TPL Scotiabank Expedition: BEST OF CANADA Series – The Douglas Participants

Mary Ann Barber

Captain Mary Ann Barber was born and raised in Sault Ste. Marie, ON, and began her career in the Canadian Armed Forces under the Regular Officer Training Plan, enrolling in June 1997.

Upon graduation from her BScN from the University of Ottawa in 2000, she was posted to Canadian Forces Base Edmonton where she began her career working as a new grad nurse in the ER and in a variety of military environments. Capt. Barber went on her first deployment to Bosnia-Herzegovina as a Critical Care Nursing Officer where she assisted in the management of the Unit Medical Station in Velika Kladusa in September 2002.

Upon her return, in April 2003 she began working in the ICU and completed her certificates in Emergency Nursing, Forensic Nursing and Critical Care Nursing from Mount Royal College in 2004. Capt. Barber deployed to Kabul, Afghanistan as the Nurse-In-Charge (IC) of the Resuscitation department from January to July 2005. In 2006 she was posted from Edmonton to Kingston, Ontario, where she became the team leader for the Care Delivery Unit at the Royal Military College of Canada.

In 2007 she deployed to Kandahar, Afghanistan to the Role 3 Multinational Medical Unit (R3MMU) for 5 months, returned home for 6 months and then redeployed to Kandahar in January 2008 as the 2nd In-Command of In-Patient Services at the R3MMU. Following her return from Afghanistan in September 2008, she continued to manage the operations department at 33 Canadian Forces Health Services Centre in Kingston.

When she was not working on her year-long French course, or in the field, Capt. Barber flew several medical evacuations from Germany to Canada, returning our critically wounded patients home. She was posted in August 2010 to Geilenkirchen, Germany where she managed the immunizations department until she returned to Ottawa in the fall of 2011.

In Ottawa, Capt. Barber was the department manager for Immunizations and the treatment room until she was moved in June 2013 to Canadian Forces Base Borden. At the Canadian Forces Health Services Training Centre, Capt. Barber managed the Medical Technician Qualification Level 5 program, the Basic Medical Officer Course, the Primary Care Nurse Course and the Basic Nursing Officer Course.

She teaches on the Physician Assistant Course, and on all clinical courses conducted at the training centre. Capt. Barber lives in Wasaga Beach and enjoys travelling, kayaking, and hiking with her two big dogs.

She will be medically released in February 2018 and plans finish her Masters of Nursing Nurse Practitioner program in August 2018.

To donate to Mary Ann, click here.

Stephen Beardwood

I am Veteran from the Canadian Forces Medical Services, of 17 years, having served in combat roles. Following my release like many Veterans, I had to recreate and transfer my leadership and elite training roles and skills into the business marketplace. Since 2013 I have returned to my military roots working on a 5-year pilot project for a 10-bed facility for Veterans living with Operational Stress Injuries (OSI’s) such as PTSD.

Veterans House will be interfacing with researchers, practitioners and Peer Supported Veterans groups in Eastern Ontario. It was my experience with the Canadian Forces that lead me to recognize the need for this type of facility.

Through this project, I have connected with groups such as Canadian Institute for Military and Veteran Health Research (CIMVHR), Princes Charities, and the University of Regina, as well as many researchers, practitioners and Veteran’s groups to advance this project.

I chose to be an entrepreneur and a musician, successfully launching several of my original works at the Firehall Theater, in Gananoque. I play professionally with several groups which I helped to start up. I have dedicated myself to the learning process and upgrading not only my musical ability but also my entrepreneurial ability with business courses as well as musical training.

To donate to Stephen, click here.

John Croucher

Originally from Fredericton, New Brunswick, I enrolled in the military in 2000 and spent most of my military career with 1PPCLI.

I was deployed as a Platoon Commander with the 1PPCLI Battle Group, TF ORION on ROTO 1 in Afghanistan in 2006. I was evacuated from theatre a month or so short of completion as a result of an IED incident.

During my recovery efforts, I saw postings across Canada including CFRC Vancouver. LFTSP/RMC in Kingston, Director Land Requirements in Ottawa and then 1CMBG Brigade HQ as G3Trg, IMO and G3Ops. My last posting was with the PPCLI Regimental HQ as the 2IC (second-in-command) for the 100th Anniversary.

Released from the CF in 2015, I am currently living in Edmonton, and am married with two children (3-7).

Having first started as an Assistant Warden with the Correctional Service of Canada, I have recently taken on the role as the National Senior Advisor for DND Veterans working in the field of corrections.

To donate to John, click here.

Dr. Mike Crouzat

I obtained my Bachelor of Science and Medical Degree from the University of Western Ontario. I subsequently completed my Family Medicine Residency at Ottawa University in 1999. Worked in Sioux Lookout (northern Ontario) upon graduation, providing medical care to remote First Nation Communities.

I began working as a civilian General Duty Medical Officer (GDMO) in Petawawa, Ontario in November 2000. Over the following several years I obtained my qualifications as Flight Surgeon and Advanced Dive Medical Officer. In 2009, I received my Diploma in Sport and Exercise Medicine. In 2010, I began working with the Canadian Special Operations Regiment (CSOR) as a civilian physician.

Despite, having never been in the military, most of my career has revolved around the Canadian Forces in one of Canada’s busiest Garrison.

The on-going operational tempo, the prolonged war in Afghanistan, and current theaters of operation have provided me with a very challenging and rewarding professional environment.

Over the years, several of my severely injured patients have been involved in True Patriot Love expeditions. The impact has always been predictably profound and incredibly positive. As a health care professional, I am a strong believer in physical activity, the pushing of personal boundaries and the positive impact of outdoor adventures, as integral components of psychological and physical medical treatment. I consider myself very fortunate to be part of this upcoming expedition, which merges my profession and love for wilderness adventure.

On a personal level, I enjoy a very active life with my wife and two daughters in Petawawa. I spend countless hours on the rivers training for marathon canoe racing and Stand up Paddleboarding. I recently began white water Stand up Paddleboarding which has proven to be quite addictive. Other hobbies include woodworking, sculpting, and drawing. Canoe camping and expeditions have been a frequent source of adventure in my life.

To donate to Mike, click here.

Greg Dart

Greg grew up in Toronto and has lived there for most of his life but has spent about 10 years living, going to school or working in other cities in Europe and North America.

He is married to Beatrix and they have two children, Emily 17 and Alexander 14.

He loves to travel, ski, play golf and generally be active. He has spent his working life in management consulting with McKinsey, finance with Merrill Lynch UK and family office investing with Woodbridge Company.

He is currently semi-retired, doing some personal and project-based investment and consulting and enjoying a balanced lifestyle.

To donate to Greg, click here.

Bronwen Evans

Ms. Bronwen Evans is a Founding Director and CEO of the True Patriot Love, which has been raising record funds to support military families through its signature Tribute Dinners since its inception in 2009. Under her leadership since 2012, TPL has successfully spearheaded expeditions to the Himalayas, North Pole, and Antarctica, partnering prominent business leaders with wounded veterans. She also led the successful bid and raised the required seed funding to secure Prince Harry’s Invictus Games for Toronto in 2017.

Previous to her role with TPL, Ms. Evans was the Vice President of Marketing and Corporate Affairs at Medcan, the largest executive health clinic in North America, where she became the company’s first Chief Privacy Officer. Prior to joining Medcan,
Ms. Evans successfully ran her own communications and public affairs consulting firm for five years with a roster of clients from the energy, healthcare, legal, and government sectors.

Prior to her time in business, Ms. Evans was the Chief of Staff to the Ontario Minister of Finance, Jim Flaherty, where she advised on taxation and spending policies while leading the development and communication of the 2001 Provincial Budget. In addition, Ms. Evans served as Chief of Staff to the Attorney General, and a senior advisor to the Minister of Community and Social Services, and the Minister of Health.

Ms. Evans currently serves as a Governor of Kingsway College School. She previously served as a Director on the Boards of the National Ballet of Canada, the 2016 Orlando Invictus Games, The Canadian Club and Youth Without Shelter. Ms. Evans is a recipient of The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal (2012), which honours significant contributions and achievements by Canadians.

John Ferraro

In 1988 John formed Retail Ready Foods Inc. From very humble beginnings, the company has grown and evolved into a meat trading enterprise with 50 team members in offices located in Canada and Colombia. John also created LiberTerre, a marketing company focused on sustainable production of high-quality pork; and JS Ferraro & Co., a derivative-based agriculture risk management entity. He is CEO of all three.

John is an avid cyclist, hiker, golfer, and a passionate alpine and Nordic skier – generally an adventurer with a thirst for active travel. In 2009, along with a small group of friends, he co-founded Les Domestiques, a Cycling Club that has become a philanthropic vehicle for its members.

When he isn’t pursuing an adrenalin rush somewhere, John lives in Toronto. While not having children, he has become an informal life coach to many young adults in the City.

To donate to John, click here.

RJ Francis

RJ Francis, 18, is finishing his last year at Ardingly College in London, England and has been accepted to attend Wake Forest College in the United States.

RJ has lived in Toronto, France (bilingual), and currently resides in London England. RJ’s interests include skiing, tennis and debating world politics.

Shaun Francis

Shaun Francis is the Chair of New York City’s EHE, the recognized American leader in preventive medicine, and the Chair and CEO of Medcan, with headquarters in Toronto. Established more than 30 years ago, Medcan is a global leader in assessing their clients’ overall well-being and inspiring them to live well for life. In 2018 Medcan was recognized for overall business performance and sustained growth with the prestigious Canada’s Best Managed Companies designation, presented by Deloitte, CIBC, Canadian Business, Smith School of Business, TMX Group and MacKay CEO Forums and published by The National Post. This marks Medcan’s eighth year on the list and the second in the coveted Platinum status. Medcan joins a select group of Canadian companies that are noted for fearless leadership, a culture of teamwork, and a relentless focus on innovation.

Prior to his roles at EHE and Medcan, Shaun was one of the founding employees and the Senior Vice President of Strategy and Business Development for Dallas-based Broadlane, Inc., a leading business process outsourcer for more than 900 American hospitals. In 2010, Broadlane was sold to MedAssets for US$850MM. Prior to joining Broadlane, Shaun worked for Morgan Stanley’s New York and Toronto investment banking divisions where he managed equity, debt and mergers and acquisitions transactions.

Shaun serves on the board of the Fraser Institute and is the Chair of the True Patriot Love Foundation, which he founded to benefit Canada’s military families. He previously served on the boards of the Invictus Games Canada, which he collaborated with the Royal Foundation to bring to Toronto; the Canadian Foundation for AIDS Research (CANFAR); Toronto Pearson Airport; Upper Canada College; and he was the Chair of both the Ontario Chapter of the Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO) and the PC Ontario Fund.  In 2013, he was asked by Canada’s Minister of Veterans Affairs to Chair the Veteran Transition Advisory Council (VTAC). The Council was comprised of Canadian business leaders and assisted the Minister in drafting strategic recommendations for the transition of service personnel to the private sector.

The Globe and Mail featured Shaun as one of Canada’s Top 40 Under 40 in 2008, when he selected by a national panel. In 2010, Canada’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Walter Natynczyk, awarded Shaun the Canadian Forces Medallion for Distinguished Service, the military’s highest recognition for a civilian. In 2011, Shaun was the convocation speaker at the Royal Military College in Kingston, Ontario where he received his Honorary Doctor of Laws from Canada’s Minister of National Defence Peter MacKay.  In 2012 he was selected by Toronto Life as one of Toronto’s top 50 most influential people. In 2013 he was awarded a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal by Senator Linda Frum and the Minister of Veterans Affairs Steven Blaney. In 2014 he was awarded the Veterans Affairs Commendation by Minister Julian Fantino for contributing in an exemplary manner to the care and well-being of veterans. In 2015 he was recognized by Toronto’s Junior Achievement chapter with their Bold Thinkers Inspiring Leaders award for taking risks and challenging convention. In 2016 he was awarded the Meritorious Service Cross by Canada’s Governor General.

Shaun enjoys endurance sports and in 2012 co-led an expedition to Everest Base Camp and the summit of Island Peak, a 6,189-metre Himalayan Peak adjacent to Mount Everest. The expedition featured 12 injured Canadian soldiers raising funds and awareness for the True Patriot Love Foundation and injured veterans. It was the subject of a national prime time documentary named March to the Top airing on the CBC in February 2013. In 2014 Shaun co-led another True Patriot Love Expedition to the Magnetic North Pole, which was also the subject of a national prime time documentary on the History Channel. In 2017 Shaun completed his third True Patriot Love Expedition retracing the route of Canadian explorer George Douglas in the Northwest Territories to celebrate Canada’s 150^th anniversary as a nation.

Simon & Schuster published Shaun’s first book, Eat, Move, Think: The Path to a Healthier, Stronger Happier You, which debuted as a national bestseller in 2018.

Shaun earned his MBA from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and a Bachelor of Science with honors and merit from the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland after he received a nomination from President Reagan to attend as a Canadian. While there he also earned a commission as a Second Lieutenant in the Canadian Army.

Shaun is married to Stacy Francis and is father to Robert, William, and Christopher. Born and raised in Canada, he has lived with his family in the United States, the United Kingdom and France, and has travelled extensively throughout the world.

He can be reached at shaun@medcan.com or @ShaunCFrancis on Twitter. Follow him on Instagram @shauncfrancis.

William Francis

William Francis, 16,  is currently attending Ardingly College in London, England and will be in the lower 6th form next year, graduating in 2019. William enjoys playing tennis and skiing as well as discussing politics, music (Drake especially), the NBA and current events. William is fluent in both French and English.

Denise Laurin

My name is Denise Laurin. I was born in Rocky Mountain House, Alberta. I was raised on a farm and spent a lot of time around horses in my early years.

I joined the Canadian Forces Primary Reserve in 1989 as a Finance Clerk. I completed 3 tours outside Canada; once in Bosnia in 1997 and twice in Golan Heights, Israel in 1998 and 2000. I have worked over 17 years in a full-time capacity working with a variety of units and positions with the Regular and Reserve Forces.

I worked a variety of civilian jobs as well; Service Advisor, Maintenance Scheduler Assistant and various clerical positions. I studied Business Administration in 1992-1994 received a diploma in Finance from Northern Alberta Institute of Technology in Edmonton, Alberta.

I am slowly working towards a degree in Business Management through Athabasca University. For the past six years, I’ve been staying at home raising my two wonderful daughters along with my supportive and hard-working husband Dave.

I spend a lot of time involved with: my church, school activities and enjoying the great outdoors.

To donate to Denise, click here.

Ryan Marr

Ryan Marr works in Toronto as part of Gluskin Sheff + Associates, a wealth management firm focusing on high net worth clients. Ryan has been with the company for 10 years, beginning as a co-op student as part of his university program.

Ryan attended Wilfrid Laurier University and Waterloo University studying Economics & Finance as well as Mathematics. Ryan’s specific areas of interest include Game Theory and Industrial Organization.

Ryan was first introduced to TPL by one of his work colleagues three years ago. He has since attended TPLs annual gala at the Metro Toronto Convention centre. Those three years has helped him build up the courage to finally join one of TPLs expeditions!

To donate to Ryan, click here.

Toby Miller

I was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba in 1970 and lived on the Prairie until I was about 12.

I also spent a year in Central America during that time (my father was studying Anthropology).

After age 12 I moved to the West Coast and there I stayed, by in large, until I

I served my entire career in Petawawa, ON, with the last 6 years being a member of the Canadian Special Operations Regiment. I was wounded on my third tour in Afghanistan by an IED while on a foot patrol with CSOR.

I have deployed to Niger, Malaysia, Jamaica and Belize (to train their SOF teams, as well as 3 tours in Afghanistan). I look very much forward to meeting you all and becoming a team and learning from each other.

To donate to Toby, click here.

Zane Piekenbrock

Zane was born just outside Toronto in 1972.

He went on to attend University and holds a Master’s degree from University College London as well as undergraduate degrees from Queen’s University, and a Post-Graduate diploma from the University of Toronto.

Joining the Army in 1991, he completed 25 years of service and worked with the US, UK, Swedish and German military. He has deployed to Afghanistan and twice to Africa, where he was a Division level instructor for the African Union.

He has held appointments from Troop Leader to Squadron Commander and Battalion DCO, as well as various staff and instructor positions in the Primary Reserve and Regular Force.

He was released 3B in 2015 and will reside in the GTA.

To donate to Zane, click here.

Warren Robertson

Warren is a photographer and video producer who has carved out a living in eastern Canada by exploring and capturing images of wildlife from some of the most remote parts of our country. He has worked in some truly wild places such as the Yukon Territories, Northwest Territories, Nunavik, Newfoundland, British Columbia and Alaska. Warren’s inspiration for creative content is just as strong as his thirst for adventure.

To donate to Warren, click here.

Nicola Ross

A hometown girl, Nicola Ross is part of Caledon’s landscape. Years spent hiking local trails, wandering down country roads and exploring villages prompted her to start the Caledon Countryside Alliance to help protect the area from urban sprawl. A columnist with In The Hills magazine for almost two decades and the award-winning author of five books including Caledon and Dufferin County, Nicola lends her knowledge of Caledon’s past and present to her familiarity with the trails that crisscross its dramatic landscape.

A biologist and accomplished environmental/science writer, Nicola is particularly adept at working with information that deals with climate change, urban sprawl, green economics and corporate environmental performance.

After years working in the environment sector as a climate change consultant, writer, and editor of Canada’s national environmental magazine Alternatives Journal, Nicola recently switched careers. Nicola now spends her summers running a small adventure company French River Adventures at The Lodge at Pine Cove. And during Canada’s long, cold winter? You can find her in some warm part of the world – for the last three years it’s been Patagonia – discovering what she can about nature, culture, travel, and sport.

Michael Tait

Michael is an experienced entrepreneur and financial executive.

After selling his first business and completing an MBA, Michael began a career in investment banking with Gordon Capital.

He subsequently worked in many areas of institutional finance such as public debt & equity financings, divestitures, mergers & acquisitions and initial public offerings at firms such as CIBC, HSBC, and UBS.

Michael was also a co-founder of Genuity Capital Markets (sold to Canaccord Financial) and was Managing Director, UBS Securities Canada before deciding to pursue the formation of Alcielo.

He also enjoys coaching children in many sports.

To donate to Mike, click here.

Richard Talbot

In his most recent role, Richard Talbot was Chief Operating Officer of RBC Capital Markets with global responsibility for all operational and administrative matters of the firm.

Previously, Richard was Co-Head of Global Research at RBC Capital Markets, where his primary focus was on equity, fixed income & currencies and credit research in Canada, Europe, and Australia. He joined RBC Dominion Securities in 1993 and over the years gained recognition from institutional investors as the leading analyst in Canada’s telecom sector.

Richard holds an MBA from the Ivey School of Business at Western University, is a qualified Chartered Accountant and a Chartered Financial Analyst. Richard serves on the Board of CFA Society Toronto and the Investment Committee of St. Clement’s School.

To donate to Richard, click here.

Craig Tompkins

Craig grew up in the Toronto-Montreal corridor.

One day while walking very aimlessly down the main street in downtown Montreal, he looked up to see a sign in the recruiting centre, saying: “There’s no life like it.” He went in, asked some questions, did a few tests, and signed a few papers.

Two weeks later he was on a flight to basic training in a wonderfully pleasant town called Cornwallis in Nova Scotia.

He spent 25 years total in that organization where many adventures and experiences helped to shape his life.

Craig and Sarah had many postings over those years. He met his wife, Sarah in Winterpeg. She has been a supportive and stalwart spouse.

Comox, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Germany, Victoria, Toronto with three tours overseas which included a UN peacekeeping mission in Cyprus and active participation in the first and second Gulf Wars.

He had the honour of being selected for air crew training and flew for years with 435 Squadron on heavy lift C-130 Hercules aircraft, based out of Edmonton and Winnipeg, involved with Search and Rescue, Air to Air Refuelling, Tactical – Humanitarian and Strategic Airlift domestically and internationally.

He now spends his time volunteering and desperately trying to learn to sing and play the Uke.

To donate to Craig, click here.

Bob Torokvei

Mr. Robert Torokvei’s career at Scepter Corporation spanned over 42 years.

After graduating from the University of Miami in 1974, Robert joined his father Evald and older brother Thomas in the family business. At age 22, he was tasked with hiring 200 employees and setting up the company’s beverage and dairy crate operations in Simi Valley, California.

In the 1970s and 80s the Torokvei family substantially grew Scepter’s PVC pipe extrusion operations and in 1992 merged the pipe business with Canron forming IPEX Inc. IPEX was managed by Thomas and later became the largest PVC pipe producer in North America with 1,500 employees and over $1 billion in sales.

Robert became president of Scepter Corporation in 1992. Under his leadership, the company grew to become the largest manufacturer of portable fuel containers in North America, the leader in portable OEM fuel containers for the Marine industry and the largest manufacturer of plastic packaging for heavy caliber ammunition.

After 65 years of being in the Torokvei family, Scepter Corporation was sold June 2014 to Myers Industries of Akron, Ohio. Robert retired as acting president of Scepter in June 2016.

To donate to Bob, click here.

Max Torokvei

Max is currently Vice President of Axis Holdings Ltd, a privately owned investment company located in Toronto, Ontario.

Previous to this, Max was the Vice President Operations of Scepter Corporation – an industry leading manufacturer of molded plastic products for marine, military, and consumer markets.

Scepter was family owned for 65 years until it was sold to Myers Industries (NYSE: MYE) of Akron, Ohio in 2014.

Prior to Scepter, Max was a Portfolio Analyst at Dynamic Funds. He holds an Honours B.A in Business Administration from the University of Western Ontario and was awarded the Chartered Financial Analyst designation in 2013.

In his free time, Max enjoys spending time with family and friends; playing tennis or working out; and pursuing recreational aviation as a hobby.

To donate to Max, click here.

Tom Torokvei

Tom is an entrepreneur and private investor in Toronto. He is President of Barnwood Developments Inc., a private holding company that invests in real estate, aviation, and several other private equity interests. He is also the President of Elevated Aviation Services, a private aircraft charter company based out of Barrie, ON. Prior to this, Tom was in the real estate development business, commercial real estate, and worked in sales for the family business right out of school.

Tom studied business at Seneca College in Toronto, and also at the University of Western Sydney in Australia.

In his spare time, Tom is an avid private pilot, skier, a lover of all things fast and motorized, and a travel and adventure enthusiast.

To donate to Tom, click here.

Casey Wall

I’m married with two beautiful daughters, a 3-year-old and 3-month-old.

I joined the military as a Med tech in 1999 and in 2013 I completed training to be a Physical Assistant.

After completing 17 years in the military, I’ve begun my transition into the civilian world. Unsure in the beginning, however after attending a POE business boot camp in Regina, I’m looking forward to a career as an entrepreneur and bringing my military training and skills into the business world.

Looking forward to this great opportunity with TPL and meeting like minded individuals!

To donate to Casey, click here.

Bill Webb

Bill Webb has been an active investor since the age of fourteen with a long history of disciplined investing across a range of assets classes.

Until his retirement in December 2015 after 20 years with the Firm, Bill served as Executive Vice-President & Chief Investment Officer of Gluskin Sheff + Associates Inc., an independent Toronto-based wealth management firm that manages multi-asset class investment portfolios for high net worth private clients and select institutional investors.

Bill received an Honours Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Wilfrid Laurier University in 1986 and a Masters of Business Administration and a Diploma in Management (East Asian Studies) from McGill University in 1993. He has also earned his Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation. Prior to joining Gluskin Sheff in 1995, Bill was based in Beijing, China with the Bank Credit Analyst Research Group, analyzing emerging securities markets in China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. He also held positions as a money market and fixed income trader prior to becoming a manager of proprietary financial futures trading for CS First Boston in London, England.

Bill is an active Director of Rugby Canada, a member of the Investment Committee of the Canadian Rugby Foundation and sits on the Captain’s Council of TIRF – the Toronto Inner-City Rugby Foundation. He serves on the International Faculty Advisory Board of the Desautels Faculty of Management at McGill University and on the President’s Council of Advisors at Wilfrid Laurier University. In his youth, he worked as a trekking guide in India and Nepal.

Bill Lives in Toronto with his wife, Dr. Agnes Wong, and their sons James and Stephen.

To donate to Bill, click here.