September 27-28, 2025: Stampede Park - BMO Centre - Hall D

As a Sr Relationship Manager in Small Business Markets with RBC, I work closely with entrepreneurs to provide tailored credit and financial solutions that support growth and long-term success. With expertise in business lending, cash flow strategies, and credit structuring, I help clients navigate opportunities and challenges with confidence. I am passionate about building strong relationships and delivering advice that aligns with each client’s unique goals.

Shawn Saraga is the founder of the Franchise Academy, a mini-private equity firm that has holdings in various franchise brands. He also serves as Chief Development Officer of Tahini’s Restaurants and has held this position since October, 2023. Shawn has been in the franchise industry since 2005. He has opened over 950 franchised businesses, and finalized over 700 leases in his career.

He has worked with brands like Burger King, barBURRITO Restaurants, Freshii, Foodtastic as well as many other non-food related brands. Shawn is also a registered real estate broker and conducts real estate transactions on behalf of the brands he works with and there franchisees. Some of his other business interests include a partnership in MEET College for Psychotherapists, Board seats on several AI start-ups. Shawn has also been a Board member of Leadership Sinai since 2005.

Domenic Mandato is the President and Chief Executive Officer of InvestPlus Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT), a private real estate investment fund based in Calgary, Alberta. With over two decades of experience in real estate investment and entrepreneurship, he specializes in the acquisition, renovation, and value enhancement of industrial properties across multiple Canadian provinces.

Throughout his career, Mr. Mandato has successfully acquired, managed, and sold multi-unit residential and commercial properties in British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, and Quebec. Under his leadership, InvestPlus REIT has grown its portfolio to approximately $100 million in assets under management, encompassing properties in seven cities across three western Canadian provinces.

In addition to his role at InvestPlus REIT, Mr. Mandato is actively involved in the real estate investment community. He has been a member of the Calgary Chamber of Commerce and the Real Estate Investment Network and has shared his expertise as a speaker at various industry conferences. His insights into market trends, particularly in industrial real estate, have been featured in publications and platforms including the “Everyday Millionaire” podcast.

Mr. Mandato holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering and began his professional journey in sales before transitioning into real estate investment. His strategic approach and commitment to value creation have established him as a respected leader in the Canadian real estate sector. Beyond his professional endeavors, Domenic places immense value on family.

Professional business development manager with over 10 years of banking experience. Specialized in franchising, international business, small business banking and corporate banking.

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.

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.

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.

Mark Guest is the Alberta Regional Team Lead for Futurpreneur. He has a background in helping build and grow some of Canada's fastest growing startups over the last 15 years. At Futurpreneur, he helps young entrepreneurs gain access to financing and mentorships to start, launch and grow their businesses.