Recognized by the Canadian Farm Business Management Council as an authority on Succession Planning, Reg feels there is no better way to make a living than helping people.
For over a decade, Reg’s clients have found him through word-of-mouth referrals from satisfied farmers. Here’s what they have to say:
Reg’s method in managing my husband’s concern was nothing short of miraculous. His down-to-earth personality lead to a much better succession plan than I have been fretting over for years.
Wanda L – Saskatchewan – Farmer
Olthuis Family - Barrhead, Alberta
Cor Van Raay
May 30, 1936 - July 29, 2021
Assisting Cor Van Raay was one of the highlights of my career! I used to refer to him as the "Bill Gates of Canadian Agriculture."
He was a leader, innovator, visionary and an amazing man who did amazing things and he told me that this came naturally to him.
Cor was a cattle and grain farmer, entrepreneur, and philanthropist who positively impacted others. He believed in giving back to the community and attributed this to his success in work and life.
You will be missed by many.
Rest In Peace Cor.
A Tribute to Cor Van Raay
If you don’t know how to proceed, Reg gets the ball rolling. His experience appeals to the older generation, and he also helps the young farm communicate goals and ideas so everyone understands each other. He’s extremely personable and his energy is catching. I aspire to be like Reg, helping farmers help themselves. He’s damn good at it.
Leona Dargis, Nuffield Scholar and Farmer, Whitehorse, Yukon
I have been attending conferences for 16 years and haven’t heard much new in the last 10 years or so… I have learnt more new concepts from Reg in two days than I have in the past 10 years!
Nicholas Smith, Lawyer, Author “Advising the Family owned Business” Chairman of the International Centre for Family Businesses U.K
Reg’s expertise and due diligence in getting to a resolution for all of us was exceeded only by his true kindness and insight into the “human” side and his compassion was appreciated.
M. Arnold – Farmer – Tofield
I met with over a hundred advisors and farmers in more than a dozen countries. Reg stood out because of the way his approach to succession puts people first.
Communication and teamwork is critical for family farm success. Reg's passion for family and business unity makes family businesses more efficient and more enjoyable to be a part of.
Andrew Baldock, Nuffield Scholar and Farmer, Australia
I drove all the way from Whitehorse to Red Deer to meet up with Reg and get our plan done – and it was worth every penny! He gets it that farming is our life. He doesn’t pretend to know it all and have all the answers – but someone on his advisory team does. Reg’s process was defined and practical. His solutions were very effective and true to life.
A. Stannard – Poultry Farmer - Whitehorse, Yukon
I have worked with Reg on numerous files across western Canada. He takes the most difficult transaction and mediates it with great skill, even with bankers and accountants in the room. Everyone’s opinion is heard and respected, and everyone feels like they won—Reg has taught me a lot about the importance of a skilled mediator.
Reg’s process is also very effective. He asks his clients if he can discuss their files with me, then we sit down and iron out the details before meeting with the client.
I love Reg’s drive and his passion for servicing his clients. I consider him a friend, and hope I get to continue working with him.
Darren Swann, Tax Specialist and Chartered Accountant, Red Deer, Alberta
My brother and I took over the family farm in 1970. Our family had been on that land for 118 years. There was a lot of history and memories tied to the land but we’d known for a while that we needed to go our separate ways. Reg provided us with a steady hand to come to an equitable solution. I give Reg all the credit there.
Other consultants that I spoke with followed a set-out pattern and said this is the way you have to do things—I ended up with generic advice. Reg looks at your situation, relates to what you’re going through, and finds what works for you. It was nice to talk to someone with experience in agriculture and a banking background. He knows how to ask the right questions without a gov advisor way of doing things.
We had a family meeting—the hardest thing of the whole deal—with everyone there. Some people don’t deal with confrontation well but Reg managed the process and he reads personalities and motives real quick. Before I had to manage all the personalities, but having Reg there set me free. The kids were happier because they weren’t worried about what would happen. After that, my family got Reg to do our estate plan. Two kids don’t farm, they’re married and away—it was a process, but fair in the end. We all talk to each other and help each other out, we have a good relationship. It was a big adjustment, but we are all doing well.
Reg is not your typical consultant. He’s down to earth, easy to work with...we’ll always be friends.
