Read more …An Upside Down World
Read more …Issue #67 - 2018 in Review
Read more …Issue #67-2 - Innova Wealth Builders Update
Read more …Issue #66 - Cash is King!
Read more …Issue #65 - Another Scary October
Read more …The New NAFTA: The Good, The Bad, The Ugly
Read more …The impact of the USD on Emerging Markets
Read more …Issue #62 - Pick a winner!
Read more …Issue #61 - The Big Dog Bares Big Teeth
Read more …Issue #60c - Investing in Marijuana
After earning an Honours Bachelor’s degree in Commerce and Computer Science (HBCCS), J-F began his career in the financial services industry in 2005. Under the mentorship of a successful advisor, he learned the importance of preserving capital in down-markets and factoring taxes into all investment decisions.
In an attempt to better understand the markets following the 2008 financial crisis, J-F completed a Master's in Business Administration degree authoring a thesis on Tactical Asset Allocation in 2010. Recognizing his achievements, he was offered a teaching position at Laurentian University where he lectured in 2011. Furthering his education, he completed the Canadian Insurance Course in 2011 and earned his Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation in 2012, the industry’s gold standard in financial competence, knowledge and professionalism.
It was at this time that Innova Wealth was born. With the goal of providing comprehensive advice on all financial matters, J-F broadened the service offerings to include retirement planning, income tax preparation, mortgages and insurance. A true believer in 360 degree financial advice, all the pieces were now in place for the business to grow.
As the investment needs of his clients grew in complexity, J-F responded by transitioning the business to include full-service securities management and became a Chartered Investment Manager (CIM) in 2016. That same year, he published his first book 'Divide & Conquer' a financial blueprint for entrepreneurs.
J-F now serves as Chief Investment Officer at Innova, helping to oversee more than $300 million in investable assets.
An avid traveler, he has backpacked to more than 30 countries. He loves to learn more about the world and share his experiences. He published several travel columns as the 'Northern Nomad' for a local newspaper.
He is equally passionate about his community, serving on multiple boards and chairing the Golf Marathon Sudbury, which has raised more than $250,000 to the benefit of charities benefitting underprivileged youth.
Helping clients achieve their financial peace of mind and simplify their already complex lives are just a few of Cliff’s passions.
A lifelong native of Sudbury, ON, for the past over decade Cliff has been advising clients on a wide spectrum of financial issues and strategies. Since 2008 he has held the sought-after Certified Financial Planner designation, the industry’s gold standard in financial competence, knowledge and professionalism. He also holds the Chartered Investment Manager designation which allows him the rare distinction of acting as both a registered Portfolio Manager but also as a true fiduciary of his clients’ best interests.
A specialist in tax effective debt repayment, wealth accumulation, and insurance strategies, Cliff works primarily with affluent business owners, professionals, and families helping their money work harder for them. When not working with clients, Cliff can be found either spending time with his wife and children, enjoying a round of golf or game of tennis with friends, or volunteering in his community.
Portfolio Manager - Innova Wealth Management of ACPI.
Allain also believes in giving back to his profession and his community. A former President of the local chapter of Advocis, he still sits on the executive acting as program chair and teaches a Tax Course for those hoping to obtain the coveted Certified Financial Planners (CFP) designation. Within his community, he is known as a generous donors and tireless fundraiser. Along with acting as the former President of the Club Richelieu of Sudbury, he has been a proud supporter of the Sudbury Hospice and NEO Kids while being recognized as the ‘Top Walker’ at the 2018 ‘Coldest Night of the Year’ fundraiser.
On a personal level, he enjoys downhill skiing, travel and spending time with his daughters and granddaughters.
Following her graduation from McMaster University in 2008, Kelly gained experience in Accounts Payable and Receivable while working in the Toronto area. Since then, she broadened her skill-set with a Certificate in Technical Communication to accompany her background in Bookkeeping and Accounting.
After returning to Sudbury, Kelly joined the Innova Wealth team where she enjoys using her strong math skills and love of numbers. Most recently, Kelly completed the Canadian Securities Courses and is pleased to share her increased expertise with our clients.
Kelly enjoys the dynamic environment of Innova Wealth and being part of the close-knit family of colleagues and clients. She is responsible for all investment client support in French and English.
Having completed her Bachelor of Sciences and studies in Naturopathic Medicine, Chantal is a licensed Naturopathic Doctor with ample experience as an entrepreneur in the medical field. As a business owner, she acquired organizational skills as well as bookkeeping and income tax knowledge. In addition, she has over a decade of experience working with financial firms in an administrative role, half of which has been spent within Innova Wealth Partners.
Chantal continues to provide administrative support on an on-going basis while also practicing naturopathic medicine with clients out of a local clinic based in Sudbury.
Julie Nicholls is a seasoned Certified Financial Planner (CFP) with over 25 years of expertise in the financial industry. Originating from Sudbury, her professional journey has been marked by a commitment to excellence and a passion for guiding clients through life's financial complexities. With a notable 13-year tenure as a Senior Financial Consultant at MD Financial Management, specializing in serving physicians and their families, Julie garnered extensive experience in estate planning, retirement planning, and wealth preservation.Driven by a desire for autonomy and career advancement, Julie recently joined the dynamic team at Innova Wealth Partners in March 2024. Her decision reflects a dedication to providing impartial counsel and ensuring her clients receive the highest quality guidance. Throughout her career, Julie has embraced challenges with resilience, demonstrating an ability to navigate clients through unexpected life events with ease.
Julie's guiding principle, "The only consistency is inconsistency," underscores her adaptability and commitment to tailored financial solutions. She approaches each client's unique circumstances with empathy and strategic acumen, fostering growth and success along their financial journey. Beyond her professional endeavors, Julie finds solace in the arts, particularly through acrylic painting, and cherishes outdoor activities with her son and daughter.Julie's alignment with Innova's client-driven values and community engagement initiatives reflects her sincere commitment to fostering widespread wealth and prosperity. Her impact as a mentor to budding advisors and dedication to charitable endeavors, such as sponsoring Light-Up Kivi Park, further exemplify her dedication to making a positive difference in the lives of others.
After completing the Business Administration Program at Georgian College in 1996, Tanya began her career in the financial services industry. Her experience in Mutual Funds and Life Insurance enables her to efficiently execute and troubleshoot the complex issues often associated with our business. Tanya joined our team bringing with her a wealth of knowledge that she gained working with Matt Houghton at WealthLogix.
In 2015, Tanya completed her mortgage license with the Independent Mortgage Broker Association. A few years later, she went on to complete her Canadian Security Courses. Tanya enjoys working closely with clients and assisting them in finding the very best lending solutions for their needs. A long time employee of Innova Wealth, she now works in conjunction with the team as an independent mortgage broker.
Claudia joined our team this year as an Executive Assistant bringing 15 + years experience in the financial services industry including investments and insurance. She is Mutual Fund Licenced since 2017 and currently working on obtaining her LLQP Certification.
Claudia is dedicated to providing professional services to all clients and enjoys working alongside our dynamic team at Innova Wealth.
During her spare time, she enjoys spending time at the cottage with her family and friends.
Emmett, a recent graduate of the Business Administration program at Laurentian University, brings a strong foundation in finance to his new role as a Wealth Advisor at Innova Wealth Partners. With a specialized focus on finance, Emmett has acquired the Life License Qualification Program (LLQP) certification, enabling him to specialize in the insurance domain. Additionally, he has set his sights on completing the Canadian Securities Course (CSC) as part of his professional development, with the ultimate ambition of achieving the esteemed designation of a Chartered Financial Planner (CFP).
In addition to his academic accomplishments, Emmett has honed his work ethic and discipline through active participation in competitive sports, particularly national-level golf tournaments. His passion for sports has fostered a tenacity that he brings to his professional pursuits.
Emmett eagerly anticipates commencing his financial career in the field of finance with Innova Wealth Partners, where he is poised to benefit from the Innova advisors team’s combined 50+ years of experience and contribute his fresh skills and knowledge to the organizations success.
Following her graduation from Laurentian University in 2010, Amanda began working in the financial service industry as a Life Insurance Agent. In 2012, she joined a large financial institution where she gained experience in banking and investing. Amanda enjoys the welcoming environment of the Innova Wealth team and being part of the close-knit family of colleagues.
She specializes in helping our clients find the right insurance products, at the best rates.
A proud mother of two boys, she is an excellent multi-tasker capable of problem-solving any issues that arise.
Enrolled in the Business Administration program at Laurentian University, Brandy is a Dean's Honour list student gaining valuable experience working in a financial setting. She has recently joined the Innova Wealth team as the Client Experience Lead, and is eager to learn and broaden her knowledge in her relevant field. With 4+ years of experience working in a customer service environment, Brandy is passionate about providing financial peace of mind to clients to ensure a smooth and seamless onboarding experience. In her spare time, Brandy enjoys spending time outside, with family & friends, reading, and being creative.
Tyler is a Group Benefits professional with over 13 years of experience in the Employee Benefits & Group Retirement Industries. Passionate about servicing clients, he is committed to delivering exceptional results that fit both the corporate culture as well as the bottom line. He prides himself on educating his clients and arming them with the tools needed to attract, retain and engage their employees.
Known for his adaptive and easy-going nature, Tyler believes in building authentic relationships with clients to truly understand their needs and provide custom tailored solutions.
Tyler is a Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS) and a graduate of Ryerson University’s Commerce program. He also holds GBA (Group Benefit Associate) and RPA (Retirement Plans Associate) designations.
He is always seeking to improve and stay current on industry trends, regularly attending industry conferences & training programs to enhance his skills and knowledge.
A lifelong resident of Sudbury, Tyler also sits on the board for the Sudbury Charities Foundation and is a member of the Rotary Club of Sudbury Sunrisers.
Tyler is the proud father of three and in his spare time enjoys camping, skiing, volleyball, hockey, and golf.
Sean joins us after recently completing his M.B.A. at St. Bonaventure University in New York while also playing Division 1 lacrosse. He brings a strong foundation in finance to Innova, completing his Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance and graduating with Summa Cum Laude honours – the highest academic distinction.
He was also named a two-time All-American scholar and athlete which honours the top student-athletes in the United States for their combined academic and athletic performances.
A three-time captain of the Bonnies lacrosse team, he looks forward to bringing his strong leadership, determination, and collaboration skills to service Innova’s clients. He is in the process of completing his Canadian Securities Course (CSC) to further his professional development and will be focusing on retirement and education plans for clients while growing in his new vocation.
Sean was recently selected 26th overall in the National Lacrosse League (NLL) draft to the Las Vegas Desert Dogs, owned by Canadian sports legends Wayne Gretzky and Steve Nash.
He also has a strong passion for charitable work and has helped raise over $35,000 USD through the HEADstrong Foundation for families affected by cancer. In addition to being a top fundraiser in the nation, he was awarded the Nicholas Colleluori Award - presented to someone who “embodies the relentless spirit and drive to improve the lives of others”.
In his spare time, his passions include fitness, piano, travelling, networking, and spending time with family and friends.
Morgan is a dedicated financial professional with over six years of experience in the dynamic field of financial services. Her expertise spans across various domains, including day-to-day banking, insurance, and investments. With a strong focus on delivering exceptional client experiences, Morgan's previous roles have predominantly been client-facing, enabling her to cultivate empathetic and proactive relationships with each customer.
Driven by a passion for continuous learning and professional development, Morgan is currently working towards obtaining her LLQP (Life License Qualification Program) qualification. This commitment reflects her unwavering dedication to expanding her knowledge and skill set, ensuring that she stays up-to-date with the latest industry practices and regulations.
Morgan is excited about the opportunities for personal and professional growth that Innova Wealth offers. Collaborating with a talented team of professionals, she looks forward to contributing her expertise to provide innovative and effective financial solutions for clients.
Morgan's strong foundation in financial services, coupled with her empathetic approach and commitment to ongoing development, make her an invaluable asset to the Innova Wealth team. She is dedicated to helping clients achieve their financial goals while ensuring a personalized and rewarding experience for each individual.
Beyond her professional pursuits, Morgan enjoys spending quality time with her dog, as well as her cherished circle of friends and family. She finds solace in practicing yoga, which helps her maintain a balanced and healthy lifestyle.
Ruby is passionate about providing businesses and owners with excellent financial advice at critical stages of the business cycle.
A multi-accredited financial professional with broad experiences including: public accounting, business operations, controller, entrepreneur, owner, practice management, financial planning, portfolio management, business development and investment banking.
With a passion for ongoing learning and development, Ruby has obtained numerous respected industry credentials and designations (CFP, FCSI, CIM are a few) over many years and has over 35 years of experience as a Financial Professional.
Ruby has an excellent reputation based on integrity, results, independent thinking and mutual respect.
Her experience includes a wide array of industries; financial planning, insurance, portfolio management, banking, energy, manufacturing, industrial, commercial & retail supply, professional services firms, mining services, transportation, construction and trades.
Focused on helping individuals and companies make smart decisions about their finances, and creating peace of mind regarding key financial decisions at critical times.
Donald MacDonell is an accomplished professional with a rich and diverse career spanning several decades. With a strong academic foundation, Don completed his undergraduate studies in Mathematics and Physics at the University of Waterloo in 1971, attaining an Honours Bachelor of Science degree. His career journey began in education, where he spent time from 1971 to 1972 teaching high school students in Elliot Lake and Sudbury. In 1973, Don transitioned into the business world as a sales agent for a vinyl siding company. The following year, in 1974, Don joined Crown Life Insurance Company, serving as a life insurance agent until 1976. During this time, he refined his skills in insurance, establishing the groundwork for a remarkable career in the field.
Susan shares her core beliefs and knowledge with her clients to help them achieve their financial goals. Her personal attention to each client and their family is a key factor toward their success. She believes that true financial planning takes a consistent long-term approach and that it involves “doing small things in a big way, everyday!”
Susan graduated from McMaster University in Hamilton with an Honours degree in Economics. She is a Certified Financial Planner practitioner with over 20 years experience in the financial services industry. In 2012, she was awarded her Chartered Financial Divorce Specialist’s designation. She is a great resource to anyone experiencing separation and divorce and helps couples navigate the financial complexities involved when relationships come to an end.
Susan is a dedicated mother to two daughters and is the main caregiver to her 91-year-old mother. She enjoys spending time with family and friends at her cottage.
David’s area of expertise includes retirement, tax, investment and estate planning. He is also highly skilled in assisting people with disabilities. Many clients have and continue to benefit from his expertise in creating, implementing and monitoring comprehensive financial plans.
David has enjoyed a long and storied career in the financial planning industry. In 1998, he received his Registered Financial Planner (RFP) status, a designation representing the highest professional accreditation available in Canada. Within a year of receiving his RFP designation, he was voted “Member of Distinction” (1999) by the Canadian Association of Financial Planners (CAFP), in recognition of his commitment and contributions to the financial planning profession.
David is also recognized for developing a presentation format called “Operation Debt Load”, which is being used across Canada as a tool in educating college and university students in money management.
In 2015, David was awarded the Trust and Estate Practitioner (TEP) designation. As a member of this international professional association, he has extensive knowledge in helping clients dealing with the complexities of family inheritances and succession planning. To further expand his knowledge in this area, David earned his Certified Executor Advisor (CEA) designation in 2019. CEAs are experts in their fields and are also uniquely equipped to advise executors and steer them away from potential problems and toward professionals they need. CEAs can offer tremendous value for testators wanting ensure their estates are well prepared and executors who are tasked with the distribution of estates.
David is the proud father of two daughters and has been happily married to the love of his life, Susan, since 1994. He is an accomplished chef and is most happy entertaining his family and friends with culinary delights at the family cottage on Manitoulin Island.
Barbara has over 22 years of adminstrative experience in the Financial Services sector. In her role she is responsible for looking for ways to improve operations for the benefit of both clients and staff. Her goal is to provide valued clients with an exceptional experience.
Barbara volunteers at the Community Soup Sister’s Organization. This group meets once a month to prepare 4 large industrial sized pots of homemade soup that is then packaged and delivered to the Sudbury Women’s Shelter. In her free time, she enjoys attending productions at the Sudbury Theatre Centre.
After graduating from Laurentian University in 2017, Evan earned a major in Biochemistry and a minor in Psychology. He holds certifications in CSC (Canadian Securities Course) and CPH (Conduct and Practices Handbook) and is currently registered with IIROC (Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada) as an Associate Investment Advisor.
Evan's unique combination of financial expertise and knowledge in psychology allows him to take a distinctive approach to his work and stay committed to ongoing developments. These qualities make him a highly valuable member of the Innova Wealth team. He is dedicated to assisting clients in achieving their financial objectives over the long term.
In addition to his academic achievements, Evan holds a third-degree black belt in karate. In the summer of 2018, Evan traveled to Japan and achieved his first-degree black back in Akita City.
Aaron was born and raised in North Bay, Ontario, where he attended Nipissing University majoring in Criminology and minoring in Psychology. In his fourth term at Nipissing he was given the opportunity to write his Thesis under the Chair of the Criminology and Gender Studies departments. His Thesis was premised on research assistance under the Chair, collecting and assessing data from published research and other sources. Going through this process gave Aaron introspection on the importance of institutional financial sustainability and piqued his interest in statistical analysis and computation.
After attaining his first degree in 2016, Aaron moved to London, Ontario and began his studies at the University of Western Ontario for Business Administration with a specialization in accounting. Along the way Aaron grew his knowledge on accounting standards, managerial accounting, and financial analysis. Aaron worked his way through University and attained his second degree with honours in 2020.
Once he finished his second degree, Aaron was hired on to KPMG LLP as a Public Accountant in 2021, where he began his studies in attaining the Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation. In this position, Aaron assisted many First Nation, Municipal, and not-for-profit organizations in attaining grant funding, building their financial statements, and auditing their documentation.
In 2023 Aaron completed the final hurdle of the CPA process, passing the Common Final Exam, and in early 2024, received his CPA Designation, which is renowned on a global scale. Also in 2024, Aaron was hired on to Innova Wealth Partners as a Controller and Tax Lead. Aaron is excited about this opportunity and especially excited to learn more about wealth management and to interface with clients assisting with tax planning, and financial advisory services.
Diana brings over 10 years of experience in operations, administration, and customer service to the table. With a strong background in compliance and system enhancements, she thrives on streamlining processes and ensuring smooth operations.
Previously, Diana supervised an insurance operations team in Dubai, ensuring efficient service delivery and regulatory adherence. Her experience also includes managing financial tasks and reports, processing claims, and providing exceptional customer service.
She possesses excellent time management, collaboration, and multitasking skills which are highly valued in our dynamic workplace.
Ben brings a wealth of financial expertise and hands-on business experience to his role as a Wealth Advisor. With a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation and a Master’s degree in Business Economics, he combines formal education with practical experience to offer clients personalized financial strategies tailored to their unique needs.
His experience growing up in a family business gives him valuable insight into the financial challenges business owners and individuals face. Ben’s practical, grounded approach to wealth management helps clients make informed decisions, whether they're entrepreneurs, professionals, or families planning for the future.
In his previous roles in HR and Finance at one of the world's largest mining companies, Ben honed his analytical skills through workforce planning and financial resource optimization. He now applies these insights to help clients achieve financial clarity and long-term success.
A native of Northern Ontario, Ben understands the region's unique challenges and is dedicated to building lasting client relationships based on transparency and trust. Outside work, he enjoys spending time outdoors, fishing, playing golf and tennis, and staying active in the community.
Caleb is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) specializing in holistic financial planning and advice for business owners, professionals, and families. He is also a soon-to-be CIRO-Registered Representative (IIROC), LLQP Common Law, and Mortgage Agent Licensed, which allows him to provide a full range of financial services tailored to his clients’ needs.
With over a decade of experience in business banking, Caleb has held progressively senior roles at CIBC and Meridian Credit Union, gaining valuable insights into the unique financial challenges faced by business clients. This experience has shaped his approach to financial planning, where he focuses on creating practical, tailored strategies that help clients meet their long-term financial goals.
In his role at Innova Wealth Partners, Caleb leads the firm’s Mortgage & Lending Division. He works to expand the firm’s capabilities in commercial and residential real estate finance, ensuring that clients have access to a wide array of lending solutions to support their financial objectives.
Outside of his professional work, Caleb is dedicated to community involvement and mentorship. He serves as President of Shibelith Group of Companies, Trustee of the Kiwanis Music Festival, and as a Professor at Nipissing University and Canadore College, where he shares his knowledge and passion for finance with the next generation of professionals.
A proud family man, Caleb also enjoys spending time with his wife and children. He is a Red Seal Chef and an accomplished pianist, balancing his professional life with creative pursuits and a strong commitment to family.
Tim is a Certified Financial Planner with over 20 years of experience in financial services and small business. He specializes in creating tailored financial plans and presenting clients with practical solutions to achieve their goals. Drawing from a diverse background, ranging from banking and financial planning to business management and even time as a stay-at-home dad, Tim has a unique ability to understand and connect with clients at various stages of their life journey.
Tim holds a BA from Brock University and has completed the CSC, CPH, and LLQP. He is currently working towards the Trust and Estate Practitioner designation to further assist clients with estate planning.
Outside of work, Tim enjoys spending time with his wife, two daughters, and their schnauzer. You can often find him in the garden, at camp, or enjoying a round of golf.
With over 15 years of experience in office management and executive assistance across both private and government sectors, Anne brings a wealth of expertise in streamlining operations and enhancing organizational efficiency. She has a deep understanding of office and procedural systems, continuously refining processes to drive productivity. Anne excels in communicating and collaborating with diverse individuals, including high-profile personalities and government officials, showcasing her adaptability and strong administrative skills.
Outside of work, Anne enjoys photography, kayaking, cooking, long walks, and spending quality time with her husband and two cats, Bella and Felix.
With a proven track record of success, Anne is dedicated to supporting organizational efficiency as an Administrative Support Specialist.
