Co-founder and managing director, Ritchie Bros. Financial Services
Age 39
What career highlight are you most proud of?
Achieving our first $1 billion year in sales volume in 2022.
What has been your toughest business or professional decision to date?
In today’s fluctuating economic landscape, workforce reduction can be a difficult but essential step to maintain business viability. Our organization experienced exceptional growth between 2021 and 2023, which led to accelerated hiring to meet market demand. However, as conditions normalize, recalibrating our workforce has become necessary to ensure long-term sustainability. This adjustment, though challenging, allows us to realign resources and strengthen the business’ foundation for future stability in more stabilized market conditions.
How do you lead?
My leadership approach centres on key principles driving our success. I focus on results, setting ambitious goals to ensure growth and impact. Beyond metrics, I foster an entrepreneurial spirit, valuing innovation and adaptability to stay ahead in our evolving industry. Prioritizing a people-first mentality, I emphasize team well-being, growth and trust, creating a collaborative and empowering culture. While achieving excellence, I also believe in enjoying the journey—fun and camaraderie are essential to our vibrant, enthusiastic workplace.
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned in business?
There is no room for complacency in business. Success can sometimes lead to a false sense of security, which poses a risk to sustained growth. Leaders must constantly look to the future, identifying emerging trends, potential challenges and opportunities to innovate. Even at the peak of success, vigilance and adaptability are essential, as markets evolve and competition intensifies. By keeping a forward-thinking mindset, leaders can anticipate shifts and proactively steer their organizations, ensuring continued resilience and relevance.
Best piece of advice ever received?
Stay curious, always. Staying curious as a leader is crucial because it fuels growth, adaptability and innovation. Curious leaders constantly seek new insights and perspectives, enabling them to navigate challenges and find fresh solutions. By modelling curiosity, leaders inspire their teams to explore, experiment and stay engaged, creating a culture that embraces continuous improvement.
What is your definition of success?
Success goes beyond personal accomplishments; it lies in inspiring and guiding a team toward shared goals and creating a culture where everyone can thrive. Success involves driving lasting impact through business growth, innovation and customer satisfaction, while maintaining integrity, empathy and accountability. True success is measured by the positive changes we bring, the challenges we overcome and the legacy of empowerment we leave behind. It’s a continuous journey of growth, adaptation and enabling others to reach their highest potential.
What are you most passionate about outside of work?
Raising my family and nurturing my two children are paramount in my life. I’m committed to helping them excel in all aspects, instilling strong foundations early on and encouraging them to embrace every experience life offers. Travel has always been a passion—a gateway to adventure, cultural exploration and unique culinary experiences. I value the perspective that travel brings, deepening my understanding of diverse cultures and histories.
What’s left to accomplish?
Since its founding in 2011, RBFS has been on an impressive growth trajectory, yet there remains significant potential to enhance scalability by strengthening our foundational structure. Leveraging technological advancements and implementing scalable growth solutions will enable us to drive revenue growth while improving contribution margins and, most importantly, delivering even greater value to our customers. With a clear vision and focus on innovation, RBFS is well-positioned to achieve even more ambitious goals.
Is there anyone you would like to thank or acknowledge?
My family for building the strong foundation and work ethic that is my core. The co-founding members of RBFS that listened to a young professional that had a dream of creating something big. The executives and leaders at Ritchie Bros. that have coached and mentored me along the way. Karim and Luke whom nominated me for this recognition. The RBFS team that has built this business and whom I show up for each and every day to serve.
A personal motto, favourite phrase or saying that resonates with you?
Impossible is nothing
A philanthropic, charitable or community cause or organization you support?
KidSport BC
What do you do to unwind, relax or de-stress?
Travel, listen to music, play and watch sports
Favourite place in the province?
Stuart Island, B.C. (Dave Ritchie’s fishing lodge)
Favourite restaurant(s)?
Elisa, Bao Bei, Minami, Blue Water Cafe
A book or podcast you would recommend?
The Executive and the Elephant
What is your best habit?
Showing up every single day for the people that I support professionally and personally
A B.C. business leader you admire?
Dave Ritchie, founder of Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers
Tell us one surprising or little-known fact about yourself.
Never make a bet with a mediocre golfer on the first to get a hole-in-one—tattoos are not removable!
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