Meet this year's LiONS
The entrepreneurs take the stage, but our LiONS decide their fate. This year’s panel brings together industry leaders who spot potential before anyone else. They don’t just ask tough questions; they ask the right questions. And when they lean forward, you know something special is happening.
LiONS - 2025
Aaron Goldstein
Lawyer, Gowling WLG
An associate lawyer in Gowling WLG’s Hamilton office, Aaron is a member of the firm’s Business Law Group. His practice focuses on general corporate law, private M&A, as well as asset-backed financing. As part of his practice, Aaron regularly acts for a wide array of clients ranging from large international banks to local start-ups.
Aaron is a key leader in supporting the Hamilton office’s efforts in promoting economic development and technology commercialization in the region for, and on behalf of, key institutional clients including McMaster Automotive Resource Centre (MARC) and start-up and scale-up enterprises with particular emphasis on advanced manufacturing and other technology companies. Driven by positive client outcomes, Aaron is committed to building and developing mutually beneficial relationships between clients and accelerating the growth and success of those relationships through the services he provides.
Mark McQueen
Director, Deloitte Burlington Gi3
Mark is a Director in Deloitte Burlington’s Global Investment and Innovation Incentives (Gi3) service line. For more than 15 years, Mark has worked with Canada’s most innovative companies, helping them access government funding and tax credits, and achieve their growth and innovation targets. His focus is the Life Sciences and Health Care industry where he works with clients ranging from early-stage entrepreneurs to multinational pharmaceutical companies. Mark is also Gi3’s National Leader for Learning and Development and for Complex File Resolution Services.
Mark holds a BSc(Eng) Chemical and MSc(Eng) Mining from Queen’s University. Prior to joining Deloitte, Mark worked at a startup developing reactor technology for the medical and environmental markets and later moved into a manufacturing management role.
Carley-Rose Horowitz
Investor, Wittington Ventures
Carley-Rose Horowitz is an investor at Wittington Ventures, a Toronto-based venture capital firm backed by one of Canada’s largest retail and healthcare networks.
She invests in high-growth, tech-driven startups across Canada and the U.S., with a focus on transforming how healthcare is delivered, paid for, and scaled. She brings a mix of early-stage investing and operating experience in healthcare, with a focus on go-to-market and commercialization.
A legacy of LiONS
Over the years, LiONS LAIR has become the stage where industry experts meet tomorrow’s disruptors. With their expertise, networks, and insights, our diverse roster of judges has made LiONS LAIR a supportive platform for entrepreneurs ready to take their next big leap.
LiONS - 2024
Derek Sheppard
Associate, Gowling WLG
Derek Sheppard is an associate in Gowling WLG’s Hamilton office, practicing in the Intellectual Property Group.
Derek’s practice focuses on drafting and prosecution of applications for patents before the Canadian Intellectual Property Office. He advises on patentability, patent validity, freedom-to-operate, and patent infringement issues. Derek also drafts and reviews IP related aspects of agreements (e.g., non-disclosure, employment, consulting, joint venture, purchase, license, and assignment), and performs due diligence on IP assets in support of transactions.
Derek completed his JD at Western University, with a concentration in intellectual property, information, and technology. During law school, Derek was an active member of the Western Intellectual Property Association and served as vice-president, finance, during his second year.
Prior to law school, Derek completed a MSc at the University of Ottawa, where his research focused on joint cell regeneration. During his undergraduate studies, Derek was a research assistant at the Ottawa General Hospital, where his work concentrated on retinal regeneration in both in vivo and in vitro models. His research has been published in peer-reviewed journals.
In his spare time, Derek enjoys hockey, golf, and reading.
Danielle Graham
Co-Founder, The Firehood
Danielle Graham is Co-Founder of The Firehood and General Partner of Phoenix Fire, an angel network and fund focused on women in technology.
Investing in early stage tech startups and advising for scaling tech at ventureLAB, Danielle is an important part of the angel community network, as a board member, investment officer and advisor to tech incubators. She managed the Market Readiness Fund at Ontario Centres of Excellence, Deloitte Human Capital Consultant and Women in Tech Program Manager at Communitech, and founder of the Fierce Founders Programs, the first female-focused accelerator and bootcamp series in Canada.Masters of Business Administration (M.B.A.) from Wilfrid Laurier University, a Masters of Arts (M.A.) from Dalhousie University and a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) from Trinity College, University of Toronto.
Jonathan Brindley
Founder, Capitally Finance Corp.
Jonathan Brindley is the founder of Capitally Finance Corp. and has a passion for seeing businesses succeed. Jonathan has been a Chartered Accountant and finance leader for over 25 years delivering results across multiple industry segments from small and mid-sized private entities to large multinational / public companies like Rogers, Hitachi and Ericsson.
From their offices in Ontario and Alberta, the Capitally team work with small to mid-sized companies that have the capacity to grow but are limited because they don’t have sufficient working capital. Capitally provides growth capital through the funding of accounts receivable with a flexible customer orientated business model.
As an operational finance professional, who has worked in both Canada and the UK, Jonathan offers his clients a level of experience that is broad based and multi-disciplined with an in depth understanding of corporate finance, revenue forecasting and delivering improved business returns.
Chris Rathwell
CPA, BDO
Chris is a CPA, CA with over 14 years of experience in public accounting, the majority of which focuses on the taxation of Canadian corporations. Chris has over 8 years of experience in mergers and acquisitions, managing due diligence projects and planning tax reorganizations for deals ranging from $10M to $26B.
BDO is the world’s largest professional services firm focused on serving private companies. BDO Canada serves over 50,000 business clients, a vast majority of which are entrepreneurial private companies including over 1,500 companies in the technology sector. Chris is a member of BDO Canada’s private equity and technology, media and telecommunication teams.
Chris is a longstanding facilitator for the CPA Canada In-Depth Tax Program where he has been a group study and in-residence facilitator. On top of his CPA, CA designation, Chris holds a degree in Biopharmaceutical Science with a specialization in Genomics from the University of Ottawa.
LiONS - 2023
Jen Mahon MASc, BEngSc
Partner, NorthTech Capital Investors
Jen is an accomplished business executive, angel investor, and consultant with in-depth knowledge of and experience with growth strategies, industry operations, business analysis, and project management. She holds two degrees from McMaster University, namely a B.Eng.Sc in Materials Engineering and Science and a M.A.Sc in Chemical Engineering.
She is a Partner at NorthTech Capital Investors, is an Advisor for NorthSpring Capital Partners, and has been a mentor in many incubators and accelerators across Canada. Her current practice at NorthBridge Consultants focuses on working with early-stage and mature companies in order to increase success with various government funding programs, aiming to improve general operations and implement sustainable growth strategies.
Marat Mukhamedyarov
Managing Partner, Good News Ventures
Marat Mukhamedyarov is a managing partner at Good News Ventures, a Pre-seed and Seed stage fund focused on Tech companies located in North America. He has experience as the Chairman of the board of the York Angel Investors group. He is a Serial entrepreneur and proactive investor; he helps founders to define and achieve their vision.
Aaron Goldstein
Lawyer, Gowling WLG
An associate lawyer in Gowling WLG’s Hamilton office, Aaron is a member of the firm’s Business Law Group. His practice focuses on general corporate law, private M&A, as well as asset-backed financing. As part of his practice, Aaron regularly acts for a wide array of clients ranging from large international banks to local start-ups.
Aaron is a key leader in supporting the Hamilton office’s efforts in promoting economic development and technology commercialization in the region for, and on behalf of, key institutional clients including McMaster Automotive Resource Centre (MARC) and start-up and scale-up enterprises with particular emphasis on advanced manufacturing and other technology companies. Driven by positive client outcomes, Aaron is committed to building and developing mutually beneficial relationships between clients and accelerating the growth and success of those relationships through the services he provides.
LiONS - 2022
Pillar of Business LiONS
Alex S. Ross
Lawyer - Registered Canadian Patent Agent, Gowling WLG
Alex S. Ross is a lawyer and registered Canadian patent agent with Gowling WLG. Alex delivers a full range of IP services to a wide variety of clients – from start-ups to multinational. His work encompasses all areas of intellectual property law, including patents, copyright, trademarks and industrial designs.
Gowling WLG is an international law firm located in 19 cities around the world — including Hamilton. Harnessing the broad industry expertise of its 1,400 professionals, far-reaching global platform and forward-thinking partnerships with key local stakeholders, the firm connects Hamilton’s top innovators to a world of opportunity and provides the tools they need to accelerate their success.
Aaron Gillespie
Partner, KPMG Hamilton
Aaron Gillespie is a Partner in KPMG’s Hamilton office, specializing in Canadian tax compliance and advisory services, with a focus on large Canadian controlled private corporations. Aaron has extensive experience with tax planning as it relates to acquisitions, divestitures, remuneration planning, estate planning, corporate reorganizations, and various tax-minimization strategies.
With over 95 professionals and support staff in their Hamilton and St Catharines offices, KPMG has the resources required to provide a full range of services to clients from Oakville to Niagara, while offering the strength of their national and international member firms. KPMG is proud to work closely with their clients, helping them to manage risks and take advantage of opportunities.
Chantel Broten
President/CEO, Jan Kelley
Chantel Broten the President & CEO of Jan Kelley and is an experienced strategist who knows how to find key insights that transform organizations and drive growth. A career marketer, she has spearheaded the development of brand and marketing programs for over 200 organizations. She has MBA in Marketing and Innovation from McMaster University and is a graduate of Communitech’s Innovation Basecamp program.
Jan Kelley is an award-winning digital marketing agency and helps businesses grow by using their proprietary digital growth framework to develop and optimize and iterate strong digital-first marketing strategies and programs. Jan Kelley’s philosophy brings together the power of technology and the brilliance of humanity to spark ideas, generate momentum and drive lasting results.
Investor LiONS
Julie Ellis
Co-Founder, Mabel's Labels
Julie Ellis is a speaker, author and leadership coach to corporate leaders and scaling Entrepreneurs. She is a co-founder of award-winning Mabel’s Labels, one of Canada’s greatest small business success stories. Julie’s book, Big Gorgeous Goals is written for women entrepreneurs who want to step out of the small box they find themselves in and set world domination in their sights. In discussion with over a dozen women entrepreneurs, Julie explores their stories of why and how they have achieved great things in their lives and careers, and pairs that knowledge with her own stories of how she built, grew and sold her business to a giant in her industry.
You can buy her book here.
Dr. Frank Naus
CEO, Lumedi Inc.
Dr. Frank Naus is the Chief Executive Officer of Lumedi Inc., a data and data warehousing company, and a Venture Partner at Launchit Ventures, a healthtech SaaS focused venture studio. He is an Instructor in the Clinical Trials Management program at Western University. He started his career in clinical research and sales with Astra Pharma Inc. and ran several clinical research organizations. He spent five years in the public sector as Director of Research Administration and then Vice President, Research at Hamilton Health Sciences. Dr. Naus earned his Doctorate in Business Administration from Walden University and has an MBA from Wifrid Laurier University and MSc and BSc degrees in Applied Health Sciences from the University of Waterloo.
Leonard Kofman
Partner, IP Backed Financing Group at BDC
Len Kofman is a Partner with IP Backed Financing Group at BDC. Before this he served as the Chief Investment Officer at Quantius, an alternative lender focusing on IP Backed lending where he had responsibility for the underwriting and approval of all investments. Previous to that, he worked at Sunlife Financial as Director, Credit Portfolio Management and at the Bank of Montreal, where he held a number of roles in risk management and corporate finance.
LiONS - 2021
Pillar of Business LiONS
Sacha Babic
Partner, Gowling WLG
Sacha Babic is a partner in Gowling WLG’s Hamilton office. He acts for and advises private sector clients of all sizes – from startups to multinationals – in respect of all aspects of corporate and commercial law, with an emphasis on mergers and acquisitions, corporate organization & restructuring, private equity and financing.
Gowling WLG is an international law firm located in 19 cities around the world — including Hamilton. Harnessing the broad industry expertise of its 1,400 professionals, far-reaching global platform and forward-thinking partnerships with key local stakeholders, the firm connects Hamilton’s top innovators to a world of opportunity and provides the tools they need to accelerate their success.
Chantel Broten
President/CEO, Jan Kelley
Chantel Broten the President & CEO of Jan Kelley and is an experienced strategist who knows how to find key insights that transform organizations and drive growth. A career marketer, she has spearheaded the development of brand and marketing programs for over 200 organizations. She has MBA in Marketing and Innovation from McMaster University and is a graduate of Communitech’s Innovation Basecamp program.
Jan Kelley is an award-winning digital marketing agency and helps businesses grow by using their proprietary digital growth framework to develop and optimize and iterate strong digital-first marketing strategies and programs. Jan Kelley’s philosophy brings together the power of technology and the brilliance of humanity to spark ideas, generate momentum and drive lasting results.
Aaron Gillespie
Partner, KPMG Hamilton
Aaron Gillespie is a Partner in KPMG’s Hamilton office, specializing in Canadian tax compliance and advisory services, with a focus on large Canadian controlled private corporations. Aaron has extensive experience with tax planning as it relates to acquisitions, divestitures, remuneration planning, estate planning, corporate reorganizations, and various tax-minimization strategies.
With over 95 professionals and support staff in their Hamilton and St Catharines offices, KPMG has the resources required to provide a full range of services to clients from Oakville to Niagara, while offering the strength of their national and international member firms. KPMG is proud to work closely with their clients, helping them to manage risks and take advantage of opportunities.
Investor LiONS
Prathna Ramesh
Vice President, FutureSight
Prathna serves as a Vice President at FutureSight (a B2B SaaS venture studio) and Chief Compliance Officer of Maple Leaf Angels (one of Canada’s most active angel networks). FutureSight builds and funds software companies with investments of roughly $500k in ventures. Most recently, Prathna held the role of Managing Director of Maple Leaf Angels, Toronto’s angel network of high-net-worth individuals investing in innovation. Through this experience, she gained a strong track record of investing in early-stage Canadian technology ventures in Enterprise Software, Healthtech and Fintech. Prathna was also the General Partner of the MLA48 Funds (Ontario’s only angel fund making investment decisions in 48 hours). Prathna holds a Commerce degree from the Rotman School of Management – University of Toronto and an Executive MBA from the Smith School of Business – Queens University.
Dr. Frank Naus
CEO, Lumedi Inc.
Dr. Frank Naus is the Chief Executive Officer of Lumedi Inc., a data and data warehousing company, and a Venture Partner at Launchit Ventures, a healthtech SaaS focused venture studio. He is an Instructor in the Clinical Trials Management program at Western University. He started his career in clinical research and sales with Astra Pharma Inc. and ran several clinical research organizations. He spent five years in the public sector as Director of Research Administration and then Vice President, Research at Hamilton Health Sciences. Dr. Naus earned his Doctorate in Business Administration from Walden University and has an MBA from Wifrid Laurier University and MSc and BSc degrees in Applied Health Sciences from the University of Waterloo.
Leonard Kofman
Partner, IP Backed Financing Group at BDC
Len Kofman is a Partner with IP Backed Financing Group at BDC. Before this he served as the Chief Investment Officer at Quantius, an alternative lender focusing on IP Backed lending where he had responsibility for the underwriting and approval of all investments. Previous to that, he worked at Sunlife Financial as Director, Credit Portfolio Management and at the Bank of Montreal, where he held a number of roles in risk management and corporate finance.
LiONS - 2020
Pillar of Business LiONS
Sacha Babic
Partner, Gowling WLG
Sacha Babic is a partner in Gowling WLG’s Hamilton office. He acts for and advises private sector clients of all sizes – from startups to multinationals – in respect of all aspects of corporate and commercial law, with an emphasis on mergers and acquisitions, corporate organization & restructuring, private equity and financing.
Gowling WLG is an international law firm located in 19 cities around the world — including Hamilton. Harnessing the broad industry expertise of its 1,400 professionals, far-reaching global platform and forward-thinking partnerships with key local stakeholders, the firm connects Hamilton’s top innovators to a world of opportunity and provides the tools they need to accelerate their success.
Chantel Broten
President/CEO, Jan Kelley
Chantel Broten the President & CEO of Jan Kelley and is an experienced strategist who knows how to find key insights that transform organizations and drive growth. A career marketer, she has spearheaded the development of brand and marketing programs for over 200 organizations. She has MBA in Marketing and Innovation from McMaster University and is a graduate of Communitech’s Innovation Basecamp program.
Jan Kelley is an award-winning digital marketing agency and helps businesses grow by using their proprietary digital growth framework to develop and optimize and iterate strong digital-first marketing strategies and programs. Jan Kelley’s philosophy brings together the power of technology and the brilliance of humanity to spark ideas, generate momentum and drive lasting results.
Aaron Gillespie
Partner, KPMG Hamilton
Aaron Gillespie is a Partner in KPMG’s Hamilton office, specializing in Canadian tax compliance and advisory services, with a focus on large Canadian controlled private corporations. Aaron has extensive experience with tax planning as it relates to acquisitions, divestitures, remuneration planning, estate planning, corporate reorganizations, and various tax-minimization strategies.
With over 95 professionals and support staff in their Hamilton and St Catharines offices, KPMG has the resources required to provide a full range of services to clients from Oakville to Niagara, while offering the strength of their national and international member firms. KPMG is proud to work closely with their clients, helping them to manage risks and take advantage of opportunities.
Investor LiONS
Dominic Talalla
Managing Partner, Trellis Capital Corp.
Dominic is a Managing Partner at Trellis Capital Corp, a venture capital firm, investing in technology companies; and is the CEO of Datec Coating Corporation, a materials technology company. He is also a Director on the Boards of several portfolio companies and publicly funded organizations and institutions. Prior to Trellis, Dominic was Investment Director at BDC Venture Capital. General Manager of GE Industrial Systems Canada.
Karen Grant
Interim CEO, Equation Angels
Karen Grant is the Interim CEO of Equation Angels, the second-largest angel investor network in Canada and serves as a director on several boards. She has founded companies, launched investment funds, and has worked in the commercialization field for over 25 years. Earlier in her career, she led the growth of the Toronto Venture Group and spent 12 years with IBM Canada in sales, marketing and communications roles.
Stuart Wheldon
CEO, Junction Craft Brewing
Stuart, along with his wife, own and operate the Redchurch Cafe and Gallery in Hamilton off of Gore Park. He is the former Vice President of Eloqua, and founder of Caribru Craft Beer, which he sold in May 2019. Stuart is now the CEO of Junction Craft Brewing.
LiONS - 2019
Pillar of Business LiONS
Alex S. Ross
Lawyer - Registered Canadian Patent Agent, Gowling WLG
Alex S. Ross is a lawyer and registered Canadian patent agent with Gowling WLG. Alex delivers a full range of IP services to a wide variety of clients – from start-ups to multinational. His work encompasses all areas of intellectual property law, including patents, copyright, trademarks and industrial designs.
Gowling WLG is an international law firm located in 19 cities around the world — including Hamilton. Harnessing the broad industry expertise of its 1,400 professionals, far-reaching global platform and forward-thinking partnerships with key local stakeholders, the firm connects Hamilton’s top innovators to a world of opportunity and provides the tools they need to accelerate their success.
Aaron Gillespie
Partner, KPMG Hamilton
Aaron Gillespie is a Partner in KPMG’s Hamilton office, specializing in Canadian tax compliance and advisory services, with a focus on large Canadian controlled private corporations. Aaron has extensive experience with tax planning as it relates to acquisitions, divestitures, remuneration planning, estate planning, corporate reorganizations, and various tax-minimization strategies.
With over 95 professionals and support staff in their Hamilton and St Catharines offices, KPMG has the resources required to provide a full range of services to clients from Oakville to Niagara, while offering the strength of their national and international member firms. KPMG is proud to work closely with their clients, helping them to manage risks and take advantage of opportunities.
Chantel Broten
President/CEO, Jan Kelley
Chantel Broten the President & CEO of Jan Kelley and is an experienced strategist who knows how to find key insights that transform organizations and drive growth. A career marketer, she has spearheaded the development of brand and marketing programs for over 200 organizations. She has MBA in Marketing and Innovation from McMaster University and is a graduate of Communitech’s Innovation Basecamp program.
Jan Kelley is an award-winning digital marketing agency and helps businesses grow by using their proprietary digital growth framework to develop and optimize and iterate strong digital-first marketing strategies and programs. Jan Kelley’s philosophy brings together the power of technology and the brilliance of humanity to spark ideas, generate momentum and drive lasting results.
Investor LiONS
Dominic Talalla
Managing Partner, Trellis Capital Corp.
Dominic is a Managing Partner at Trellis Capital Corp, a venture capital firm, investing in technology companies; and is the CEO of Datec Coating Corporation, a materials technology company. He is also a Director on the Boards of several portfolio companies and publicly funded organizations and institutions. Prior to Trellis, Dominic was Investment Director at BDC Venture Capital. General Manager of GE Industrial Systems Canada.
Karen Grant
Interim CEO, Equation Angels
Karen Grant is the Interim CEO of Equation Angels, the second-largest angel investor network in Canada and serves as a director on several boards. She has founded companies, launched investment funds, and has worked in the commercialization field for over 25 years. Earlier in her career, she led the growth of the Toronto Venture Group and spent 12 years with IBM Canada in sales, marketing and communications roles.
Stuart Wheldon
CEO, Junction Craft Brewing
Stuart, along with his wife, own and operate the Redchurch Cafe and Gallery in Hamilton off of Gore Park. He is the former Vice President of Eloqua, and founder of Caribru Craft Beer, which he sold in May 2019. Stuart is now the CEO of Junction Craft Brewing.
LiONS - 2018
Daniel Kube
CEO, servicePath
Daniel is the CEO of servicePath and the co-founder of Kindal Enterprises Inc. He has two decades of success and experience in building successful technology companies, new venture start-ups, alliances, business development, sales and marketing for several leading organizations including Stericycle and PwC.
Julie Ellis
Co-Founder, Mabel's Labels
Julie Ellis is a speaker, author and leadership coach to corporate leaders and scaling Entrepreneurs. She is a co-founder of award-winning Mabel’s Labels, one of Canada’s greatest small business success stories. Julie’s book, Big Gorgeous Goals is written for women entrepreneurs who want to step out of the small box they find themselves in and set world domination in their sights. In discussion with over a dozen women entrepreneurs, Julie explores their stories of why and how they have achieved great things in their lives and careers, and pairs that knowledge with her own stories of how she built, grew and sold her business to a giant in her industry.
You can buy her book here.
Ruth Todd
Enterprise Advisor, KPMG Enterprise
Ruth leads the Hamilton and St. Catharines offices of KPMG and is a KPMG Enterprise advisor with over 20 years’ experience in audit and advisory services. Her focus is in privately held companies and not-for-profit organizations within manufacturing, real estate development and construction, higher education, healthcare and charities. In addition to serving as Office Managing Partner, Ruth sits on the National Diversity Council of KPMG in Canada and is actively involved in initiatives to mentor and develop future leaders within the firm and in her community.
Stuart Wheldon
CEO, Junction Craft Brewing
Stuart, along with his wife, own and operate the Redchurch Cafe and Gallery in Hamilton off of Gore Park. He is the former Vice President of Eloqua, and founder of Caribru Craft Beer, which he sold in May 2019. Stuart is now the CEO of Junction Craft Brewing.
LiONS - 2017
Dilys D’Cruz
Vice President of Community Banking, Meridian Credit Union
Dilys is a passionate and inspirational executive leader with 25 + years progressive and diverse success in financial services including Retail/Business Banking, Wealth Management and Human Resources. As Vice President Community Banking at Meridian Credit Union, Dilys is responsible for Retail, Wealth & Small Business Banking in Ontario South West region which includes 50 branches and 500+ employees. Dilys is actively involved in increasing Meridian’s presence in Hamilton and is proud of the recent partnership with the Farmer’s Market, The City of Hamilton and Innovation Factory in addition to the many local community organizations her branches support. Dilys is a Certified Executive Coach and is known for her commitment to developing future talent and is involved with various activities and organizations to support the advancement of women. Dilys also sits on the Innovation Steering Committee at Meridian.
Julie Ellis
Co-Founder, Mabel's Labels
Julie Ellis is a speaker, author and leadership coach to corporate leaders and scaling Entrepreneurs. She is a co-founder of award-winning Mabel’s Labels, one of Canada’s greatest small business success stories. Julie’s book, Big Gorgeous Goals is written for women entrepreneurs who want to step out of the small box they find themselves in and set world domination in their sights. In discussion with over a dozen women entrepreneurs, Julie explores their stories of why and how they have achieved great things in their lives and careers, and pairs that knowledge with her own stories of how she built, grew and sold her business to a giant in her industry.
You can buy her book here.
Michael Macaluso
President, CARSTAR North America
Michael Macaluso is the President of CARSTAR North America. The CARSTAR network has grown to 500+ collision and glass centres with over 5,000 employees under Michael’s leadership. He is very active in the collision industry as well as committed to the Hamilton community, sitting on the board of directors for St. Joseph’s Healthcare Foundation, Festitalia, TigerTown Council and Hamilton Chamber of Commerce.
Ruth Todd
Enterprise Advisor, KPMG Enterprise
Ruth leads the Hamilton and St. Catharines offices of KPMG and is a KPMG Enterprise advisor with over 20 years’ experience in audit and advisory services. Her focus is in privately held companies and not-for-profit organizations within manufacturing, real estate development and construction, higher education, healthcare and charities. In addition to serving as Office Managing Partner, Ruth sits on the National Diversity Council of KPMG in Canada and is actively involved in initiatives to mentor and develop future leaders within the firm and in her community.
Stuart Wheldon
CEO, Junction Craft Brewing
Stuart, along with his wife, own and operate the Redchurch Cafe and Gallery in Hamilton off of Gore Park. He is the former Vice President of Eloqua, and founder of Caribru Craft Beer, which he sold in May 2019. Stuart is now the CEO of Junction Craft Brewing.
LiONS - 2016
Cheri Chevalier
General Manager, Microsoft Office Division
Cheri Chevalier is the General Manager of the Microsoft Office Division and former Chief Marketing Officer at Microsoft Canada where she has spent over 20 years in progressively senior leadership positions. She has been recognized within and beyond Microsoft, landing a spot on Marketing Magazine’s Top 30 Under 30 list and receiving Microsoft’s Chairman’s Award, the highest award given to employees globally. Cheri is passionate about enabling people and organizations to reach their potential. She and her family are proud and active residents of the Hamilton area.
Julie Ellis
Co-Founder, Mabel's Labels
Julie Ellis is a speaker, author and leadership coach to corporate leaders and scaling Entrepreneurs. She is a co-founder of award-winning Mabel’s Labels, one of Canada’s greatest small business success stories. Julie’s book, Big Gorgeous Goals is written for women entrepreneurs who want to step out of the small box they find themselves in and set world domination in their sights. In discussion with over a dozen women entrepreneurs, Julie explores their stories of why and how they have achieved great things in their lives and careers, and pairs that knowledge with her own stories of how she built, grew and sold her business to a giant in her industry.
You can buy her book here.
Mario Paron
Canadian Managing Partner, KPMG Enterprise
Mario Paron is the Canadian Managing Partner, KPMG Enterprise. He’s held several leadership roles with the firm over the past 25 years, most recently the Regional Managing Partner of Eastern Canada for KPMG. A born and raised Hamiltonian, Mario completed his Bachelor of Commerce with Honours from McMaster University.
Michael Macaluso
President, CARSTAR North America
Michael Macaluso is the President of CARSTAR North America. The CARSTAR network has grown to 500+ collision and glass centres with over 5,000 employees under Michael’s leadership. He is very active in the collision industry as well as committed to the Hamilton community, sitting on the board of directors for St. Joseph’s Healthcare Foundation, Festitalia, TigerTown Council and Hamilton Chamber of Commerce.
Tonia Jahshan
Founder/President, Steeped Tea Inc.
Tonia Jahshan is the Founder and President of Steeped Tea Inc. Steeped Tea has been featured on CBC’s Dragon’s Den, and has appeared on PROFIT 500’s list of Canada’s Fastest-Growing Companies two years in a row. Tonia has also been recognized on Chatelaine’s W100 list three years in a row, was named one of Ernst and Young’s Entrepreneurial Winning Women, and most recently, as Canada’s Top Female Entrepreneur of the Year for 2016 by Canadian Business Magazine.
LiONS - 2015
Cheri Chevalier
General Manager, Microsoft Office Division
Cheri Chevalier is the General Manager of the Microsoft Office Division and former Chief Marketing Officer at Microsoft Canada where she has spent over 20 years in progressively senior leadership positions. She has been recognized within and beyond Microsoft, landing a spot on Marketing Magazine’s Top 30 Under 30 list and receiving Microsoft’s Chairman’s Award, the highest award given to employees globally. Cheri is passionate about enabling people and organizations to reach their potential. She and her family are proud and active residents of the Hamilton area.
George McCarter
President/CEO, Pearson Dunn Insurance
George McCarter was born in Mooresville, North Carolina. While attending North Carolina State University, George began his career at Allstate Insurance. George later moved north to complete his Bachelor’s degree at the State University of New York at Buffalo. In 1986, George moved further north to Hamilton and joined Dalton Insurance. As President of Dalton Insurance, George led a successful group buyout of the shareholders.In 2006, George became President and partner at Pearson Dunn Insurance & Financial Services Inc. Two years later, he purchased the remaining shares and Pearson Dunn Insurance began a new chapter in its 100-year history. George and his wife Bernie have two dynamic children, Brittney and Jordan. The McCarter family enjoys traveling, golf and a great meal together.George is very active in the Hamilton community and is currently the Chair of the Board of Directors for the Hamilton Health Sciences Foundation and previous Chair of the Hamilton Club. In past years, George has lead successful fundraising campaigns for The United Way of Burlington and Greater Hamilton and the McMaster Children’s Hospital. George is supportive of several local charities and encourages all his staff to volunteer in community events, whenever they can.
Mario Paron
Canadian Managing Partner, KPMG Enterprise
Mario Paron is the Canadian Managing Partner, KPMG Enterprise. He’s held several leadership roles with the firm over the past 25 years, most recently the Regional Managing Partner of Eastern Canada for KPMG. A born and raised Hamiltonian, Mario completed his Bachelor of Commerce with Honours from McMaster University.
Michael Macaluso
President, CARSTAR North America
Michael Macaluso is the President of CARSTAR North America. The CARSTAR network has grown to 500+ collision and glass centres with over 5,000 employees under Michael’s leadership. He is very active in the collision industry as well as committed to the Hamilton community, sitting on the board of directors for St. Joseph’s Healthcare Foundation, Festitalia, TigerTown Council and Hamilton Chamber of Commerce.
Tonia Jahshan
Founder/President, Steeped Tea Inc.
Tonia Jahshan is the Founder and President of Steeped Tea Inc. Steeped Tea has been featured on CBC’s Dragon’s Den, and has appeared on PROFIT 500’s list of Canada’s Fastest-Growing Companies two years in a row. Tonia has also been recognized on Chatelaine’s W100 list three years in a row, was named one of Ernst and Young’s Entrepreneurial Winning Women, and most recently, as Canada’s Top Female Entrepreneur of the Year for 2016 by Canadian Business Magazine.
LiONS - 2014
Blair McKeil
CEO/Chairman, McKeil Marine Limited
Successfully operating for over 55 years, Hamilton-based McKeil Marine Limited is considered by industry analysts as an exemplary Canadian success story. The family-owned business, which operates throughout the Great Lakes, the St. Lawrence Seaway and the Arctic, has the ability to adapt quickly to the changing times in both global and regional trends in trade and transportation. The key architect of this metamorphosis has been company Chairman & CEO Blair McKeil. Blair has also been an active contributor to a variety of industry organizations including the past president of The Marine Club and the Eastern Canada Tug Owners Association. Blair has won various awards over the years for his outstanding achievements in business.
Carmela Trombetta
Vice-President of Greater Hamilton Commercial Financial Services, RBC Royal Bank
Carmela leads a team of specialized Commercial Account Managers as Vice-President of Greater Hamilton Commercial Financial Services for RBC Royal Bank. She has had a very successful 24 years with RBC with various roles in retail, wealth management, and commercial banking. She is a graduate of McMaster University with and undergraduate degree in Economics. Carmela leverages her experience, knowledge of the community, and industry contacts to provide timely financial advice to her managers and clients, and provides best in class service and value. She is currently serving on the St. Joseph’s Healthcare Foundation Board and the Finance Committee as well as the Cabinet for United Way of Burlington and Greater Hamilton. Carmela is also a newly appointed member of board for the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce.
Jeff Paikin
President, New Horizon Development Group
Jeff Paikin is the President of New Horizon Development Group who will soon be celebrating their 20-Year Anniversary of service and development expertise in residential building. Jeff is known for bringing his “big picture vision” to both his team and each project he undertakes. He is actively involved in urban planning, residential and commercial building, and philanthropic causes. A passionate Hamiltonian, Jeff is proud to live, work, and raise his family in this community. A graduate of Mount Allison University, Jeff holds a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce. He was recently awarded the RBC Distinguished Citizen of the Year for Hamilton because of his commitment to the Hamilton community. Over the years, Jeff has been recognized to be involved in a number of community-oriented activities such as being a Member of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats Advisory Board, Chair of the Capital Campaign at Hillfield Strathallan College and of the Canadian Accredited Independent Schools, and supporting local philanthropic organizations such as the Children’s Aid Society, City Kidz, Burlington Performing Arts Centre, and the Eva Rothwell Resource Centre.
Mario Paron
Canadian Managing Partner, KPMG Enterprise
Mario Paron is the Canadian Managing Partner, KPMG Enterprise. He’s held several leadership roles with the firm over the past 25 years, most recently the Regional Managing Partner of Eastern Canada for KPMG. A born and raised Hamiltonian, Mario completed his Bachelor of Commerce with Honours from McMaster University.
Tonia Jahshan
Founder/President, Steeped Tea Inc.
Tonia Jahshan is the Founder and President of Steeped Tea Inc. Steeped Tea has been featured on CBC’s Dragon’s Den, and has appeared on PROFIT 500’s list of Canada’s Fastest-Growing Companies two years in a row. Tonia has also been recognized on Chatelaine’s W100 list three years in a row, was named one of Ernst and Young’s Entrepreneurial Winning Women, and most recently, as Canada’s Top Female Entrepreneur of the Year for 2016 by Canadian Business Magazine.
LiONS - 2013
Blair McKeil
CEO/Chairman, McKeil Marine Limited
Successfully operating for over 55 years, Hamilton-based McKeil Marine Limited is considered by industry analysts as an exemplary Canadian success story. The family-owned business, which operates throughout the Great Lakes, the St. Lawrence Seaway and the Arctic, has the ability to adapt quickly to the changing times in both global and regional trends in trade and transportation. The key architect of this metamorphosis has been company Chairman & CEO Blair McKeil. Blair has also been an active contributor to a variety of industry organizations including the past president of The Marine Club and the Eastern Canada Tug Owners Association. Blair has won various awards over the years for his outstanding achievements in business.
Carmela Trombetta
Vice-President of Greater Hamilton Commercial Financial Services, RBC Royal Bank
Carmela leads a team of specialized Commercial Account Managers as Vice-President of Greater Hamilton Commercial Financial Services for RBC Royal Bank. She has had a very successful 24 years with RBC with various roles in retail, wealth management, and commercial banking. She is a graduate of McMaster University with and undergraduate degree in Economics. Carmela leverages her experience, knowledge of the community, and industry contacts to provide timely financial advice to her managers and clients, and provides best in class service and value. She is currently serving on the St. Joseph’s Healthcare Foundation Board and the Finance Committee as well as the Cabinet for United Way of Burlington and Greater Hamilton. Carmela is also a newly appointed member of board for the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce.
Mike Morreale
President, CFL Player's Association
Hamilton native Mike Morreale played a total of 12 years in the CFL. Eight of those years were with his hometown Tiger Cats and 4 with the rival Toronto Argos, originally drafted in the 2nd round of the 1994 CFL draft by the BC Lions Mike signed with the Argos on June 17th 1995. An impressive career that spanned 231 regular and post season games, he amassed 549 receptions for 7,169 yards and 25 touchdowns. Mike participated in 3 Grey Cups, winning twice. His first time was in 1996 with the Argos and then once again in 1999 with the Tiger Cats, where he was selected as that year’s Grey Cup Most Outstanding Canadian. He was awarded as the CFL’s Most Outstanding Canadian in 1998 and in 2000 was given the Tom Pate Memorial Award for outstanding sportsmanship and contributions to his team, community and Association. After serving as a CFLPA Player Rep and Executive for 9 years Mike retired in 2007 and became the Director of Marketing for the CFLPA until he was elected as President of the CFL Players’ Association in May 2012. Mike also worked as a broadcaster for The Score and TSN for Canadian University Football, and as Director of Business Development for First Canadian Title. He is still very active in the community and serves on several charitable boards.
Paul Lee-Chin
Investment Advisor, Manulife Securities Incorporated
Paul Lee-Chin is an Investment Advisor with Manulife Securities Incorporated. In 2007, Paul formed a team known as Mentorship Wealth Management, with the vision to mentor clients to achieve financial security and prosperity. Over the years Paul has developed a practice that adheres to strong work principles and operates with the utmost integrity.Paul works with his clients one-on-one to develop customized investment plans. Clients are provided with focused advice that follows strict investment principles with the goal to preserve capital, maximize growth and minimize taxes.A graduate of McMaster University (2007), Paul holds a B.A. in Economics. Paul entered into the financial services industry early in his career by working in the mutual fund industry taking on various roles within the Client Services, Marketing and Sales departments.As part of his practice, Paul believes that it is important to give back to the community. He believes in sharing information with others and donating time and resources to community foundations such as the Dundas Art Community. Most recently in August 2011, Paul has been appointed to the Board of Directors for the Hamilton Community Foundation.
Tim Richard
Co-Founder, Weever Apps Inc.
Tim Richard is a mobile marketing expert and is Co-Founder, Board member and VP Sales of Weever Apps Inc.With over 24 years of executive experience in sales and marketing, and a mobile marketing expert, Tim is passionate helping business connect with “anyone, anywhere.” Weever’s award-winning mobile solutions help marketers integrate existing practices and traditional marketing with social media improving user engagement and brand interaction. Build the app yourself or utilize Weever’s extensive mobile marketing experience to build you a beautiful, turnkey, custom app with features that meet your specific needs. We work with some of the largest companies in the world such as Foresters Insurance, World Vision, Remax, Habitat for Humanity, Boston Scientific, Radisson Blu, CFLPA, UAW Ford, and Microsoft in over 60 countries.Having held executive vice president positions for both private and public companies, Tim has experience, building companies, developing and executing sales and marketing plans, and providing the tools enterprise requires to be successful.
LiONS - 2012
Dr. Nick Bontis
Professor, DeGroote School of Business
Dr. Nick Bontis is a leading expert on intellectual capital and its impact on business performance. He is ranked among the top 30 management gurus and the top 5 management keynote speakers world-wide. He is currently an award-winning professor at the DeGroote School of Business, McMaster University where he advises budding entrepreneurs with their latest new ventures. He was recently recognized as a 3M National Teaching Fellow, an exclusive honour only bestowed upon the top university professors in the country. He has won over a dozen teaching awards and is the only faculty member to simultaneously hold outstanding teacher and researcher of the year honours. Maclean’s Magazine has rated him as one of McMaster University’s most popular professors for six years in a row. Nick received his PhD and HBA from the Ivey School of Business, University of Western Ontario. He is a widely-cited author of hundreds of articles and several books including the most recently published Information Bombardment: Rising above the digital onslaught. He currently owns a consulting firm in Ancaster, and a software company in Vancouver. He is also on the Executive Board of Harvest Portfolios, an investment fund company in Oakville. His advisory services have been sought after by leading organizations such as the United Nations, Microsoft, Health Canada, Royal Bank, Telus, Accenture, Enmax, Manulife, Mitsubishi, the US Navy and IBM.
Mike Morreale
President, CFL Player's Association
Hamilton native Mike Morreale played a total of 12 years in the CFL. Eight of those years were with his hometown Tiger Cats and 4 with the rival Toronto Argos, originally drafted in the 2nd round of the 1994 CFL draft by the BC Lions Mike signed with the Argos on June 17th 1995. An impressive career that spanned 231 regular and post season games, he amassed 549 receptions for 7,169 yards and 25 touchdowns. Mike participated in 3 Grey Cups, winning twice. His first time was in 1996 with the Argos and then once again in 1999 with the Tiger Cats, where he was selected as that year’s Grey Cup Most Outstanding Canadian. He was awarded as the CFL’s Most Outstanding Canadian in 1998 and in 2000 was given the Tom Pate Memorial Award for outstanding sportsmanship and contributions to his team, community and Association. After serving as a CFLPA Player Rep and Executive for 9 years Mike retired in 2007 and became the Director of Marketing for the CFLPA until he was elected as President of the CFL Players’ Association in May 2012. Mike also worked as a broadcaster for The Score and TSN for Canadian University Football, and as Director of Business Development for First Canadian Title. He is still very active in the community and serves on several charitable boards.
PJ Mercanti
President, Carmen's Event Centre
P.J. Mercanti is the President of Carmen’s, a name synonymous in Southern Ontario with celebrity events, weddings, catering and dinner theatre. He is also a managing partner at the new C Hotel by Carmen’s. A University of Notre Dame business graduate, PJ worked for ESPN before venturing back to Hamilton. He is the founder of GenNext United Way and is involved with many community organizations such as The Charity of Hope, The Good Shepherd, and Hamilton Community Foundation. PJ is also a label executive of Rat Pack Records, a venture he co-founded with Canadian Idol winner Brian Melo. He has organized events featuring Academy Award Winners Al Pacino and Michael Douglas, U.S. Vice Presidential Candidate Sarah Palin and Emmy Award Winners from The Sopranos.
Rami Reda
Owner/Director, CanGlobal Traders Inc.
An award winning entrepreneur, Rami has been involved in the Hamilton community for many years. Rami graduated on Dean’s List with an Honour’s Bachelor of Commerce from the DeGroote School of Business at McMaster University. His interest and dedication to retail, real estate and land development has been a strong facet for his business skills. As the Owner and Director of CanGlobal Traders Inc., Rami has proven his skills in the business world. Rami owns and operates well-known companies such as Big Bee Convenience, Deliverizer, and Subway Restaurants. Along with small business, he also owns a real estate portfolio that includes outlets in retail, residential and commercial development throughout Southern Ontario. Rami sits on the Board of Directors for the Ontario Convenience Store Association as well as the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce. He is also involved with the Hamilton Business Improvement Area (BIA) and YEP Hamilton.
Sophia Aggelonitis
Former Hamilton Mountain MPP
Entrepreneur, former Hamilton Mountain MPP and Ontario Cabinet Minister, Sophia Aggelonitis is a Canadian politician and an entrepreneur. She was a member of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario, representing the riding of Hamilton Mountain and served as the province’s Minister of Revenue, Minister Responsible for Seniors and Minister of Consumer Services in the Liberal government of Premier Dalton McGuinty. She is the daughter of Greek immigrants and was raised in Welland, Ontario before moving to Hamilton in 1994.Prior to her election to the legislature, Aggelonitis was an entrepreneur, manufacturing and distributing a “Sauces by Sophia” brand of tzatziki to supermarkets and specialty food stores in Southern Ontario. She is an active member of the Hamilton AM Rotary Club and has volunteered for a number of community organizations, including Theatre Aquarius, Canadian Club of Hamilton, Phoenix Place and the Dr. Bob Kemp Hospice fundraising committee. After serving four years on the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce, she was subsequently elected its president in March 2007. Following the 2007 election, Aggelonitis was appointed by Premier Dalton McGuinty to the Treasury Board Working Group. Aggelonitis served on numerous committees while in government including; Standing Committees on Finance and Economic Affairs; and Social Policy. She was a Member of three Cabinet Committees including; Justice, Intergovernmental and Aboriginal Affairs; Economic, Environmental and Resources Policy; and Legislation and Regulations. As a successful entrepreneur and former President of the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce, Aggelonitis was also asked by Premier Dalton McGuinty to chair the Small Business Agency of Ontario to encourage better communication between government and small business.
LiONS - 2011
Bill Kelly
Host, The Bill Kelly Show
Bill Kelly has a solid background in media. He has over 30 years of broadcast experience and a wealth of market knowledge and passion that he will bring to the program daily. He has hosted a daily, nationally broadcast, interactive political talk show for 5 years on CHTV, worked as a host on CHML from 1988-1997 and was a stadium announcer for the Hamilton Tiger Cats for 13 seasons. Bill also held a council seat in Hamilton for 9 years from 1997-2005. Bill is a graduate of Mohawk College in Hamilton.
Dr. Nick Bontis
Professor, DeGroote School of Business
Dr. Nick Bontis is a leading expert on intellectual capital and its impact on business performance. He is ranked among the top 30 management gurus and the top 5 management keynote speakers world-wide. He is currently an award-winning professor at the DeGroote School of Business, McMaster University where he advises budding entrepreneurs with their latest new ventures. He was recently recognized as a 3M National Teaching Fellow, an exclusive honour only bestowed upon the top university professors in the country. He has won over a dozen teaching awards and is the only faculty member to simultaneously hold outstanding teacher and researcher of the year honours. Maclean’s Magazine has rated him as one of McMaster University’s most popular professors for six years in a row. Nick received his PhD and HBA from the Ivey School of Business, University of Western Ontario. He is a widely-cited author of hundreds of articles and several books including the most recently published Information Bombardment: Rising above the digital onslaught. He currently owns a consulting firm in Ancaster, and a software company in Vancouver. He is also on the Executive Board of Harvest Portfolios, an investment fund company in Oakville. His advisory services have been sought after by leading organizations such as the United Nations, Microsoft, Health Canada, Royal Bank, Telus, Accenture, Enmax, Manulife, Mitsubishi, the US Navy and IBM.
Edward Minich
Group Leader, CEO Global Network
Ed retired as President and C.E.O. of Otis Canada, Inc. in 2004 after a thirty year career. He obtained his B.Sc (’72) and M.B.A. (’74) degrees from McMaster University. A Chartered Director (C. Dir. 2005), he serves on the Board of: Horizon Utilities (Chair, Audit Committee), Hamilton Utilities Corporation, Hamilton International Airport (Chair, Audit Committee), Hamilton Port Authority (Vice-Chairman), and New Oakville Hospital Campaign Cabinet. He has been a lecturer in “Strategic Management” at the DeGroote Graduate School of Business at McMaster University from 2005-2011. Currently, he is a group leader at CEO Global Network – coaching / mentoring CEOs. In 2004 he was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree from McMaster and in 2007 was named an Honorary Governor Emeritus of McMaster, in recognition of his twelve years as a Board member, two as Chair. His interests include golf, chess and collegiate athletics. He and his wife Siân reside in Oakville. They have three children, all McMaster grads
PJ Mercanti
President, Carmen's Event Centre
P.J. Mercanti is the President of Carmen’s, a name synonymous in Southern Ontario with celebrity events, weddings, catering and dinner theatre. He is also a managing partner at the new C Hotel by Carmen’s. A University of Notre Dame business graduate, PJ worked for ESPN before venturing back to Hamilton. He is the founder of GenNext United Way and is involved with many community organizations such as The Charity of Hope, The Good Shepherd, and Hamilton Community Foundation. PJ is also a label executive of Rat Pack Records, a venture he co-founded with Canadian Idol winner Brian Melo. He has organized events featuring Academy Award Winners Al Pacino and Michael Douglas, U.S. Vice Presidential Candidate Sarah Palin and Emmy Award Winners from The Sopranos.
Ron Foxcroft
Founder, Fox 40
Ron is the Inventor of the Fox 40 Pealess Whistle which is now sold in 140 countries and is sanctioned by almost all major sports worldwide. Fox 40 International, a Canadian company, proudly dominates the world whistle industry and thousands of Fox 40 Pealess Whistles are manufactured in Canada each day. Safety professionals who are involved in air, land and water search and rescue missions also use Fox 40 Whistles worldwide. The Fox 40 product line has grown to include a wide range of items for the sports industry from mouth guards to coaching boards to marine safety products. Starting in 1982, Ron built Fluke Transport from three trucks to 126 trucks and 475 trailers; If it’s on Time, It’s a Fluke… is not just a slogan, but a guarantee. As chairman of the board at the John C. Munro International Airport, Ron has played a key role in making the Hamilton facility the largest courier/cargo airport in Canada. Ron was named by Profit Magazine as one of the “10 Top Canadian Entrepreneurs of the Decade” and was inducted into the Burlington Entrepreneur Hall of Fame. Ron was named by Referee Magazine as one of the 52 most influential referees in North American officiating history. He is the only Canadian NCAA referee who also officiated over 1500 international games in 30 countries. He officiated both the Gold Medal Game in the 1976 Montreal Olympics and the 1998 NCAA Sweet 16. He is an inductee of the Canadian Basketball Hall of Fame, 10 other Hall of Fame, and is currently employed by the NBA to evaluate the performance of their referees. Ron received an Honorary Doctor of laws Degree from McMaster University, was named Hamilton’s 1997 “Distinguished Citizen of the Year,” and was inducted into the Hamilton Gallery of Distinction in 2005. He provides his time and advise to numerous business boards and charities (who he also provides financial support for). Ron is also a much sought after motivational speaker.