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Eric Benchetrit is a financial services industry consultant and thought leader, considered by his peers as one of the most informed and knowledgeable authorities in his space, providing financial advisors, life insurance agents and related industry professionals, expertise in complex tax and estate planning. Eric’s business approach, uses a relentless commitment to professionalism and attention to detail, using a collaborative and integrated planning style that works in conjunction with a client’s entire advisory team and his communication style describes complex structures in easy-to-understand terms. He has been in the financial services industry for over a quarter century in a variety of roles, including marketing and distribution at the executive and wholesaling level for insurance companies and Canadian investment firms. He’s also been a faculty member for Seneca College’s Financial Services Practitioner certification program whose graduates receive credits towards the CFP (Certified Financial Planner) and CLU (Chartered Life Underwriter) designation. He’s been involved in many speaking engagements at industry events over the years and has also appeared on radio programs, call-in shows, written articles and been quoted and profiled in several industry publications. He has co-chaired Canadian and international delegations meeting Prime Ministers, parliamentarians, congressman and senators and holds a Specialized Honours B.A. from York University. He is married with 2 children, lives in Thornhill, Ontario and is a very active member of his community, being recently honoured for volunteering his time and sitting on the boards of multiple charitable and non-profit organizations.

 

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Let’s be honest — Dave Wilder never thought he’d become a life insurance salesperson. In fact, his teenage self would’ve rather gotten a root canal than sit through a conversation about premiums and death benefits. But life has a funny way of proving you wrong. Today, Dave is the founder of Lantern Wealth in Canada’s Greatest City - Calgary, AB, where he spends his days convincing business owners that life insurance isn’t just a necessary evil — it’s actually a ridiculously powerful wealth-building tool. And against all odds, he’s become the guy who can make even the driest financial strategies sound like a good time. Dave’s superpower? Turning financial planning into something that doesn’t make you want to cause yourself bodily harm. He’s the guy who believes a financial strategy should be clearer than your streaming subscriptions and as fun as your next vacation plan. He also has a secret weapon — ChatGPT. Dave relies on it for everything from writing his speaker bios (like this one) to running future value of money calculations. Some say he’s too dependent on it, but he insists it’s a perfectly healthy, totally balanced, absolutely under-control habit… probably. But don’t let the laid-back vibe fool you — beneath the jokes and the self-deprecation is an advisor who’s helped clients protect millions, grow wealth, and sleep better at night. And he’s here to share his insight on working with third party investment partners, his social media strategy, and because Barb is super dope and she asked nicely. A warm welcome to who has continually stumbled his way to success and feels incredibly lucky to even be in this room — Dave Wilder.

 

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Bryan joined Equitable Life in 2017 after spending over 7 years at another life insurance company. Bryan brings over 25 years’ experience in tax and estate planning for entrepreneurs and high-net-worth individuals.

He develops and implements advanced estate and tax planning strategies, and collaborates with advisors, accountants and lawyers to deliver value-added services to a select group of clients in the business and affluent markets.

Prior to joining the life insurance industry, Bryan was a tax lawyer and the leader of the Tax Group at the largest law firm in Peel Region and a member of their Wills, Estates and Trusts Group. Prior to that Bryan spent over 11 years at a major accounting firm, providing tax and estate planning advice to high-net-worth individuals.

In these two roles, Bryan advised his clients and their families on business succession, tax reduction and estate planning, and drafted wills and family trusts to help clients achieve their objectives. He also specialized in Canada-U.S. cross-border estate planning for American citizens or individuals who own property in the United States.

Bryan, called to the Ontario bar in 1997, is a graduate of Osgoode Hall Law School and Wilfrid Laurier University. He is a member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) and a member of the Conference of Advanced Underwriting (CALU) Associates’ Committee. Bryan was also on the board of directors of both the Estate Planning Council of Mississauga and the Toronto Branch of STEP.

Bryan has authored articles for Canadian Tax Highlights; has spoken at conferences for the Law Society of Upper Canada, the Ontario Bar Association, CALU, STEP and the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants; and has taught the taxation section at the School of Accountancy run by the Instituted of Chartered Accountants of Ontario.

 

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As Co-Chief Investment Strategist at Manulife Investments, Macan deciphers global markets and economies, guiding clients with strategic insights. Joining Manulife in 2009, Macan excels at translating complex market trends into actionable investment strategies, empowering clients to achieve their financial goals. His deep expertise across diverse asset classes and global markets makes him a sought-after speaker, known for his compelling blend of knowledge and engaging commentary.

 

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Jillian joined Sun Life in 2014 and leads a team that is responsible for creating and delivering value-added practice management and thought leadership programs for advisors across Canada. These programs provide advisors with strategies, best practices and tools to help grow and manage their practice, attract new prospects and deepen relationships with clients. Jillian was recognized by Wealth Professional as one of Canadian Wealth Management’s most promising young superstars in their 2019 ‘Young Gun’ special edition and has also been named one of Sun Life’s ‘Most Inspiring Women’ for her work supporting female empowerment and financial literacy. Prior to joining Sun Life, Jillian was the Vice President of Professional Development at Canaccord Genuity Wealth Management. She started her career at Scotiabank in the role of Training Manager supporting the Canadian Banking channel and Scotia Asset Management. Jillian has a Bachelor of Arts Honours and a Bachelor of Education Degree from Queen's University, and has completed an Adult Education Certification.

 

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Always looking for a new challenge and opportunities to improve the advisor and client experience, Jay helped create the High Net Worth New Business and Underwriting Teams three years ago. Prior to that Jay led the Sun Life Third Party New Business and Underwriting Teams for four years, and RBC Insurances Life and Living Benefit Underwriting Teams for 8 years. And now, Jay joins the Distribution team in his new role specifically to work with advisors in their development of complex case submissions. Leading the High Net Worth Solutions Centre and a growing team of Field Underwriters Sun Life will focus helping advisors submit more fulsome application packages to help speed up the underwriting and issue process. Jay is an avid traveller, scuba diver, and dedicated hockey player and coach. Happy to be back on the ice, and looking forward to strapping a tank on his back again, Jay also enjoys spending time in the summer with his wife and daughter at the cottage or on a golf course.

 

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Born and raised in Winnipeg, Dave Watson started his career in the Financial Services Industry in 1992. He spent his first eight years as a representative and manager with a top Canadian life insurer. Dave’s primary focus is to implement wealth-building and estate-planning strategies for individuals, farmers, business owners, and high-net-worth clients. Dave qualified numerous times for the prestigious Million Dollar Round Table “Top of the Table” ranking him amongst the top 4% of the world’s leading financial services professionals. In his free time, Dave enjoys fishing, boating and spending time out at the cabin with his family.

 

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Ashley joined Empire Life Investments Inc. in 2017 as Senior Portfolio Manager focusing on U.S. & global equities. He is a member of the Investment Team providing investment management for segregated funds1. Ashley is the lead manager of the Empire Life American Value GIF2. He is a manager on Empire Life Global Equity GIF², Empire Life Global Dividend Growth GIF2, Empire Life Global Smaller Companies GIF2, Empire Life Elite Equity GIF², Empire Life Asset Allocation GIF2 and Empire Life Global Asset Allocation GIF2. Ashley has held progressive roles at various investment management firms, including as co-manager of an award-winning U.S. equity fund at a leading Canadian investment firm. His experience includes working at two of Canada’s major financial institutions as an equity research associate where he developed expertise across multiple sectors. Ashley holds a BA in economics from Western University and an MBA from the University of Notre Dame. He is also a CFA charterholder.

 

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Jaymie Bongard has been involved in the financial industry since the late 1970s. While completing University, Jaymie worked for a large trust company. In 1982 he graduated and entered the insurance business working for the Prudential Assurance Company until they were sold in late 1994. In 1995, Jaymie co-founded Independent Financial Concepts Group with Gary Mandel. The MGA has been a great success until it was acquired by Hub Financial Inc. in 2017. By 1996 Jaymie had qualified to become a member of Top of the Table, an organization whose requirements are met by fewer than 1% of the financial planning professionals worldwide. He has qualified every year since. Jaymie is a leader who has proven that extensive knowledge in the financial, estate and retirement planning fields is essential to offering a commitment of service to his clients. He is always accessible and ensures that your calls are returned the same business day. Dedicating his career to providing a full range of services and products with proven performance records, Jaymie meets the needs of high-net-worth individuals, successful professionals, business owners and retirees. He focuses on tax-advantaged wealth accumulation and preservation strategies. In addition, he concentrates on life, disability, group and business insurance. Jaymie's ultimate goal is to provide quality products and service second to none. Whether your net worth is $20,000 or $200,000,000 he will always be there to look after your financial needs. Jaymie is married to Karen and has two daughters, Hayley and Madison. He lives in Toronto and is very involved with the community.