With a background in electronics and a Federal Diploma in Business Administration earned in Switzerland in 2007, John Valley brings more than 15 years of business management experience. He has worked with experts in cutting-edge sectors such as rail, composite materials, and aerospace.

After immigrating to Canada in 2017, he applied his managerial expertise to the development of a start-up in the field of dronautics. A licensed private pilot and passionate about aviation, he co-founded Vertiko Mobilité in 2020, driven by a vision of a decarbonized aerospace industry.

Through the innovative Verticities concept, he combines technological expertise with his growing interest in real estate, while building a strong business network spanning Canada and Switzerland. His leadership and ability to mobilize a high-caliber industrial ecosystem have been key to the rapid growth of Vertiko Mobilité, now recognized as a Canadian leader in advanced air mobility.

At the age of 14, Maxime Gagnon demonstrated his entrepreneurial spirit by launching a small landscaping business, which he grew before dedicating himself fully to the construction industry. With over 20 years of experience in carpentry and joinery, he has built a strong reputation as a rigorous and passionate professional. Since 2011, he has worked as a general contractor, leading numerous residential, commercial, and institutional projects that combine executional quality with effective team management. A visionary with a strong business acumen, he has also contributed to the launch and success of several SMEs alongside strategic partners.

For more than 10 years, he has managed a real estate company with a diversified portfolio, showcasing his expertise in the acquisition, optimization, and value creation of real estate assets. At Elvora Holdings, Maxime applies his hands-on expertise and operational insight to the development of ambitious projects, blending executional excellence with a sustainable vision for construction and property management.

Jean-Philippe Paradis supports real estate investors and developers in structuring and financing large-scale projects. A graduate in Business Administration from Université Laval and a former high-level athlete, he has transformed his discipline and drive into recognized expertise in multi-residential financing, construction lending, and strategic refinancing.

Known for his rigor, financial acumen, and people-centered approach, he is frequently invited to share his expertise as a speaker and podcaster. Licensed in Quebec, Ontario, and New Brunswick, he leverages his network and vision to serve clients across Eastern Canada.

Deeply committed to his community, he values teamwork as much in his family life as in his professional environment. An entrepreneur at heart and passionate about real estate, he strives to inspire the next generation of investors and brokers by promoting collaboration, innovation, and the creation of lasting value

With over 25 years of experience managing teams and overseeing projects of all sizes, Garim Bang is a bilingual professional specializing in strategic advisory and operational support for entrepreneurs and senior executives. Trained in Management Information Systems and as a business analyst, he combines technical expertise with strong capabilities in organizational development, strategic planning, and business operationalization.

Recognized for his rigorous approach and sophisticated leadership, he excels in interim mandates as General Manager or Fractional Chief Operating Officer. Frequently called upon to tackle complex challenges and set critical priorities, he acts as a trusted advisor to leadership teams. His triple expertise in technology, marketing, and leadership enables him to deliver high-level strategic insights and tailored solutions in constantly evolving business environments.

A former Senior Partner and Board Member at KPMG Canada, Michael Pesner is now President of Hermitage Canada Finance Inc. a firm specializing in financial advisory and mergers and acquisitions.  A trusted strategic advisor, he supports companies across sectors including real estate, technology, mining, retail, healthcare, and finance.

With 26 years of experience at KPMG and its predecessor firms, he has developed extensive expertise in corporate governance. He has served on the boards and chaired the audit, governance, and compensation committees of numerous public, private, and institutional organizations, including Smart Employee Benefits, WELL.ca, Wallbridge, Richmont Mines, SAQ, Le Château, DAVIDsTea, Innovaderm, and FTQ Regional Solidarity Fund, Montreal.

Founder of the Montreal M+A Club, Michael was recognized by Les Affaires as one of Quebec’s Top Ten Corporate Directors. A Chartered Professional Accountant, he holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Finance and Administration) from McGill University and a Bachelor of Arts from Concordia University.

Vince Faustini brings more than 35 years of expertise in commercial mortgage lending, having built a distinguished career with some of the industry’s leading financial institutions. Recently retired as Regional Vice President of Commercial Mortgage Origination at Equitable Bank, he oversaw business development and financing strategies across Ottawa, Quebec, and Atlantic Canada.

His diverse experience includes designing innovative debt structures, underwriting complex loans, and managing defaults during tenures with prestigious organizations such as Merrill Lynch Canada, CIBC, Manulife, and RBC. Vince’s legacy is defined by his strategic vision, deep sector knowledge, and a proven track record of success in commercial finance.

Cédric Lajoie is a seasoned real estate entrepreneur and the CEO of Société immobilière Tri-Logis Inc., the leading residential property owner-operator in Rouyn-Noranda, with more than 600 units across 75 multifamily and commercial assets. Since founding the company in 2006, he has raised over CAD 50 million in private and institutional capital, consistently delivering double-digit returns through disciplined acquisitions, strategic repositioning, and operational excellence. Combining expertise in financial engineering with hands-on asset management, Mr. Lajoie leads integrated teams across leasing, maintenance, process automation, and tenant experience. His track record includes optimizing net operating income, executing complex refinancing transactions, and navigating diverse regulatory frameworks. A published author and accomplished speaker, he is recognized for his intercultural negotiation skills and transparent communication with stakeholders.

Hasan Al-Shawa is the head of SGI Canada, a privately held family company active in real estate and private equity. With 38 years of international experience, he has led projects totaling more than $4.5 billion and managed several publicly listed companies. He advises prominent family offices across the Americas, Europe, and the Arab world, while serving on the boards of corporations and community organizations on three continents. An influential leader, he is also a sought-after speaker, a respected media voice, and a recognized figure in Canadian economic and political circles.

A connector, dedicated mentor, and lifelong learner, Mr. Al-Shawa devotes part of his time to training the next generation, including at Concordia University. Beyond business, he leads a rich and dynamic life: aviator, collector of exceptional cars, hunter, and globe-trotter alongside his wife, journalist Kinda Jayoush. Together, they have contributed to national discussions on the economy and immigration with the Prime Minister of Canada. Recipient of several prestigious business awards, Hasan Al-Shawa embodies a global vision rooted in action, engagement, and legacy.

With a prestigious academic background in business, law, economics, and real estate (UQAM, Harvard, UC Berkeley, Daniels College), Yannick Richard has devoted over 30 years to launching and accelerating ambitious entrepreneurial projects. Founder of TMR Communications and former leader of Cerberus Management, he now heads Perseus Services-Conseils, ELVORA Management, and ELVORA Holding. Having spearheaded the creation of more than 320 companies, he now focuses his expertise on ELVORA Holding, active in real estate, advanced air mobility, telecommunications, and hospitality. His involvement in projects such as Immeubles Quatro and ELVORA Resort reflects his deep knowledge in transforming both spaces and concepts.

A true visionary, Mr. Richard stands out for his systemic approach to business and his ability to identify untapped opportunities. A master of creating new strategic spaces—“Blue Oceans”—he pioneers innovative urban development models. Combining expertise in both real estate and aeronautics, he contributes to the design of compact, sustainable, car-free cities inspired by the TOD (Transit-Oriented Development) concept. His guiding principle: building the future by redefining the rules of the present.

From a young age, Jonathan Bourgelas-Nicol has thrived on action and leadership. At just 17, he was managing a grocery store with 40 employees, before going on to lead a Wal-Mart for five years, sharpening his skills as a strategic leader. His time at Sun Life quickly confirmed his business acumen, ranking second in Canada for sales at the very start of his career. An early investor, he purchased two triplexes by the age of 23. Between 2007 and 2015, Jonathan completed over 120 real estate flips and built a substantial portfolio, which he sold in 2016. With both capital and experience in hand, he founded Immeubles Quatro and, within two years, acquired more than 200 rental units. Growth has since been exponential: in just six years, Quatro’s assets expanded from 200 to nearly 900 doors. His journey is that of an entrepreneur who never takes his foot off the gas.