Scotia Investments

Ms. Bishop grew up on the factory floor of her great grandfather’s pulp mill plant in Hantsport, Nova Scotia while visiting her CEO father, who grew the business to a 5th generation owned family group of companies. Leslie spent her younger years working in communications and marketing for special projects with the family-owned head office of Scotia Investments Ltd. in Bedford, Nova Scotia. After graduating from Saint Mary’s University in Halifax, she ventured to Toronto to complete her degree in Public Relations and Communications where she led Marketing PR initiatives for Webber Shandwick. Leslie continued to focus on brands that didn’t simply reflect culture, but contributed to it, becoming fascinated with organizational strategy, reputation management and leadership. Consulting with clients in Heath and Beauty, Fashion Retail, Food and Beverage, Leslie eventually was drawn client side, to support the investor relations division of Cyberplex Inc. Leslie returned home to Nova Scotia after 10 years, and ran a developmental leadership consulting firm, focusing on team dynamics, adaptive leadership, and resilient cultures. She has trained executives, teachers, coaches, teams and families in the skills and capacities that make authentic leadership and connection possible. Trained in facilitative leadership through Ten Directions and a certified Associate Integral Coach, Leslie is often found digging deeply into family run businesses around the world. Currently Leslie serves on multiple boards and is chair of the Scotia Investments Family Assembly.

Lighthouse Transportation Inc.

Colleen O’Toole is a business leader with an educational background from Mount Saint Vincent University (BBA with Distinction), University of New Brunswick (LLB), and Harvard Business School Executive Education Training. This educational background has served her well as the CFO of Lighthouse Transportation Inc. from 2000 to 2017. Eventually she assumed the role of CEO in 2017, steering the company into a modern and profitable venture.

Under Colleen’s leadership, Lighthouse Transportation Inc. has achieved significant recognitions, including safety certifications, ISO 9001:2015 Designation, Long Standing Business Award, and more recently awarded Top Fleet Employer 2023 and 2024, and Employer of Choice in 2023. Outside her corporate duties, Colleen actively contributes to the industry and community
through various board roles. She served (2018-2020) first as a board member and now the Chair of the Nova Scotia Trucking Safety Association. This work highlights her commitment to safety promotion and excellence in the trucking sector. Colleen is also an Executive
Board Member of the Atlantic Provinces Trucking Association and is involved in health promotion as a member of the Truro and Area Community Health Board. On a personal note, Colleen enjoys reading, walking, and traveling. She brings a perspective to her leadership role, combining business acumen with a genuine passion for personal and professional development.

With a nomination for Business Leader of the Year by the Halifax Chamber of Commerce in 2024 and EY Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2024 Atlantic regional winner, Colleen continues to be a driving force in the business community, embodying excellence, innovation, and
community engagement.

Peapell & Associates / Supertemp

Mark is President of Supertemp/Peapell & Associates, which is an independent family-owned, staffing solutions provider based in Halifax. Supertemp delivers a temporary staffing solution, supplying temporary and contract staff, while Peapell & Associates is the permanent recruiting division providing recruiting and headhunting for all levels of positions. In 2016 Mark assumed the role of President, following the succession plan to transition to the second generation and he has continued to lead and develop the company since. Prior to joining the family business, Mark spent 12 years with a major Canadian oil company and was responsible for offshore clients, including Hibernia, as well as other capital projects. He continued his career, managing several industrial supply companies in the Atlantic Canadian market. In addition to his commitment to Supertemp/Peapell & Associates, Mark is currently Past President of Family Business Association and the Atlantic Canada Aviation Museum, and is a former board director with the Association of Canadian Search Employment and Staffing Services, and Past Treasurer of the Association of Nova Scotia Museums. 

Doane Grant Thornton LLP

Dave began his career at Doane Grant Thornton providing external audits to a wide variety of clients in Nova Scotia. Dave then switched his focus to providing tax compliance and planning services to these owner-managed, small and medium sized enterprises. Dave received his Bachelor of Commerce degree from Saint Mary’s University in 2019. He became a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) in 2021. After obtaining his CPA designation, Dave went on to further his tax expertise by enrolling in the tax in depth program. In his spare time, he enjoys playing hockey, tennis, and golf.

Cresco, Nouveau Realty Group

Amanée has been a Realtor since 2010 and obtained her FRI designation from REIC in 2016. She specializes in residential real estate and specifically, New Home Construction, with being involved in the family business Cresco. An alumna of Dalhousie University with a Bachelor of Science degree, Amanée has extensive experience in the construction business, property management and the banking industry. When not working real estate, she likes to give back to the community as a volunteer welcoming newcomers in Nova Scotia and with the Al-Rasoul Islamic Society. Amanée also has been a key player in the Urban Development Liaison for Fusion Halifax and serves on the Board of Directors with the Nova Scotia Iranian Cultural Society and the Real Estate Institute of Canada’s NS Chapter.

A strong advocate of Family Business Atlantic since 2010, Amanée has served on the Peter Wilson Dinner Committee and the Membership Committee and is a proud member of the Peer-to-Peer groups. Her personal mission statement is “To display leadership, love, kindness and help to those around me; live a balanced & adventurous life and apply ethical principles to make a significant difference & grow my family business.”

Dashboard Marketing

Originally from Corner Brook, Newfoundland, Sarah Williams is happy to be living in Halifax, Nova Scotia with her family. An MBA grad from Dalhousie University, Sarah has over 20 years of marketing experience ranging from tech and consumer goods to non-profit and market research.  Through her career in Toronto and Halifax, she has worked on brands such as Bell Aliant, Indigo, A&P and Heinz.

Nearly 10 years of her career were spent at Bell Aliant where she managed the market acquisition objectives for FibreOp across Atlantic Canada and in rural Ontario, developed the strategy for Bell Aliant’s Community Channel and created a unique partnership program with Dell Canada that contributed to an increase in internet penetration in the region.

At Dashboard Marketing, she focuses much of her time on idea generation, market research and developing tactical marketing plans. She works with a wide selection of local and national clients, and was recently on contract as the Fractional CMO for Bluelight Analytics.

​Sarah also knows the grind entrepreneurs go through. She founded, launched and managed a mix of SMBs such as Urban Parent, Crumbs… a cake company, and Gluestix.

 Advocate Printing

Jill Murray is a seasoned communication and marketing professional with a passion for seeing those around her succeed, grow and explore new opportunities. As Director of Marketing and Communications at Advocate Printing & Publishing, Atlantic Canada’s largest independent printer, she uses her expertise to develop strong, mutually rewarding relationships with clients, suppliers, coworkers and communities.

Dedicated to community and industry involvement, Jill works closely with an impressive list of organizations both locally and nationally. Believing strong companies thrive with strong communities she encourages a culture of respect, understanding, volunteerism social responsibility and environmental sustainability.

Advocate Printing & Publishing, the largest independent printer in Atlantic Canada, was founded in 1891. Headquartered in Pictou, Nova Scotia, with locations in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, the Advocate services the Atlantic Provinces, the eastern seaboard and across Canada. The company includes eight newspapers and 22 community and trade magazines, a flyer distribution company, a commercial photography studio, and a creative design studio. The printing business includes production of national flyers, magazines, print collateral such as brochures and business cards, and promotional materials such as in ice signage and banners.

Highlander Fortune Consulting

Robert Patzelt, LL.M., K.C., ICD.D is an executive and former business lawyer with over 40 years of experience in organizational leadership, operations, mergers and acquisitions and business development. He is an award-winning business leader who has levered his degrees in business, economics and his Master of Laws to serve many organizations. He is a sought-after consultant assisting businesses navigate through challenging transitions as well as assisting organizations with their governance. He is a former CEO of a publicly traded resource company.

He is the Deputy Chair of the Board of Directors for Workers’ Compensation Board of Nova Scotia, a member of the KPI Committee and past-Chair of both the Development and Succession Committee and Investment Committee overseeing its $2.7 billion portfolio. He serves on advisory boards of private family businesses and was most recently appointed to the board to start up the Nova Scotia Independent Energy System Operator and is its Chair of HR and Governance. More recently, he was appointed as Chair of the Medical Society of Prince Edward Island.

He was a founding director of GEO (Get Everyone Online) a not-for-profit to remove barriers to digital inclusion by providing access through increased access to affordable internet services and devices and the skills needed to use them well and frequently provides director education to credit unions in Canada. He has been awarded both the Queen’s Golden and Diamond Jubilee medals for his tremendous service to Canada.

ForwardFocus Consulting Inc.

André retired as an audit partner with PwC in 2019 and has over 35 years of experience in the areas of assurance and taxation within family businesses, privately-owned and public companies. André worked closely with his clients at PwC to assist and advise on raising capital, develop growth strategies and business plans, provide personal and corporate tax planning, estate and succession planning, reorganizations, management reviews, business transitions and exit strategies. André has successfully assisted with the acquisition and sale of over 75 companies during his career.

André recently founded ForwardFocus Consulting Inc to assist family businesses and privately-owned companies with business coaching, forward focus strategic alignment, family mentoring, governance alternatives and creating effective family advisory boards. His primary focus is preparing owners for a business transition which includes family succession planning and assisting in developing an exit strategy while building a lasting legacy.

André is a director for Halifax Port Authority, chair of the Seaport Market Committee and member of the Audit and Infrastructure Committees. He is a member of Nova Scotia’s Institute of Chartered Accountants and brings his professional expertise to his community. He is also a former director and treasurer of Alderney Landing Association.

Voda Retreats

Meet Rebekah Streeter, the unstoppable force behind Voda Retreats. As the co-founder and creative director of this flourishing wellness business, Rebekah brings her passion for self-care and wellness to everything she does. With over 20 years in business as a hotel owner, professional dancer, entreprenuer, Rebekah channels that experience into creating a thriving business that helps people prioritize their health and wellbeing.

Having personally experienced burnout, Rebekah understands the importance of self-care and is dedicated to sharing its benefits with others. Through Voda Retreats’ corporate wellness, travel, wedding and personal kits and innovative personal products, Voda is committed to empowering individuals to achieve balance and rejuvenation in their lives.

 Join Voda Retreats in their mission to make self-care accessible to all and unlock the full potential of your mind, body, and spirit. Leveraging WBE Supplier Diversity Certification and the CWB Mentorship Program, the transformative power of self-care with Voda Retreats are now found at Halifax Airport, in demand and shipped internationally in corporate wellness and executive retreats, curated for boutique hotels and included in workplace wellness initiatives.

Beaton’s Wholesale Dry Goods

Michael LeBlanc  works diligently on managing and consulting private business in the Atlantic region. He provides clients with advice and guidance on complex accounting and tax issues, reviewing/preparing year end work (including review/preparation of financial statements, tax returns and other compliance factors), business coaching and Cloud Accounting. Over the past 12-16 months Michael has taken a lot of time to research and understand the Cloud accounting world. Through this he has taken numerous businesses from excel or desktop accounting software onto the cloud and worked directly with these clients. He has been able to help grow these businesses by increasing the client’s knowledge about financial items as well as making the bookkeeping and back end of the business much easier. Michael has had the opportunity to work with the varying industries in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Alberta with a strong emphasis on Tech, Professional services, Retail, Restaurant/Breweries, Construction & Real Estate, Manufacturing and Development and Oil & Gas. As a Manager, Michael and his team works directly with the business owners and their employees to help provide valuable advice, growth strategies, technical training and tax planning in addition to a number of other services. Michael engages with his community through participating with Junior Achievement. He visits various elementary, junior and senior high schools to teach sessions on different subjects revolving businesses and technology and evaluates student’s self-run businesses for awards and bursaries.

BOYNECLARKE LLP

Ian is a Partner at BOYNECLARKE LLP and member of the Business Law Team, focusing on Labour and Employment Law. As a member of the bar in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, he has appeared before the New Brunswick Court of Queen’s bench, as well as all levels of Court in Nova Scotia. He has also appeared before various administrative tribunals in Nova Scotia such as the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Tribunal, the Labour Board and the Human Rights Commission. Ian regularly advises clients on all matters related to the workplace, from the hiring process through to termination including managing employees, employment agreements and restrictive covenants, Human Rights, employee absences and related matters. In his spare time, Ian enjoys playing the guitar, camping and spending time with his family and friends. He is conversant in Japanese and is a member of the Japanese Society of Halifax. Ian also practices Karate and is a member of the Metro Karate Training Centre in Dartmouth.

Stanhope Simpson

Steven is Vice President & Commercial Insurance Broker at Stanhope Simpson. Prior to joining the company, Steven received his undergraduate business degree from Mount St. Vincent University where he attended classes full-time while managing the day to day responsibilities of owning and operating a forestry contracting business.  Since joining the firm in 2004, Steven has worked hard to develop and grow a portfolio of complex commercial insurance and surety accounts.  Steven’s experience of being a business owner in the contracting industry – and operating heavy machinery and tractor trailers first-hand – sets him apart from most brokers as it allows him to better understand and connect with his clients.

Adams Wealth Advisory

Kelly received his Bachelor of Commerce from Saint Mary’s University in 1977 and in May of that year he joined the financial services industry.  At the age of 26 Kelly was appointed general manager for Nova Scotia of one of Canada’s leading insurance companies. At the age of 29 he became general manager for Manulife Financial for Nova Scotia and Newfoundland from 1985 to 1999.  In 2000, Kelly founded Barrington Wealth Partners Inc.  Barrington Wealth Partners Inc. is a national company with 36 offices from Halifax to Vancouver.  Barrington is recognized throughout Canada for its expertise in estate and succession planning for high net worth clients.

Kelly is licensed in Nova Scotia, Ontario, New Brunswick and Newfoundland, and has built a strong reputation working with chartered accountants and law firms throughout Eastern Canada.  As a completely independent insurance broker, Kelly’s firm is directly contracted with 12 National Life Insurance carriers.

Kelly’s professional designations include Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU); Certified Financial Planner (CFP); Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC); and FamilyEnterprise Advisor (FEA).   He is a member of the National Family-Enterprise-Xchange (FEX) and is a Certified Family Councilor with FEX. In December of 2012 Kelly also completed the Family Enterprise Advisor Program given by The Sauder School of Business of UBC. This past President of the Halifax Estate Planning Council has been a platform speaker throughout Canada on estate, life insurance and family succession planning.  His audiences have included The Canadian Barrister Association; Ontario and Atlantic Life Underwriters School; Toronto CLU chapter; STEP Atlantic (Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners) and numerous other professional and client forums including Hong Kong, Singapore and Manila in 1995.

Additionally, Kelly is a member of the Canadian Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors; the Chartered Life Underwriters Association of Canada; the Chartered Financial Planners Association of Canada; a member of the board of the National Conference for Advanced Life Underwriting (CALU). Chairman of the board of Barrington Wealth Partners Inc.  As of May of 2012 Kelly is a member of the Advisory Committee to the Centre for Family Businesses and Regional Prosperity Dalhousie University. Kelly is also volunteer board member of The Cobequid Community Health Centre Foundation, Board Chair 2015-2018.

Married to wife Sharon.  Proud parents of Rob, Chris, Michael and Andrew

Ambassatours Gray Line

Dennis Campbell, CEO of Ambassatours Gray Line, began his career at 7 years of age, when he realized on a bus tour that ‘little old ladies have a lot of money’. Dennis began tour guiding at 15, started a tour company at age 17, a publishing company at 19 and a bus company at 21. Dennis’ tenacity with contacting the major Cruise Line executives in the early years, has positioned the company today, as the largest shore excursion operators in Atlantic Canada working with all the major Cruise Lines. The company now employs 400 + staff, has a fleet of over 5 sightseeing vessels, 6 Harbour Hopper amphibious vehicles, and 4 gift shops. Ambassatours Gray Line is one of the largest land & water sightseeing companies in Canada with 4 locations in Atlantic Canada, as well as recently adding Gray Line Niagara Falls Ontario.