Keith established Chinook in 2012, a venture born from his hands-on experience in building and successfully selling businesses. This transformative journey ignited his passion for helping others achieve similar successes.

The seed of entrepreneurship and the commitment to assisting fellow business owners took root during Keith's time at Royal Roads University (RRU), where he completed the Executive MBA program. His final project focussed on finding succession pathways for business owners on Vancouver Island. Today, Keith continues to draw upon the invaluable insights from this research, creatively structuring deals for buyers and sellers using both traditional and innovative approaches.

His genuine love for small businesses and the desire to guide owners through successful transitions to the next phase of their professional lives is the foundation of what we do, and we are grateful to have had him at the helm of the company for the last 12 years. Known for his fairness and humour, Keith fosters a vibrant and productive office culture.

The key to Keith's heart? A good bottle of whiskey and a round of golf. And if you ever get the chance, ask him about the time he broke our door—it's a story worth a drink.

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A successful entrepreneur and broadly engaged human being, Mike founded two companies and purchased three more before starting his career as a business intermediary in 2005. His biggest endeavor was a printing company in Toronto. He bought a tiny shop in a downtown basement with antiquated equipment doing a few hundred thousand in annual revenues. In his 10 years at the helm the company grew into a dynamic, modern operation with sales of more than $5,000,000 and a staff of 25. In addition to helping people buy and sell businesses, Mike also lends his considerable expertise to business owners in helping them analyze operations, understand value drivers, develop and implement business plans for reasons from improved performance and ease of management, to securing financing for business growth and ultimately to achieve maximum value in a business sale.

After many years of service, Mike still goes to work excited with the opportunity to help people see their business and personal aspirations become reality. Each day he looks forward to sharing his experience, training, insight, wisdom, passion and patience in the service of his clients.

Things you won’t read in the profile? Mike is one of the best entertainers we know, ask to hear one of his elaborate stories or hear him sing (he was in the opera.) Mike adds that ‘something’ to the team that could never be replaced, and we are grateful to have him.

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Born and raised in Victoria, Morgan is Chinook’s swiss army knife.

A graduate of the Gustavson School of Business, Morgan went on to work at IG Wealth Management before becoming employee #3 at Pani Energy, one of the world’s top water technology start-ups. It was in these entrepreneurial roles, Morgan learned how to overcome a variety of challenges. Whether it was coordinating a complex technology project in rural India, or overseeing the implementation of a business owner’s financial plan, Morgan uses this creative problem solving to help buyers and sellers negotiate deals that are fair to both sides.

Morgan is one of those overly humble people, he won’t sit here and brag about how he’s accomplished so much at a young age, so we will do it for him. Not only has he made partner at Chinook, but he spearheaded the entire development and management of Chinook’s sister company, DealBuilder. From product design, to client relations, to closing deals, to everything in between. Our friend here is headed places, and we’re grateful we get to come along for the ride.

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With a distinguished career spanning over 22 years in the financial sector, Ramon brings a wealth of experience to his role as Partner & Business Intermediary. His expertise extends across many facets of banking, where he guided clients through the intricate processes of launching their entrepreneurial ventures, acquiring shares, and expanding their operations. He held roles in Vancouver, Bermuda, Southern Alberta, and Vancouver Island; working in several areas of banking including Operations, Payments and Cash Management, e-Commerce, and Commercial Banking. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Capilano University. He worked for BDC, HSBC, Costal Community Credit Union, Citibank, and owned a retail business.

In transitioning to the role of Business Intermediary in 2021, Ramon's unwavering passion for helping others became evident as he played a pivotal role in facilitating the seamless transition of over a dozen business owners to their profitable exit. Quickly earning a Partner seat, he consistently surpasses expectations, offering invaluable support to business owners embarking on one of the most significant and complex transactions of their professional lives.

Ramon is also Mortgage Broker with Invis West Coast Mortgages. If there is a need to leverage funds for a business purchase against residential real estate, Ramon will be happy to discuss options with you.

Outside work, he is a fully certified firefighter with Comox Fire Rescue, a director with the Rotary Club of Courtenay, a director with the Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce, an avid cyclist, and competes in long distance triathlons. He lives in Comox with his wife, Amy, and two children, Lane and Sebastian. Fun fact about Ramon? It’s absolutely impossible to leave any conversation with him without feeling 1000000% better than you just did. Always courteous, kind, happy, and light-hearted, you want Ramon in your corner.

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Dan brings valuable financial management and business expertise to our team, with over 25 years of experience. He holds CPA and CMA designations, adding depth to his professional background. His journey has covered various sectors, providing him with a solid understanding of the Business Intermediary process from initial engagement to successful deal completion.

Originally from the Vancouver area, Dan has made Nanaimo his home for the past 15 years, where he takes pride in raising his two daughters. He is actively involved in community service, currently contributing his expertise to the Board of Directors for the Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce and having previously served on other community boards. His commitment revolves around supporting and growing the local business community, utilizing his network of connections across Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland.

In his leisure time, Dan loves exploring mountain trails and paddling through the local ocean. If you get the chance, join him and his wonderful partner Jen for a meal, you’ll be sure to hear some good stories with loads of laughs.

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Gregg joined the Chinook team in early 2023 and brings with him over 35 years experience in marketing and sales planning. In his career to date, Gregg has bootstrapped and sold two successful businesses which have in turn created a deep understanding of business operations, entrepreneurship, and SMB exit planning.

In addition, Gregg is an avid environmentalist and holds a seat on several established boards including the Better Business Bureau. He has been certified by both BCorp International and the BBB4Good initiatives, and further achieved certification at the Inconvenient Truth Training by Al Gore himself.

Gregg settles in his fruit tree farm in Esquimalt with wife Cindy and their pup Joki and has 5 children. In his free time, Gregg lives an active lifestyle, exploring all that Vancouver Island has to offer.

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Stephen joins Chinook with a passion for small business. Since earning a Bachelors of Arts while competing on the varsity basketball team for Ambrose University in Calgary, Stephen has exclusively worked in small businesses. From growing the BC Division of DECO Windshield Repair from 2-10 locations, to helping Victoria based Plurilock Security go public on the Toronto Stock Exchange, he has had a diversity of experiences in the small business ecosystem. He also produces a popular tennis channel on YouTube called The Slice, where he’s attracted millions of viewers and interviewed some of the best tennis players in the world.
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Through his time working with the owners of small businesses (and being one himself), Stephen has gained an immense respect and understanding of the work that goes into creating a great business. This appreciation drives him to help the clients of Chinook achieve the best-case-scenario when exiting the business they’ve built, however that looks.
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Outside the office, Stephen is our resident multi-sport athlete, hitting the waves surfing, nailing those golf swings, and acing it on the tennis court. When he's not being a sports star, he's hanging out with his wife, friends, and family. Stephen's kind of a prodigy, and we’re super lucky he decided to bring his talents to our team. He’s been a real game-changer for us. Plus, his unfiltered commentary keeps the office in stitches.

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With over 20 years of expertise in residential and commercial sales and leasing, Faizal brings a wealth of experience to his role as a business intermediary at Chinook. Raised across BC with a banker father and a real estate managing broker mother, Faizal developed an insider’s view of the industry early on. Now based in Duncan, BC, he holds his real estate license and recently joined Royal LePage Coast Capital Realty, adding his skills to the Victoria Real Estate Board’s Commercial Division.

With a BA in Psychology (focusing on “Myth as a Psychological Concept”), Faizal’s analytical approach is balanced by a deep entrepreneurial spirit. Before real estate, he ran Pakistani fusion food carts, showcasing locally sourced ingredients - a passion that fuels his family’s travels to explore global food scenes. An EVE Online enthusiast, Vice Chair of his son’s school Parent Advisory Council, and potential pickleball convert, Faizal brings both professionalism and personality to every client relationship.

From sealing deals to supporting his community, Faizal combines his vast experience and fresh perspective in all he does.

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Torin graduated from the University of Ottawa with a Bachelor of Commerce and dove headfirst into the exhilarating world of entrepreneurship. Over the last decade, he’s not only brewed up success with a software company catering to craft breweries but also expanded a Vancouver-based consulting firm from a duo to a dynamic team of 25. With a portfolio of entrepreneurial ventures under his belt, Torin brings a wealth of experience in navigating the challenges of growing small businesses. His true passion? Guiding business owners through the intricate journey of selling their businesses—a process where his expertise truly shines.

When he’s not helping businesses scale new heights, Torin is out in the wild. An avid outdoor enthusiast, he’s often found tackling the trails and peaks of North Vancouver and the Sea to Sky corridor. Whether he’s on two wheels or skis, Torin is always in pursuit of the next great adventure—seeking out the highest peaks and the most breathtaking trails.

Fun fact about Torin? He’s equally at home reeling in crabs as he is wrangling Excel spreadsheets.

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Breanne is responsible for overseeing and executing Chinook's marketing strategies and initiatives. She ensures the company’s content is shared effectively across various platforms, including social media, the website, newsletters, email campaigns, and marketing materials. Her focus is on creating engaging content, managing social media, updating the website, and driving the company's marketing objectives forward.

Breanne holds a Bachelor of Business Administration with a major in Marketing & Communications Management, and she brings over 15 years of experience to her role. Outside of her work at Chinook, she also manages multiple residential properties and volunteers with Mamas for Mamas, a national charitable organization that supports mothers and caregivers in crisis, a cause she is deeply passionate about.

In her free time, Breanne enjoys spending time with her family, exploring the outdoors, and contributing to her community. She is known for her positivity and enthusiasm, always ready to support others. Oh and if you ever need anything, she can be bought with good chocolate or red wine.

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Evan serves as Chinook's research strategist, meticulously analyzing industry trends and business metrics to ensure the company operates with the most up-to-date information available. He acts as the primary contact for buyers navigating the acquisition process, facilitates and negotiates deals, and provides invaluable analytical insights.

With a background rooted in M&A, Evan has refined his research skills over recent years while pursuing his bachelor's in business administration, specializing in marketing management. His journey began by assisting a family friend with acquisition research, igniting a keen interest in the business brokerage industry, and ultimately leading him to collaborate with the intermediaries at Chinook over the past year. Interacting with diverse buyer groups has afforded Evan a comprehensive understanding of their preferences and the multifaceted strategies they employ when seeking to acquire businesses.

Outside of his professional portfolio, Evan leads a monthly hiking club in the Greater Vancouver area, bringing friends and strangers together for some trailblazing fun. He's also into snowboarding, kayaking, and getting competitive with board games. We know what you're thinking – how old is this guy? Evan is the brightest, most creative, resourceful, and intuitive young fella out there, and we're thrilled to have him on our team.

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Meet Betsy, our resident cat herder and the linchpin of Victopia—a stunning coworking space nestled in Victoria's inner harbour. Since Chinook took the reins of this bustling hub in August 2024, Betsy has been leading the charge with unwavering energy and a welcoming smile that greets everyone who steps through the door.

Hailing from Idaho, Betsy and her family made the bold move from Boise to our beloved island in 2020, right in the midst of the pandemic. Taking a leap of faith, they’ve since fallen head over heels for the vibrant community we call home.

With over two decades of administrative wizardry under her belt—and the impressive experience of being a mother of four—Betsy has a knack for keeping us all in line and on track. She’s truly the chocolate chips our cookie was missing, adding that perfect touch to make our team complete. We're beyond grateful to have her on board.

When she’s not keeping the office in check, Betsy’s creative spirit shines through in her hobbies. In her spare time, she’s busy knitting (especially Christmas stockings), painting, baking bread, tackling jigsaw puzzles, and sharpening her mind with a daily round of Wordle. Betsy’s got a knack for adding warmth and creativity to everything she touches—both in and out of the office.

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