News & Events
Friday April 10, 2026
Today’s classification presentation featured Davis Carroll, one of BEO’s newest members, representing Synergy Mortgage Group.
Davis provided a clear and insightful look into today’s mortgage landscape, using visual data (as shown in the slides) to walk the group through interest rate trends, including the history of Canada’s 5-year bond yield and how it directly impacts fixed mortgage rates. He also broke down the differences between fixed and variable rates, helping members better understand how each option performs in different market conditions.
The presentation included a snapshot of current rates across insured, conventional, and variable products, along with forward-looking projections tied to Bank of Canada policy forecasts. These visuals helped bring clarity to where the market has been—and where it may be heading.
Davis also outlined the services he provides through Synergy Mortgage Group, emphasizing his ability to access over 60 lending partners. This breadth allows him to tailor solutions for a wide range of clients, from first-time homebuyers to those renewing or restructuring existing mortgages.
He closed by highlighting key opportunities for referrals, including mortgage renewals, debt consolidation, re-amortization strategies, and helping clients navigate options with better terms, flexibility, and service.
Overall, the classification offered a strong, practical overview of the mortgage space today—giving members a better understanding of rates, lending options, and where Davis can support both personal and client needs.
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​Phone: (289) 776-5041
Website: https://www.carrollmortgages.com/
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Friday March 27, 2026
Today’s classification presentation featured Jay Thomblison, one of BEO’s newest members and owner of Jay Thomblison CPA Professional Corporation.
Jay provided a well-rounded overview of his professional background, highlighting his extensive experience in public accounting, including over two decades as a partner before recently launching his own firm. His transition into building his own practice reflects both his expertise and his commitment to delivering personalized financial and tax services to his clients.
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Beyond his professional journey, Jay shared insights into his family life and strong involvement in the community. His long-standing role with local initiatives, including his involvement in organizing entertainment for large-scale community events, highlighted his dedication to giving back and staying actively engaged outside of his business.
The presentation also reinforced Jay’s depth of knowledge in accounting and taxation, along with his approachable and relationship-driven style. Members gained a clearer understanding of the types of clients he serves and the value he brings through strategic financial guidance.
Overall, Jay’s classification offered a strong introduction to both his professional capabilities and personal values, positioning him as a knowledgeable and community-focused resource within the BEO network.
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​Phone: (905) 667 – 6500
Website: https://jt-cpa.ca/
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Friday March 13, 2026
Today’s classification presentation featured Jam Digital Marketing, presented by Stephen Verrall, and focused on how modern businesses can leverage digital marketing and artificial intelligence to grow their brand and reach new customers.
The presentation explored how Jam Digital Marketing has been working with AI since its early release in 2022 and how that early adoption has created a strategic advantage for clients. Stephen explained how AI is now being used to help generate content, analyze audience behavior, and improve marketing performance across multiple digital platforms.
Members also learned about Jam’s organic social media strategy, which focuses on building brand awareness and social trust by consistently publishing content across multiple platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Google Business. By posting regularly and analyzing engagement data, businesses can better understand their audience and refine their messaging over time.
The presentation also touched on paid advertising strategies, website development, and AI-driven automation that can streamline marketing efforts and improve efficiency for businesses.
Overall, the classification highlighted how digital marketing has evolved and how combining AI, automation, and consistent content creation can help businesses remain competitive in an increasingly digital marketplace.
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​Phone: 289-277-5333
Website: https://jamdigital.marketing
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Friday March 6, 2026
This week’s BEO meeting was held on site at Closets By Design , where members had the opportunity to tour both their showroom and manufacturing facility and learn more about how their custom storage systems are designed and produced.
The team walked us through the wide range of products they create, including custom closets, home offices, garage storage, laundry room systems, pantries, and entertainment units. Each solution is designed to maximize space while maintaining a clean, organized look tailored to the customer’s needs.
During the tour, members were able to see firsthand how the systems are manufactured locally in Canada, emphasizing both craftsmanship and quality materials. The manufacturing process demonstrated the precision involved in cutting, finishing, and assembling the components that ultimately become fully customized storage systems for homes and businesses.
The showroom also allowed members to explore a variety of design options, finishes, and layouts, highlighting how different configurations can transform underused spaces into highly functional storage solutions.
Overall, the visit provided a valuable behind-the-scenes look at how Closets By Design Niagara combines design, local manufacturing, and quality materials to create customized storage systems that improve organization and functionality in homes throughout the region.
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​Phone: 905-468-4611
Website: https://niagara.closetsbydesign.com/?source=gmap
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Friday January 30, 2026
Today’s classification presentation focused on Financial Planning, led by David Bradley of Edward Jones, and provided a clear, practical breakdown of how income and taxation work in real-world terms.
Using visual slides throughout the presentation (as shown in the photos), David walked the group through key financial concepts including types of income, income tax, capital gains, and how different forms of income are taxed differently. He explained the important distinction between marginal tax rates and average tax rates, helping clarify a topic that is often misunderstood.
The slides illustrating marginal tax brackets were used to show how income is taxed progressively, while the average tax examples helped demonstrate what individuals actually pay overall once all brackets are applied. David referenced these tables directly during the presentation, making the concepts easier to follow and apply.
The session emphasized understanding how taxation impacts personal and business financial decisions, reinforcing the importance of planning with accurate information rather than assumptions. By tying the explanations directly to the visual examples on screen, the presentation remained approachable, educational, and relevant for business owners at every stage.
Overall, the classification offered a strong foundational overview of financial and tax concepts, helping members better understand how income is taxed and why informed financial planning matters.
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​Phone: 905-628-0030
Email: David.C.Bradley@edwardjones.com
Website: www.edwardjones.ca/david-c-bradley
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Friday January 23rd, 2026
Today’s classification presentation, delivered by Dr. Reginald Gates, provided an educational and well-rounded overview of chiropractic care, grounded in both clinical science and real-world experience.
Dr. Gates began by outlining his academic and professional background, including studies in Chemistry (B.Sc. and M.Sc.), Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.), four years of part-time specialization in sports injuries, and his most recent achievement of Chartered Director certification. He also shared details about his practice at 454 Maple Avenue, noting that he continues to offer house calls — a service that is now rare in Hamilton and Burlington.
The presentation included a brief history of chiropractic, introducing D.D. Palmer and his son B.J. Palmer, explaining their roles in founding and promoting the profession and how chiropractic gained recognition after their move to Davenport, Iowa.
Dr. Gates then walked members through key spinal health topics, including the Vertebral Subluxation Complex, spinal stenosis, tech neck, cervical myelopathy, and the role of orthotics in improving foot biomechanics and overall spinal alignment. These concepts were explained using clear, practical analogies to help illustrate how spinal alignment affects nerves, muscles, and joint function.
He also highlighted his ongoing community involvement through monthly volunteer work at the Hamilton Urban Core Community Health Centre, as well as his previous leadership roles with the College of Chiropractors of Ontario and as Chair of the Ontario Chiropractic Association.
The session concluded with practical exercises focused on general fitness, low back strength, and hip mobility, with follow-up resources shared for members who wished to continue the exercises demonstrated during the presentation.
Overall, the classification provided a clear, informative look at chiropractic care, combining education, history, community service, and actionable tools for spinal health.
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Dr. Reg Gates
Phone: 905 634-1024
Email: drreginaldgates@gmail.com
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Friday January 16, 2026
Fireside Chat Edition
Today’s classification presentation featured Madek Mechanical and introduced a new and engaging fireside chat format, hosted and guided by Andy David of DataGuards. This conversational format — developed by Andy and Joel — was a refreshing change and proved to be a great success.
Before the classification began, the Roll Call helped set a strong foundation for connection, with members sharing how long they’ve been in their current businesses and reflecting on previous careers. This highlighted the diverse paths and experiences that exist within the group.
During the fireside chat, Andy interviewed Joel Bacchus of Madek Mechanical, guiding the conversation through Joel’s personal and professional journey. Members learned about his family, how he entered the HVAC industry, and how relationships and opportunity played a key role in shaping his career. The relaxed format encouraged storytelling and offered insight beyond the day-to-day business discussion.
Overall, the session created a welcoming and engaging atmosphere that strengthened connections and showcased the value of learning not just what our members do, but the journeys that brought them there.
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Website: https://madekhvac.com
Phone: (905) 531-2665
Friday January 9th, 2026
At today’s meeting, Judy Marsales and George Neil of Judy Marsales Real Estate Ltd. delivered a concise, data-driven classification presentation outlining the current state of the Hamilton real estate market, using the December 2025 Hamilton Monthly Statistical Report.
They highlighted that residential sales declined year-over-year, while inventory levels increased, resulting in higher months of supply and longer days on market. Average and benchmark prices softened across most property types, with apartment-style homes experiencing some of the largest year-over-year price declines.
The presentation also reviewed market performance by property type and by district, showing notable differences across Hamilton neighbourhoods such as Dundas, Ancaster, Stoney Creek, Waterdown, and the Mountain. The data reinforced the importance of accurate pricing and strong local market knowledge in today’s more balanced market.
Overall, the presentation provided a clear snapshot of current conditions and valuable insight into how buyers and sellers should navigate the evolving Hamilton real estate landscape.
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Website: https://judymarsales.com
Phone: (289)975-4839
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Friday December 19, 2025
At today’s meeting, Steve Dietrich of ClearStar Consulting delivered a thoughtful and engaging classification presentation focused on leadership, alignment, and intentional decision-making — both in business and in life.
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Steve opened by asking a powerful question: “Are you living your best life?” From there, he challenged members to reflect on who is truly “holding the pen” when it comes to their decisions. Through the concepts of The Social Mirror and The Internal Compass, he explored how many choices are driven by external expectations, validation, or fear, versus internal clarity, values, and purpose.
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Using a practical Checklist for Authenticity, Steve walked the group through how decisions often differ when they are based on external approval compared to internal alignment — highlighting how this impacts risk tolerance, long-term satisfaction, and overall direction.
The presentation then moved into an overview of Integral Coaching, explaining how this approach focuses on the whole person, not just goals or problems. Rather than telling clients what to do, integral coaching helps individuals uncover their own insights, build self-awareness, and create lasting change from within. Steve emphasized that sustainable growth comes from evolving how we think, not just what we do.
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He concluded with key takeaways centered on:
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Reflection and Alignment — making decisions that align with personal values
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Evolving Habits — identifying which habits support growth and which no longer serve us
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Practicing True Presence — being fully engaged, listening deeply, and responding intentionally
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Overall, the presentation offered a compelling reminder that clarity, groundedness, and alignment are essential for effective leadership — and that real progress begins when we become more intentional about how we show up, both professionally and personally.
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Website: https://www.clearstarconsulting.ca
Phone: (519)-630-3461
Friday December 12, 2025
At today’s meeting, Data Guards delivered an informative and practical classification presentation focused on helping businesses take the “SH” out of IT. Andy walked members through the most common — and most costly — security threats that can impact computers and servers, including ransomware, viruses, and malware capable of locking companies out of their systems or permanently deleting critical data.
The presentation emphasized the importance of having proper backup strategies in place, including secure remote backups, to ensure business continuity in the event of an attack or system failure. Andy also provided a helpful overview of the hardware that delivers internet connectivity, explaining how properly configured routers and firewalls play a key role in protecting businesses from Denial of Service (DoS) attacks.
Members were given a fascinating look at how data storage has evolved — from large hard drives with moving parts to modern solid-state drives that now fit in the palm of your hand, offering greater speed and reliability. To round out the session, Andy shared practical tips on identifying suspicious emails, verifying legitimate senders, and understanding the difference between HTTP and HTTPS — small checks that can make a big difference in preventing cyber threats.
Overall, the presentation served as a valuable reminder that proactive IT security is essential for protecting today’s businesses and their data.
Website: https://www.dataguards.ca
Phone: (289)975-4839
Christmas Dinner & Auction Thursday December 4th, 2025
Dundas Valley Golf & Country Club
10 Woodleys Lane, Dundas
BEO Annual Christmas Dinner & Silent Auction — A Night to Celebrate Our Community
Last night, the Business Executives Organization gathered for our Annual Christmas Dinner and Silent Auction — a truly wonderful evening filled with connection, celebration, and gratitude. It was another opportunity for our members to come together, meet new faces, strengthen relationships, and enjoy the company of great people representing outstanding local businesses.
As we close out 2025, a year shaped by economic uncertainty, our group has once again demonstrated the strength that comes from working together. Through collaboration, support, and shared opportunity, BEO members continue to guide one another toward stability and growth.
For those who were unable to join us, we invite you to browse a selection of photos from the evening. It was a memorable night — and a reminder of what makes the BEO such a resilient and inspiring community.
Friday November 28, 2025
At today’s outing, our group had the privilege of touring the Dundas Museum & Archives, guided by Keith Green of Mastermind Data. Keith led us through a fascinating look at Dundas’s early history — including the two ancient sandbars formed during the Ice Age that shaped the region and influenced how the community first developed. We also learned how Dundas grew as an early transportation hub, beginning with shipments arriving by lake long before the railway line and bridge transformed the flow of goods into the valley.
We explored exhibits highlighting Indigenous heritage, early settlement, and the everyday artifacts that tell the story of life in Dundas across generations. From tools and clothing to household items and community treasures, each display offered a vivid snapshot of how the town evolved.
A standout moment was our trip into the vault, where we were able to see rare archival pieces and preserved artifacts not typically shown to the public — providing a behind-the-scenes look at the Museum’s role in protecting local history.
With its welcoming approach, rotating exhibits, and dedication to preserving the stories of the Dundas Valley, the Dundas Museum & Archives remains an essential institution that helps keep the community’s heritage alive.
Website: www.dundasmuseum.ca
Phone: 905-627-7412
Friday November 21, 2025
Today, we had the pleasure of hearing from Doug VanDuzer, owner of VanDuzer Painting & Decorating. Doug walked us through the full scope of their interior and exterior painting and renovation services—showcasing a series of remarkable before-and-after transformations. From beautifully refreshed kitchens and bedrooms to reimagined closets, front entrances, and stunning exterior updates, each project demonstrated the craftsmanship and attention to detail that VanDuzer is known for.
If you’re considering a refresh, renovation, or a full repaint, make sure your first call is to VanDuzer Painting. Their results speak for themselves.
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Phone: 905 521-1033
Fax: 905 521-8622
Email: d.vanduzer@icloud.com
Website: www.vanduzerpainting.com
Friday November 14, 2025
At this week’s meeting, Garo Magakian of Vandehaar Flooring & Paint and Erica De Luca from Erica Livia Design delivered a dynamic presentation covering the latest trends in colour, paint, flooring, and carpet.
Together, they showcased how the design world is moving away from greys and toward warmer, richer tones that create more inviting spaces. They also reviewed the full spectrum of modern flooring options now replacing traditional hardwood—highlighting luxury vinyl, engineered products, and innovative surfaces built for durability and style. Their carpet segment explored new textures, advanced technologies, and trending colour palettes that elevate any room.
With Vandehaar Flooring & Paint’s 40+ years of service in the community, their combined expertise offered valuable insight into how homeowners and businesses can refresh their spaces with today’s most in-demand products.
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Phone: 905-765-5525
Email: info@vandehaarflooring.com
Website: www.vandehaarflooring.com
Erica De Luca & Garo Magakian
Friday November 7, 2025
Our visit to Gem Limousine in Burlington was a memorable experience from start to finish. After enjoying a warm, welcoming breakfast at their office, President Dean Williams walked us through the rich history of Gem—how the company grew from a single vehicle into one of the region’s most trusted and respected luxury transportation providers.
We also had the opportunity to step into their garage and see several of Gem’s impeccably maintained luxury vehicles up close, showcasing the company’s commitment to safety, comfort, and first-class service. The visit highlighted why Gem Limousine continues to be a leader in professional transportation across Burlington and the GTA.
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Luxury isn’t a ride — it’s an experience. Travel with Gem.
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Phone: 905-815-9447
Email: reservations@gemlimo.ca
Website: www.gemlimo.ca
