Chair and Co-Founder
Tom is the Chair and Co-Founder of Steadyhand, as well as a Director and Shareholder of the firm. In addition to his leadership duties, he manages the firm’s Founders Fund and plays an important role in delivering the firm's key messages to clients. Tom holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Manitoba (1979) and an MBA from the Richard Ivey School of Business (1983). He has over 40 years of experience in the investment industry. Tom started his career in 1983 as an Equity Analyst at Richardson Greenshields. In 1991, he joined Phillips, Hager & North as a Research Analyst and Institutional Portfolio Manager. Tom was appointed COO in 1998, and President and CEO in 1999, a role he held until he resigned in 2005. He currently serves on the Canadian Olympic Committee Investment Committee and Board of Directors of UBC Investment Management. In July 2022, Tom was inducted into the IIAC Investment Industry Hall of Fame. Aside from stocks and bonds, his passions include water and snow skiing, golf, music, bridge, and his wife Lori.
Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder
Neil is the Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Steadyhand. He is responsible for overseeing Steadyhand's operations and client service, including all technology initiatives. Neil is a Director and Shareholder of Steadyhand and plays a key leadership role in the company. He graduated from the University of British Columbia in 1990 with a degree in Electrical Engineering and began his career at B.C. Hydro, where he worked for five years as a Protection & Control Engineer. In 1996, Neil co-founded Habanero Consulting Group, an enterprise web application development firm. Under his leadership as CEO, the company grew to become western Canada's premier web consulting firm. Neil sold his interest in the firm in 2004 to take on a new venture, and teamed up with Tom in the spring of 2006 to help create Steadyhand. When his wife and three kids allow him some flex time, he can be found mountain biking, skiing, or if the mood strikes, writing code.
Chief Investment Officer
Salman is the Chief Investment Officer of Steadyhand and a Shareholder of the firm. He oversees the firm’s investment process and subadvisor relationships, and is also responsible for the Steadyhand Builders Fund. Salman is President of the CFA Society Vancouver's Board of Directors. He also sits on the Board for FAIR Canada, the leading advocate for the rights of individual investors. Salman earned his Bachelor of Commerce degree from Concordia University in 2006. He started his career in Toronto at Mercer Investment Consulting. In 2011, he moved to Morningstar Canada, where he held the role Associate Director of Active Research before joining Steadyhand in early 2015. Outside the office, Salman enjoys cooking, reading, basketball, travel and trekking (though his trekking days are a distant memory now that he has two kids). And like Warren Buffett, he’s always on the hunt for a good burger.
Chief Financial Officer & Compliance Officer
Elaine is the Chief Financial Officer and Compliance Officer of Steadyhand. She is a Shareholder of the firm and oversees all financial reporting and regulatory responsibilities. Elaine earned her Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of British Columbia in 1992. She has over 20 years of experience in the investment industry. Elaine started her career at Ernst & Young, where she earned her Chartered Accountant designation in 1995. In 1996, she joined the Vancouver Stock Exchange as an Examiner. Subsequently, in 2000, she joined Qtrade Financial as the firm's CFO and Compliance Officer. Elaine was one of Qtrade's first employees and helped build the firm from a start-up to a leader in online brokerage. She joined Steadyhand in the fall of 2006. As an accomplished tennis player and CFO, she has a keen eye on the base line. As a mother of two and Compliance Officer, the other eye is on the naughty chair.
Chief Development Officer
David is Steadyhand's Chief Development Officer. His focus is on growing the Steadyhand footprint, both strategically and one client at a time. He is a Shareholder of the firm and runs Steadyhand's Toronto office. David holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Queen’s University and the Chartered Investment Manager (CIM) designation. He has over 30 years of experience in the financial services industry. David began his career at Royal Trust in the 1980's and subsequently moved on to State Street Trust Company Canada, where he spent 12 years, the last eight as President and CEO. In 2004, David was appointed President of Thomson Financial Canada, where he worked for 4½ years before dipping into early retirement in 2008. His wife and four children had enough of his “studying and investing sabbatical” and drove him back into the work force in late 2009, when he joined Steadyhand and opened the firm’s Toronto office. David loves to play competitive sports (especially mountain biking, squash and skiing) and enjoys coming out west for the real thing whenever he can.
Head of Communications
Scott is Steadyhand's Head of Communications. He is a Shareholder of the firm and oversees Steadyhand's client communications, website, marketing materials and industry research. Scott also works with clients, providing advice on asset mix and portfolio construction. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of British Columbia in 1996, and his diploma in Financial Management (Financial Planning option) from the British Columbia Institute of Technology in 1998. Scott has over 25 years of experience in the investment industry. He started his career in the late 90's when he joined Phillips, Hager & North. Scott spent eight years at PH&N, where he worked in various departments, including client service, product research & development, and corporate communications. Scott joined Steadyhand in the fall of 2006. Outside the office, he can hold his own on a pair of skis, but his golf game needs some serious editing.
Investor Specialist
Chris is an Investor Specialist with Steadyhand. He is a Shareholder of the firm and works with clients, providing advice on asset mix, portfolio construction and monitoring, and related issues. Chris earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Simon Fraser University in 2002. He holds the Professional Financial Planning designation and Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation. After graduating and traveling abroad, Chris began his career in 2003 at HSBC, where he worked for 3½ years as an Account Manager, advising clients on investments, credit and loans, and other financial issues. Chris joined Steadyhand in the spring of 2007. When he’s not talking to clients or about what a proud father he is, he can be found at the beach playing volleyball in the summer and hitting the slopes in the winter.
Investor Specialist
Lori is an Investor Specialist with Steadyhand. She is a Shareholder of the firm and works with clients, providing advice on asset mix, portfolio construction and monitoring, and related issues. Lori attended the University of Alberta and holds the CIM Designation (Chartered Investment Manager). She started her career in the investment industry in the early 90's in London, England, and has over 25 years of experience. Lori spent close to 15 years with Dominion Securities, where she earned the title of Vice President, Money Market and Fixed Income Sales. Having spent most of her career working with institutional investors, Lori decided she wanted to use her experience to help individual investors and made the move to the advisory side of the business in 2013, prior to joining Steadyhand in the summer of 2014. She has three kids and a husband who keep her busy outside the office, and enjoys travel, food and wine. As a native Edmontonian, Lori still cheers for the Oilers (to the horror of her children) and longs for sunny skies.
Head of Advisory Services Team
Evan is Steadyhand's Head of Advisory Services Team. He is a Shareholder of the firm, based in our Toronto office, and works with clients, providing advice on asset mix, portfolio construction and monitoring, and related issues. Evan has over 20 years of industry experience. He started his career at Scotiabank in 2000, where he worked as a personal banker and financial advisor. He joined CDSPI (Canadian Dental Service Plans Inc.) in 2006, where he worked for 10 years exclusively with dentists providing investment and financial planning advice. Evan attended Fanshawe College and completed the Professional Financial Services program in 2000. He obtained his Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation in 2003, achieved the Fellow of Canadian Securities Institute (FCSI) designation in 2008, and Chartered Investment Manager (CIM) designation in 2013. Evan grew up in downtown Toronto, and by default, is an avid Leafs fan. Outside the office he enjoys traveling and cycling, and is a big foodie. He has a deep love for dogs, his hometown, his wife Tuli, and his son Elan.
Director of Operations
Raj is Steadyhand’s Director of Operations. He is a Shareholder of the firm and is responsible for keeping our operations platform and processes running smoothly. Raj holds a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) from Simon Fraser University and has over 20 years of experience in the investment industry. He started his career in 2000 at Raymond James, where he managed the firm’s mutual funds operations and registered plans departments. Raj worked at Raymond James for 10 years before moving to Canaccord in 2011 in a similar role. He joined Steadyhand in January 2017. Outside the office, his young sons Nihal and Baris keep him busy and he enjoys spending time with family and friends, although he’s known to sneak in a football game or three when time permits. Raj takes the award for Steadyhand’s best-dressed employee and is the office’s resident expert on Seinfeld trivia ... not that there’s anything wrong with that.
Operations Specialist Team Leader
Jody is an Operations Specialist with Steadyhand. She is a Shareholder of the firm and is involved in many facets of our operations, including account setup and maintenance, trade execution, client reporting support and operational project coordination. Jody earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of British Columbia in 2014. She previously worked as a Veterinary Assistant and has a love for animals, especially her husky-cross, Shyla. Jody joined Steadyhand in the winter of 2015. Outside the office, she enjoys hiking, rock climbing, snowboarding, scuba diving and all things outdoors. Jody isn't afraid to try new things and has a staggeringly funny side to her.
Operations Specialist
Paul is an Operations Specialist and Branch Manager at Steadyhand. He is a Shareholder of the firm and is involved in many facets of our operations, including new account setup, document management, mail and courier management, and data analytics. Paul holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of British Columbia and the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation. He started his career in the investment business in 2003 with RBC Capital Markets where he worked as an equity analyst for three years. Paul then spent some time doing various project work, including assignments for Steadyhand. He joined the firm in a full-time capacity in March 2017. Outside the office, Paul enjoys to travel and is a car fanatic. Given our office’s proximity to the city’s luxury auto dealers, it’s never hard to find him at lunch.
Investor Specialist
Jeff is an Investor Specialist at Steadyhand. He is a Shareholder of the firm and works closely with our client service team in helping our investors build and manage their portfolios. Jeff attended Faulkner University in Alabama on a golf scholarship and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Sports Management. He was the university’s head golf coach in his senior year, and needless to say, has a steady set of hands. Following university, Jeff chose to work in the advisory side of the investment business, as he saw it as a natural extension of his passion for coaching. He started his career at Royal Bank in 2012 as a Client Service Representative, and subsequently joined MD Management in 2015 as a Client Assistant, and later, Team Lead. Outside the office, Jeff has a passion for sports, the outdoors and nature in general. Especially birdies and eagles.
Associate Investor Specialist
Lisa is an Associate Investor Specialist at Steadyhand. She is a Shareholder of the firm and works closely with our client service team in helping our investors build and manage their portfolios. Lisa holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Alberta and the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation. She has a passion for financial literacy (check out her Instagram handle aimed at young investors, @thebreadwinnersis) and was part of the founding team of a financial education program for university students during her time at U of A. Lisa started her career at RBC PH&N in 2016, where she worked as a summer student and later as a Private Client Associate. She decided to move to the west coast in October 2018 and joined Steadyhand the following month. When she’s not working or studying, Lisa enjoys Pilates, spending time with friends and family, and Vancouver’s craft ice cream scene. Although not necessarily in that order.
Investor Specialist
Alex is an Investor Specialist at Steadyhand based in our Toronto office. He works closely with our client service team in helping our investors build and manage their portfolios. Alex earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Toronto (with a minor in Business) in 2016 and holds the CIM Designation (Chartered Investment Manager). His first experience in the investment management business was through a university internship at CIBC Private Wealth, where he developed a love for investing and working with clients. Alex then started his career as an Investment Associate at CIBC Private Investment Counsel (2016), where he worked for two years before taking the position of Investment Specialist at TD Bank. After five years working at the big banks, Alex saw the light and joined Steadyhand in the summer of 2021. An avid fitness enthusiast, he enjoys cycling, running, rock climbing, soccer and hockey. Alex also knows his way around a drum set (Neil Peart is his idol, as a good Canadian), which comes in handy as a release on those down days in the market.
Office Manager
Priya is Steadyhand’s Office Manager. She keeps our World Headquarters on West 3rd Avenue running smoothly and is a valuable resource for the team. Priya is the welcoming face you’ll first see when you visit us in Kitsilano. She started her career as a hairdresser and later worked as a cosmetologist. After more than 10 years in the beauty industry, Priya switched gears and joined CIBC as a Branch Ambassador in 2010. She worked at the bank for eight years before joining Steadyhand in the summer of 2018. Outside the office, she enjoys biking the Seawall and other outdoor activities including hiking — watch out for her on the Grouse Grind! Priya’s also a foodie and wine lover and enjoys all the bounty that B.C. has to offer. If you’re looking for a restaurant recommendation after stopping in for a portfolio review, she’s got you covered.
Operations Specialist
Sharan is an Operations Specialist with Steadyhand. She is involved in many facets of our operations, including account setup and maintenance, trade execution, and client reporting support. Sharan earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from Simon Fraser University in 2013. After graduating, she took a year off and broadened her skill set by learning how to renovate homes (her family is in the commercial building business). Sharan then joined Phillips, Hager & North in 2015 as a Senior Mutual Funds Administrator, where her duties included facilitating trades, cash movements, and servicing institutional accounts. She joined Steadyhand in the summer of 2019. Outside the office, Sharan likes to stay active in any means, including hiking and outdoor activities. She’s also a keen reader and her guilty pleasure is TV, especially Schitt’s Creek. For those in the know, she’d love to put her reno skills to the test on the Rosebud Motel one day.
Associate Investor Specialist
Reena is an Associate Investor Specialist with Steadyhand. She works closely with our client service team in helping our investors build and manage their portfolios. Reena holds the CIM Designation (Chartered Investment Manager) and has 20 years of industry experience. She started her career in 2002 at Investors Group as a Financial Assistant. Reena later went on to work at Raymond James and Qtrade, where she was a Senior Support Advisor and Branch Compliance Manager. She joined Steadyhand in the spring of 2022. Outside the office, Reena loves spending time with her family, and dining and socializing with friends. Baking is also a big talent and passion of hers — Reena’s too modest to admit it, but her custom creations give the Cake Boss a run for his money!
Operations Specialist
Paul is an Operations Specialist with Steadyhand. He is involved in many facets of our operations, including account setup and maintenance, and trade execution. Paul earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Fairleigh Dickinson University in 2020. He worked part-time as an Advisor Associate at The Lifestyle Protector while completing his studies, and started his career at iA Financial Group in 2021 as a Transaction Technician. Paul joined Steadyhand in the summer of 2022. Outside the office, he enjoys hiking, trekking, and all things outdoors. Paul is also an avid basketball and soccer fan, and a devoted Manchester United supporter. When it comes time to wind down, he loves digging into a James Bond flick and a hearty bowl of hot pot. A big sneaker aficionado, Paul also sports the sharpest footwear in the office. Just don’t get him going on Jordans vs. Yeezys.
Associate Investor Specialist
Samantha is an Associate Investor Specialist with Steadyhand based in our Toronto office. She works closely with our client service team in helping our investors build and manage their portfolios. Samantha earned a Bachelor of Commerce degree from York University in 2014, a diploma in Business Marketing from Sheridan College in 2011, and holds the CIM Designation (Chartered Investment Manager). She started her career in 2016 at Richardson GMP as an Associate, where she worked with a team that serviced high-net-worth investors. In 2021, Samantha moved to Pembroke Management as an Associate, Client Service and Business Development. Her passion for working directly with individual investors led her to Steadyhand, and she joined our team in the spring of 2023. Samantha loves spending time with her young daughter and family, and is a fan of everything outdoors, especially cycling, running, and long dog walks. And while numbers are her first love, Samantha also has a zest for interior design and fashion. There’s a theme here: she’s all about making your portfolio look good.