honors Bachelor of Applied Arts from Guelph University and a Diploma in Media Communications from Humber College, her accumulated learnings and skills were brought in, first through an internship, then transitioned into a permanent position as an Associate Media and Marketing Manager.
Requeza is well versed in many aspects of media through videography production, photography, and graphic design experience. In the online marketing sector, she implements social media deliverables, tracks target audience and engagement analytics as well as provides copywriting and content strategy.
She continually takes on short and long-term projects. Some of these include assistance in advertising campaigns for company events, analytical measure of online engagement, editing and development of marketing deliverables, curation of social media content and creation of promotional products to gain traction on company endeavours.
I joined Wealth Stewards in 2021 and currently work as a Wealth Consultant. With a background in financial planning, I work to develop in-depth, comprehensive financial plans for our clients. I also work with the investment team, supporting with different investment processes.
Prior to joining Wealth Stewards, I earned an Honours Bachelor of Commerce degree in Finance from Toronto Metropolitan University. While attending University, I gained valuable experience in the financial industry through involvement in extracurricular clubs and internships at various public and private firms. Since graduating, I have sought to further my financial literacy by enrolling in several investment industry courses and I am currently a CFA Level I candidate.
The core values that resonate with me most are honesty, respect, and integrity. These values have been stressed to me from a young age from my parents and are a core component of the person I am today. They have helped to shape my motivations in life and my desire to help others. I am grateful that in my role, I have the opportunity to work with clients and help to provide them a clear picture of their finances, helping to alleviate any stresses they may have regarding their financial security and future. I would also consider myself to be a competitive person, and I am always looking to better myself, both personally and professionally. I believe that this dedication to continuous learning and growth over time will continue to allow me to find success in life.
In my spare time, I enjoy playing and coaching hockey, golfing, and skiing.
What charity or cause is important to you?
The charitable cause I support is SickKids Foundation.
Job Titles:
- Director, Business Development
- CA, CKA, Hons. BBA
Ruby is passionate about providing businesses and owners with excellent financial advice at critical stages of the business cycle. As a multi-accredited financial professional (CPA, CA, CKA and former CFP, CIM, FCSI) with broad experiences including: public accounting, business operations, controller, entrepreneur, owner, practice management, financial planning, portfolio management, business development and investment banking, I can help owners make sound decisions at critical times that are often very complex.
Ruby has an excellent reputation based on integrity, results, independent thinking and mutual respect.
Focused on helping individuals and companies make smart decisions about their finances, and creating peace of mind regarding key financial decisions at critical times.
In my spare time I enjoy a wide variety of things, from travel, water sports, yoga, golf, trail running, biking & hiking and volunteering with a wide variety of organizations that have changed throughout my life and currently focus on professional organizations, charities that fight poverty and human trafficking, and watershed stewardship. Still married to the man of my dreams, Peter, for almost 30 years and we have two amazing sons.
Job Titles:
- Marketing and Media Manager
As the marketing and media manager at Wealth Stewards, Shelby is passionate about helping bring the Wealth Steward's brand and messaging to life. She works to develop and execute marketing strategies, content production, event planning and logistics as well as advertising strategies, project management, graphic design, and website management.
Shelby joined Wealth Stewards as a social media intern in 2017 and continued to develop her role as the company grew. Shelby graduated from Guelph Humber in 2018 earning her Honours Bachelor of Applied Arts from the University of Guelph, as well as a Diploma in Media Communications from Humber College.
Her work focuses on creating materials for the company's accounting affiliates, clients, prospects, and internal documents.
Shelby is passionate about clear communication, creativity and good design and finds it rewarding to breaking down complicated concepts to an understandable level. She greatly values creativity and attention to detail and is always striving to continue learning, growing and adapting.
Outside of work, Shelby enjoys a variety of activities. She is an avid swimmer, and she enjoys skiing and traveling as well. She also has a passion for art and enjoys creating her own pieces in her spare time.
What charity or cause is important to you?
I support the organization Partners In Health. I greatly respect their mission to provide high-quality health care globally to those who need it most and their philosophy that lasting change is achieved through strong partnerships, ongoing training, reliance on local communities and investment in local health systems. https://www.pih.org/
Sid Ralhan Chief Financial Officer of Wealth Stewards Inc., overseeing the corporate accounting, Investment fund management, financial operations, corporate finance, and financial planning & analysis. He is a member of Chartered Professional Accountants (CPA) of Canada and holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree in Finance.
During his career, he had exposure to all stages of industry life cycle transforming organizations through exemplary leadership and passion for work. Strategic mindset to grow the business with a proven track record of raising c. US$721 million capital and investments analysis of c. US$1.8 billion. Turned around organizations by improving profitability with an estimated savings of c. US$ 16 million during his career. He has worked on many M&A transactions and closed deals worth c. US$ 266 million and completed feasibility studies amounting to c. US$ 400 million
He believes that the right attitude is more important than talent and showing respect towards others and having integrity and self-awareness is key to success.
He is a gastronome who loves having a good meal with his family and friends, enjoy playing cricket, tennis and soccer and like to travel.
What charity or cause is important to you?
Compassion - Releasing children from Poverty in Jesus' name. Children are gift from God and every child deserves to feel safe and sound with their basic survival needs met.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Back to Our Team
- Vice President, Wealth & Estate Advisor
Vern is a corporate and commercial lawyer with substantial tax expertise.
Vern attended the University of Manitoba for law school and was the recipient of numerous academic awards. Vern also holds a M.Tax from the University of Waterloo.
Vern started his legal career at a large law firm in downtown Toronto in tax law and more recently, Vern was a partner at a large accounting firm in Toronto. During his time in private practice, Vern represented many national and multi-national companies with various aspects of their tax planning.
Vern has authored many articles on tax law and has appeared before the Tax Court of Canada and drafted legal tax memorandums for submission to the Supreme Court of Canada. He also has substantial public company experience as an officer of three TSX-V companies.
Vern is responsible for all legal matters for Wealth Stewards and tax & estate planning for investors. Vern takes pride in providing business-practical legal advice to Wealth Stewards recognizing operational risks and rewards. In addition to traditional legal advice, Vern provides day-to-day operational, contractual drafting and review, dispute resolution, human resources advice, and the structuring of equity investments and loan transactions. This frequently includes everything from leveraging his network in the Canadian business community to consider opportunities for Wealth Stewards and its investors, to the drafting of legal contracts and working with outside counsel to maximize financial value to investors.