It takes a team. Sometimes it can be easier to do things on our own, but the real fact is that important undertakings require a team. It's advice we give our clients, and it's advice that we live every day.
When O'Farrell Financial started in 1997, we were a very small team. But as we stayed true to our commitments to deliver financial and estate plans to our clients in a caring and professional way, we knew we'd need to build a team to do it. Now our team of twelve amplifies that commitment as we continue to focus on what's truly important to our clients.
Dermid O'Farrell - Financial Security Advisor, Partner and President
Christine Aubin - Advisor Associate for Dermid O'Farrell and Geoff Carter
Matthew Felker - Financial Security Advisor and Partner
Jana Fawcett - Advisor Associate for Matthew Felker
Keeley Mouré - Certified Financial Planner and Partner
Starr Langstaff - Advisor Associate for Keeley Mouré
Rick Lewis - Financial Security Advisor and Partner
Alison Marshall - Advisor Associate for Rick Lewis
Geoff Carter - Financial Security Advisor and Partner
Lan Nguyen - Processing Supervisor
Donna Lee O'Farrell - Operations Manager and Partner
Graham Pincott - Controller
Samantha Joudoin - Marketing Planner
Jenny Thibert - Insurance Case Coordinator
Lindsay Foster - Manager of First Impressions
Patrick Brauneisen - Office Care & Cleanliness
Financial Security Advisor, Partner and President - Dermid O'Farrell
At the core of a financial and estate planning business is the desire to make a real difference in people's lives. Without that desire, there is no integrity to the business. And when you speak with Dermid, it doesn't take long to realize that the desire to serve drives him - it drives the entire O'Farrell Financial team.
Dermid and his wife Donna Lee, started O'Farrell Financial in 1997 and, from the beginning, they've had something bigger on their minds than just building a great business. They were intent on serving their clients and the community in which they live. Over a decade has passed since they made that commitment, and the results speak for themselves. The firm is flourishing and it is deeply active in the community.
As one of the top financial services professionals in the country, Dermid brings three very important qualities to his work, and to his clients - expertise, discipline and heart.
He has worked with hundreds of clients to solve all kinds of financial and estate challenges - there are very few circumstances he hasn't seen. His discipline comes from his heartfelt desire to provide a professional experience for his clients, and his compassion comes from knowing that we're all doing our best, and we tend to do a little better with support we can trust.
As a business owner, Dermid understands what it's like to build something you care about, and knows first hand the challenges, tough times, celebrations and responsibilities that come with leading a firm. Working together with Donna Lee and a great team of inspired professionals, Dermid stays focused on what's important to his clients - helping them live the lives they want today, and securing the legacy they want for the future.
Dermid understands because, as President of O'Farrell Financial, he isn't just leading a business, he's leading a legacy.
Advisor Associate for Dermid O'Farrell and Geoff Carter - Christine Aubin
Focused, organized and always striving to be one step ahead, Christine's personality is exactly what is needed to be the Advisor Associate for Dermid O'Farrell.
A graduate of Carleton University, with a Post-Grad degree from St. Lawrence College, Christine comes to O'Farrell Financial with a background in the financial industry. As a licensed assistant, Christine enjoys the family oriented structure of the O'Farrell system, as well as working closely with the clients and helping them reach their goals.
A native of Cornwall, ON, Christine is new to the Kemptville/Brockville area and looks forward to getting involved in the community. With her pure desire to help others and a strong sense of family and friendship, Christine makes a great fit with the belief and mission of O'Farrell Financial.
Financial Security Advisor and Partner - Matthew Felker, BA, EPC
November 1st, 2005 was a big day for Matt Felker. He had been a banker in Toronto before becoming a financial advisor in 1997. But after eight years of serving clients, he decided to do something bigger. He decided he wanted to serve a community, as well as his clients. November 1st, 2005 was the day Matt Felker joined O'Farrell Financial.
Although Matt had a successful practice in Ottawa, he and his family were looking for more. They were looking for a different lifestyle, and they were looking for a community where they could know more than just their next-door neighbour. Matt was also looking for an opportunity to partner with another seasoned professional. When he became a partner at O'Farrell Financial, he and his family got all of the above.
Some people think Matt works long days, often in the office by 6:30am, putting in a full day, and then participating in various community activities in the evenings. But it doesn't feel like work to Matt. He's doing what he loves and making a difference along the way.
Matt knows that it's not enough to simply take steps toward your goals - we have to take steady steps, solid steps that won't create undue risk or chaos. A step at a time is good, but steady steps that you know you can rely on are the ones that let clients act with confidence.
As a seasoned financial advisor, clients count on Matt's solid experience and clear perspective to make decisions about growing, protecting and transitioning their wealth. And when they do, they're able to do it with the confidence that Matt wants to serve what's important to them, and their community. Matt's clients win twice.
Advisor Associate for Matthew Felker - Jana Fawcett, BA
Jana is a very organized, conscientious, and a driven individual. These are a few of the reasons that she makes such a great Advisor Associate as she supports Matthew Felker. Jana keeps Matt prepared and organized for his numerous meetings.
Her diploma as an Educational Assistant, her BA in Psychology, and many years of administrative experience amplify her ability to support Matt. Her involvement with the Mountain Township and District Lions Club demonstrates her belief in being dedicated to her community. When you add in Jana's country values, O'Farrell Financial gets to enjoy having a team member who is on a real quest to grow, and who also knows that you have to care about your neighbour, your family and the people who are important to you.
Certified Financial Planner and Partner - Keeley Mouré, CFP
Keeley became a Certified Financial Planner in 1997 before moving into Commercial Banking at a prior firm. She's helped hundreds of individuals and business owners make important financial decisions through the years, and so it was a perfect match when she joined O'Farrell Financial in the spring of 2009.
Despite her expertise and excellent reputation in the industry, she knew that changing roles would have risks. But Keeley will tell you that "this team removed the risk", and now she's part of a team that helps its clients do the same.
As a financial advisor at O'Farrell Financial, Keeley spends her days understanding what is truly important to her clients, and then designing ways to help them have that; to have the lifestyle they want, the protection they need, and the clarity to make great decisions for their businesses, for the next generation and beyond.
Because of Keeley's time in commercial banking, she's worked with hundreds of financial statements and partnered with lawyers and accountants to help her clients make solid decisions. It gives her a unique perspective when she is providing financial and estate planning services to business owners as she's deeply familiar with both the challenges that arise, and how to handle them skillfully.
At home with her husband and their five children, Keeley understands what it's like to juggle a busy household, a busy career, and be active in the community. Her ability to do it speaks to her energy, her focus and her efficiency. You can count on all three when you work with Keeley.
Advisor Associate for Keeley Mouré - Starr Langstaff
Starr's bubbly personality and upbeat attitude serves as a warm welcome for anyone walking in to the Brockville Office. Her openness and positive outlook on life only make people want to get to know her more.
Born and raised in Brockville, Starr is delighted to be working in the city as Keeley Mouré's Advisor Associate. As a mother of two boys who are actively involved in a number of different sports in the community, Starr understands the importance of balancing her busy work life with her even busier family life. This is what makes her a great match in helping Keeley and O'Farrell Financial be the best it can be.
A natural caregiver at heart, Starr strongly believes in the values of honesty, integrity and acceptance. She brings friendliness and a genuine desire to help others to this position, a true testament to the principles of O'Farrell Financial.
Financial Security Advisor and Partner - Rick Lewis
Originally trained as an industrial engineer, Rick started his career dealing with time and motion studies. Perhaps that's rather fitting because, as a Financial Security Advisor, his days are spent working with clients who want to make the best decisions on what actions they should take over time.
Through Rick's work history, he has constantly been relied upon to make clear assessments of challenging situations and then create a plan people can actually act on to get an important result. Whether it was participating in the startup of a facility in Perth, representing international manufacturers in Toronto, starting a factory in China, or leading the North American Sales Team of a global company, Rick is able to provide clarity when others see chaos. He sees a path where others often see obstacles.
And when life introduced its own obstacles in the form of a personal health scare, Rick took time to do what he always does - he got clear on what was most important, created a plan and made it work.
In 2007, he decided to leave the firm that he'd served so well, and make an even more important move; the move to the Ottawa Valley. Along with his wife, he settled in Burritt's Rapids near Merrickville, and he began his work as a Financial Security Advisor. If you ask Rick what's different about life now, he'll tell you that "I changed my lifestyle to where I feel I'm really helping people achieve their goals, rather than a large company's goals. I help people in my community, not just shareholders who I've never met." And combining his understanding of running a business, and running a busy household, Rick is well-prepared to serve his clients.
With a life refocused by acting on a clear plan, Rick is caring for what's most important to him, his family, and his community.
Advisor Associate for Rick Lewis - Alison Marshall
Alison gives people more energy in a short conversation than most people will experience all day. And more than that, she's one of those people who gets a tremendous amount of work done in a very short amount of time.
As the Advisor Associate for Rick Lewis, Alison is involved in handling many of the details of a busy office and supports Rick in taking excellent care of his clients.
Born and raised near Kemptville, Alison has an unshakably positive attitude. Enthusiastic, organized and with a genuine desire to serve, Alison brings a warmth that amplifies the O'Farrell Financial commitment to professionalism and community.
Financial Security Advisor and Partner - Geoff Carter, BA, FLMI
Geoff Carter isn't the type that tends to do things by accident - he's a man who is very passionate about what's important to him and he acts on that. Approachable and enthusiastic, Geoff is always pushing for excellence and doesn't apologize for sharing the things he knows are important to his clients.
There is a lot that keeps Geoff in touch with what's important to his clients. Business, finance and family have always been front and centre in Geoff's mind. He's been a successful business owner in his own right, and after selling his company to a large firm moved to the financial services world. The past twenty years have been spent supporting business owners and leaders in securing their financial future.
Married and a father of four girls, Geoff knows what it takes to raise a family, and what it takes to plan for a future that can be uncertain. He also understands the joys of time spent together with the people you care about. That's why you'll likely find him at the cottage with family and friends in the summer, cheering on one of his girls in a water polo pool or volleyball court at a University varsity venue in Ontario, or enjoying Quebec in the winter.
Geoff has joined O'Farrell Financial as a partner for two very important reasons. First, the firm has an incredible reputation for its honest communication, and the integrity it brings to every conversation. The second is that the company has professional systems and processes in place to ensure that clients receive the excellent and reliable service they deserve.
Integrity and service; words that describe why Geoff joined the firm, and why clients choose to do business with O'Farrell Financial.
Processing Supervisor - Lan Nguyen
Processing is a critical function at O'Farrell Financial. It's a very general term for some very specific actions and activities that must take place if clients are to be properly served. Lan is a straightforward person with an incredibly high attention to detail. This is very valuable as every transaction is processed by Lan, which includes investments, funds transfers, coordinating underwriting with insurance companies and medical companies, and much more.
The team at O'Farrell Financial has a great reputation, and Lan has a solid follow up system to make sure that reputation is protected. When you couple that commitment with Lan's cheerful disposition (she even hums while she works), you find a friendly, effective member of the O'Farrell Financial team.
Operations Manager and Partner - Donna Lee O'Farrell
Donna Lee is one of those rare individuals who is able to hold two opposing approaches at the same time - she is very patient and kind, yet her motto is "get it done now."
As the Operations Manager of O'Farrell Financial, Donna Lee takes the lead when it comes to seeing that the work that needs to get done, gets done. Perhaps it's no surprise then, to find that she grew up on a 6th generation family dairy farm and had her own list of chores and hard work to do from the very beginning. She also grew up in a family that was intent on giving back to the community and caring for their neighbours.
Donna Lee joined O'Farrell Financial on a full time basis in 2000 to take responsibility for implementing solid business procedures and ensuring that the office is run smoothly and professionally. As a tremendous organizer, Donna Lee's skills allow the firm to be extremely supportive of client needs while ensuring that all the paperwork is done accurately and quickly.
When you deal with the O'Farrell Financial team, you'll quickly notice a theme of thoughtful responsiveness. In addition to running the operation, Donna Lee addresses all areas of human resources and is directly involved in selecting, training and nurturing the team. Her patience, kindness and business resolve amplify the professionalism and courtesy that each team member has, and the experience that clients enjoy. Her diligent service of the business translates directly into professional service for our clients.
Much like life on the farm as a young girl, hard work and a great attitude make a difference; a difference that everyone notices when they deal with O'Farrell Financial.
Graham Pincott has a plan - he always has. He and his wife created a plan together as young people before they got married. Now, two children and many years later, they look back and see themselves living life they way they always wanted to - close friends, warm family, meaningful work, and active lives.
While Graham has worked for big companies and on foreign soil, his heart has always been with small business. As a matter of fact, despite never having been a big fan of school, he went back to get his CGA designation at age 35 so that he could focus on working with small businesses.
If you ask him what he loves about working with smaller companies, he doesn't hesitate to answer. "I love the involvement, the interaction, and that the advice can go to someone who will actually use it. I also know that when I pick up a piece of garbage, or support someone else on the team, I know who it's helping."
But Graham isn't all work, he's also an avid swimmer. He started when he was 5 and competed right through to the end of university. A few years have passed since them then, but last year when he decided to compete again, he placed 2nd at the Quebec Provincials for his age group!
Active in the community, and evolving a new life plan, Graham and O'Farrell Financial have found a mutual great match.
Marketing Planner - Samantha Joudoin, BA
Samantha likes to work hard because she likes to get results - but don't assume that that's the only reason she works so hard. There's another reason for it.
Growing up in Maynard as the oldest of three kids, Samantha has always been close with her family and friends. She's also always been active in trying to do a better job at whatever she's doing. So perhaps it's no surprise that she earned a Leadership Scholarship to St. Lawrence University in New York where she studied French and Communication.
During university, she spent time studying and living in Quebec, France and Senegal where she developed an increasing appreciation for the uniqueness of different cultures and different people.
But returning back to the area to be close with her family and community has been important to Samantha. Her role as the Marketing Planner at O'Farrell Financial definitely allows her to have a direct and meaningful impact.
And that's the real reason Samantha works so hard. She likes to plan and she likes to get results. But most of all, Samantha likes to see the impact that can be made.
As a coach for the Brockville Blazers basketball team, active in local sports, a resident of Prescott, and a key player at O'Farrell Financial, Samantha is in our communities with a desire to have an impact.
Insurance Case Coordinator - Jenny Thibert
Organized, prepared and thorough, Jenny is a happy, sensitive and thoughtful person - all attributes that are needed to fulfill her role as the Insurance Case Coordinator.
Her positive attitude and ability to multi-task enables Jenny to concentrate solely on working with all insurance cases. Jenny works closely with all of the Advisors to ensure the fulfillment of all underwriting and processing requirements are followed through.
Born and raised in the area, Jenny is an active member of the community and lives in Kemptville with her husband and two girls. You will find Jenny and her family horseback riding in her spare time!
Manager of First Impressions - Lindsay Foster
When you walk into O'Farrell Financial, the first face you are likely to see is Lindsay's. With a warm and friendly welcome, she will instantly make you feel at home here in the office.
Lindsay was born and raised in the Prescott area and graduated from St. Lawrence College in Kingston with Honours in Office Administration: Medical and Legal, a feat that is her most current and greatest accomplishment. Lindsay is well suited for the role of the Manager of First Impressions as she keeps the front office organized, assists the Record Manager with filing and has the unique ability to make visitors feel like they are family. Her fantastic smile, positive attitude and willingness to learn demonstrates that the first impression she leaves will be one to be remembered.
At home with her puppy, kitten and fiancé, Lindsay loves to cook and stay active. She enjoys curling, badminton and spending quality time with her friends and family.
Office Care & Cleanliness - Patrick Brauneisen
While many people apply for jobs and go looking for employment, O'Farrell Financial sought out Patrick to help care for their office.
Patrick is in his mid-twenties and has grown up in Kemptville. Diagnosed with Mosaic Down's Syndrome (a rather rare form), his doctor gave his parents two very important pieces of advice: set no limitations; and let him show you what he can do. Patrick has been showing people what he can do ever since.
Patrick is a methodical and organized man. He has a schedule that he likes to keep and prefers that it not be altered much. That schedule not only has time in it for work and church, but it also has Nintendo, bowling, photography, cursive writing and reading literacy books.
He's also a very active individual. He's been taking swimming lessons since 1999, doesn't like to sit still, and loves riding stationary exercise bikes. Indeed, when he first got one, Patrick started tracking the kilometers and, with a big map of Canada in front of him, he rode his stationary bike across the country. That wasn't enough though. He's since cycled that bike (actually he's worn out two of them) around the entire planet, and finally stopped tracking the kilometers when he headed out into space.
Patrick has had jobs in the community since he started high school, and put a lot of effort into his customized school program. A hard worker and warm person, Patrick won the The Gabriel Kuling Ability Memorial Bursary for perseverance and dedication. At his graduation, the standing ovation he received was returned with a big smile and a "thumbs up". People warm to Patrick; we all know a good spirit when we meet one.