Kevin Riddell

Kevin is a founding partner of the Wise Riddell Financial Group. The team’s goal is to bring greater simplicity and convenience to your investment experience. They will help you define and refine your priorities and then put long term strategies in place to ultimately realize your life goals. You can focus on the things that make your life a success while the team personalizes wealth accumulation, risk management and estate planning plans for you and your family.

“The key to planning, be it in business or life, is the ability to expect, survive and thrive through the unexpected.”

Kevin has 31 years of success and experience in the industry. He is an active member of the Canadian Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors, the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners, the Canadian Association of Independent Life Brokerage Agencies and the Managers Association of Insurance & Financial Advisors of Canada. Kevin has earned recognition as an innovator in the insurance industry, but he realized some time ago that in order to consistently provide what clients needed as their wealth evolved, he couldn’t do it all.  Wise Riddell was created out of a desire to provide clients with a fully integrated planning process with a comprehensive team experience and approach for every client.

Kevin and his wife Charlotte live in Oakville and are working very hard at emptying their bucket list. When Kevin’s not “shredding the back country” on his motorcycle, or teeing off on the golf course, he enjoys winding down at the family cottage.

Mark Winson

Partner, Wise Riddell Financial Group

Portfolio Manager, Wise Riddell Private Wealth of ACPI

Mark is committed to personalizing the investment experience to each client. His comprehensive discovery process helps define specific financial objectives that complement your life goals. Disciplined plan monitoring and regular progress meetings ensure your needs and expectations are being met regardless of the evolving economic or lifestyle realities.
This approach has earned Mark and his team industry recognition and awards.

“Most people don’t plan to fail; they fail to plan.”

Mark became a partner of the Wise Riddell Financial Group in 2001, with a primary focus on financial and investment planning. Mark is a graduate of the Ivey School of Business. He is a Chartered Investment Manager, a Certified Financial Planner, and is a member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners. Mark and his team have been recognized as one of the “Top 50 Advisors in Canada”, a “Top 20 Independent Advisory Office” and a “Top Alternative Asset provider”.

Born in Zimbabwe and raised in Timmins, Mark has been instilled with a passion for both travel and the outdoors. As Past President, Mark continues his long- standing involvement with the Rotary Club of Etobicoke and their annual Toronto Rib Fest at Centennial Park. Mark enjoys exploring foreign destinations with his partner Pam or pursuing his own version of relaxation… puttering around at the family cottage.  Mark has two adult children, one of whom he is fortunate enough to work with every day.

Important Investment Services Disclosure

Mark Winson is an agent of Aligned Capital Partners Inc. (ACPI). Aligned Capital Partners Inc. (“ACPI”) is a full-service investment dealer and a member of the Canadian Investor Protection Fund (“CIPF”) and Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada (“IIROC”). Investment services are provided through Wise Riddell Private Wealth, an approved trade name of ACPI. Only investment-related products and services are offered through ACPI/Wise Riddell Private Wealth and covered by the CIPF. All non-securities related business, including, but not limited to, financial planning, estate and tax services, and insurance solutions are provided through Wise Riddell Financial Group. Wise Riddell Financial Group is an independent company separate and distinct from ACPI/Wise Riddell Private Wealth.

James D. Simon

Partner, Wise Riddell Financial Group

Portfolio Manager, Wise Riddell Private Wealth of ACPI

James is passionate about helping successful people accumulate and preserve wealth to last a lifetime. It sounds simple, but history has shown him that the road to success is full of surprises and turns that can easily take investors off course. He takes pride in developing personalized financial strategies that incorporate asset allocation, financial management, and retirement planning into a long-term wealth-building strategy.

“Having an experienced and steady hand on the wheel is essential. Independent advice always leads to better outcomes.”

James started in the financial services industry in 1996. He believes that experience must be supported with knowledge. James has obtained the designation of Certified Financial Planner (CFP) and is also a Fellow of the Canadian Securities Institute. He also holds the prestigious Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation.

James has an unbridled enthusiasm for basketball after playing at McGill plus a professional stint in Europe. When not supporting the local team, James and his wife Mouvain enjoy spending time hiking “down in the County”.

Important Investment Services Disclosure

James D. Simon is an agent of Aligned Capital Partners Inc. (ACPI). Aligned Capital Partners Inc. (“ACPI”) is a full-service investment dealer and a member of the Canadian Investor Protection Fund (“CIPF”) and Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada (“IIROC”). Investment services are provided through Wise Riddell Private Wealth, an approved trade name of ACPI. Only investment-related products and services are offered through ACPI/Wise Riddell Private Wealth and covered by the CIPF. All non-securities related business, including, but not limited to, financial planning, estate and tax services, and insurance solutions are provided through Wise Riddell Financial Group. Wise Riddell Financial Group is an independent company separate and distinct from ACPI/Wise Riddell Private Wealth.

Chris Riddell

Chris helps you define “how much is enough”. His approach is one of comprehensive risk management complemented with an emphasis on tax savings, family protection and estate planning. Insurance is an emotional conversation, so it is best approached with numbers. Your numbers.  Your needs. Your family and business circumstances. Chris then builds personalized insurance plans with the most efficient tax attributes to deliver the best solutions for you.

“Never trust a skinny chef.”

Chris joined the Wise Riddell team in 2013 after moving his family back from Montreal, where he spent the previous 10 years as a professionally trained chef.  Chris studied economics at the University of Concordia. With his economics background and his passion for working with people, the switch into the financial sector was a natural evolution. Chris has since obtained the Chartered Life Underwriter designation and certification as a Chartered Financial Planner. He also holds the Certified Health Insurance Specialist (CHS) designation.

Chris lives in Burlington with his wife Diane and their 3 boys (ages 8, 6 and 4). When he is not with the family, he enjoys woodworking, skiing, and golf. He is passionate about keeping his cooking skills sharp and is still pursued by family and friends for his memorable “tur-duck-en” experience.

Kerri Whaley

Kerri handles the day-to-day processing and assistance for client portfolios to ensure a superior client relationship. Kerri regularly communicates with clients to facilitate transactions, requests and to provide follow-up support. This assists in delivering service excellence to each and every one of our clients. As an organized, efficient, and caring individual, Kerri plays a crucial role for the success of our client’s security and financial wellbeing.

Kerri began her career in banking and later working alongside her husband in the family business while raising their family.  Kerri has always enjoyed working in the financial services sector and has been an incredible asset to the team of Wise Riddell ever since she joined in 2015.

Kerri and her husband Terry have three children, ages 22, 20 and 18. Kerri and her family enjoy spending time at the cottage in Marten River in the summer and cheering on her youngest, Paige, at the rink in the winter.

Emily Winson

Associate Advisor, Wise Riddell Financial Group

Associate Advisor, Wise Riddell Private Wealth of ACPI

Emily assists in the creation and management of client portfolios after devising an achievable financial plan alongside the client and the rest of the advisory team.  Emily helps to lay the foundation of your financial plan and keep you on track to meet your goals. As a meticulous and highly organized individual, Emily takes pride in coordinating client needs and managing each unique relationship. She is committed to do whatever needs to be done to make your experience with the Wise Riddell Financial Group an exceptional one.

“The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree…”

Emily joined the team at Wise Riddell after completing her Honours Bachelor of Commerce at the University of Guelph in 2017.  She has her Canadian Securities license and her Chartered Investment Manager (CIM®) designation. Emily continually looks for opportunities to advance her education and is currently pursuing the Certified Financial Planner designation. Emily is grateful to be mentored by two senior advisors with over 50 years of combined experience.

Before settling down in Guelph, Emily jumped at every opportunity possible to travel and live abroad. This travel experience has given Emily an understanding of diversity and the ability to deal with adversity. It has also allowed her to pick up another language (¿Habla Español?) which she loves to practice given the opportunity. Nowadays, Emily enjoys exploring new parts of the city, checking out local restaurants, and spending time at the family cottage.

Important Investment Services Disclosure

Emily Winson is an agent of Aligned Capital Partners Inc. (ACPI). Aligned Capital Partners Inc. (“ACPI”) is a full-service investment dealer and a member of the Canadian Investor Protection Fund (“CIPF”) and Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada (“IIROC”). Investment services are provided through Wise Riddell Private Wealth, an approved trade name of ACPI. Only investment-related products and services are offered through ACPI/Wise Riddell Private Wealth and covered by the CIPF. All non-securities related business, including, but not limited to, financial planning, estate and tax services, and insurance solutions are provided through Wise Riddell Financial Group. Wise Riddell Financial Group is an independent company separate and distinct from ACPI/Wise Riddell Private Wealth.

Helen Young

Helen joined Wise Riddell in February 2013, and has been an integral part of the team ever since. As the Insurance Coordinator, Helen is responsible for all policy administration and correspondence with both clients and carriers throughout the underwriting process. Helen ensures that client applications are properly submitted, in force policy changes are updated, and insurance claims are dealt with appropriately. Her attention to detail and methodical propensities assist in the superior customer service provided to our clients at Wise Riddell. Clients especially enjoy the patience, care and professionalism Helen provides to them in every task she performs.

Helen moved to Canada from England in 2002 and has been in the financial services industry since 2010. Since joining Wise Riddell, Helen has particularly enjoyed the relationships she has made with her colleagues and clients of the business. In her spare time, Helen enjoys staying active – whether it be at the gym or tending to her garden in the summer. When she needs to unwind, Helen likes spending quality time with her family and friends, watching the latest movies, or cozying up with a good book.

Shelley Balcomb

Shelley is responsible for supporting the team of Wise Riddell in an administrative capacity to provide our clients with service excellence from behind the scenes. Shelley’s previous experience lends to her ability to adhere to our regulatory requirements and ensure all client activities are properly documented. Shelley’s attention to detail, organizational habits, and exceptional customer service contribute to a superior client relationship.

Shelley joined the team of Wise Riddell in 2011 after working for AIC Investments. In 2017, Shelley received an opportunity to take a position with our dealer, Aligned Capital Partners. Shelley gained valuable experience in compliance, regulation, and processes, which she brought back with her when she re-joined the team at Wise Riddell again in 2020. Shelley has enjoyed the transition to a smaller, more intimate workplace as it allows her to work more closely with the executives of the office, providing constant challenges and reward. Shelley devotes her evenings to her six-year-old and enjoys going for scenic walks outside of the city on weekends.

Deborah Copeland

Debbie provides day-to-day administrative support to our clients, which includes setting up new accounts, processing transactions and providing follow-up support to the advisors and clients of Wise Riddell. Since joining the team in August 2019, Debbie has taken on her role with enthusiasm and professionalism and understands that her role is critical to the success of our client’s security and financial well-being.

After obtaining her BA in Economics at Concordia University, Debbie began her career in Quebec at an investment firm supporting Investment Advisors and their high net-worth clients. Debbie moved to Ontario and took a break from the workforce to raise her two children, now well into their teens! As a competitive trivia buff, you might find Debbie at the local pub taking on her team’s weekly rivals.

Graham Pitts

Graham’s job is to create a harmonious relationship between you and your team of professionals to ensure everyone is on the same path to reach your financial goals. Graham is responsible for reviewing portfolio performance, updating retirement plans and preparing statements and tax packages for our clients. Graham is enthusiastic and analytical and ensures that the needs of our clients are completed accurately and in a timely manner.

Graham joined Wise Riddell after completing his Bachelor of Social Sciences with Honours in Economics at the University of Ottawa. Graham was keen to pursue a career in financial analysis and client relationship management – both of which his role at Wise Riddell appropriately fulfills. Graham has completed the Canadian Securities Course and is interested in furthering his education in the industry. When he is not working, Graham enjoys outdoor activities and visiting with family and friends in his hometown of Peterborough, ON.

Oliver Ruivo

As the Group Pensions Specialist at Wise Riddell Financial Group, Oliver is the point person for all employees who participate in their employer’s pension plan. Oliver sets out to get to know each employer and their employees in order to design a plan which allows them to opt for a strategy to best suit their needs. Oliver continually works with the client to ensure their employees fully understand their choices and are engaged in working towards their financial future. A tailored strategy for each employee allows them to focus on what is important in their lives and helps them achieve their own goals. Oliver and the team at Wise Riddell take these concepts into consideration every day and model it to best serve the clients. Oliver constantly combs through the portfolios, looking at fund performances, flagging any changes or trends, and working with clients to suggest changes where required.

While he graduated university with a degree in biology, his career path led him to working in Life Insurance upon graduation, and group pension since joining Wise Riddell. Oliver is a Certified Financial Planner, and holds the Chartered Life Underwriter and Certified Health Insurance Specialist designations.  As an avid golfer and soccer fan, Oliver hopes to pass on his love for sports to his children.

Brett McGrath

Brett is an accredited Financial Planner and the Group Pension Specialist at Wise Riddell Financial Group. Brett takes a hands-on approach to serving his clients by creating unique pension packages to meet the individual needs of each and every client. Brett believes that it is important for employees to be engaged in their own financial and retirement planning, and provides the means for them to do just that. Clients enrolled in the Wise Riddell Group Pensions offer an active and personal approach to financial planning for their employees.

Brett studied economics at the University of Toronto and has over 15 years of work experience in the Financial Services industry. Brett holds the Personal Financial Planner designation and the Investment Funds of Canada certification.

Brett has known the Riddell family for the better part of his life – first introduced to his teammate Chris Riddell at the age of 8. Brett grew up playing hockey and even won the OHL Championship in 2001 with the Ottawa 67’s. Brett still has a love for the game, which he is eager to pass on to his three-year-old Westley in due time.

David Corbeth

David’s connections to Wise Riddell Financial Group are both corporate and personal. He started out in the insurance sector in 1987 and by 1992 was leasing office space with Wise Riddell. Over the years he developed a strong affinity for the members of Wise Riddell, leading him to switch from being an affiliate to become a full-fledged member of the team. Specializing in group insurance and executive compensation coverage for corporate clients, David takes a unique and holistic approach. Each client is different in terms of what they want for their employees and how to apply the appropriate accounting method for them. David’s job is to find the perfect equation between the insurance company and their requirements. It’s no cookie cutter approach, and the insurance companies themselves are also often changing up their “flavours”. This requires a good grasp of what to offer and what might be changing in the near future.

David and his wife live in Oakville, where he makes use of the community’s natural amenities whenever possible. In his free time, David enjoys the solitude of running and, over the last few years, has passionately engaged with stand-up paddle boarding