My Background  

After graduating from the University of Toronto and spending a year studying in France, it was time to go to work. After success as a sales rep for McLean-Hunter (now owned by Rogers), IBM hired and trained me to work in Business Systems Planning. The customers enjoyed working on these projects. Just then, my (now late) father became ill, so joining the family business was the next step. The new position came with every business problem—family, shareholders, colleagues, break-away competitors and No Planning—firsthand lessons at what does not work!

At that time, my wife Joanne was a successful agent at London Life. With training and mentorship, London ranked me among their top 20 agents every year. While they said ‘no’ to other requests, they facilitated my incorporation in 1984. After a few challenging years with another brokerage, it was time to start our own firm. Starting in 1988 The Financial SectorTM Inc. was a home enterprise (ahead of its time) with four employees for 14 years.  The firm grew to service over 100 businesses, their employees and their owners with benefits and protection plans.

In 1998, it was time to expand. Taking office space as Useful Ideas®, growth continued to well over 300 businesses—benefits, pensions, insurance and financial planning. In addition to running the business, my focus was on the Business Owner, Shareholders, and their Families, putting their business plans and estate protection in place. Both our sons have come through the business (good experience and relationships) and gone on to greater things. We still have our original 17 clients from 1988.

Now Enduring Legacy Inc brings advice, planning and protection plans to Business Owners, their Shareholders and their Families.