Our Team

With over 35 years of successful business and entrepreneurial experience, including 25 years in the Private Lending space specializing in agriculture, residential development, and residential homes, Robb is a practicing mortgage professional, co-founder, and co-owner of AgriRoots Capital Management Inc. – the leading alternative lender in Canada’s agricultural sector. In addition, he is the founding Principal, Broker of Record, and CEO of FamilyLending.ca Inc. – a mortgage brokerage providing residential, commercial, and agricultural mortgages – founded in 2001.

As a leading expert in agricultural lending, finance, investment, and mortgages, Robb offers deep insight and expertise to agricultural borrowers and investors alike, with the objective of keeping farming families on family farms across Canada.

A goal-driven, collaborative, and insightful professional, Robb focuses on identifying opportunities, building financial solutions, and providing high-quality client service.

With over four decades of financial services experience, Moe is a seasoned veteran specializing in alternative mortgage lending, policy and product design, credit risk management and risk-based-pricing credit methodologies.

Prior to starting his own consulting firm in 2014, Moe was a senior executive with B2B Bank and AGF Trust, and President of Wells Fargo Financial Canada’s wholesale mortgage division.

Moe is a licensed Mortgage Broker and an active member of Mortgage Professionals Canada, Canadian Mortgage Brokers Association (Ontario) and Canadian Lenders Association.

As a senior executive in the financial services industry in Canada for more than 22 years, as well as having key personal experience in the agricultural industry, Shawn is an accomplished business leader in retail banking, commercial and agricultural lending, and wealth management. His robust skill set includes strategic planning, asset / liability and liquidity management, mergers and acquisitions, and enterprise risk management.

A life-long resident of Chatham-Kent, Ontario, Shawn’s understanding and affinity for the farming community provides AgriRoots with firsthand farm experience and the ability to assess and structure agricultural sector mortgages and financing that are sensitive and specific to the people and businesses in this sector. Shawn completed his MBA in Financial Services at Dalhousie University, and continues to be an active Chatham-Kent community participant through his service on a number of local Boards and Committees.

Tom is a seasoned executive in the financial services industry, boasting over 30 years of expertise in credit operations and lending. His experience spans several organizations, including Paradigm Quest, B2B Bank, and AGF Trust, where he held executive positions.

With a strong track record in leading teams and delivering exceptional service to consumers and third-party intermediaries, Tom has established himself as a go-to specialist in the field.

Tom cherishes his time in the great outdoors and finds solace in family camping adventures. This passion for nature and quality time with loved ones adds a well-rounded dimension to his character.

As a licensed Mortgage Broker and registered Exempt Market Dealing Representative with Belco Private Capital Inc, Matt brings 25 years of leadership experience in hospitality and property management, working closely with municipalities and Boards, along with special interest groups, to resolve problems and move issues forward. With a proven track record in successful business analysis and correction strategies, Matt offers deep insight and relationship management to all AgriRoots investors.

As a passionate life-long learner and community supporter, Matt has spent numerous hours fundraising for several non-profits including Canadian Mental Health Association, Crime Stoppers, Camlachie Athletic Association, and Bluewater Gymnastics. Matt completed his MBA at the Odette School of Business at the University of Windsor.

Kim is a service-driven individual with a keen passion for providing expertise in compliance, policies, and procedures to her brokerage as Principal Broker and President of FamilyLending.ca Inc. Inc. With over 30 years of experience in mortgages, investments, and corporate governance, Kim manages all aspects of the Brokerage’s operations, including legal, regulatory compliance, policy development, financial administration, and reporting. She also provides compliance advice and expertise to all Brokerage staff and has been active in the expansion of the brokerage to BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland, and PEI.

Nearly 30 years of progressively senior experience, with a strong background in strategic planning, compliance, legislative interpretation/ application, process improvement, operations, business development, HR, financial administration, policy analysis, project management, reporting, and change management.

Tom became President and CEO of Polar Asset Management Partners in 2006, after joining the firm as Chief Financial Officer in 1994. From 1996 to 2005, Tom also acted as a Vice-President of Polar Equity Partners, an affiliated private equity manager, where he assumed a leadership role in many of the firm’s investments.

Tom began his career with Ernst & Young in 1986 after earning a B.Eng from the University of Western Ontario. He gained his Chartered Accountant designation in 1988.

Tom leads Polar’s charitable efforts through The Polar Foundation, which has contributed $3 million to “Help Communities Thrive” since its inception.

Jean is a well established professional in the Agricultural Industry. He is the Co-Founder and Principal of Laprise Farms Ltd, a very diversified, family owned Agri-business with several divisions involved in field, greenhouse, and hydroponic vegetable production as well as vegetable preparation for both the food processing and fresh market industries.

Jean has been a key advisor and held long term Director roles on local and provincial committees including; La Caisse Populaire de Pain Court, Ontario Vegetable Growers’ Marketing Board, Ontario Seedling Growers’ Marketing Board, and the 2018 International Plowing Match and Rural Expo.

In addition Jean has been recognized by many organizations, receiving Entrepreneur of the year Award (Chatham and District Chamber of Commerce), Industrial Energy Innovator Award (Canadian Industry Program for Energy Conservation), Feature Act Award (Chatham-Kent), and was inducted into the Chatham-Kent Agriculture Hall of Fame in 2017.

Claude is the Founder and Principal of 43 North Group, a consulting firm focused on alternative asset classes and ESG / impact investing. Formerly he was the Managing Director of IR at West Face Capital where he engaged with sovereign wealth funds, pension funds, endowments, funds of funds, and family offices in domestic and international markets. Prior to joining WestFace Capital, Claude was with CIBC World Markets where he oversaw CIBC’s Capital Introduction Group and contributed to the bank’s cross-asset capabilities. Previously, Claude co-founded a European-based real estate investment group focused on development and infrastructure projects in Eastern Europe. Formerly he was a founding partner of an asset management company launched in New York that subsequently expanded to Hong Kong and Toronto, and previously held senior roles within HSBC Securities, RBC Royal Bank, and CIBC World Markets, with a focus on alternative asset classes.

Claude is a member of McGill University’s Expert Panel in Investment Management, an advisor to UNICEF on ECD projects, a registered dealing representative of Belco Private Capital Inc., and a frequent guest speaker and lecturer on alternative investments

Dave is a graduate of the St. Clair College business program, achieving the President’s Award as the top graduate. Dave has over 30 years of experience in the finance industry with a career history in Windsor, London, and Ottawa. While working in Commercial banking, Dave earned a Fellowship from the Institute of Canadian Banking (FCIB). Dave has helped thousands of people achieve the dream of home ownership, even when clients’ circumstances are not perfect and don’t fit the normal boxes. Dave has a deep personal faith and cares for people which drives him to always pursue the best outcome for every client.

Dave earned the President’s Club designation from the VERIS Club Awards for achieving a minimum of $50 million in funded deals or 100 funded deals in 2021 and 2020.

Dave is a father of 3 daughters and a grandfather to 9 grandchildren. Family is a top priority for Dave, and he treats his clients as members of his family. Dave and his wife love to travel and have been around the globe with over 25 cruise vacations with family and friends. Making new friends and experiencing other cultures is of great interest to Dave.

Graduate of Brock University with a Bachelor of Accounting, Mitchell has worked in the hospitality industry where he accumulated nearly 15 years of managerial experience. Under Mitchell’s management, the restaurant received multiple awards over the years for being one of the top stores in Canada. This experience has helped developed his appreciation for great service and treating people equally. In Mitchell’s spare time, you can find him enjoying the outdoors, cycling, hiking, and camping.

With over 20 years of experience as a golf professional and manager, Troy has exemplary customer service skills. Troy excels in building rapport with all his clients and always strives for excellence. Troy credits his discipline, respect, and good morals to his time in the military.

With 5 years in the finance industry with FamilyLending.ca Inc., where Troy started as an Agent and worked his way to become a Mortgage Broker, Troy has assisted hundreds of clients from first-time home buyers to high-net-worth clients. Troy provides full service to all clients by guiding them through the entire process from beginning to end. His clients often comment on Troy’s willingness to go above and beyond to help them get financing. In 2020 and 2021, Troy earned the President’s Club designation from the VERIS Club Awards for achieving a minimum of $25 million in funded deals/50 funded deals.

When Troy isn’t working, you can find him on the golf course, spending time outside or cooking. As a person who grew up with a close family, Troy and his wife enjoy spending time with their children and 6 grandchildren.

Melanie is a CPA, CGA, with over 10 years of experience in various industries, including fashion, manufacturing, and retail grocery. As our controller, Melanie is responsible for reporting financial results to our board and stakeholders and managing all accounting functions.

Born and raised in Chatham, Melanie attended the University of Windsor where she received her B. Comm from the Odette School of Business. She continued her accounting education at UBC and earned her CPA and CGA designations from CPABC.  

Jodyann is a graduate of St Clair College with a diploma in Business Accounting. Jodyann has over 6 years of accounting experience in various industries such as Auto, Legal, and Finance. In her spare time, you can find Jodyann reading a good book or spending time with her family.

Kristin has worked in the mortgage industry since 2003. She has focused her career on risk management, compliance, AML/ATF, and fraud investigation while working for companies such as MCAP, Home Trust, HSBC Bank, B2B Bank, AGF Trust, and Wells Fargo.

Kristin has been a licensed mortgage agent, with the Financial Services Regulatory Authority in Ontario since 2003, and recently became a Mortgage Agent, Level 2.

As a graduate of the University of Guelph with a Bachelor of Science in Human Kinetics, Spencer had worked as a Registered Kinesiologist in the clinical setting for over 6 years. In the past 5 years, Spencer worked as a Long Term Disability Case Manager with Manulife where he applied critical judgement when determining eligibility for disability benefits based on contractual, medical, and vocational barriers to return to work. Outside of work Spencer enjoys playing golf, and spending time with family.

Frank is a seasoned technology professional, specializing in leading organizations through transformational change.

With a quarter of a century of experience spearheading complex projects for a diverse range of clients and organizations. His industry experience includes Retail, Public Sector, Manufacturing, Finance/Fintech, Non Profit, and Management Consulting.

Specialties: Frank is a well-recognized talent in collaborating with executives to evaluate business structure, set strategic direction, influence decisions, and execute complex global corporate changes.

Lisa is a Sr. Graphic Designer with over 16 years of in-house agency experience. Her previous role as Creative Director / Design Lead showcased her passion for brand development, content creation, and design execution. 

Throughout the years of managing design campaigns from inception to completion, Lisa not only formed great relationships with her clients, local and national suppliers, but gained a deep understanding of the challenges and requirements to meet deadlines on-time and to spec.

Shauna has over 10 years experience in the agricultural industry and 15 years in finance and HR, and is therefore well skilled in the various farm lending programs to help ease risk management and income declines. She is also experienced in recruiting offshore labour through the various Labour Market Impact Assessments.  In her spare time, Shauna enjoys many outdoor activities with her family and dogs.

Kelly is a credit analyst who works to assist our clients under our Residential Agriculture program.  Before joining the team Kelly gained almost 18 years of banking experience including 14 years as a bank manager where she won the manager of the year award before transitioning into the mortgage specialist role.

When not working Kelly enjoys spending time with family, trying new recipes and getting some exercise.

A seasoned prefessional in the financial services industry, Jeff brings his 17 years of experience in agricultural and commercial banking which includes enterprise management, strategic planning, portfolio and relationship management, risk analysis, underwriting and credit adjudication in the credit union, bank and private lending sectors.

As a life long resident of Perth County, Ontario, Jeff has solid roots within the farming community.  Jeff approaches each relationship with curiosity to understand the unique challenges presented to the farm and business operations and with a values added approach to partnering on collaboratively building solutions together.  Jeff enjoys giving back to his community by serving in a number leadership capacities on Boards and Committee’s.

Prior to joining the team as Credit Administrator, Stephanie worked in retail banking. This experience has given her the knowledge and insight needed to provide support to clients and fellow team members. With years of customer service experience Stephanie prides herself on understanding peoples situations and finding a satisfying solution. Outside of the office she enjoys spending time with her family; playing board games, camping.

John is currently Partner / President of North American Plant Genetics. The company sources corn, soy, sunflower, and sorghum genetics in Canada and the USA, with production and sales and marketing in the Ukraine.

John previously held the position of VP, Strategic Development for the Grain Farmers of Ontario from 2011 – 2014. He came to GFO from Hyland Seeds where he spent 34 years, ultimately ascending to the position of President which he held from 1997 – 2011.

John has extensive experience in the seed business and knowledge of the grain industry. His industry experience has included 8 years on the Executive Board of the Canadian Seed Trade Association, including a term as President in 2005 – 2006. He has served as a Director on the Ontario Agri Business Board, and is a member of the Canadian Agri-Marketing Association. Most recently, John has served on the Oilseed Innovation Partners Board, including the position of Board Chair from 2015 – 2018.

Donald Belovich is a partner at the leading law firm Stikeman Elliott LLP in the Capital Markets, Securities and Mergers & Acquisitions Groups. His practice focuses on mergers and acquisitions, public financings and complex corporate reorganizations. Donald also acts as counsel to issuers and underwriters in connection with initial public offerings and other public offerings and private placements. He regularly advises issuers, boards of directors and special committees on the structuring of M&A transactions, negotiating key transaction documentation, directors’ fiduciary duties, and other corporate governance, compliance and general matters.

Donald has extensive experience in the seed business and knowledge of the grain industry.

Donald is the co-founder of 100 Guys Who Care Oakville (www.100guyswhocareoakville.com), a grass-roots organization that raises funds and awareness for Halton, Ontario based charities. Donald was also formerly an infantry officer in the Canadian Armed Forces.

Retired – 45 Years of Experience in the Agricultural and Financial Industries

With more than 45 years in the agricultural and financial industries, Scott, who is now retired, provides an external perspective to AgriRoots –most importantly as part of the Credit Committee for lending approvals.

A previous CPA and former CFO with extensive experience including strategic planning, budgeting, human resources, leading financial negotiations with corporate lenders, and involvement in mergers & acquisitions and new corporate start-ups, Scott is an experienced agricultural lender who has worked with a Tier 1 Bank and Crown Corporation.

An experienced infrastructure finance leader with over 20 years of private and public sector experience. Having a successful track record of originating, structuring and financing bankable infrastructure transactions with clients ranging from First Nations, public sector institutions as well as medium-large private corporations. Successful financings have included solar, wind, geothermal, waste to energy, combined heating and power (CHP), EVs/ EV Infrastructure, battery storage, hydrogen & building retrofits for large financial institutions.

Vince Gasparro was most recently the Managing Director & Head of Sustainable Finance at Roynat Capital – Scotiabank. He provided strategic direction, leadership, and oversight – for the design and execution of the coverage model, platform, and specialized offering – for Sustainable Finance in Business Banking. This includes clean energy & environmental, social and governance (ESG) themed business while creating clean capacity/transitioning environment-intensive sectors and driving positive social impact within underserved communities/facilitating greater participation within economic progress and elevating good governance.

Vince originated, advised, structured, and financed across all asset classes (incl. senior term, mezzanine, project & construction; equity) and delivered specialized banking solutions and transaction structures – Including the financing of the largest clean energy transaction in the history of the Canadian Commercial bank. Vince adds deep experience involving clean technology, government guarantees, private/public off-takes, and social inclusion.

Vince brings 20 years of leadership, experience, relationships, and innovation in both finance & government. Previously, he was Managing Director, Corporate Development & Clean Energy Finance, at Vancity Community Investment Bank (VCIB), where he successfully built a leading sustainable finance business, and earned the reputation for being a respected thought-leader and trusted innovator across structuring transactions and meeting public policy imperatives. While at Vancity, Vince financed transactions ranging from the largest wastewater to energy project in the world to the Six Nations of the Grand River’s Equity in Ontario’s 2^nd largest wind farm.

Prior, he was Principal Secretary to Toronto Mayor John Tory, where he led the implementation of multiple public policy objectives. He has also served former Canadian Prime Minister Paul Martin as Special Assistant, Ontario. His background crosses all levels of government.

Following on his appointment by the Government of Canada to join the official delegation to the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26), Vince was once again appointed to join the official delegation to COP27 and COP28. He has a BA (Honours) from York University, an MSc from the London School of Economics, and an Executive MBA from Villanova University.