Meet our mentors! We have a great group of very experienced and successful business mentors that are willing and interested in helping small businesses succeed.
Contact our office today to see how you can join our mentoring program and benefit from the wealth of knowledge that these business people are willing to share.
Carolyn Skimson - Carolyn is the former CEO of Groves Hospital. She has incredible skills in organization, planning and sound business practices. She enjoys helping small businesses with their strategic planning and organization.
Norm Manning - As well as being an entrepreneur, Norm has held various executive positions in his career with a specialization in marketing and advertising. He has a strong background in the automotive industry and in manufacturing. Norm enjoys helping businesses with business planning, marketing and networking.
Lorraine Manning - Lorraine and her husband have run many entrepreneurial enterprises. Lorraine managed all the administration, accounting and finances. She likes to help small businesses with evaluating their business model, visioning, and financial management.
Janet Vallery - Janet is owner/operator of Highland Pines Campground and Pine Meadows Retirement Community with her husband Don where she is responsible for the marketing, planning, staffing, future directions and day to day operations. Janet also has a strong corporate background in advertising, marketing, and sales. She enjoys coaching businesses through strategic planning, sales and marketing
Don Vallery - As well as being president and owner of Pine Meadows Retirement Community and Highland Pines Campground, Don also owns and operates Belwood Aggregates, a 113 acre licensed gravel pit. Don has an extensive background in commercial and residential construction as well as initiating new development ventures. Don enjoys helping business through the development and planning phase as well as general operations.
Norm Porritt - Progressing through many levels of training in lending and Branch Management for one of Canada's major chartered Banks has resulted in Norm having developed a keen appreciation for the intricacies of establishing a successful business. He has an excellent understanding of what banks would be looking for and how to understand and present financial information. He enjoys helping businesses with financial management, negotiation, and business planning.
Paul Rosehart - Paul has 40 years of retail experience. He specializes in merchandising, inventory control, staff training and development, and customer service. From ground floor sales to senior management and VP of Operations positions, Paul has a thorough understanding of all aspects of retail and enjoys working with retailers to grow and develop their business.
Max MacIntyre - Max has over 42 years of banking experience having worked in Canada, USA, Europe and Australia with clients ranging from small business to corporate entities. He keeps active in the business world as a director of a Bank and involvement with various charities. He enjoys working alongside business people to help them with structuring, planning and management issues.
Hopeton D'Aguilar - Hopeton's passion is to see businesses and individuals grow and prosper. He has held many executive positions with larger companies as well as owning and operating two of his own local businesses: a metal processing and distribution company as well as a business consulting group focused on startup, takeover, continuous improvement and turn around. His background includes business development, financial management, and accounting.
John VandeKamer - John has had a great career in advertising and marketing. He has excellent experience in magazine publishing and radio. He left his corporate President and CEO roles to settle into the life of a farmer and has enjoyed applying his vast business training to farming. John enjoys working with business owners to assist them with their advertising and marketing as well as business development and operations.
Karen Barker - Karen has owned and operated her own clinic in Fergus since 1990, first in massage therapy, then in osteopathy. Karen brings to the group experience in home-based business, knowledge with the municipal bylaws regarding the operating of home-based businesses, and the knowledge of the pros and cons of running a business out of the home. Karen, as a female entrepreneur, can also offer some insight in running a full time business while raising four children. Her particular area of interest is mentoring businesses that are health or medical based.
Neil Hanscomb - Neil found his real passion for art through glass. He opened his first studio, Hanscomb Glass, in Fergus, Ontario and when the opportunity arose, moved the studio to Elora in 1986. Neil's strength lies in innovative contemporary design. His work can be found in private, public, commercial and ecclesiastical spaces throughout Ontario and beyond. Neil and Gisela have run a very successful business selling art for many years and are willing to help other artists do the same.
Gisela Ruehe - Gisela joined Neil in his endeavour in 1984 when she immigrated to Canada. Since then she has been working side by side with Neil in all aspects of the studio's projects. Her current creative indulgence includes flame worked glass. Blending artistic abilities with a sound business sense has been the foundation of their successful studio.
Ross Shantz – Ross has an extensive background in farming. He assisted his family farming operation to grow into a turkey research and breeding company which eventually encompassed 14 farms, two hatcheries and had affiliate operations in the USA, Brazil, Hungary and Ireland. Ross then went on to co-found the Mercedes Corp. which was involved with the development of Farmers markets, Outlet malls, and long-term health care facilities. He is well versed in business development and strategic planning.
Larry Martin- Post university Larry enjoyed several years in real estate sales followed by a career in the hospitality industry: restaurants, a broad range of retail including food stores and culminating in hotels. Throughout his career he was an active participant and volunteer in numerous industry and community associations.
Julien R. Den Tandt PAg. - Julien held a number of senior management positions in firms that marketed products around the world. He specialized in helping firms identify key areas that required change. Once shortcomings were identified, action plans were then designed and implemented. Julien enjoys sharing his management knowledge and experience with organizations that enjoy the challenge of change management.
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Janet Vallery - Janet is owner/operator of Highland Pines Campground and Pine Meadows Retirement Community with her husband Don where she is responsible for the marketing, planning, staffing, future directions and day to day operations. Janet also has a strong corporate background in advertising, marketing, and sales. She enjoys coaching businesses through strategic planning, sales and marketing
Hopeton D'Aguilar - Hopeton's passion is to see businesses and individuals grow and prosper. He has held many executive positions with larger companies as well as owning and operating two of his own local businesses: a metal processing and distribution company as well as a business consulting group focused on startup, takeover, continuous improvement and turn around. His background includes business development, financial management, and accounting.
