LAPOINTE ADVISORY GROUP - Key Persons
Brittany is an analytical thinker and believes that in every challenge is an exciting puzzle to uncover. She spent a few years at another major financial institution before joining RBC in 2018.
She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in New Media from Ryerson University (now Toronto Metropolitan University). "It might not be the usual degree in the financial world, but the unique skills and experience I gained have been immensely helpful in my career." Brittany has completed her Canadian Securities Course and is currently working on completing her Chartered Investment Manager (CIM) designation.
Her primary focus on the team is data and information, both for clients and the team. Brittany works closely with Martin on portfolio management. She assists with building portfolios and customizing solutions for clients & their families.
Born and raised in Brantford, Brittany believes giving back to the local community is important. She has been involved with several charitable organizations over the years. By fully listening to clients, being generous with her time, and working collaboratively with her team, she hopes to live charitably every day.
Outside of the office, Brittany enjoys spending time with her family and pursuing her latest artistic endeavor.
Carmen was born and raised in Brantford and has over 10 years of experience in the financial services industry. It was at Brock University studying business and economics where Carmen developed his passion for financial planning and investment management.
Carmen joined the LaPointe Advisory Group in 2016 and soon after, he obtained his Chartered Investment Manager (CIM) designation.
Carmen works alongside Martin to lead the team's overall wealth management process and believes in the team's philosophy of owning quality investments. His primary role on the team includes providing overviews of clients' financial picture and how they are tracking toward their short-term and long-term goals.
Outside of the office, Carmen believes in giving back to his community in various ways and works with local charities that are important to him. He has spent several years on the board of directors for Brantford Minor Baseball and has helped coach multiple teams.
In his spare time he enjoys golfing, reading and spending time at the family cottage with family and friends.
Daniel Bertrand brings 12 years of financial services experience to his role as Private Banker, in which he delivers personalized, discrete banking, credit and financial counsel to select clients in Hamilton and Brantford.
As a dedicated financial planner, Mr. Bertrand creates sophisticated banking packages and a full suite of personalized credit solutions for his clients and their families. He then draws on a team of RBC and external experts who assist with investments, commercial banking and domestic and international trust products to create a uniquely personalized banking experience for his clients.
To ensure personalized service and attention to detail, Mr. Bertrand works with a limited number of clients. This focused approach allows him to spend more time simplifying his clients' lives, working when necessary with his other professional advisors to deliver comprehensive, integrated financial solutions.
Mr. Bertrand holds the Personal Financial Planner (PFP) designation, which underscores the financial planning perspective he brings to his clients and holds a bachelor's degree with honours from Wilfrid Laurier University.
Born in Montreal and raised in Kitchener, Mr. Bertrand is active in his community. Outside of the office, he keeps busy with his wife and three young children.
Job Titles:
- Branch Operations Manager
Jennifer Janeczko completed her Masters of Taxation degree at the University of Waterloo in 2004 after completing a postgraduate diploma in Financial Planning from Wilfrid Laurier University in 2001.
Prior to joining RBC in 2015, Jennifer gained a unique understanding of planning for the owner-manager through various roles within the insurance and accounting industries. Her professional experience includes working extensively with high net worth individuals and their advisors dealing with estate and succession planning, corporate and personal tax, insurance planning, family trusts, private foundations and charitable organizations.
Jennifer has over 10 years of taxation experience, is a member of the Canadian Tax Foundation, sits on the board of directors of the Estate Planners' Council of Hamilton and is a student member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners.
Job Titles:
- Senior Investment Advisor
Martin is a graduate from the University of Western Ontario with a BA in Economics.
While at university, he joined some classmates to organize an investment club, which formed the basis for his interest in investing. He had some early success, and it became clear to him that having his money work for him would be the path to financial wellness.
He started in 1989 as an Account Executive in the Discretionary Investment Management and Estate Trust services at Canada's largest trust company. He came over to Dominion Securities in 2011, and he has seen a great evolution in the wealth management industry.
Today, more than ever, Martin believes that his experience coupled with his ongoing professional growth allow him to cater to all his client's needs.
Martin's greatest passion is helping clients achieve every aspect of the Wealth Management Process.
"I like to think that I have as vested an interest in their portfolios as I do my own."
Each member of the team has a role to play in the wealth management process and offer their skills to each client's plan. With a strict focus on the investment process, Martin's main role on the team is research, investment selection and portfolio composition.
Mary-Anne started working in the financial field over 35 years ago while living in Toronto, before moving back to her hometown of Brantford. She continue her career in banking before joining Dominion Securities in 2015 as the Branch Operations Assistant.
She joined the LaPointe Advisory Group in 2022 to assist with administrative tasks. Her focus on the team is to ensure the day to day operations run smoothly - processing requests and responding to inquiries. As the newest member of the team, she looks forward to meeting clients and aims to be of service to clients and their families.
Mary-Anne enjoys volunteering with different community organizations. She has worked with the United Way to raise funds, assisted two Habitat for Humanity builds, and participated with the Branlyn Neighbourhood Association.
For many years, Mary-Anne has been involved in the Drum Corp, and for the last 11 years she has chaired the St. John's Drum Corps Alumni Committee. She enjoys giving back to an organization that supports a musical youth activity in North America.
Mary-Anne has been married for 43 years and has two adult sons. When she's not in the office, Mary-Anne enjoys spending time with family and friends, especially her senior golden retriever who loves to join in on hikes.
Job Titles:
- Vice President and Will & Estate Consultant, RBC Family Office Services
Shannon worked in private practice for ten years before joining RBC in 2010.
She specialized in the areas of Wills & estate planning, estate administration and real estate. Shannon graduated from the University of Guelph with a Honours B.A. and received her LL.B. from the University of Toronto in 1998. She is a Member of the Law Society of Ontario.
Shannon lives in Woodstock, Ontario with her husband and three kids.
Job Titles:
- CA, CFP, CLU / Vice - President & Estate Planning Specialist, RBC Wealth Management Financial Services Inc
Suzanne's focus is to protect and enhance family and business wealth. She is a trusted professional known for expert wealth management advice utilizing advanced, insurance-based tax and estate planning solutions.
Prior to RBC, Suzanne built her career at a major accounting firm and a boutique tax and estate planning firm. Along with professional designations, she has completed the CICA's In-Depth Tax Course. She was featured as an expert on BNN and HGTV's House Poor and has contributed to the Globe and Mail, National Post and co-authored 78 Tax Tips for Canadians for Dummies.
Suzanne uses her in-depth technical knowledge to carefully understand what can complicate your unique financial situation and collaborates with your other professionals to uncover where you might be exposed to excessive taxes and risk. This planning is essential for business owners, professionals, executives and those with charitable goals.