“My career began at another Community Futures office and after working for municipal and provincial governments in economic development and operating my own small business, joining Muskoka Futures felt like things had come full circle.  While being self-employed provided some great benefits, I realized it was not exactly what I was looking for – to help others succeed. 

I came to the realization a number of years ago that being a goalie in hockey speaks volumes about who I am as an individual.  It’s about being there for others, having a broad view of the environment, trying to predict what is about to happen and communicating that to others in order to react.  This reflects what Muskoka Futures provides, support to businesses to help them succeed no matter what life throws at them. 

When not at the office, or the rink, I am enjoying life with my wife and two busy children, or when luck strikes, simply relaxing off the grid at the cottage.”

“I’ve never owned my own business but I enjoy nothing more than being around entrepreneurs.  I find their ideas and passion infectious and I love to help any way I can.  I started my working life in the banking world moving from one of the largest banks to a credit union and finally here at Muskoka Futures.  What I do is provide financing for entrepreneurs to start or expand their business, but what I love is meeting people face to face; there is something about looking someone in the eye that tells their story better than simply looking at numbers.

When I’m not finding ways to help Muskoka’s entrepreneurs financially, I spend my time with my wife and two boys, generally at a hockey or curling rink, or floating on a lake depending on the season.  My guess is that I might be known as the office clown, however that is purely speculation. ”

“I’ve owned my own businesses and worked for others, from small mom and pops to large corporations, but it wasn’t until I sat down at my desk here at Muskoka Futures that I finally felt at home. I realized some time ago that what I like to do most is help people, so what better place than here, where every day I get to help people achieve their dreams. Connecting entrepreneurs to the resources they need ether in our organization or beyond and helping them start or grow , I am always there to support them, the goal, always to ensure their businesses succeed. Healthy businesses = healthy communities. I always joke that my job description is simply to help!

When I’m not supporting business in my day job, I am supporting a family…mine; a husband, three children (one married with a wonderful husband and beautiful daughter…yes I am a Nana) two cats and a dog.  If the pandemic has taught me anything it is to wear comfortable clothes…always!

“ The first 14 years of my career were spent in the gaming industry. Working my way up from Corporate Accounting Clerk to Compliance Manager. Muskoka Futures was a refreshing change from my past life and I jumped at the chance to work here, and the short commute coupled with the community connection excited me. I love being involved in the economic growth of Muskoka and having always wanted to own my own business I find working with entrepreneurs inspiring.

I think if you asked anyone about me they’d say I love to be busy…If I’m not taking care of my family (a husband and two active boys), I am working on professional development courses or running my hobby farm, which seems to grow every year. It seems with me, I am not happy unless I am dreaming up new ways to keep busy.”