Mentor Match-up
Whether you have concrete questions about your specific situation, are looking for advice, or just need to chat with someone who understands entrepreneurship and everything that comes with it, join the training program and scehdule one-on-one time with a business mentor who has worked in your industry. Click here to read an article on the 3 types of mentors everyone should have.
Once matched with a mentor, you gain access to the Online Training Portal which serves as a communications hub. Here you can message your mentor directly, access training videos, view a schedule of upcoming workshops, and you can safely share financial documents with your mentor online.
Meet our Mentors
We have a great group of experienced and successful mentors that are interested in helping your small business thrive. Designed to meet the time constraints of busy entrepreneurs, you can make arrangements that are beneficial and easy for both of you to work with.
Carolyn Skimson - the former CEO of Groves Hospital, Carolyn has incredible skills in organization, planning and sound business practices. She enjoys helping small businesses with their strategic planning and organization.
Brian Cowan – Brian is a seasoned business executive with domestic and international experience in the areas of information technology, sales, marketing, acquisitions and joint ventures. He has proven success in developing and executing plans in both established and start-up businesses. He has established excellent relationships with decision makers in government, professional bodies and financial institutions.
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.
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. [/one_half]
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.
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.