Rutgers University, SMLR (School of Management and Labor Relations) Louis O. Kelso Research Fellow, PhD Candidate

“Data and employee ownership: Scientific knowledge, it IS your business”

Jung ook Kim is a PhD candidate in the Industrial Relations and Human Resources program at Rutgers University, New Jersey. He has academic backgrounds of social work, international area studies, labor relations and human resource management. He has work experience as a corporate social responsibility (CSR) consultant in South Korea, working with for-profit enterprises of various sizes and industries, government agencies, local governments, and nonprofit organizations.

His primary areas of academic interests are workplace and economic democracy, wage and wealth inequality, various forms of employee ownership and employee financial participation, High-Performance Work Systems (HPWS) and labor-management cooperation.

Predictive Success Corporation Founder and CEO

“Talent Optimization…. Predictive Analytics for the Millennial and others from Hire to Inspire”

David is the founder of Predictive Success, and an MBA graduate from Queen’s University. David has been specializing in leadership development, talent acquisition, change management and productivity improvement for over 25 years across a variety of industries. He is an executive coach and consultant to 28% of Canada’s Best Managed Companies. David has been a master certified Predictive Index®(PI®) Analyst since 1988 and received his training by our Boston office.

David’s experience growing people and business units has included dramatic success as an Enterprise Global Manager, Financial Services at Microsoft in Seattle, WA and Toronto, ON. In 2015, Predictive Success was awarded by Profit Magazine Profit 500 Award for the fastest growing new companies for five-year growth. David’s work has been published in over 40 magazines including, The Toronto Globe & Mail, Vancouver Province, CBC Radio, Calgary Herald, Star Phoenix and Financial Post. David is a frequent guest lecturer for; Ryerson University MBA classes, Queen’s University MBA classes, HRPA, and BCHRA.

David is the author of three books; his latest, a best seller on the value of human analytics in the workplace, Predicting Success: Evidence-Based Strategies to Hire the Right People and Build the Best Team (Wiley, 2015).

Peavey Industries LP President & CEO

“Broad-based Employee Ownership at Peavey Industries: Redefining the Retail Experience”

Doug is the President & CEO of Peavey Industries LP, a national retailer operating under the Peavey Mart, TSC Stores, and MainStreet Hardware banners. With over 90 corporate store locations, Peavey Industries operates in 5 provinces and is based out of Red Deer, Alberta with a divisional office in London, Ontario. Peavey Industries sells general merchandise targeted at customers who enjoy the rural lifestyle. Product offerings range from farm supplies, tools & hardware, lawn & garden supplies, workwear, housewares, homesteading supplies, to large animal feed, pet supplies, outdoor living, toys and home décor.

Peavey Industries welcomed many new partners through Employee Ownership in 2016 when it launched the Peavey Industries Mutual Fund Trust. Since then participation in the broad-based ownership structure has grown to over 5% of all employees. The company is planning for a significant increase in participation for 2019 through increased information sessions and word of mouth from existing owners.

International Association for Financial Participation (IAFP) President

“Global Best Practices for Employee Financial Participation and Challenges for Small, Medium and Large Enterprises”

The IAFP is the international association of companies, academics, and individuals, which support financial participation for employees as a means of increasing productivity and fostering worker satisfaction. As President of the IAFP, David consults with the European Union on the harmonization of benefit program laws for EU Member States.

David is “of counsel” to the law firm of Kirton McConkie PC. He has more than 40 years of experience in the design, implementation, administration and government regulation of domestic and international ESOPs, employee benefit programs, qualified and non-qualified public and private retirement plans, deferred compensation programs, insurance programs, and other cash and stock based compensation and benefits programs. David spent over thirty years in Washington DC as a partner in major global law firms.

National Center for Employee Ownership (NCEO) Outreach and Membership Coordinator

“How to Engage Employee Participation and Celebrate Your ESOP: An Interactive Session”

The NCEO is a US-based non-profit membership organization devoted to providing practical resources and reliable information about employee ownership. As Outreach and Membership Coordinator, Ramona focuses on increasing the visibility and adoption of employee ownership in the business community and general public. She also works to ensure that the NCEO’s membership is supported and growing.

Ramona brings to her job diverse professional experiences from managing education programs at a theater company, to line cooking at a film studio, to running all the technical aspects of live performances. Ramona has a BA in Sociology with an emphasis in social inequality and a BA Theatre from the University of California, San Diego.

Roscoe Postle Associates Chairman of the Board

“Transitioning from a Major Engineering Company to an Independent, Employee Owned Consulting Practice”

Graham Clow is a senior mining executive with more than 45 years of worldwide experience in all aspects of the development and operation of mining projects. In addition to providing strategy and direction for RPA, he manages RPA’s due diligence and M&A work. He also leads RPA’s expert practice on numerous legal and arbitration cases in the mining industry. Mr. Clow has been recognized as a consulting expert in Who’s Who Legal: Mining 2019.

Mr. Clow will speak on the experience and lessons learned in leading an employee buyout and formation of a consulting practice and the subsequent introduction of an ESOP.

RPA is a global mining consultant, with offices in Canada, the United States, and United Kingdom. RPA advises major mining companies, mid-caps, junior mining and exploration companies, financial institutions, governments, law firms, and individual investors on the technical and commercial aspects of mineral property development.

Selkirk Signs Vice President of Sales and Marketing

“Selkirk Signs ESOP Story”

Throughout his career, Kris, has worked in various capacities of leadership, management, and expansion in both the business and not for profit world. He is passionate about building environments of safe accountability, strong community, and united vision.

Kris started out in the construction industry where he learned the importance of execution, accountability, and communication and used his 10 plus years there to transition and invest into the sign fabrication business with Selkirk Signs. Having then started from fabrication and working his way up to VP of Sales and Marketing, Kris has always remained committed to ensuring a passionate team atmosphere has permeated his operations. Whether it’s pricing negotiations, staff training, or team bonding Kris’s ambition and determination has already reaped very positive results for his company.

In April of 2017 Selkirk Signs officially became an ESOP company. Kris was part of the Senior Management team that implemented the ESOP at Selkirk Signs.

Kris is a loving husband and caring father of 3 children. He currently resides in Calgary, AB where he has lived for the past 4 years.

Intrigue Media Solutions Inc. Systems Integrator

“The one thing you need to get right for Millennials before creating an ESOP”

Seth’s purpose is to empower the people in his life every day to inspire them to reach their potential. At Intrigue, he builds and improves information systems, and makes the team moan and groan with his brutal dad jokes. Things like spreadsheets, keyboard shortcuts, and bad puns make Seth smile.

As Intrigue has grown so much since inception, Seth has his hands all over documenting, tweaking, and systematizing the Intrigue way of doing things.

Seth is the champion of integrating all of our information systems to maximize the delight our clients feel when they work with us, and help our team focus on the right opportunities at the right time. He gets ridiculous amounts of joy from making our Salesforce CRM talk to our ERM, Google Sheets and QuickBooks. Through this role, Seth is living out his childhood dream of making software people love to use.

Outside of Intrigue, Seth is a happy husband to his high school sweetheart Bethany, and proud dad to Nora and Bennett! Seth loves spending his free time leading discussion groups at church, drumming, renovating his home, watching the Green Bay Packers, and running.

KeyLeaf Director, Global Business Process

“KeyLeaf – From Government Funded to Employee Owned Entrepreneur (and Beyond)”

Karen joined KeyLeaf (formerly POS Bio-Sciences) in 1990 and has gained extensive technical and continuous improvement experience while working in various departments. Karen has a proven track record of driving internal teams towards process efficiencies and employee engagement.

In 2005, as Lab Services Manager, Karen was an AOCS Approved Chemist and her highly regarded team of analytical technicians were recognized with many first and second place finishes in the AOCS Lab Proficiency Program Testing Series. Recently, she was instrumental in helping the labs implement Standard Operating Procedures necessary to achieve Good Laboratory Practice Recognition through Standards Council of Canada.

In 2014, as Manager of Internal Services, Karen implemented a 3-year safety strategy where she and her team successfully earned the Saskatchewan Association of Safety Manufacturers Certificate of Recognition Bronze Level. During this time Karen also became the Lean Leader, where she developed a Lean Roadmap which continues to drive the business towards capitalization of technology through continuous improvement.

Starting in 2018, Karen took on the role of Director, Global Business Process, where she is currently working on aligning business processes and metrics to the company vision.
Karen earned a B.Sc. in Biology from the University of Saskatchewan and she received her Lean Blackbelt Certification in May 2018. She has completed additional training in Laboratory Accreditation, Life Balance Leadership and QA for Analytical Laboratories, as well as being certified as a Quality Management System Auditor.

Intrigue Media Solutions Inc. Client Service & Online Marketing Specialist

“The one thing you need to get right for Millennials before creating an ESOP”

At Intrigue Media, Vanessa gets to work with other business owners to help them get noticed and found so they can grow and accomplish their business and personal goals.

Intrigue is a big part of her life, having worked with the company for over seven years and the team becoming like family, so buying in to the company with the Team Share Ownership Plan (TSOP) was an easy decision.

Outside of Intrigue, Vanessa can be found spending time on the GenNext Committee for the United Way, chasing her son around, getting together with friends and family, and enjoying the odd glass of wine!

Kalex Valuations Inc. Founder and President

“Valuation, Legal, and Tax Surprises for Established ESOPs” Panel

Melanie is the founder of Kalex Valuations Inc. and began professional practice in 1985, which includes several years of industry experience. Throughout her professional career she has been involved in many assignments for a variety of public and private companies of various sizes and across many industries. She obtained her training at two of the large international accounting firms as well as in industry. Melanie placed second in Canada on the CICBV membership examination. She founded Kalex Valuations Inc. in 1996.​

Ms. Russell has been active in teaching business valuations and related topics since 1987 at various universities and professional organizations, and jointly runs the premiere preparatory course for CBV students in Canada taking their national Membership Entrance Examination. She has written various articles, taught professional courses and had many public speaking engagements on matters relating to business valuations and related topics.​

Melanie has qualified as an expert in the areas of business/asset valuation, quantification of damages, income determination and forensic accounting. She has testified as an expert in business valuations in the Ontario Court of Justice and the Ontario Superior Court, and for the Investment Dealers’ Association and the Discipline Committee of the Institute of Chartered Professional Accountants of Ontario, as well as in alternative dispute forums.

Dale & Lessmann LLP Partner

“Key Valuation, Legal, and Tax Issues for Pre and Early ESOPs” Panel and “Valuation, Legal, and Tax Surprises for Established Mature ESOPs” Panel

Dean practices business law with a focus on Canadian and cross-border mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, and financing transactions. Dean also spends much of his time advising foreign and domestic clients with respect to the establishment and expansion of their businesses across Canada. He advises clients on business formations and wind-ups, immigration and employment matters, shareholder matters (including shareholder agreements, reorganizations and employee share offerings), financings, partnership and joint venture arrangements, corporate governance and regulatory matters and on-going commercial transactions. Dean has particular expertise representing clients in the manufacturing, retail, distribution, private equity, insurance services, banking, renewable energy, agriculture and agrifood and not-for-profit sectors.

Dale & Lessmann LLP Partner

“Valuation, Legal, and Tax Surprises for Established ESOPs” Panel

Ed’s practice includes most areas of tax planning including mergers and acquistions, cross-border taxation and estate and wealth planning. Ed has acted for clients large and small, in most industries, including the resource industries. He has been recognized for his leadership in the practice of tax law by his inclusion in Best Lawyers in Canada, 2013-2015 – Tax.

Ed provides corporate and international tax planning advice on a broad range of income tax issues including complex deal structuring, merger and acquisitions, corporate financings and reorganizations.

Prior to joining Dale & Lessmann in 2015, Ed was a Senior Partner of Norton Rose Fulbright LLP and was one of the founding partners of the Toronto Office of Macleod Dixon LLP, Calgary. In 2011, MD was merged into Norton Rose Fulbright. Prior to joining Macleod Dixon, Ed was a Tax Partner at Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt.

Ed was called to the Bar of Ontario, is a graduate in law from the University of Western Ontario and has his Honours Bachelor of Mathematics (B. Math.) degree from the University of Waterloo.

In 2015, Ed completed the Independent Director course and received an ICD.D designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors.

ESOP Builders President

“Transitioning from a Major Engineering Company to an Independent, Employee Owned Consulting Practice” and “Key Valuation, Legal, and Tax Issues for Pre and Early ESOPs” Panel Discussion

From helping Canada’s fastest growing companies implement engagement strategies to supporting business owners exiting on their terms, Perry Phillips is recognized as one of Canada’s leading experts on employee share ownership plans (ESOPs).

Perry is the Founder and President of ESOP Builders Inc. (the largest designer of ESOP plans in Canada for small and medium sized Canadian private companies) and also the Founder of the ESOP Association Canada (Canada’s only national not for profit organization promoting the ESOP concept in Canada) and primary author of ESOPs in Canada: How to Implement an Employee Share Ownership Plan to Grow and Exit Your Business with Your Legacy Intact (2015).

Performance Expert – Keynote Speaker – Entertainer

“Set Your GPS (Great Programmable Subconscious) for Success”

Wayne Lee is an award winning corporate hypnotist and performance coach who has presented to over 4000 audiences all over the globe for the past 20 years. Wayne’s unique combination of mental programming tools and comedy hypnosis ensure a sensational experience for all involved.

If there’s one thing peak performance experts like Wayne Lee agree on, it’s that the mind is capable of leading us anywhere.

Wayne is an unrelenting advocate for individuals and teams looking to turn potential into performance. Through humor and hypnosis, he helps people drop their defenses and access their GPS. Once in there, Wayne shows how what you put in – beliefs, attitudes, goals and vision – acts as coordinates that absolutely determine whether or not you reach your destination. Get it wrong and you’re stuck in traffic. Get it right and you’ll get to your goal faster and more directly than you ever thought possible.

iQmetrix Corporate Controller & ESOP Administrator

“How to Engage Employee Participation and Celebrate Your ESOP: An Interactive Session”

Dean Ell is the Corporate Controller & ESOP Administrator at iQmetrix, a software company specializing in end-to-end retail solutions. iQmetrix has been on the Profit 500 list of Canada’s Fastest Growing Companies for 8 years in a row. Maintaining a fun and rewarding work culture is important to iQmetrix.

With over 25 years of Accounting/Financial Management experience, Dean has been with iQmetrix for more than 15 years and has been their ESOP Administrator since its inception in 2007. Their purpose at iQmetrix is to create great experiences for their employees, customers, and partners.

Dean is currently the Chair of the ESOP Association Canada. He has performed several roles within the Association over the past four years including sitting on the conference planning committee, advisor to the Board, and, Board Member.

VeritableSoft Innovations Managing Director and CEO

“Artificial Intelligence and its Impact on Employees”

Ramy is responsible for all the day-to-day operations of VeritableSoft, in addition to setting up the strategic direction of the company as a board member.

Prior to working in VeritableSoft, Ramy held different executive positions including Chairman and CEO at SyncBASE, CIO at Insurance Bureau of Canada, VP – Internet Strategy and Development at Fidelity Investments, VP – Internet Strategy at Merill Lynch and Chief Systems Architect at Merill Lynch. Ramy has also held various directorship positions, and he is currently a director of CryptoMiles, AlphaOmega Reno Construction and ESOP Association Canada.

Ramy is a Professional Engineer who holds an M.Sc. in Computer Science, MBA and he is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA). Ramy has been practicing different forms of martial arts for 35 years, and is currently actively practicing Karate and Tai Chi. He also plays music and enjoys travelling around the world.

Mowbrey Gil Business Advisory Services Inc. President

“Key Valuation, Legal, and Tax Issues for Pre and Early ESOPs” Panel Discussion

Andrew is the president of Mowbrey Gil Business Advisory Services Inc., the advisory services arm of Mowbrey Gil LLP Chartered Professional Accountants. He leads the advisory practice in the areas of Business Valuation and Litigation Support, Corporate Finance and consulting to Government and Indigenous Organizations.

Andrew has over 30 years of public practice experience gained in the international marketplace working in the United Kingdom, the Falkland Islands, the province of Alberta, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut.

Andrew is a Chartered Professional Accountant and Chartered Business Valuator and has been qualified as an expert witness by the Court of Queen’s Bench of Alberta. In addition to providing valuation and litigation services to a wide range of clients in a diverse range of industries, the Indigenous Consulting Group focuses on Financial Management Assistance, Economic Development and Capacity Building Initiatives, and providing advice guidance on Board and Governance Structures.

ESOP Builders Employee Ownership Specialist

“ESOPs 101: The Why’s and How’s”

Why all the hullaballuh about ESOPs?

Because they work. They are the ideal business model to humanize and revolutionize our economy.

At ESOP Builders Inc., our mission statement is to make employee ownership one of the most rewarding decisions a business owner makes – benefiting the owner, employees, the business, and the community. That’s why we are Canada’s premier firm for designing, training and implementing Employee Share Ownership, and Stock Option Plans for small- and medium-sized privately held companies.

As an Employee Ownership Specialist with ESOP Builders Inc., Dan excels at meeting clients’ needs by designing custom-tailored ESOP transition plans. Beyond the technical components, he brings expertise in the human, or cultural component that makes an ESOP thrive. He is a certified coach with the International Coach Federation, a skilled communicator and facilitator, and is known for building high-trust relationships with business owners and employees.

Dan also provides post-ESOP coaching programs to ensure long-term sustainability, success, and happiness.

Maarschalk Valuations Inc. President

Conference Chair and Panel Moderator

Paul Maarschalk CPA, CA, CBV has been a Chartered Business Valuator since 2007 and a Chartered Professional Accountant since 1986.

Paul’s business valuations skills are built on both his education and his experience in the financial industry. Prior to founding MVI in 2008 his career focused on corporate finance and corporate financial planning, disciplines that, like business valuations, require an ability to project forward and understand business risk.

MVI has completed numerous valuation assignments, in support of ESOPs, marital and shareholder disputes, buy/sell agreements and corporate reorganizations. These engagements have covered a variety of industries across Central and Western Canada, with a focus on British Columbia and Alberta.

Paul has been qualified as an expert witness in the Supreme Court of British Columbia.

The two words that are most commonly used by MVI clients to describe MVI’s service are “thorough” and “professional”, words which validate MVI’s core values: Objective, Insightful, Articulate.

Paul is the Chair of the 2019 Canadian Employee Ownership Conference.

Intrigue Media Solutions Inc. Co-Owner

Conference Emcee

As a co-owner of the company, I wear many hats. As CFO, I look after our finances and accounting. As VP HR I look after the framework under which our team members work and assist our managers in handling all aspects of human resources.

At Intrigue Media, we help great organisations to get noticed and found. We are both a media company with hundreds of digital screens throughout many communities in Ontario, and a full service marketing organisation with a strong focus on online/web/social media tools. Most recently, we established a software development department to satisfy highly sophisticated website needs.

Intrigue’s purpose is empowering leaders to strengthen communities. Consequently, I am very engaged in Guelph’s community serving as Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce and Board Member of the Career Education Council.