“I read The Wealthy Barber in grade 11 and it really locked in the idea that I wanted to be a financial planner.” Chris now has been helping his clients in the financial industry for 17 years — all of those being within the credit union system and the last 11 having been with connectFirst.

“The thing that attracted me to the credit union system is the entrepreneurial attitude that the wealth team is given. We are members of a but I have always been empowered by the people I work with to build my business and take care of my clients and support them however works best for my clients,” says Chris. “I think that’s an attitude that you don’t get at any of the larger financial institutions where they have their way of doing it and it’s the only way and everyone has to conform to that system. As a credit union we’ve been given control to treat our members much better than that, and that appeals to me.”

Chris grew up in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, but currently resides in Carstairs, Alberta. In between there, he moved to Saskatoon where he attended university to obtain his Bachelor of Arts in English Literature. From there, he moved to Korea to teach English for a while in which he added, “there’s only really three things you can do with an English Degree, you can flip burgers, work at a bank, or move to a foreign country to teach English. I knew that flipping burgers wasn’t for me, so I decided to move to Korea to teach English, and then jumped over to working at a bank after that!”.

When Chris isn’t working, you can see him spending time with his wife Tanya, his three kids Holden, Willow and Cole and their two dogs Birch, and Oak. “We do a ton of camping. We camp probably 45-50 nights per year every year,” says Chris. Some of the spots you’ll find them camping would be anywhere from Cypress Hills, to the mountains, to some of the lakes and rivers in Alberta. “Being from Northern Saskatchewan, some of the lakes up there in the Canadian Sheild are amazing and any opportunity we get to go spend some time up there, we take full advantage of it.”

One of Chris’ best skills is his ability to really listen to his clients with an open mind and being sure not to pre-judge or assume he knows what solution is going to work for them or that he understands what they’re going through. “Listening to all the little the details of a clients specific situation is so important so that I can help build a solution that really works for them,” he claims. “I think it’s so important that you work with an advisor that you absolutely enjoy working with, and that you’re comfortable being honest with. If you’re going through hard times and you don’t feel comfortable sharing that with your advisor, your advisor can’t possibly give good advice for your situation.”

Contact Me:

E: CHareuther@connectfirstwealth.com
P: (403) 337-3387
Toll Free: 1(888) 361-2059
Branches Supported: Carstairs, Crossfield, Cremona, Beiseker, Coventry Hills, and Northgate

In Partnership with:

Hildah Sibanda
Wealth Associate, connectFirst Wealth
E: hsibanda@connectfirstwealth.com
P: (403) 736-4968

Christina is a Chartered Investment Manager; she has passed level 1 of the CFA Charter exams and has worked with top Canadian asset management firms for the last decade.

Christina was drawn to connectFirst Wealth because of the vast opportunity and the chance to work with a team that captures the spirit of entrepreneurship. “I am genuinely excited to go to work! The opportunity to work with our members to achieve their financial goals, combined with the culture at connectFirst, is incredibly energizing” she says.

Christina is an advocate for financial literacy and reducing the complexities associated with finance and investing. “I have learned through my career that the entire arena of finance is unfortunately designed to be confusing, even for sophisticated investors. The complexity of investments, industry jargon and trends, can all be large barriers to success for investors. It is important to work with an Advisor who is focused on reducing complexity and increasing understanding when it comes to financial planning and investing, whatever your level of knowledge.”

Christina’s wealth of investing knowledge helps her quickly build trust with her clients and makes them feel at ease. “It is a privilege to be able to know my clients’ hopes and dreams, how they define financial success, and ultimately what it means for them to live a good life – that is incredibly special. To know that I can help them accomplish these goals through financial education, planning, and investing, is incredibly rewarding,” she says. Christina achieves success with her clients by using a personalized approach to financial planning, combined with a process driven approach to investing, that is replicable and transparent.

When Christina isn’t helping members achieve and exceed their financial goals and dreams, she’s an avid gym goer – she has been powerlifting for more than five years. She also spends as much time as she can travelling to new destinations, being active outdoors, and with her friends, family, her fiancée, Paul, and her dachshund, Coco. 

Contact Me:

E: CCarter@connectfirstwealth.com
P: (403) 736-4958
Toll Free: 1(888) 361-2059
Branches Supported: Signal Hill, Downtown Spark

In Partnership with:

Jimmy To, RIS
Wealth Coordinator, connectFirst Wealth
E: Jto@connectfirstwealth.com
P: (403) 736-4961

“You have a say at a credit union. A customer at a bank vs. a member at a credit union are two different things. Being a member is not just a pronoun, it’s actually in how we deal with you as a person and deal with your financial services. It is caring about how our other co-owners of the financial institution will succeed financially.”

Chris’ 20-year career in finances began right out of University, but his journey with connectFirst began just over 2 years ago. He knew that the financial industry was for him when he realized how it could impact those around him — he wanted to help.

“Financial literacy isn’t properly taught in school and I felt that it was a great career to educate others on how to invest and plan their finances for themselves,” says Chris.

Having attended Humber College and York University in Toronto, as well as the University of Windsor, Chris has obtained designations in Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Education, Personal Financial Planning, and Responsible Investment Specialist. He has also recently obtained his designations in Canadian Investment Management and the Fellow of Canadian Securities Institute as well.

When Chris isn’t helping Albertan’s with their finances, he enjoys spending time with his wife of 15 years, Jennifer, his 8-year old son CJ and his dog Spice, who they recently adopted. You can also catch him watching or even playing sports such as basketball and boxing and always cheering loudly for his favorite Canadian team, the Toronto Raptors.

Chris really shines when having conversations around retirement, whether that be for pre-retirees or those already enjoying it. He understands that taking that next step to transition your finances can be a little bit scary for some and he wants to make the experience as comfortable as possible by making sure his members fully understand what it entails. “We really do go out of our way to help our members here”, states Chris.

Having been nominated twice as a finalist for the Wealth Professional Awards as a rising star in private wealth for investment advisors across Canada, you can feel confident in knowing that your finances will be in good hands with Chris. “If I could give one tip to anyone it would be to live within your means and don’t compare yourself to anyone else,” Chris says. He understands that every one’s situation is unique and needs to be treated as such.

“connectFirst is a place where people can bank where they belong. We have an advanced suite of full service banking that everyone can access and everyone should access.”

Contact Me:

E: CMatugas@connectfirstwealth.com
P: (403) 736-4954
Toll Free: 1(888) 361-2059
Branches Supported: Inglewood

In Partnership with:

Jimmy To, RIS
Wealth Coordinator, connectFirst Wealth
E: Jto@connectfirstwealth.com
P: (403) 736-4961

“It’s more than just numbers. There’s an art in financial planning that involves taking all the information that people give you and synthesizing it into something that’s meaningful to them.”

Corinne thrives at helping people understand the value of a good financial plan. “I’m good with helping people take complex and hard to understand pieces and presenting them in a simple way that’s meaningful,” she says.

As soon as Corinne started her career in the financial industry as a teller on the front line at Mountain View Credit Union, one of connectFirst’s legacy brands, she knew right away that she was going to be a financial planner. “I was one of the first 8 people to get a mutual fund license at Mountain View,” she states proudly.

Corinne left Mountain view for a short time to expand her knowledge of the industry at a financial planning firm, but came back to the credit union in July 2010. “Having the opportunity to work at companies outside of the credit union system, I fully understood what the credit union advantage was. It’s collaboration. It’s that we truly work together for the benefit of the member. In other places you’re working near other people, but you aren’t working with other people to make sure you’re doing the right thing for the client,” claims Corinne.

Having grown up in the Olds area her whole life, Corinne loves to get away by traveling to different theme parks with her husband and three children. “I’m most happy when I’m with my family especially if it’s at a theme park. It’s that concentrated family time when you don’t need to share them with anyone.”

At home when the weather is nice, she likes to be outdoors doing a little bit of gardening but during the winter months she stands on the sidelines while her family cheers on the Calgary Flames, and jokes “if Disney and Universal had teams, only then would I be a hockey fan!”

Contact Me:

E: CLutz@connectfirstwealth.com
P: (403) 556-6688
Toll Free: 1(888) 361-2059
Branches Supported: Olds, Sundre, Eckville, Red Deer, Didsbury

In Partnership with:

Hildah Sibanda
Wealth Associate, connectFirst Wealth
E: hsibanda@connectfirstwealth.com
P: (403) 736-4968

Dan has worked in finances his entire 24-year career. A lot has changed over the past quarter century, but one thing that remains the same is how rewarding it is for him to help members achieve financial security. 

“Just witnessing the relief in their faces when you when you tell them that there will be enough income for them to meet their retirement income goals, for as long as they live - that's the most satisfying part of the job,” he says. 

When Dan meets with members, he goes out of his way to make them feel that no one else is more important and that he is committed to helping them make their financial dreams come true.  

“I want them to feel like I'll do my utmost to ensure that they achieve whatever their individual goals are,” he says. 

Outside of work, you can find Dan reading, playing golf, at his favourite vacation spot, Maui, or watching NFL games and cheering on his team, the Arizona Cardinals. 

Contact Me:

E: DGalvin@connectfirstwealth.com
P: (403) 934-1171
Toll Free: 1(888) 361-2059
Branches Supported: Strathmore

In Partnership with:

Joanne McKinney
Wealth Associate, connectFirst Wealth
E: jmckinney@connectfirstwealth.com
P: (403) 736-1173

Derek excels at creating an overall wealth management strategy, working directly with his clients to help define and create their ideal financial future. Once a plan is in place, Derek’s focus is staying in active contact with his clients, providing ongoing advice and recommendations to ensure their strategies stay on track.

Born and raised in Red Deer, AB. Derek Spent most of his life pursuing a career in professional hockey playing with the Lethbridge Hurricanes and Medicine Hat Tigers of the WHL. After a brief stint in the ECHL, he completed his Bachelors of Business in Finance with Distinction while also playing for the University of Prince Edward Island Men’s Hockey. Derek then moved back home to Red Deer to begin his finance career. He’s been working as a financial planner since 2017.

Derek was drawn to connectFirst because of the vast opportunity and the ability to work with a team that seems to capture the spirit of entrepreneurship while also working for an institution that understands the importance of community.

"My job is to get a deep understanding of each client, help define their goals and map out how to get there. Looking at the whole wealth picture through Estate planning, protection, taxation, borrowing, and risk management. I can then uncover what type of investment strategy is best suited for each client”.

Outside of work, Derek spends most of his time with family; His beautiful wife, Hailey, and two kids; Blayke and Hudson. He also enjoys golfing, playing hockey and staying active.

Contact me:

E: dryckman@connectfirstwealth.com
P: (403) 820-0498
Toll Free: 1(888) 361-2059
Branches Supported: Brooks, Medicine Hat

In Partnership with:

Melissa Liptak
Wealth Associate, connectFirst Wealth
Registered Representative, Credential Securities
E: mliptak@connectfirstwealth.com
P: (403) 736-4952

With over 16 years in banking, Gord brings a well-rounded background from commercial and personal banking, complex credit, investments, and high net worth planning. Gord strives to simplify planning for his members by removing the confusion of who to ask and where to go by connecting them with the right players and experts, at the right time.

With both certified Financial Planner (CFP) and Chartered Investment Manager (CIM) designations, Gord specializes in providing informed guidance for members that are in search of sophisticated advice. With a focus on both the short and long-term, he works with members to ensure their investment strategy is aligned to achieving their goals. Having a close partnership allows Gord to be proactive in planning so that he can anticipate both planned and unplanned life events. Knowing that every member’s story is unique, and money can be emotional, proactive planning, along with developing trust and prioritizing clear communication, builds a strong foundation to create an efficient and resilient financial plan.

Outside of work, Gord thoroughly enjoys getting outdoors with his wife and two kids. They can be found snowboarding on winter weekends, and golfing in the summer.

Contact Me:
E: gbuehler@connectfirstwealth.com
P: (403) 801-0840
Toll Free: 1(888) 361-2059
Branches Supported: Dalhousie, Oakridge

Minetta is a Certified Financial Planner that has worked in various roles across the financial industry for the last 19 years, while helping clients realize their dreams. Her previous work in compliance and with investment dealerships has given her the opportunity to become well versed in various investment products, including exempt markets.

Minetta believes that members should come first. Some of her areas of focus include working with business owners funding their buy sell agreements, introducing strategies needed for comprehensive succession, retirement, and tax planning, and helping clients understand how to round out their retirement portfolios. She’s very passionate about introducing members to the tools essential to achieve their goals and dreams. Coming from small town NS, Minetta never lost her ability to make everyone feel at ease. “I have always believed in sitting beside members, helping them get to where they want to be. Not across from them, telling them where they should go.”

When Minetta isn’t helping her members, she travels with her husband Scott to new places in search of beaches, disc golf courses, and new cultures. She also enjoys returning to Nova Scotia as much as possible, spending time with their adult child Cameron, and their party doodle, Lucky.

Contact Me:

E: mmcdonald@connectfirstwealth.com
P: (403) 736-4494
Toll Free: 1(888) 361-2059

“I want to help Albertans grow any way I can,” says Nathan. 

Nathan has been helping Albertan’s accumulate, protect, and manage their assets for more 16 years. 

He’s received numerous awards and titles throughout his career, including Wealth Professional Magazine’s Wholesaler of the year, but nothing is as rewarding to him as mentoring – whether it’s mentoring members with their finances or mentoring members of his team. 

“I really do enjoy when I can actually help somebody, provide them with advice, and then watch them be successful from it,” he says. 

“It’s hugely rewarding when somebody comes to you, and their financial situation is just the dog’s breakfast, and you get to clean it up and tell them they have enough to retire,” he explains. 

“Just to watch that calm come over somebody is the most rewarding feeling.” 

When Nathan’s not giving financial advice, he’s giving fitness advice. He owns two F-45 fitness studios in the city. 

He’s a busy man, but Nathan always makes time for family and travel, with an upcoming trip to Columbia to look forward to.  

“I really enjoy spending time with my family and family get togethers,” he says. “That’s when I’m happiest, spending time with my family and loved ones.” 

Contact me: 

E: NAmor@connectfirstwealth.com
P: (403) 807-1448
Toll Free: 1(888) 361-2059
Branches Supported: MacLeod Trail, Shawnessy, South Trail, Okotoks

In Partnership with:

Joren Patenaude
Wealth Associate, connectFirst Wealth
E: jpatenaude@connectfirstwealth.com
P: (403) 736-4963

Born in Egypt before moving to Dubai for a short while, and then to Calgary in 2010, Verginia has become a true Calgary advocate. During her time in Egypt, Verginia attended University where she obtained her bachelor in commerce majoring in business administration and finance. She then went on to work in many different financial roles varying from private and retail banking, to investment and stock market trading.

Since joining the connectFirst family at the end of September 2021, Verginia has felt nothing but pride to be where she is today. “I love the environment at connectFirst. I’ve worked in many different places, but how I feel here is different,” she says. “It’s so nice seeing so many women in leadership roles here and it truly makes me proud to be part of the connectFirst family.”

Outside of work, Verginia loves spending time with her husband and 5 year old son. “We’re also looking to add a puppy to our family in the near future. Maybe a Labradoodle or Goldendoodle, but it’s so hard to choose between the two.” Besides family time, you can also see Verginia taking on many different interior design and renovation projects. “I’m always on some renovation project of some sort at my house, or at my parent’s house because they let me do it there too!” says Verginia. “I also really love cooking and going on hikes. I have a hobby that suites all of the seasons we get here in Calgary,” Verginia laughs.

Although Verginia has only been with connectFirst for a short while, she’s been in the financial industry for over 18 years. “My expertise in this industry is definitely financial planning. I love looking at my clients life from a holistic approach and trying to understand them from every corner. Things get deeper with a financial plan.” Claims Verginia. “It’s so important that clients are open and honest with their advisor because we are here for you and here with you.”

Contact me: 

E: VGhobrialsaid@connectfirstwealth.com
P: (587) 215-0678
Toll Free: 1(888) 361-2059
Branches Supported: Beddington, Village Square, Taradale

In Partnership with:

Warren makes things easy for his clients by having the ability to explain things at whatever level necessary depending on where the client’s knowledge or comfort level is. “Our industry is notorious for having a lot of acronyms, lingo and concepts that can be common knowledge to us advisors and people sometimes just assume that everyone should understand it, yet that’s not reality,” he claims. “If someone has a better comfort level and understanding, they’re more likely to follow through with the advice.”

One of the quotes Warren loves to tell his clients is “you can always pay now and play later, or play now and pay later”. “You definitely want to have a healthy balance of both, but you need to get started sooner than later. Whatever you can save now, get into a good habit with it and you’ll reap the rewards later.”

Warren has an incredible 22 years of experience in the financial industry and has been with connect first since 2007. “I think people should deal with a credit union only if it’s aligned with their values, but I think it would be hard to find people that the credit union values don’t align with,” says Warren. “We’re looking out for the best interest of our members first and our organization second, which I don’t think is the case in many other FIs.”

Warren met his beautiful wife at the University of Lethbridge where he obtained his bachelors degree in management, majoring in finance. Together they now live in Strathmore, Alberta with their two daughters and their dog, Quigly.

Outside of work, Warren enjoys doing woodworking in his garage where he builds rustic furniture to give as gifts to friends and family, or you can also find him cheering on some of his favorite Calgary sports teams, the Calgary Flames and the Stampeders. “My one daughter plays ringette, and my older daughter used to be in cheerleading. So when my girls are or were competing those are definitely the most fun sports to watch and my favorite teams to cheer for.”

Contact me:

E: WNielsen@connectfirstwealth.com
P: (403) 361-2051
Toll Free: 1(888) 361-2059
Branches Supported: Strathmore, Claresholm, Bassano, Vulcan, Nanton, Fort Macleod, Lomond

In Partnership with: