It’s honestly a funny and long story. In high school, I wanted to be an engineer like my father, but I could barely pass any science classes. So, I signed up for grade 12 accounting and, for whatever reason, I did really well in it without much effort. Accounting just came naturally to me. I took accounting again in grade 13 and excelled even more. When it came time to look at my options, I knew accounting was for me—even if it wasn’t what I had initially planned.

I applied to Algoma University for the BBA program specializing in Accounting and was accepted in 1998. I loved Sault Ste. Marie, and staying local was a must. Algoma U’s small size, fewer students, and accessible professors were exactly what I needed. By my second year, I signed up for the Co-op program and was hired at OLG. Although it started as a summer term, they kept me on part-time during the school year and full-time again the following summer. Realizing that OLG was in a hiring frenzy as they expanded their racetracks and casinos across Ontario, I decided to switch my degree to a BA in Accounting to finish one year sooner. Once I graduated, I was offered a full-time contract position, which turned permanent a year later as an Accounting Assistant. Algoma’s Co-op program was invaluable, helping me get on my feet at a young age.

Now for the backstory: while I was in university, I moved out on my own and rented a house with my then-girlfriend, now wife of 17 years. Both working full-time, we decided to buy our first home. My father, however, convinced me to build one instead. With zero construction experience, I successfully built a two-story custom hi-rise house—and when I say “built,” I mean hammer and nails, no fancy air compressors or cordless tools. I worked nine-hour shifts, then came home and worked until dark every day. Friends and family pitched in, with my step-grandfather, a retired carpenter, teaching me the ropes of construction. It took 10 months to complete, and we moved in by July 2003. At the same time, we welcomed our first child in the fall of 2002—the year I graduated from Algoma. I was 23 years old.

I spent 10 years at OLG in various accounting and business analyst roles. In 2010, I was offered a position at Algoma Steel as Senior Accounting Specialist, later becoming Supervisor of Finance and then moving into Internal Audit. While at Algoma Steel, I earned my CPA, CMA designation in 2011, equipping me with more skills in strategic management. However, in 2016, Algoma Steel declared bankruptcy. Concerned about my future, I took a position as Controller at Soo Mill & Lumber Company and eventually became President. It’s poetic because Soo Mill was where I had purchased all the building materials for my first house and many other projects since.

In 2024, after nine years at Soo Mill, an opportunity came up at Sal Dan Construction Group as President and CFO. Sal Dan is one of the largest residential contractors in Northern Ontario, having built over 6,000 single-family homes and numerous commercial and condo projects in Sault Ste. Marie, Sudbury, and Toronto. This role allows me to further immerse myself in the construction industry, combining my financial knowledge with my passion for building. Sal Dan employs over 100 staff, primarily skilled tradespeople and operating engineers, doing much of the work in-house.

Building that first house in 2003 sparked a passion for construction. I wanted to become a contractor, but family convinced me otherwise. Ultimately, ending up at Sal Dan feels like destiny—something kept pushing me in this direction. I had to gain experience at other businesses, work in different roles, and build my skills to get here. Today, although I’m no longer hands-on, seeing multimillion-dollar projects and nine-story buildings rise from the ground brings a tremendous sense of accomplishment. My accounting background, CPA CMA designation, construction experience, and leadership roles made this possible. Looking back, I remember telling myself that if I didn’t “build” different skills, I wouldn’t stand out in my field. My slogan is: “Championing financial success one project at a time.”

Algoma’s Co-op program was fantastic. Graduating with a degree is one thing, but having no practical experience makes it harder to secure employment. Many businesses today won’t invest the time or energy to train like they used to. Thanks to the Co-op program, I gained two years of experience while earning my degree and had full-time employment lined up the day I finished my last course. That head start put me two years ahead of other graduates—a small timeframe that paid major dividends. I wasn’t the best student academically, but the professors at Algoma pushed me to do better. Take every piece of advice you get, and if someone says, “you can’t do it,” prove them wrong.

The most rewarding part of my career has been the challenges. Challenges force you to think, grow, and learn. I’ve always been someone who wanted to learn new things—new systems, meet new people, and take on new roles. If you want to rise to CFO or President, you need to push yourself. Accounting is the same everywhere: debits and credits don’t change. What does change is the numbers, the business, the people, and the systems. Learning people skills is just as critical as technical skills. You spend more time with coworkers than with family, so managing relationships is essential. I recommend continuous learning—take leadership courses, pursue a professional designation, volunteer with non-profits, and network within your community. Stay engaged with technology. AI and advanced ERP systems are here to stay, and understanding them is key to taking businesses to the next level.

Some of my best memories at Algoma U involve the professors and administrators, who were always supportive and accessible—a rarity at larger institutions. I still remember leaving class at night and getting blasted with smoke from the old pub in the basement (smoking indoors was still allowed back then, lol). The parking gate was constantly broken because people just ran through it every day, and, of course, I’ll never forget the friends I made in my classes.

To current students: challenge yourself. Don’t stay complacent. Push your boundaries, build skills, and stay connected to your community. Your journey will be uniquely yours, and every step—even the unexpected ones—will help you get where you’re meant to be.

Our first child is currently enrolled at Algoma University in the BBA Accounting program and is in their fourth year. Our second child is working full-time at Sal Dan Construction as a carpenter/laborer on the concrete crew—pursuing the field I always wanted to work in.

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