COVER FEATURE Invested in Your Success

FULL TEAM PHOTO L-R Rhonda Porter, Adrian Miller, Mike Hoffman, Chris Michel, Teresa Boyle

Invested in Your Success

Harbourfront Wealth Management means Unbiased Advice and Unrestricted Choice.

By Brook Thalgott Photos Images by Jon Gillies

For nearly 20 years, Chris Michel and Michael Hoffman have been helping Weyburn and area residents realize their financial goals. They got their start in the early 2000s when their former high school football coach, Warren Schweitzer, approached them about joining his Investors Group practice. “I had moved back to Weyburn after finishing my Bachelor of Commerce degree at the University of Saskatchewan and had just earned my Chartered Accountant designation when Warren came to me,” says Chris. “Warren was looking for someone to take over his business as he prepared to retire.” Mike was working locally in the banking industry and was also interested in what Warren was offering. The three joined forces,

and Warren mentored Chris and Mike to take over his firm. By 2002, Chris and Mike were partners at the Weyburn Investors Group location.

Chris and Mike are both Certified Financial Planners and Registered Retirement Consultants and spent the next 17 years growing their clients’ wealth and providing comprehensive financial advice. In 2017, they expanded their team to include a new associate, Adrian Miller—another Weyburn local. Adrian, also a CFP professional, was brought in to help make the team more efficient. “His experience with insurance made him a good fit for our holistic approach to financial planning,” says Chris.

Personal Relationships Over the years, they’ve developed solid, long standing personal relationships with their clients. “Our personal relationships with our clients are what I believe truly sets us apart from the regular bank or large institution client interaction. For example, we have clients that we started education savings plans for 18-20 years ago when their children were babies. Now, these kids are attending university or college and we were a part of their goal of successfully saving enough money to pay for that education. It’s pretty rewarding to be a part of that from start to finish.” says Chris.

“We have also been involved in some tough emotional and financial times with our clients—comforting and guiding them through the loss of a loved one or through serious illness. That’s really the essence of why we do what we do. The numbers and investments are going to do what they’re going to do, but that personal relationship is where the value is. That’s what is important to us.” says Mike.

Change is Good In late 2015, they became a fully licensed brokerage with the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization (IIROC) and by 2019, they knew they needed a change. “We were looking for a way to refresh our

“We look at your whole financial picture and build a plan that will work for your life. Every client is unique.”

- Michael Hoffman

“We know the needs of the people who call Weyburn home because we do, too.”

- Chris Michel

business to offer more quality investment solutions to our clients,” says Chris. The opportunity for change came with Harbourfront Wealth Management Inc., an independent investment and financial advisory firm based in Vancouver. “Harbourfront provided us with the change we needed,” says Mike. “The industry has changed a lot since we started, and we needed to provide our clients with more and better investment choices combined with lower costs and improved performance.”

In October 2019, Chris and Mike launched the first Harbourfront Wealth Management Inc. location in Saskatchewan. The transition has been fantastic, and they couldn’t be happier with the overwhelming, positive client response. “What truly makes Harbourfront stand out is its independence and its dynamic, progressive business philosophy,” says Chris. “Instead of offering investments from only one company, we now have access to a truly open architecture of investment products from across the marketplace. We can recommend solutions that truly make sense for our clients needs for the long term.” Mike agrees. “We put the needs of our clients first—always.”

Always Thinking Ahead The Harbourfront Wealth Management approach is one that can work for anyone at any point in their financial lives. Whether you’re just starting out with your first RRSP, or approaching retirement, Chris and Mike can help you make the most of your money. “People often think financial planning is only for people with

“People often think financial planning is only for people with big bank accounts. That is not the case at all. We’re here for anyone with any amount of money. The biggest thing is to get started.”

- Chris Michel

big bank accounts,” says Chris. “That is not the case at all. We’re here for anyone with any amount of money. The biggest thing is to get started.” The company is also more than just investing for retirement. Harbourfront is committed to comprehensive, holistic financial planning, offering everything from mutual funds, stocks and bonds to insurance and mortgages. “We’re an independent brokerage that can meet all your needs,” says Mike. “We can help you plan for now and the future.” Investments are just one piece of the puzzle. Harbourfront Wealth can focus on everything from tax, estate and insurance planning, to cash flow and debt management. It all ties together and every piece is important to your overall financial and retirement plan. Getting Started Now is the time to start planning your financial future. Whether you’re just starting out with your first job, settling down with a family, or seeing retirement on the horizon—it doesn’t matter. Financial planning benefits everyone at every stage of life. “We take our clients’ needs seriously and give them advice on what will help them maximize their long-term wealth,” says Mike. “We look at your whole financial picture and build a plan that will work for your life. Every client is unique.” Chris’s background as an accountant is also helpful for clients that are entrepreneurs. “Business owners and professionals often have specialized needs around tax planning and cash flow management, and I can help you navigate that,” says Chris. Local Focus Chris, Mike and Adrian are also proud to be local. Born and raised in Weyburn, they all chose to build their careers and raise their families where their heart is. Chris is married to his wife Lindsee of 23 years, is a father of two very busy teenagers, and is a dedicated long-time minor sports coach. Mike is married to his wife, Rini of 17 years and a dad of two sons—with a love of coaching and a commitment to his community. Adrian is married to Tonya, and the couple is expecting their first child in the next few weeks. Adrian is also active in coaching youth sports, focusing on volleyball. ADMIN STAFF TOP TO BOTTOM Teresa Boyle, Rhonda Porter

Over the years, Mike, Chris and Adrian have supported many local charities, non-profit organizations, and sports teams to do their part as a member of the corporate community. Among them—the Family Place, Salvation Army, Big Brothers & Big Sisters, Quota Club, Weyburn Concert Series, Weyburn & District Hospital Foundation, and Weyburn Minor Football, just to name a few.

“We know the needs of the people who call Weyburn home because we do, too,” says Chris. When you start working with Chris and Mike, you can trust that they will be there every time you call or come in. “We’re here for the long haul,” says Mike. “There is no revolving door here.” Clients know that they’ll see the same trusted face every time they come in the door, and that’s important.

Take the Next Step Ready to see what Chris, Mike and Adrian can do for you and your financial health? Make an appointment and sit down for a free consultation. “It’s so easy to see what we can do for you,” says Mike. “Just call us, and we’ll do the rest.”

Harbourfront Wealth Management Inc. 54 3rd St NE Weyburn 306.842.0424 harbourfrontwealth.com