About
Our team at Focus Financial Solutions Inc. is dedicated to helping Clients experience life’s moments by taking the stress out of planning financially for the future. As Sun Life Financial advisors, we have helped countless Clients through pivotal moments in their lives. You can count on us to work as hard for you as you do for your family or business. Contact us today to see what a plan can do for you.
Focus Financial Solutions Inc.
Every moment matters. Whether it’s opening the doors to your first business, having your first child or going on the vacation of your dreams, we’re here to help you make the most out of every moment that matters to you.
We've built our foundation on establishing strong relationships. We want to know you, understand what's important to you, and hear about your unique goals. We will help you make informed decisions about your finances and set a personalized plan for your financial future. When you join our family of trusted Advisors, our entire team supports you. We'll work as hard for you as you do for your own family or business.
We’re here to help with every moment and every dream, at every stage of life. Experience life’s moments; we’ll focus on the rest.
Phone: (519) 433-0101
Email: ffs@sunlife.com
Fax: 519-433-0104
Address: 1305 Riverbend Road, Suite 350,, London, ON, N6K 0J5 Canada
Brian Peaker
I began my career in 1997 with the goal of helping Clients build a plan for a successful financial future. That is still at the centre of my practice today. As part of the Focus Financial Solutions Inc. team, I believe in understanding each Client’s individual situation. This insight allows me to provide customized recommendations to help them achieve their financial goals.
In 1996, I had the honour of representing Canada in the summer Olympics, winning a silver medal in men’s rowing. In 2015, I was very proud to be inducted into the London Sports Hall of Fame. It takes discipline and determination to achieve your goals in sports as well as life. I apply these goal-setting principles when assisting Clients with their financial planning. It is extremely rewarding when I help Clients achieve their financial goals and dreams.
In my spare time, my wife and I enjoy travelling to different sporting events and spending lots of time with family and friends.
Job Title: Financial Planner, Sun Life, CFP®, CHS™
Email: brian.peaker@sunlife.com
Address: 350-1305 Riverbend Rd., London
Dave Vanderwerf
I began my career with Sun Life as a Sales Manager and Associate Manager. While training and mentoring new advisors, I discovered I also had a passion for working directly with Clients. I found great satisfaction in helping people meet their insurance and investment needs. I have dedicated my career as an advisor to building my business, Focus Financial, on a solid foundation of understanding each Client's unique goals.
Originally from St. Thomas, Ontario, I attended the University of Windsor where I obtained a business degree. I’m married with two adult children and enjoy travelling, cooking, and visiting with family and friends.
Job Title: Advisor, Sun Life, B.Comm.
Email: dave.vanderwerf@sunlife.com
Address: 350-1305 Riverbend Rd., London
Michael Bryans
I’m humbled by the idea that one of the most important financial decisions a Client will make is who they select as their advisor. With this in mind, I commit myself to building long-standing relationships with Clients. These relationships are built on knowledgeable advice, open communication and earned trust. At the heart of this is a deep understanding of who you are and what’s important to you. Whether you're an individual, family or business owner, we at Focus Financial Solutions Inc. have the experience and dedication to service excellence to help you reach your financial goals. To best serve Clients, I split my time weekly between our London and Petrolia locations.
In my spare time, life is busy. My wife and I have three beautiful children who are active in sports and other activities.
Job Title: Financial Planner, Sun Life, B.Math
CFP®, RIS
Phone: 519-433-0101
Email: mike.bryans@sunlife.com
Address: 350-1305 Riverbend Rd., London 4237 Petrolia Line, Petrolia
Shane Whiteside
As a Financial Planner, I enjoy helping Clients with all aspects of their wealth management, particularly their retirement planning. I've been with Sun Life since 2008 but have more than 20 years experience in the financial industry. My love of investing and focus on the complexities of tax and estate planning makes me an asset to Clients. I value honesty and integrity – people matter to me. I believe our fully integrated approach provides Clients with solutions for their comprehensive financial plan.
In my free time, I love being active outdoors and enjoying quality time with my family. In winter, I'm an avid skier and snowboarder. In summer, I enjoy building birdhouses, gardening with my spouse, and golfing.
Job Title: Financial Planner, Sun Life, CFP®, CIWM, FMA®
Phone: 519-245-8169
Address: 90 Front St E, Strathroy 9 Princess Ave, St. Thomas
Jared Bugler
As an Associate Advisor, I strive to provide Clients with peace of mind through valuable guidance on investments and insurance. I have a strong interest in finance since my youth and have graduated from Fanshawe College’s Business Finance program. I’ve recently acquired my licenses in life insurance, securities and mutual funds. I take pride in my ability to build and maintain authentic relationships with Clients, especially young adults who are beginning a new chapter in their lives. Whether it’s buying a first home, funding education or planning for retirement, I find deep satisfaction in helping Clients achieve their financial goals. Beyond work, I enjoy outdoor adventures and spending quality time with loved ones.
Job Title: Associate Advisor, Sun Life
Address: 350-1305 Riverbend Rd., London
Chuck Vint
Working from our St. Thomas location, I work with our Advisors to create detailed plans for Clients' individual situations, goals and dreams. As a former advisor myself, I take an educational approach to working with Clients. My goal is to answer your retirement questions and to produce a personalized plan that helps you retire confidently.
When I’m not working, you’ll often find me skiing or golfing.
Job Title: Associate Advisor, Sun Life
Address: 350-1305 Riverbend Rd., London 9 Princess Ave, St. Thomas
Sarah Brennek
As an Operations Manager for Focus Financial, I concentrate on strategic project initiatives and human resources, coaching our team and growing our business. I also support our team members as they develop within their roles and tackle various projects that augment Focus Financial’s operational excellence. I’m a believer that we grow through challenges and embracing change and am proud to be part of such a dynamic and positive group of professionals.
My experience and education has made me who I am today and contributed to my successes. I have obtained an:
- Honours double major in English and Psychology from the University of Western Ontario,
- Honours Certificate in HR management from Fanshawe College,
- CHRP designation, and I am
- Life and Mutual Fund Licensed.
In my personal life, my day-to-day is full of activities with my two boys whether it be fort building or forest exploration. I'm also part of a book club, love being outside, and spend free moments planning my family's future travels.
Job Title: Service Associate, Sun Life | Operations Manager, Focus Financial Solutions Inc., B.A.Hons., CHRP
Email: sarah.brennek@sunlife.com
Address: 350-1305 Riverbend Rd., London
Krista Talaskavich
As an Operations Manager for Focus Financial, I concentrate on our processes and operational projects. With almost a decade of previous experience in the hospitality industry, my main focus is ensuring Clients' needs come first. Whether that is remembering a Client’s unique needs or helping them navigate the complexities of the financial industry. I work hard to achieve the best possible outcome on behalf of the Client and challenges are my specialty. I like nothing more than overcoming hurdles and finding the best answer!
In my free time, I love being outside. I enjoy exploring the outdoors with my husband and son or relaxing in a hammock with a good book.
Job Title: Associate Advisor, Sun Life | Operations Manager, Focus Financial Solutions Inc.
Phone: 519-245-8169
Address: 90 Front St E, Strathroy
Chrystal Smaldon
I joined the team in 2014 as an Appointment Coordinator. Since then, I have worked continuously to develop my specialized knowledge of the life insurance side of the business. I'm proud to have grown into my current role as Service Associate and hold my life license. Within this role, I work closely with our team's Advisors to implement solutions within the insurance portion of Clients’ portfolios. I am passionate about helping others and feel honoured to support Clients during the times they need it most.
I have two amazing children. Together, we love to travel and explore new places when we get the chance. When I’m not working, I enjoy baking and sharing my treats with friends and family.
Job Title: Service Associate, Sun Life
Email: chrystal.smaldon@sunlife.com
Address: 350-1305 Riverbend Rd., London
Vicki Hill
With two decades’ experience as an administrator, I'm a focused and methodical person. I obtained my Mutual Funds license during my first year with Sun Life and have the training and ability to pay attention to the smallest of details. One of the friendly voices Clients hear when they call into the office, you'll find me working from the team's Strathroy location. I'm proud to serve the community I live in and always aim to provide Clients with service above and beyond expectations.
Outside the office, I stay active by running and camping with my family throughout the summer months. I'm happiest surrounded by my favourite people and enjoying some downtime.
Lee-Ann Peterson
Working from the team’s St. Thomas office, I am often Clients' first point of contact when they stop by. Regardless of why you’re reaching out, I like to offer prompt and friendly service. I’m proud to hold my Mutual Funds license. The trust Clients have in us is what makes me passionate about my career. I don’t take this responsibility lightly. At the end of the day, I like to be able to say that I did the best I could for every Client I worked with.
My family means the world to me, and I've been married for over 40 years. I have two beautiful daughters and four grandkids. I love spending time with them and hosting dinners for our friends.
Job Title: Service Associate, Sun Life
Address: 9 Princess Ave, St. Thomas
Rhonda Goodacre
As a Service Associate at our Petrolia office, I enjoy helping Clients reach their financial goals. Having lived in Petrolia for many years, I'm proud to work within and serve the community I call home.
Since joining the team, I've achieved my Mutual Funds license. This knowledge combined with the skills garnered in my previous career in engineering assist me greatly with the detail-oriented nature of wealth administration.
I have four daughters and love to watch their sporting events and travel with them. In my spare time, I like to golf.
Job Title: Service Associate, Sun Life
Address: 4237 Petrolia Line, Petrolia
Diego Tarazona Carrillo
Having graduated from Fanshawe College's Business Finance program, I feel excited to be part of the Focus Financial team. I'm happy to have joined the financial services industry as a whole. Since joining the team, I achieved my Mutual Funds license. Working from our London office, I'm enjoying contributing to a successful team and learning the complexities of the mutual fund business.
In my free time, you’ll often find me watching and playing soccer, watching movies or going to restaurants. I have an interest in cars and traveling to new places. One of my most memorable trips was traveling to Colombia to train with a soccer team for two months. When I'm not traveling, I enjoy spending time with my family here in London.
Job Title: Service Associate, Sun Life
Address: 350-1305 Riverbend Rd., London
Sumaiya Fatema Zannat
After completing a Bachelors in Business Economics from York University, I joined the Focus Financial team in 2018. Working at the London location as the team's Office Manager, I provide administrative support to the Advisors. Oftentimes, I am the first point of contact for Clients. I also provide support for the firm's operational endeavours. Overall, my goal is to assist this amazing team while we strive to achieve excellent Client service.
When I'm not at work, I enjoy travelling, cooking and spending time with my family.
Job Title: Administrative Assistant, Sun Life| Office Manager, Focus Financial Solutions Inc., B.A.
Email: sumaiya.zannat@sunlife.com
Address: 350-1305 Riverbend Rd., London
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