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:
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
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.
Dave Rainforth, Farmer — Lacombe, Alberta
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 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
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
Derek, Farmer – Eckville Alberta
We heard Reg speak at a conference in Regina. We were overwhelmed and didn’t realize that the process of succession planning was so complex. Reg made it all seem easy though, each part of the puzzle came together. He has a story for everything, explaining experiences that he has handled in the past that made us feel at ease, like we were going in the right direction.
And the most important thing that Reg did was highlight how important family was!
R Hilderman, farmer – Strausbourg, Sakatchewan
Meeting Reg was the biggest game changer for our farm – ever! He came into our lives at a critical time and we are blessed that he did – and I thank God for that!
G Ruzicka – Rancher – Viking, Alberta
Reg has a special gift - where he can connect with the younger and older generation at the same time. He is very open, honest, and I have never met anyone with the skills that he has. A lot of people claim to do succession planning, Reg is the only one that I have met that can actually put a complete Succession planning document together!
