1. Where did you grow up and if you moved to the Halifax area, what brought you here?

I’m originally from a military family that started in Trenton, Ontario, and after being posted to Nova Scotia in 2004, I fell in love with the Province and always planned on living here full time. I moved back to Halifax in 2013.

2. Can you highlight your educational background and professional experience?

I have an eclectic education background, spending my first university years in Fredericton, studying Journalism at St. Thomas University. I then moved to industrial engineering with Dalhousie and NSCC and acquired a private pilot’s licence. Prior to joining CUA in 2024, I was the General Manager of a restaurant and bar for more than five years.

3. What drew you to banking?

In my years before moving to banking, I always was interested in the stories people have about their lives and wanted to help solve their problems. Balancing budgets, expenses and negotiating sales contracts with my work experience made me realize I enjoy working with finances. Also, I’ve been a personal investor for more than 15 years, managing both my family’s and my own portfolios. All things combined, working as a Financial Advisor just seemed like a great fit.

4. What does a “regular” workday look like for you?

No day is the same! While following up with members’ requests and financial goals is my focus, I pride myself on building CUA relationships with our partners in the mortgage broker space. As an advisor at CUA, we are ready to take on all our members’ needs. Spending a morning working on financial investment reviews, reaching out to our members in the afternoon and closing a new mortgage at the end of the day is ideal.

5. What is the best part of your job?

Seeing a plan come together. When I’m able to help someone restructure their finances to meet their goals, and then a few months later following up on their plan to find out they were able to go beyond their initial expectations. It’s quite rewarding!

6. Since being in your role with CUA, what is the most valuable thing you’ve learned?

Don’t be passive in your life. You truly never know what tomorrow will bring, but to have an action plan is to be prepared for most curve balls.

7. What do you think is a common banking myth people believe?

That you need to wait to start saving or investing. A journey of ten thousand steps still requires the first, so take it!

8. What is one piece of financial advice that you believe everyone should follow?

If you think that you should finance a large purchase on your credit card, don’t! Carrying small balances over is okay in the short term, but it can be a dangerous habit that will cost you a lot in interest if you’re always relying on it.

9. What is your favourite CUA product and why?

Index-Linked Term Deposits in a TFSA. It provides a tax-sheltered investment growth opportunity, with no risk to your principal investment through healthy exposure to the TSX/S&P index through quality companies. Best of all, it has no management fees.

10. Outside of your professional life, what is your favourite activity or hobby?

While I have many hobbies, flying and skateboarding will always be my favourites. Watching movies with my friends and family is a close runner-up.

11. What is your favourite meal to cook at home or order at a restaurant?

Without a doubt, homemade pizza with sundried tomatoes, feta, basil and oregano. I also love a cheap wing night.

Meet the CUA Team

Our experienced and dedicated team are passionate about helping our personal and commercial members improve their confidence and knowledge of financial matters. Meet the team »