October 3-4, 2026: Stampede Park - BMO Centre - Hall D

For over 30 years I have been, preparing tax returns, bookkeeping, and year end financial information for small to medium sized businesses. I have always tried to look beyond the numbers to fully understand my clients' business operation and personal needs. In 2019, as 1 of 7 founding partners, I created a national accounting Firm and grew that operation from 7 offices in 3 provinces to 22 offices in 5 provinces by the end of 2025. I understand business and what it takes to grow and expand a successful operation.

Scott has extensive experience in the Canadian franchise landscape working with some of the most well-established brands in Canada and the United States. Scott began his career at Tim Hortons as a multi-unit franchise owner/operator. After ten years with Tim Hortons, Scott expanded his horizons and joined Kelsey’s as a Franchisee owner/operator.

Scott made a deliberate move to apply his talent and knowledge to corporate operations, joining companies such as Sunoco, McDonald’s, Medicine Shoppe/Rexall Inc., Luxottica Retail and Pearle Vision Canada. From 2014 to 2017, Scott held the position of Vice President of Operations at Mary Brown’s Famous Chicken & Taters.

Mayor of Town of Stettler, Gord Lawlor has a history of being a business owner and has seen the success in what owning a business in a hub community can bring

Chris Skelton has been assisting clients with franchise growth, sales, and operations for the past couple of decades. With a wealth of experience in assisting investors and franchisors, Chris has come to quickly identify what business opportunity aligns best with the right candidate.

Terry has been in his current role with TD Bank as National Manager, Franchise Banking for 10 years.  As National Manager, Terry is one of TD's franchise industry experts and is responsible for growing TD's franchise banking portfolio while ensuring that franchisee customers are provided with legendary customer service.  Terry enjoys collaborating with both franchisors and franchisees to assist them with all of their credit and Banking needs. 

Ahsan has been in his current role with as Regional Manager, Franchise Banking for 2 years at TD Bank, and with franchise industry for over 8 years.  As Regional Manager, Ahsan is one of TD's franchise industry experts and is responsible for growing TD's franchise banking portfolio while ensuring that franchisee customers are provided with legendary customer service.  Ahsan also brings to the table over 15 years of lending experience from Commercial and Small Business at TD. He enjoys collaborating with both franchisors and franchisees to assist them with all of their credit and Banking needs.

Julia is an Education and Engagement Specialist with the Office of the Utilities Consumer Advocate at the
Government of Alberta. She is passionate about informing people and businesses about topics impacting them and
guiding them to the resources and services that can help. Julia has a Bachelor of Commerce and an Advanced
Diploma from the University of Alberta, specializing in strategic and intercultural: Marketing, Communication,
Strategic Management and Development.