A Day in the Life of a Dealing Representative featuring Adam Gignac

A Spotlight on Canada’s DR Community

By:
Adam Gignac

1. Tell us about your background and what made you gravitate towards the private markets?

My professional career actually started off in nursing. My desire to help people was evident being a nurse in mental health and as a volunteer firefighter. I was working and investing in mutual funds through a bank like a good majority of people that knew little about investing. It was in my later 20's when I purchased my first home and had to add to my principal after 5 years of having my money invested to only bring those totals back up to what my original invested principal amount was. I then started to question how some had much more success investing and managing their finances than others and didn't want to repeat those investment results. I ended up purchasing my first financial book – 'The Wealthy Barber Returns' by David Chilton. I distinctly remember waking up one morning around 5/5:30 and couldn't wait to get out of bed to continue reading the book, (I wasn't a huge hobby reader during this time). Not only did I learn lots from David's book, but I discovered I had a passion for finance and investing. My desire for knowledge and to grow my personal wealth led me to start trading small amounts and learning about the financial markets. Seeking professional trading mentors and reading more and more I realized the way some invested and grew their wealth was completely different from most of the general knowledge of finance and investing we are taught and led to believe 'is the way'.

I started to learn the difference between private markets and public markets. The power and benefits of insurance products, and the nuances of the stock markets that can suck many people in, seeking large returns. After joining a popular MLM insurance company and getting insurance licensed, I quickly realized it wasn't for me and I wanted to better serve my clients. It was shortly after this time that I sat down with a local author, mentor and friend that had a successful career in the stock market as a floor trader and investing in private markets. When discussing investments and markets he was confirming what many trading veterans and wealthy investors would do with their finances. It was during this meeting that I became interested in becoming more than a client. I wanted to be a part of this not only for myself, but to help as many as I could put their hard-earned dollars to work effectively. It was a proud moment for me to join a team like Liahona Capital where their focus was on the clients and minimizing risk while still growing their wealth. I've been working with Liahona Capital for about 6 years and have never looked back. I feel very fortunate to have access to the private markets and being able to provide these opportunities that would otherwise go unknown to the average investor.

2. What are some of the biggest changes you have seen since you started?

The democratization of private market investments was already underway when I joined Liahona Capital, but I have seen more companies providing equal if not more information than some public companies to better inform investors. I've noticed more advisors and investors show interest as the space becomes more popular. I have also seen individuals understand that not all private market investments bear the risk that they think, if they understand 'risk'. The growth and modernization of tools such as Exempt Edge making it easier for advisors to manage their book of business and different private Issuers. I have also been hearing financial news of much more capital flowing into private markets than in the past, which is great to see.

3. What is the one thing you want someone unfamiliar with this space to know?

That not all private investments are super risky. A stock market investment can be just as risky if no one is willing to pay more for those shares. Cash flow is a very important component for any investment portfolio.

4. What are your ‘go to’ features that you look for when completing KYP on a given product for suitability consideration?

a) Cost of Capital
b) Management
c) Business Plan (Item 2)
d) Other:

Economic trends and Tailwinds supporting the investment thesis and/or headwinds and obstacles for the investment product.

5. Share something interesting about yourself that most people don’t know.

I am very much an introvert with a 'nerdy' side and can often be on the shy side, but I get the most satisfaction in life by helping others and providing value to others.

Footnotes

Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of Olympia Trust Company, Olympia Financial Group Inc., or any of its affiliates. The author’s views and opinions are based upon information they consider reliable, but neither Olympia Trust Company, Olympia Financial Group Inc. nor any of its affiliates, warrant its completeness or accuracy, and it should not be relied upon as such.

Adam Gignac
Dealing Representative, Liahona Capital Inc.

Adam's journey began with a deep-seated passion for helping people, which led him to graduate as a nurse in 2011. His commitment to community service also saw him serve as a volunteer firefighter for a decade, from 2011 to 2021, demonstrating his unwavering dedication to the well-being of others. However, it was his insatiable curiosity and a growing fascination with finance and markets that steered his path in a new direction. In 2017, Adam obtained his life insurance license, marking a significant step towards his transition into the world of finance. He further honed his expertise by completing the Exempt Market Professionals course and obtaining a license to deal in the private markets. Since 2018, Adam has found his professional home by partnering with Liahona Capital, where he combines his passion for finance with his innate desire to assist others in investing and growing their wealth. His journey is a testament to the belief that doing what you love and are passionate about can lead to remarkable achievements.

Une journée dans la vie d’un représentant de courtier avec Adam Gignac

Pleins feux sur la communauté des RC au Canada

By:
Adam Gignac

1. Parlez-nous de votre parcours et des raisons qui vous ont poussé à vous orienter vers les marchés privés ?

Ma carrière professionnelle a commencé en soins infirmiers. Mon désir d’aider les gens était évident en tant qu’infirmier en santé mentale et en tant que pompier volontaire. Je travaillais et j’investissais dans des fonds communs de placement par l’intermédiaire d’une banque, comme la plupart des gens qui ne connaissent pas grand-chose à l’investissement. C’était vers la fin de ma vingtaine lorsque j’ai acheté ma première maison et que j’ai dû ajouter à mon capital après avoir investi mon argent pendant cinq ans pour seulement ramener ces totaux à ce qu’était mon capital initial investi. J’ai alors commencé à me demander comment certaines personnes réussissaient mieux que d’autres à investir et à gérer leurs finances et je ne voulais pas répéter ces résultats de placement. J’ai fini par acheter mon premier livre financier, « The Wealthy Barber Returns » de David Chilton. Je me souviens très bien de m’être réveillé un matin vers 5/5h30 et d’avoir eu hâte de sortir du lit pour continuer à lire le livre (je n’étais pas un grand amateur de lecture à l’époque). Non seulement j’ai beaucoup appris du livre de David, mais j’ai aussi découvert que j’avais une passion pour la finance et l’investissement. Mon désir de savoir et d’accroître mon patrimoine personnel m’a amené à commencer à négocier de petites sommes et à me familiariser avec les marchés financiers. En cherchant des mentors professionnels et en lisant de plus en plus, j’ai réalisé que la façon dont certains investissaient et faisaient fructifier leur patrimoine était complètement différente de la plupart des connaissances générales en matière de finance et de placement que l’on nous enseigne et que l’on nous fait croire comme étant « la bonne façon de faire ».

J’ai commencé à apprendre la différence entre les marchés privés et les marchés publics. La puissance et les avantages des produits d’assurance, ainsi que les nuances des marchés boursiers qui peuvent attirer de nombreuses personnes à la recherche de rendements élevés. Après avoir rejoint une compagnie d’assurance MLM populaire et obtenu une licence d’assurance, j’ai rapidement réalisé que ce n’était pas pour moi et que je voulais mieux servir mes clients. Peu de temps après, j’ai rencontré un auteur local, un mentor et un ami qui avait fait une brillante carrière sur le marché boursier en tant que négociateur et investisseur sur les marchés privés. En discutant des placements et des marchés, il confirmait ce que beaucoup de vétérans de la négociation et d’investisseurs fortunés feraient de leurs finances. C’est au cours de cette rencontre que j’ai commencé à vouloir devenir plus qu’un client. Je voulais participer à ce projet, non seulement pour moi, mais aussi pour aider le plus grand nombre possible de personnes à faire fructifier l’argent qu’elles avaient durement gagné. Ce fut un moment de fierté pour moi de me joindre à une équipe comme Liahona Capital, où l’accent était mis sur les clients et la minimisation des risques tout en continuant à faire croître leur patrimoine. Je travaille avec Liahona Capital depuis environ 6 ans et je n’ai jamais regardé en arrière. Je me sens très chanceux d’avoir accès aux marchés privés et de pouvoir offrir ces possibilités qui seraient autrement inconnues de l’investisseur moyen.

2. Quels sont les changements les plus importants que vous avez constatés depuis que vous avez commencé ?

La démocratisation des investissements sur les marchés privés était déjà en cours lorsque j’ai rejoint Liahona Capital, mais j’ai constaté que de plus en plus d’entreprises fournissaient des informations équivalentes, voire supérieures, à celles de certaines entreprises publiques, afin de mieux informer les investisseurs. J’ai remarqué que de plus en plus de conseillers et d’investisseurs s’intéressaient à cet espace à mesure qu’il devenait plus populaire. J’ai également vu des personnes comprendre que tous les placements sur les marchés privés ne comportaient pas le risque qu’elles pensaient, pour autant qu’elles comprennent le terme « risque ». La croissance et la modernisation d’outils comme Exempt Edge, qui permettent aux conseillers de gérer plus facilement leur portefeuille d’activités et les différents émetteurs privés. J’ai également entendu dans les nouvelles financières que les marchés privés recevaient beaucoup plus de capitaux que par le passé, ce qui est très encourageant.

3. Quelle est la chose que vous aimeriez que quelqu’un qui ne connaît pas cet espace sache ?

Les placements privés ne sont pas tous très risqués. Un investissement boursier peut être tout aussi risqué si personne n’est prêt à payer plus pour ces actions. Le flux de trésorerie est un élément très important de tout portefeuille de placements.

4. Quelles sont les caractéristiques que vous recherchez lorsque vous effectuez la connaissance du produit pour un produit donné en vue d’en déterminer l’adéquation ?

a) Coût du capital
b) Gestion
c) Plan d’entreprise (point 2)
d) Autres :

Les tendances économiques et facteurs favorables à l’appui de la thèse de placement et/ou les vents contraires et obstacles pour le produit de placement.

5. Partagez quelque chose d’intéressant sur vous que la plupart des gens ne connaissent pas.

Je suis très introverti, avec un côté « intello » et souvent timide, mais c’est en aidant les autres et en leur apportant de la valeur que j’éprouve le plus de satisfaction dans la vie.

Footnotes

Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of Olympia Trust Company, Olympia Financial Group Inc., or any of its affiliates. The author’s views and opinions are based upon information they consider reliable, but neither Olympia Trust Company, Olympia Financial Group Inc. nor any of its affiliates, warrant its completeness or accuracy, and it should not be relied upon as such.

Adam Gignac
Dealing Representative, Liahona Capital Inc.

Adam's journey began with a deep-seated passion for helping people, which led him to graduate as a nurse in 2011. His commitment to community service also saw him serve as a volunteer firefighter for a decade, from 2011 to 2021, demonstrating his unwavering dedication to the well-being of others. However, it was his insatiable curiosity and a growing fascination with finance and markets that steered his path in a new direction. In 2017, Adam obtained his life insurance license, marking a significant step towards his transition into the world of finance. He further honed his expertise by completing the Exempt Market Professionals course and obtaining a license to deal in the private markets. Since 2018, Adam has found his professional home by partnering with Liahona Capital, where he combines his passion for finance with his innate desire to assist others in investing and growing their wealth. His journey is a testament to the belief that doing what you love and are passionate about can lead to remarkable achievements.