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:
If it wasn’t for Reg I wouldn’t be farming.
Brian B – Ponoka
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
Derek, Farmer – Eckville Alberta
Danny G. Le Roy - University of Lethbridge
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
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
Olthuis Family - Barrhead, Alberta
Our family’s raised hogs for over 70 years. We’ve known Reg for over 10. We already referred three families to him after calling him in for numerous jobs.
First we did a farm analysis. Then we wrote up our will and did an estate analysis and succession work. We looked at joining our farm with our son’s to see how viable that would be. Two years ago we amalgamated our operations and so far, so good. Through it all Reg had the tools we needed.
Reg’s background in banking is a real asset. The previous consultant did not have near the same depth of experience.
We signed up for a couple of Reg’s seminars. His workshop on Understanding Your Financials was very educational. He told us “Don’t just drop your books off at the accountants, take the time to understand your information.”We also went to Reg’s Succession planning where he laid out all the different things to consider.
People think they can wing it. A facilitator like Reg makes things simple. There are always two sides—two generations, two families, different ideas. Reg is respectful of the older generation, he gets everyone involved.
Annette Wiersma, Farmer, Lacombe, Alberta
We have very high standards for our consultants and Reg is the only consultant that has stood the test of time. He gets what it’s like to be a real farmer, he gets that it snows and that the auger won’t start. We let Reg loose to talk to our banker and our accountant and that was one of the best things we ever did on our farm. He speaks many languages-lawyerease, bankerease, accountantease, and farmerease – and has a story to fit every situation on the farm.
J McLeran – Farmer – Bowden, Alberta.
Reg has never brought me the same plan twice. He may have the same process that he uses but his end product is uniquely structured to the specific needs of that family. He is clearly passionate about agriculture. He wants to set up the next generation to succeed and he understands what success looks like.
His mediation skills are a major asset with complicated family dynamics. He is a valuable resource, excellent at what he does without trying to be a jack of all trades. He knows what he does not know and will assemble the best team to support his clients.
When clients use Reg, things really start to happen. He looks after everyone and gets results.
Kimberly Shipley, Chartered Accountant, Red Deer, Alberta