This is Gold Leaf

With 35 years of industry experience to draw on, Michael empowers clients to take control of their financial future. A desire to provide peace of mind and protect the legacy of his clients is at the forefront of his approach to business.

Michael is a facilitator of world-class management and product development teams. His entrepreneurial achievements and dedication to clients and the community have been recognized throughout his career. In 2013 he received the Bell Excellence Award for Entrepreneur of the Year in recognition of these accomplishments. Michael is a lifetime member of the prestigious Million Dollar Round Table and qualifies annually for the Top of the Table, a level of performance reached by less than 0.5% of financial advisors worldwide. He holds the esteemed designation of Trust & Estate Practitioner (TEP), along with the highest honours and recognition that can be awarded to a Life Underwriter. Michael is internationally recognized as a leader in the industry.

Michael is a firm believer in reinvesting in the community. He has devoted his time to many initiatives, participating on boards including the United Way, the Chamber of Commerce, the Rotary Club, Cancer Centre, St. Joseph's Villa, local hospitals, the hospice and educational institutions.

Distinguished as an extremely visible, approachable leader in the community, Michael has earned the respect of his employees, clients and industry colleagues across Canada and abroad.

Wealth creation and protection, retirement planning, legacy building, and strategic investment solutions are a few of the key focuses that Diego concentrates on with every client interaction.

One of the Co-Founders and Managing Partners of Gold Leaf Financial Group, Diego is currently a credentialled Portfolio Manager and a certified Planner Professional of Gold Leaf Financial and IPC Securities.

With a knowledge base of more than 35 years of industry experience and strong integrity, Diego has redefined wealth management by understanding and appreciating each client's situation before making recommendations. He believes in educating clients and works diligently to help them develop their goals, understand their financial choices and portfolios, and implement strategies that assist them in attaining their objectives. His purpose is to build a unique experience that connects with each aspect of his clients’ lives – from wealth to family and health. Diego is also an expert in executive compensation in Group Retirement Services, ensuring that the plans work for both the employer and employees.

Diego Favero graduated from Laurentian University in 1984 with an Honours degree in Economics. Prior to joining DiBrina Sure as the Wealth Management Partner in 2001, Diego held several senior positions with one of the major banks. Born and raised in Sudbury, Diego is deeply rooted in the Sudbury community and has volunteered on a number of non-profit boards.

In addition to successfully completing his Canadian Securities Course, Wealth Management Essentials, Personal Financial Counselling and Chartered Investment Manager Designations, Diego has also been awarded the Wealth Management Advisor of the Year in 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017 by IPC Securities. His team has also received the Wealth Builder Team of the Year every year from 2010 to 2022.

Rick MacKenzie is a true expert in financial services and employee compensation with two decades of experience. He is a licensed group benefit consultant, having started his journey as a Group Insurance rep and Manager with London Life and Great West Life.

Rick's technical knowledge in group insurance and retirement plans has earned him the position of senior consultant for several large corporations and public sector organizations. Additionally, he has been an Advisor/Broker for 15 years and has been servicing clients across Northern Ontario.

Rick is not only an accomplished professional but a respected community member who has served on multiple community boards. As a long-time Rotarian and Past President of the Rotary Club of Sudbury, Rick's dedication to serving others is truly inspiring.

If you need help with your employee benefits or group retirement needs, please feel free to contact Rick. He is always happy to assist you with any queries and offer optimal solutions.

David Di Brina is a graduate of the Ivey Business School and holds a certificate in Entertainment Law from Osgoode Hall Law School. With his experience in film production, he brings a unique perspective and skillset to our team.

Di Brina's leadership has been instrumental in ensuring that Gold Leaf maintains the highest standards in our operations. His commitment to quality and innovation has helped us to remain competitive in the financial services industry. As a leader in our organization, he is dedicated to growing our team and building strong relationships with our clients.

Di Brina's feature film debut was SEE FOR ME (2021), which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival in New York and was sold internationally as one of the highest-selling Canadian films of the year. It was released in January 2022 by IFC Midnight, a division of AMC Networks, and became the number one independent film on VOD in its first week, receiving critical acclaim and being hailed by Variety as “a cult classic in the making.” The film also reached Netflix's Top 5 in several territories, including Canada.

His experience producing films for international audiences has given him an eye for detail and a passion for storytelling. He is committed to finding creative solutions to complex problems and is constantly pushing boundaries.

Chris Rudyk obtained his Honours Bachelor of Commerce from Laurentian University in April 2014. He has worked in various roles within the financial industry, including as a Financial Sales Representative at Northern Credit Union in Coniston and as an Account Manager at DiBrina Group in Toronto. Chris boasts over ten years of experience in the group benefits industry in various functions, including quoting and renewal analysis. As a benefits consultant, he has worked with groups of all sizes, including several with over 1,000 members.

Chris holds several designations, including Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS), Compensation Management Specialist (CMS), Group Benefits Associate (GBA), and Retirement Plan Associate (RPA). He is also a licensed life insurance agent and is fluent in English.

Aside from his professional accomplishments, Chris is a devoted family man and is married to his high school sweetheart, Brittnee. The couple has a two-year-old daughter named Quinn. During his leisure time, Chris enjoys watching basketball, football, and the Blue Jays. He also enjoys reading non-fiction literature, particularly history books. Chris is also an active member of his community and has volunteered as a firefighter for several years and served on the board of Community Living.

An enthusiastic go-getter, Jennifer handles many facets of client accounts, from transfers, distributions, contributions and assisting with client questions. She has an eye for detail and effortlessly supports Gold Leaf clients with highly personalized service.

Plan development is a top priority for those seeking financial security and peace of mind. Gold Leaf Financial Group uses a holistic, client-centric approach to financial planning that reflects evolving needs, goals and aspirations. Jennifer embodies this approach; she genuinely cares about clients and is committed to growing a close working relationship with their families.

As a Gold Leaf client, you have access to a wealth of experience, resources, superior products and an expert team of specialists across Ontario. This mix has helped make Gold Leaf one of Canada's largest and most respected financial service companies.

Shrey Arora is a highly dedicated and professional individual who places great emphasis on providing exceptional customer service. He prides himself on his ability to effectively manage multiple tasks while efficiently meeting the needs of clients. In his position as a Financial Services Intern at Gold Leaf, Shrey utilizes his diverse skill set, which encompasses proficiency in finance, technological systems, networking, and marketing.

Shrey holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree and has earned academic excellence certification. Notably, Shrey has been awarded an international scholarship for every year of his studies at Laurentian University. He looks forward to deepening his financial knowledge and making a lasting impact at Gold Leaf.

Richard has been in the investment industry since 2009. He focuses on educating clients on investing and managing the ups and downs. Terms such as “risk” are used frequently without much context. Understanding what risk means to a client is the first step in helping build an investment portfolio. As the portfolio is not as much of an end in itself but rather more of a means to an end, the continued discussion about retirement planning helps tie everything together to make retirement years more comfortable. Learning and continually educating ourselves will lead to better decisions.

Understanding volatility is much more important than avoiding it. 

Jacob Bolton is currently in his second year of the Business Administration program at Laurentian University. Alongside his academic pursuits, he has been actively expanding his network and honing his leadership skills as a member of Laurentian’s Business Student Council over the past year. Jacob is eager to leverage his role as a Client Service & Administrative Intern at Gold Leaf as a crucial step towards a successful career in administration.

A passionate film enthusiast, Jacob enjoys spending his free time at the movie theatre and participating in various local film projects, both in front of and behind the camera. He is dedicated to delivering exceptional service and support to Gold Leaf’s clients, ensuring a positive and seamless experience that aligns with the company’s high standards.

Dave is a graduate of Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia with a Bachelor's of Information Technology degree, major in Web Engineering and Mobile Application Development. Dave is not only well-versed in traditional marketing techniques but also possesses a deep understanding of Information Technology. This combination allows him to bridge the gap between marketing and technology, ensuring seamless integration of our digital initiatives and facilitating our digital transformation efforts. Dave's IT responsibilities include managing website development on platforms like WordPress, Salesforce development, and automations to streamline our operations and also ensuring the security of our IT infrastructure.

In addition to his technical expertise, Dave excels in graphic design, animation, videography and photography, which enrich our content creation and social media strategies. His proficiency in tools like Adobe, Meta and Google Ads empowers us to create compelling marketing materials and analyze their performance through tools like Google Analytics and SEM Rush.

Furthermore, Dave's analytical skills and project management acumen ensure that our marketing campaigns and digital transformation projects align with our business objectives. With a focus on customer engagement, lead generation, and business analysis, Dave contributes to data-driven decision-making and marketing and digital transformation effectiveness.

We are thrilled to welcome Dave to our team, and we are eager to see the innovative marketing, IT, and digital transformation initiatives he will lead. Dave Bowatta is a valuable addition to Gold Financial Group, where marketing and technology converge to drive success and shape our digital transformation journey.

Alyssa joined Gold Leaf Financial Group in June of 2021 as an accredited Investment Advisor, contributing over a decade of knowledge in the finance industry. She has been recognized for her dedication to creating a distinctive experience for her clients with a holistic approach beyond wealth creation. Confidence, comfort, strategic vision, and personalized advice is what Alyssa strives to achieve with every interaction.

Alyssa graduated from Laurentian University with an Honours Bachelor of Commerce in Sports Administration, in 2013. She held several advisory and managerial positions with one of the major Canadian Banks and has successfully obtained her Canadian Securities Course, Investment Funds in Canada, and Branch Compliance Officer Course.

Born and raised in Sudbury and now based in Muskoka, Alyssa is a strong believer in community. She has dedicated her time to many organizations like Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation JDRF, TD Tree Days and has supported local Pride initiatives as an ally. Alyssa also has a passion for helping others develop and unlock their potential. She has organized a number of financial literacy seminars and created mentorship programs to help individuals grow and succeed.

With a Bachelor of Sciences in environmental science from Laurentian University, Sarah has always had a love for nature and protecting the environment. However, her passion for administrative work has taken her on a different path. With years of experience in the field, Sarah has honed her skills as an HRIS administrator in the mining industry.

When she is not working, Sarah loves spending her time with her two horses, who she competes with on the provincial eventing circuit during the summer. But that's not all - Sarah is also a talented digital artist and graphic designer. Her creativity and eye for detail bring a unique flair to everything she does.

With her exceptional skills and passion for her work, Sarah is excited to bring her talent to the Gold Leaf team and make a positive impact.

With 25 years of dedicated experience in the Group Benefits and Retirement industry, Evelyn is a seasoned professional known for her strong customer focus and exceptional expertise in administration and customer service.

Evelyn holds several prestigious designations, including Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS), Group Benefits Associate (GBA), Compensation Management Specialist (CMS), and a Certificate of Proficiency in Employee Benefits. These qualifications highlight her commitment to professional excellence and continuous learning.

Outside of her professional life, Evelyn enjoys spending quality time with her family, indulging in her love for reading, exploring culinary arts, and travelling to new destinations.

Thomas completed his Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Management at the University of Wilfrid Laurier in 2021.

He became a licensed investment advisor as of September 2021, has completed his Canadian Securities Course (CSC), Wealth Management Essentials (WME) and obtained his Certified Investment Manager (CIM) designation in November 2023. He has also completed his Life License Qualification Program (LLQP); this enables him to help families and business owners mitigate financial risks using life, disability, and critical illness insurance. Currently, he is working towards his Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation.

Prior to joining Gold Leaf full-time, Thomas worked as a summer student for Michael Di Brina and Diego Favero, helping him establish his career path in the investment industry. Since then, he has liaised closely with Michael and Diego to establish practices that add value and enhance communication and strategy when dealing with clients’ financial affairs.

Thomas understands that managing financial well-being is a priority in a client’s life, next to family and health; he is committed to providing a tailored, detail-oriented approach that meets the specific needs of his clients.

CLICK HERE TO BOOK A MEETING WITH THOMAS

Fluent in both English and French, Samari completed his M.B.A. in Business Analytics from Laval University in 2023, following a bachelor with honors in Economics at Laurentian University in 2020.Throughout his M.B.A. journey, Samari delved into various aspects of business analytics, including integrated management systems, business data analysis, web analytics, and decision support system design, all combined with comprehensive training in general management.
 
During his internship at Bank Of Africa in 2021, Samari collaborated with international businesses, acquiring an in-depth understanding of import-export procedures and related documentation.
 
His MBA project delved into the analysis of Canada-U.S. trade dynamics spanning from 2000 to 2022. Leveraging a blend of economic knowledge and analytical expertise, utilizing tools such as SQL, R, and Microsoft Power BI, Samari offered insightful perspectives on forecasting future trends and synthesized data to formulate recommendations.
 
In his current role Samari looks forward to actively bring added value to the Gold Leaf Team.

Ashley graduated from Laurentian University in 2014 with a Bachelor of Arts in Law and Justice, and also obtained a Paralegal Diploma the same year, focusing on Employment Law.
 
Before joining the Gold Leaf team, Ashley was a unit president for a large local Union. Her experience helped her grow skills in contract bargaining and fostering mutually beneficial relationships between employees and employers. Her union work led her a position as a Disability Support Worker assisting injured workers with claims through WSIB, as well as their group benefits and government supports.
 
Being a mom of a young family, including a son with autism, Ashley understands how important group benefit plans are as well as financial planning for the future and our next generation.
 
Ashley’s free time is spent making memories and seeking new experiences for herself, husband and two boys. She is also an avid reader and attends a monthly book club.

Belal Hossain graduated from Daffodil International University with a degree in Computer Science and Engineering. He further honed his skills by obtaining a professional diploma in Motion Graphics and VFX from the Institute of Creative IT Bangladesh. As a professional videographer and visual artist, Belal brings a wealth of creativity and technical expertise to his work.

Previously, Belal worked at Green Delta Insurance Company, one of the leading financial institutions in Bangladesh. In his role as a Creative Visualizer in the Brands and Communication department, he was instrumental in developing compelling visual content that enhanced the company’s brand presence.

Belal is excited to help Gold Leaf further their success, leveraging his talents to create innovative and impactful visual content that will elevate our brand and engage our audience effectively.

Ryan graduated from Laurentian University in 2017 with an Honours Bachelor of Commerce with a specialization in Finance and a minor in Economics. He started his career at DiBrina Group as an Associate and has since completed his Chartered Investment Manager designation, options and futures licensing courses. 

Ryan is a leading member of the firm’s Investment Committee and works diligently alongside the Finance Team to construct portfolios that will meet clients’ goals. Outside of the office, he is a board member for the Elizabeth Fry Society of Northeastern Ontario, an organization that advocates for women in the criminal justice system.

A hardworking and dedicated office coordinator with over 20+ years of experience, Carole provides integral office support thriving in a high-volume setting.

Being the mother of two sons and a Mémé to two energetic grandchildren, Carole understands the importance of a family's financial well-being and takes pride in supporting yours with all your financial needs. 

Friendly and welcoming, with bilingual proficiency in French & English, Carole is excited to welcome you to Gold Leaf HQ. Whether you prefer still or sparkling, coffee or tea, Carole looks forward to making your visit to Gold Leaf special. 

Miguel Lopez is a Cum Laude graduate of Laurentian University with a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, specializing in game design. He has received extensive training in programming, design, and technology troubleshooting.

As an Information Technology Assistant, Miguel leverages his multicultural background and technological expertise to provide precise and effective solutions. His curiosity and collaborative spirit drive him to find the best solutions to ongoing challenges.

Outside of work, Miguel enjoys watching movies, playing challenging games, engaging in sports, and most importantly, spending time with family and friends. At home, he continually challenges himself with new tech puzzles, deepening his understanding of both technology and people.

Samuel is currently in his fourth year of studies at Laurentian University. He is pursuing a degree in Business Administration with a specialization in Finance. Apart from his academic achievements, he has been a part of the Gold Leaf team for the last two years. Along with Michael Di Brina and Diego Favero, Samuel assists clients in managing their investments and planning for retirement.

Through his work with Gold Leaf, Samuel has gained valuable experience in the finance sector. He is currently working towards his Certified Investment Manager (CIM) designation and is actively pursuing his Estate and Trust Professional Designation (MTI). Samuel has already completed his Laws of Trusts and Estate course, as well as his Estate and Trust Management course, allowing him to apply this knowledge to his work with clients.

Samuel's dedication to providing exceptional communication and strategic development has earned him a reputation as a reliable and valuable asset to clients. His collaborative approach with Di Brina and Favero ensures that clients receive the best possible service, tailored to their needs and objectives. With his skillset and commitment to excellence, Samuel is poised to continue delivering outstanding results for clients in the future.

Russell McMahon was born and raised in Sudbury and is a highly skilled financial planner and risk management expert. He obtained an Honours Bachelor of Commerce from Laurentian University in April 2015 and spent the next six years working at DiBrina Group / Gallagher as an Insurance Analyst and Associate Advisor for the tax and estate planning division. During this time, he analyzed insurance policies and products available on the market, advised on financial strategies, reviewed shareholder's agreements and wills, provided insurance and estate planning advice, and created various financial models.

Russell is certified in life and health insurance in Ontario and obtained his Certified Financial Planner® designation in April 2021. He also has experience teaching Contract Law for Business as a part-time professor at Cambrian and worked almost 2 years at Laurentian University as the Risk and Insurance Manager. Currently, he is working towards his certificate in risk management (CRM) and his Tax & Estate Practitioner's (TEP) designation.

Fluent in both English and French, Russell enjoys playing hockey and relaxing in saunas in his free time. With an impressive background in financial planning and risk management, he is a valuable asset to the Gold Leaf Team.

Meet Amanda, a skilled Investment Associate responsible for managing all client documentation requirements. She handles account openings, payments, fund requests, deposits, and online access.

Amanda holds a license to buy and sell stocks and mutual funds and has over seven years of experience preparing documentation and processing client transactions. 

Amanda collaborates closely with the Administrative Team to ensure that clients receive seamless service and that their requests are processed promptly and efficiently.

Ferrell Patel is a graduate of Laurentian University with an Honours Bachelor of Science with Major in Computer Science and Minor in Mathematics in 2023, consistently demonstrated his dedication to learning, earning an international scholarship each year of his studies.

In his role as an Information Technology Associate, Ferrell uses his computer science skills to enhance the company’s technological capabilities. He is proficient in evaluating and improving the company’s IT systems, and his commitment to staying updated with industry trends helps the company maintain its competitive edge.

Jess Smith graduated from Laurentian University with a major in Physics and holds a certificate in Film and Television Production from New York University TISCH School of the Arts. With a background in both sciences and arts, Smith brings a unique perspective to her work.

Currently, Smith works as a contract graphic designer for Gold Leaf and Di Brina Family Holdings, where she combines scientific precision with creative flair to craft engaging visual stories. During the day, she dives into scientific exploration as a lab technician at HSN, using her analytical skills to care for patients.

Driven by curiosity and a love for innovation, Smith thrives at the intersection of science and design. Whether she's creating visuals to engage Gold Leaf’s clients or conducting experiments in the lab, her work reflects a blend of intellect and creativity, making a lasting impact in both realms.

Debbie graduated from Cambrian College in 1985 and worked in public accounting from 1985 to 2011. She was a junior accountant for Brunton, Browning, Day and Partners, and Ward Malette during that time. She later became an accounting manager for BDO Dunwoody and a senior accounting manager for Laberge, Venne and Partners.

Debbie obtained her CPA and CGA designation in 2001. In 2011, she left the pressures of public accounting and started her bookkeeping practice serving small to mid-size business entities.  

Samushika demonstrates exceptional motivation and inspiration with over four years of experience in the Salesforce industry as both a developer and consultant. Beyond her professional endeavors, Samushika is actively engaged in volunteer activities aimed at empowering and upskilling young individuals.

Currently Samushika is pursuing her Master's degree in Computer Science at Laurentian University, She completed her Bachelor's degree at the University of Moratuwa, recognized as the leading technical university in Sri Lanka. With a notable expertise in Salesforce, she holds two Salesforce certifications.

In her capacity as a Software Engineer, Samushika is dedicated to implementing innovative software modules to elevate the existing Salesforce system by integrating cutting-edge technologies.