Title: Chief Financial Officer & EVP
Company: Omega Sciences
Length of FEI membership: A little over a year
Work email: [email protected]
Phone: (972) 922-1478
Tell us a little bit about your career, educational/professional background and how you got to where you are today.
I am a green-card-carrying Canadian from Toronto and earned my CPA in 1995. I have worked in multiple industries including music, construction and professional hair care. I also started my own Fractional CFO practice and currently work with a startup in the CleanTech industry.
I moved from Toronto to Dallas in 2011, and to Charleston in 2016 and most recently landed in Tampa in August of 2019 to work with Omega Sciences. Continual professional and personal development activities have shaped me into a well-rounded leader.
What do you love most about working as a financial executive?
I’m a numbers geek and love dissecting the whole picture. Since all aspects of the organization revolve around finance, I feel this role allows me to participate at a high level in the strategic direction of the organization.
What is your best networking tip?
My favorite quote, by Paul Coelho, adorns the back of my personal business card:
“Look back and be Grateful. Look ahead and be Hopeful. Look around and be Helpful.”
Networking is about being genuine, helpful and authentic. It’s not what others can do for you, but what you can do for them. Always follow through on what you say you will do. Networking is not about exchanging business cards – it’s about making real connections. You can’t network behind your keyboard. Get out to events.
How do you lead and inspire your team and those around you?
With a positive attitude, followed closely by empathy and sincerity. I like to smile, laugh, and be present in both personal and professional settings.
It’s important to treat absolutely everyone with kindness and respect. Titles are not relevant. I never refer to someone as ‘reporting to me’. I refer to everyone as ‘we work together’. Be a good human and people will be drawn to you.
I also distribute a weekly inspirational email to current and former colleagues – titled MILK (acronym for Motivation, Inspiration, Leadership, and Knowledge). The message or theme falls into one of those categories and I always start by sharing something personal about what’s going on in my life to facilitate a connection. I also post a daily inspirational message on Instagram @milk.lifestyle.
What are some of your personal hobbies outside of finance?
I love connecting with new people and that is done in any social scenario. I also like to get involved in the community and give back, and am currently on the Board for The Children’s Cancer Center. I’m a huge hockey fan, an avid golfer, proud husband of 15 years, and father of 12- and 14-year-old daughters!