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Kristi Buchanan B. Com, CFP, CLU, Financial Advisor

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Kristi Buchanan* Financial solutions inc.“I love what I do; I love helping my clients.”

That simple message reveals much about Kristi Buchanan*, B.Comm, CFP, CLU.

Buchanan, an investment and insurance advisor celebrating 10 years with Sun Life Financial, has a clear vision for her clients’ wealth.

Key to that vision is her holistic approach to investment and insurance planning. “I believe in helping people live the lives they dream about. We’re not just looking at your RRSP or your investment, we’re looking at the whole picture.” And, as a critical component to that, “I am passionate about ensuring their insurance needs are covered.”

It’s clear her approach works. This past spring, Buchanan was Sun Life’s No. 1 advisor for Affluent Insurance Solutions, an internal sales achievement. She’s also been a member of the Million Dollar Round Table for the past six years – an organization’s whose members are in the top one per cent of financial professionals world-wide.

Dedicated to her work and clients – many who have become friends over the years – Buchanan does expect a certain commitment in return: “They need to be serious about getting their financial houses in order.

“My whole philosophy is to let people know what they have available to them and let them make the decision.”

Have a question? Just ask! “If people are at all uncertain or have questions, they need to be able to come in and talk to their advisor.”

The relationships built and successes achieved together have meant

Buchanan has been able to build her career by referral. “It’s a nice way to build our business because you end up with clients who share a similar philosophy.”

Assisting Buchanan for five years is Robyn Penner*, Licensed Administrative Assistant, who enjoys supporting the growth of the business and clients’ investments. In addition to providing critical communication support, Penner also assists clients in areas such as deposits and redemptions, and enjoys helping clients reach their investment goals. “You see them go through the process and knowing we help them get to that point offers a great sense of satisfaction.”

Buchanan’s holistic approach extends to helping families farther afield. When not assisting clients in Victoria, she may well be working as a Habitat for Humanity team leader in Mexico, Guatemala or Costa Rica. This fall, she heads to Chile to help build homes for sick children returning from hospital. The experience, she says, “is truly amazing.”

Just as Buchanan builds security for these families, she offers the same dedication at home. Clients rest assured that with their “retirement tool kit” of registered investments, tax-efficient funds, pensions, health benefits and insurance, the goal is that even with the market’s ups and downs, “they can still live their lives the way they want to.”

Including insurance as part of this overall toolkit is essential, so that if someone does become ill, “people can focus on the important stuff – family and getting better.”* Mutual Funds offered by Sun Life Financial Investment Services (Canada) Inc

I believe in helping people live the lives they dream about. We’re not just looking at your RRSP or your investment, we’re looking at the whole picture.

Kristi Buchanan B. Com, CFP, CLU Financial Advisor Sun Life Financial

Sun Life Financial 3962 Borden St., Suite 101 Victoria, BC V8P 3H8 Tel: 250-385-1471 ext 2244 www.kristibuchanan.com kristi.buchanan@sunlife.com

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From back left to right: Jeffrey Renaud (Administrator Berwick Royal Oak), Linda Lord (Marketing Berwick House), Michael St. Clair (Administrator Berwick House), Helen Brown (Marketing Berwick Royal Oak), Chris Denford (Owner/Operator) and Gail Macphail (Marketing Berwick House)

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People are happy here; we build friendships and relationships.

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Gordon and chris denFord,BerwicK retirement communities

The most beautiful retirement residence is nothing without the right people. But for the residents at Berwick Retirement Communities, the two go hand-in-hand.

Founded in 1989 with Berwick House, at the corner of Feltham and Shelbourne Streets in Saanich, the family-run Berwick Retirement Communities has since grown to include residences in Nanaimo, Comox and Kamloops, along with the newest Berwick at Royal Oak. However, growth is not solely about expanding residences, but also striving continually to improve and update their existing communities for their residents. Berwick House, for example, recently underwent significant renovations that greatly expanded the gardens and outdoor living spaces, including adding full balconies to many suites. They will also have a new theatre, a Zoom Room fitness centre and a social lounge completed by early fall.

Owned and operated by Gordon Denford and son Chris, each independently managed location is carefully chosen for its appealing setting and proximity to shopping, transportation and other essentials.

“With every Berwick we create, our first thought is about the neighbourhood and amenities, asking ourselves throughout the process, ‘Is this a space I would love to live in?’’’ Gordon says.

Creating a warm, inviting atmosphere, complete with cosy, well-stocked library, inviting dining room and beautiful gardens is the first step, complemented by exceptionally well-trained staff who are chosen specifically not only for their knowledge, but also for their ability to make residents and their families feel right at home.

“We provide residents with the most beautiful building, and hire the best staff

– they are an essential component to the Berwick family.”

Other features enjoyed by each Berwick community include quality dining, recreational bus trips, a bright, cheery salon and other amenities instrumental to creating a homey environment. At stunning Berwick Royal Oak, for example, residents can relax in an English pub, complete with pool table and darts, or enjoy guest events and in-house entertainment in the 125-seat theatre. Beautiful gardens decorate all Berwick residences – in Comox Valley, the residents have even formed a roof-top Garden Club – and at Royal Oak and most other properties, each suite has an outdoor space.

In addition to independent living, Berwick also integrates a residential care component, allowing residents to stay in familiar surroundings and with friends close by once they need a little extra care.

While each area has individual dining rooms, other amenities are shared, and the transition between care and independent living is seamless. “We want to make all aspects of living at Berwick easy and comfortable,” Chris says.

It comes as little surprise to residents that Berwick communities are consistently recognized in the annual Victoria News Best of the City Awards; after all, its residents come first. Gordon also earned a 2010 Governors’ Lifetime Achievement Award from the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce and Business Leader of the Year from the 2009 CFAX Community Awards.

The recognition speaks volumes about the family’s approach: “People are happy here; we build friendships and relationships.”

Gordon Denford Chris Denford Owner/Operators

Berwick Royal Oak 4680 Elk Lake Drive Victoria, BC V8Z 0B4 250-386-4680 1-866-721-4680

Berwick House 4062 Shelbourne Street Victoria, BC V8N 3E6 Phone 250-721-4062 1-866-721-4062

berwickretirement.com

BERWICKR E T I R E M E N T

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Scott Garman, Realtor, Macdonald Realty

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Nothing makes me happier than helping my clients take the most appropriate steps toward their real estate goals.

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scott Garman, macdonald realty ltd.

From new home owners to those looking for investment properties to those finding it’s time to downsize, Scott Garman’s focus and philosophy remains the same: “Helping clients reach their home ownership goals.”

A realtor for more than three years with Macdonald Realty Ltd., it’s been a coming home for Garman, born and raised in Saanich. After earning his Commerce degree from the University of Victoria, Garman left the Island to pursue graduate school – earning both his Chartered Accountant designation and an MBA – and lay the foundation for his career, which has included 16 years in finance, banking, accounting and real estate.

Throughout the evolution of Garman’s career, education and service have been the cornerstones of his business. Involved in real estate through his former company in Vancouver, he saw the need in Victoria for a realtor with his education and business background. This rare combination of diverse, yet complementary, knowledge and experience means clients can be confident their realtor brings the insight and business acumen to see the full financial picture and opportunities for them to grow their wealth in real estate, should that be their goal.

The opportunity also allowed Garman to explore his own business goals. “I realized I was an entrepreneur and I wanted to be in business for myself.”

Complementing this client-focused business approach is a dedication to service that ensures Garman’s clients are with him for the long-term. It also means he’s been able to establish a

successful real estate business that is based mainly on referrals.

“I think people find comfort in my background,” he suggests. “They know I’m interested not only in one transaction, but in how it fits into their long-term plans. Nothing makes me happier than helping my clients take the most appropriate steps toward their real estate goals.”

While Garman is able to draw on the experience and knowledge gained from his education, he’s also a big believer in sharing that knowledge with clients so they know exactly why they’re making each decision.

“Clients realize pretty quickly that I’m in it not because of the commission but because we’re building the relationship. If a purchase or sale doesn’t make sense in terms of their personal situation and their goals, there’s no point in pursuing it.”

When he’s not helping clients achieve their real estate goals, the father of two young daughters – 4 1/2-year-old Scotia and 10-month-old Siena – is a busy member of the community. Garman is a Director of the Greater Victoria Housing Society, which looks at ways to increase affordable housing in the region, and is a New Member Ambassador with the Victoria Chamber of Commerce. Further augmenting this community focus, a portion of every commission goes to local charity.

“I feel I’m pretty lucky, and have had a pretty priviledged life, and there’s a lot of people who need help,” he explains. “It’s just about giving back to the community I’m working in.”

Scott Garman BCom, MBA, CA, Realtor

Macdonald Realty Ltd. 755 Humboldt Street Victoria, BC V8W 1B1

Phone 250-388-5882 Cell 250-896-7099 Toll Free 800-804-8950 info@scottgarman.ca

www.scottgarman.ca

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Back row: David Potvin, Terry (TJ) Smith, Gene Potvin, Jim Potvin and Solomon Potvin Front row: Nicole Smith, Tricia Holden (Potvin), Patricia Potvin and Jessica Thornborough (Potvin)

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Thunderbird Insurance Brokers Ltd. 1032 Yates Street Victoiria, BC V8V 3M6

Phone 250-385-9795 Fax 250-385-9760 thunderbirdinsurance.com

let our Family insure yours,thunderBird insurance BroKers ltd.

Thunderbird Insurance Brokers is a family business in the truest sense of the word. Father and grandfather Gene Potvin founded Thunderbird Insurance in 1974. Now following in his footsteps daughters Trish, Terri, sons David and Jim, the four senior partners, along with son-in-law General Manager Terry Smith, Trish’s son, Solomon, daughter, Jessica and Terry and Terri’s daughter, Nicole – are all at your service. Sister Lori Potvin, with over 20 years service at Thunderbird, retired in 2009.

Together they bring three generations to one of Canada’s oldest and largest family-owned insurance brokerages.

“We strive every day to insure our clients the way we want to be insured,” says Gene’s eldest daughter, Trish Holden. Thunderbird’s dedication to their clients’ goes beyond office hours. Jim and Terry both have in the past sat as President of The Victoria Insurance Brokers Association and Executives of Insurance Brokers Association of British Columbia.

As a volunteer firefighter, Jim understands the value insurance offers his clients both in financial security and peace of mind. “I always say nobody needs insurance until they really need it. As people mature and their life, family and financial situations evolve, they realize that more and more.

“People can come in and speak to a family member, and if they have

an emergency, they can call us 24/7 and we will react quickly, even in the middle of the night,” David says. “We will go to bat for a client if they’re not satisfied with how a claim is being handled. Even if you don’t have insurance with us and have a question we will be glad to help you.”

Thunderbird takes pride in building lasting relationships with clients and insurers. As insurance professionals, they can ask the right questions to get an accurate and complete picture of the client’s needs and expectations. The bottom line is to provide fair, equitable and timely services for loss control and claims. For those who find getting to the Yates Street office a challenge, they even do house calls.

Terry Smith says, “Many of our clients have been with the company since its inception.”

Licensed Insurance Brokers and members of the Insurance Brokers Association, Thunderbird sells and services all types of insurance, auto, home, life and more specialized products such as commercial and marine insurance. Contracts with four larger Canadian companies, Wawanesa, Intact, Axa and Optimum West, as well as access to an array of wholesale companies means that Thunderbird will find the right insurance to fit your needs.

Family and staff promise “service is our way of doing business”; let us tuck you under the “Thunderbird” wing.

Service is our way of doing business.

INSURANCE BROKERS LTD.

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Poontra Isarasakdi, Master chef Aree Mukdasri, Dome Jiang (Panda and Rod’s son), Rod Jiang and Panda Isarasakdi, Little Thai Group

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rod JianG, Panda isarasaKdi, Poontra isarasaKdi and aree muKdasri, little thai GrouPIf you’ve travelled to Thailand, you may well have enjoyed the delicious flavours of the country’s street food – authentic, honest flavours, served at affordable prices.

Victorians will soon be able to enjoy those same flavours right here at home when the folks behind the popular Little Thai Place restaurants open a brand new establishment to tempt their taste buds.

Building on the success of his four Little Thai Place locations, this coming January, owner Rod Jiang will be opening the Noodle Cart at 1018 Blanshard St., designed to serve the downtown lunch and after work crowds delicious, 100-per-cent-authentic Thai street food.

Upon entering the Noodle Cart, guests will immediately be taken back to an earlier time, with an atmosphere reminiscent of an old-time Thailand marketplace with its savoury and delicious street vendor foods.

Complementing the main Noodle Cart menu will be a specialty menu from northeast Thailand, such as sticky rice, papaya salad and Thai-style barbecue pork, ideal for lunch or sharing after work over a glass of wine or beer with friends.

The Noodle Cart is just the latest innovation for the locally owned Little Thai business. Building on the restaurants’ success, this spring, Jiang and the Little Thai Place team also launched a line of prepared meals – red, green and yellow curries with chicken served with Jasmine rice, including everything you need to re-create delicious Thai cuisine at home. Coming soon will be a second line featuring noodles such as Pad Thai, Thai peanut

noodle and Thai spicy basil noodle.

The steady growth the company has enjoyed is due in large part to Jiang’s business sense – bringing the right people in for the job – including top chefs directly from Thailand to offer that quality and authenticity – and understanding what the market is looking for.

With Economics and MBA degrees to his credit, Jiang works hard to build good relationships with both his customers and his suppliers, securing good prices for quality products – prices he can pass along.

It’s also important that the company participate fully in the community, and Little Thai Place has been pleased to partner with such diverse groups as the BC Cancer Foundation, the North Park Neighbourhood Association and CanAssist at the University of Victoria in their fundraising initiatives.

Joining Jiang in the company are his wife, Panda Isarasakdi, her brother, Poontra Isarasakdi, and Master chef Aree Mukdasri and now, eight years after founding the first Little Thai Place in Saanich at the Shelbourne Plaza, the founding partners remain a team, each bringing specific skills to the business. Today, the company now includes locations on Cook Street near Caledonia, in the Reflections building on Langford’s Veterans Memorial Parkway, and in West Saanich at the Royal Oak Shopping Centre. All offer a choice of in-restaurant dining, take-out and delivery.

Throughout the growth process, Jiang’s business philosophy is simple: “If you offer a good product with good services at a good price, it will succeed.”

If you offer a good product with good services at a good price, it will succeed.

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Little Thai Place

3613 Shelbourne Street Shelbourne Plaza 250-477-8668

137-2745 Veterans Memorial Langford 250-478-5455

110-4480 West Saanich Road West Saanich 250-477-3377

1839 Cook Street Cook & Caledonia 250-477-8900

littlethaiplace.com

Noodle Cart 1018 Blanshard Street Victoria, BC V8W 2H5 Noodlecart.com

Little Thai Retailed Products Littlethai.com

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Greg Long, Pemberton Homes Latoria Walk

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Greg Long Realtor

Pemberton Holmes 150-805 Cloverdale Victoria, BC V8X 2S9 Phone 250-384-8124 Fax 250-388-6020 Email greglong@shaw.ca

www.greglong.ca

GreG lonG,PemBerton holmes, latoria walK

Colwood’s Latoria Walk is about more than building homes; it’s about building community.

The multi-phase, 38-acre project got under way several years ago with 65 single-family homes, followed by 30 patio home and brownstone units, and 69 condominiums. Currently under construction are 34 one-bedroom condominium units, an excellent value offering quality and elegant finishings at an affordable starting price of just $219,000 – plus, the strata fees are covered for the first year.

The West Coast-inspired exterior design features cedar and stone, complemented by professional landscaping and outdoor seated courtyards overlooking Latoria Creek and gardens.

Inside, homeowners enjoy exceptional interior sound-proofing plus designer interiors that include open-concept layouts, inviting kitchens with quartz countertops, and an Energy Star™ appliance allowance.

Large balconies extend the living space and allow homeowners to enjoy the picturesque valley and mountain views.

Of course, a community also needs a town centre, and at Latoria Walk, that centre is growing quite nicely in the market area below the condominiums. The vision for this unique development was to create a complete and vibrant community with a marketplace as its focal point – a place to relax and enjoy a light lunch, linger over coffee or shop for fresh produce.

Welcoming a variety of wellness-related businesses, residents will enjoy the

benefits of a pharmacy, fitness gym, medical clinic and yoga studio, in addition to the fourth location for the local Red Barn Market, which will also feature a bistro/deli, notes realtor Greg Long.

It’s the perfect fit for the well-planned community where the diversity of homes has also ensured a diversity of residents, from first-time home-buyers to families to retirees looking to downsize. “Our demographic is everyone,” Long says. “It really is a mix of all ages and backgrounds.”

What many of Latoria Walk’s residents have in common, however, is an appreciation for a community in perfect harmony with its natural surroundings.

The development is backed by 40 acres of forested parkland with plenty of trails to explore. Homes are steps from Olympic View Golf Course and just a few minutes from the beach, and with its proximity to the Galloping Goose Trail, those looking for a leisurely bike ride or to commute to work won’t have to go far!

“It’s a beautiful location,” Long notes. “Residents of Latoria Walk will enjoy a pristine, natural setting with all of the comforts of a traditional community.”

Attractive features include wider streets, sidewalks and landscaping designed to create a walkable, bikable community where residents get out and meet their neighbours.

Taken together, this trio of value, location and quality have combined at Latoria Walk to offer a community to come home to.

Residents of Latoria Walk will enjoy a pristine, natural setting with all of the comforts of a traditional community.

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Todd Vaughan, Shaun Gallant, Arlene Kane, Jennifer Banner and Alan Bevan

”Todd Vaughan Alan Bevan TD Waterhouse Private Investment Advice

1070 Douglas Street, 5th Floor Victoria, B.C. V8W 2C4 T 250-953-6015 1-800-276-4967

Todd Vaughan and Alan Bevan,TD Waterhouse Private Investment Advice

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Trust. Reputation. Ability to listen.

According to a recent survey of clients and investment professionals, these are the top three reasons they refer others to the Vaughan Bevan Wealth Management Group.

That is something Todd Vaughan and Alan Bevan are more than happy to hear.

“In the worst of times our business is growing and we are expanding our staff,” Bevan notes.

“Our unique, proprietary investment process means we’ve been able to put together strategies that work, and recent unsettled times have cemented our process. We set reasonable return expectations and reduce risk.”

The key to that process? Drawing on their own extensive knowledge and continual research – rather than relying on the work of others. “The core of our business is thought, and we give thought to your investments. Based on that wealth of knowledge and 45 combined years of experience with TD Waterhouse Private Investment Advice, we have convictions and we can back them up,” Vaughan notes.

That experience and personal approach allows clients to rest assured they – and their investments – are being well looked after, especially important for those winding down their working years. “When people are actively retired or thinking about retirement, they have reduced capacity for stress in times of economic volatility,” Vaughan says.

Recently joining the Vaughan Bevan Wealth Management Group is Shaun Gallant, bringing 16 years experience with the TD Bank Group. To the team he offers increased administration

capacity and experience in retirement investment planning, plus enhanced communication to ensure information is shared with clients in a timely fashion.

Together Vaughan Bevan Wealth Management Group boasts a support team with over 30 years experience and an investment team managing close to half a billion dollars in assets.

“The other thing we really benefit from in a world that has reverted to some form of 2008 is that TD Bank came through that situation with the strongest overall rating in Canada and North America by Euromoney Magazine, further underscoring the confidence the financial world has in the TD Bank Group,” Vaughan notes.

On a personal level, the two also survey clients each spring to learn where they are succeeding and where they could do better. “Our scores have continually improved, but more than that, our clients have a much better experience, both during difficult times and as they have improved.”

Also indicated through the survey is a growing interest in estate planning, indicative of an older population as retirees or their children start looking ahead. “It gives people peace of mind that a critical portion of their wealth management plan is looked after,” Bevan points out.

Coming up this fall is a seminar series with Vaughan Bevan Wealth Management Group, a program best-suited for investors with more than $750,000 in investable assets. For more information or to reserve your seat, call 250-356-4163 or 1-800-276-4967 TD Waterhouse Private Investment Advice, Vaughan Bevan Wealth Management Group.

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TD Waterhouse Private Investment Advice is a division of TD Waterhouse Canada Inc., a subsidiary of The Toronto-Dominion Bank. TD Waterhouse Canada Inc. - Member – Canadian Investor Protection Fund.* ® / The TD logo and other trade-marks are the property of The Toronto-Dominion Bank or a wholly-owned subsidiary, in Canada and/or in other countries. TD Waterhouse Canada Inc. is a licensed user. Trade Name consists of Todd Vaughan, Vice President, Portfolio Manager; Alan Bevan, Vice President, Portfolio Manager; Jennifer Banner, Assistant Investment Advisor; Shaun Gallant, Assistant Investment Advisor; Arlene Kane, Assistant Investment Advisor. Trade Name is a part of TD Waterhouse Private Investment Advice.

The core of our business is thought, and we give thought to your investments.

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Vaughan BevanWealth Management Group

PMeet the management team of Black Press Greater Victoria, which includes the community newspapers, Monday Magazine and Real Estate Victoria publications. From left: Oliver Sommer, Advertising Sales Director; Penny Sakamoto, Group Publisher Greater Victoria; Kevin Laird, Editorial Director; and Bruce Hogarth, Circulation Director. Based here in Victoria, Black Press is one of Canada’s leading media companies, with newspaper, magazine, website and press divisions across Western Canada and the US.

Welcome to Black Press’ third edition of Profiles of Excellence.

Inside these pages, we invite you to meet Greater Victoria business leaders representing such diverse fields as finance, real estate, insurance, retirement living and dining.

Join us in celebrating these made-in-Victoria success stories, thriving local businesses whose entrepreneurial spirit is grounded firmly in their commitment to quality, customer service and community.

To share your story with Black Press readers in the next Profiles of Excellence, contact Oliver Sommer, Director of Advertising Sales, at osommer@blackpress.ca or 250-381-3633 ext 236.

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