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 serves as the President and Chief Executive Officer of InvestPlus Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT), a private real estate investment fund headquartered in Calgary, Alberta. With over 20 years of expertise in real estate investment and entrepreneurship, Domenic specializes in acquiring, renovating, and enhancing the value of industrial and multi-unit properties across Canada.

Under his leadership, InvestPlus REIT has expanded its portfolio to approximately $108 million in assets under management, spanning industrial properties in six cities across British Columbia, Alberta, and Saskatchewan.  A respected figure in the real estate investment community, Domenic is an active member of the Calgary Chamber of Commerce and the Real Estate Investment Network. He frequently shares his insights on industrial real estate trends as a speaker at industry conferences and has been featured in prominent media, including the Everyday Millionaire podcast.

Domenic holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering and began his career in sales before pivoting to real estate investment. His disciplined, value-driven approach has solidified his reputation as a trusted leader in Canada’s real estate sector. Outside of his professional endeavors, Domenic prioritizes family life, giving back to communities and enjoying an active lifestyle with his wife in Calgary.

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.