THE SMITH GROUP

Business and Estate Planning

Smith Group is a leading financial practice in Medicine Hat. We provide clarity and confidence to our clients by specializing in risk management, employee benefits, wealth management, estate and succession planning.

Kent D. Smith

B.A., B.Econ., C.L.U., President

Kent Smith is the founder and President of The Smith Group Business & Estate Planning Inc. Kent started in the Financial services industry in 1989 and incorporated his own Wealth Coaching Firm in 1998. In addition to being a Qualifying and Life Member of Million Dollar Round Table, Kent is also a member of Advocis and of CALU (Conference for Advanced Underwriting).
Education and Professional Designations:
  • Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Economics from St. Andrews University in North Carolina, U.S.A., with a
  • Chartered Life Underwriter, Canada’s premier wealth transfer and estate planning designation.

Zachary S. Smith

B.Mgmt Accounting, Wealth Advisor

Zach brings a unique offering to our Firm, not only as a fully licensed qualified Advisor working alongside our Principal, but with expertise in the areas of tax planning and financial analysis. His acumen as an Advisor is enhanced by his previous skills in these areas and enables him to serve our valued Clients with a well-rounded wholistic approach to planning.

As a post secondary graduate, Zach completed his degree in Business, majoring in Accounting. His work in a public accounting practice for 5+ years with Tax & Accounting experience prior to joining our Firm, has made Zach is well equipped to provide relevant planning advice and bring clarity to our valued Clients.

Focusing primarily in the areas of Corporate and Personal tax for many different entities across Southern Alberta & Canada from large to small corporations, and farms, Zach excels at providing a technical approach to tax planning and other analytics to assist our Firm in producing and providing value in the planning process. His integral character, tenacity in problem solving and passion for clients make him a valuable young asset to our firm.

Bringing value-added elements in assisting our Clients with their future planning, and as a key resource to our Team, we welcome Zach’s specialized contribution to our Values Based Planning(TM) Process.

Education and Professional Designations:
  • Bachelor of Management: Major in Accounting from The University of Lethbridge
  • Completion, with honours, in the Integrated Management Experience (IME)

Nicole M. Hills

Chief Compliance Officer

Nicole’s primary role is devising and implementing all systems and processes for the team at The Smith Group Business & Estate Planning Inc. Nicole assists in the critical area of client care, with a focus on Investment Administration. Nicole’s strengths are in designing, coordinating, and implementing the processes that are paramount to the success of our team.
Education and Professional Designations:
  • Office Administration diploma from the Maritime Business College
  • Completed Canadian Investment Funds Course through the IFSE Institute
  • Commissioner For Oaths in and for the Province of Alberta
  • Completed Financial Planning Foundations course through Advocis

Kelly M. Schlenker

B.Ed., Client Relationship Director – Life & Benefits

Kelly plays a key role in fostering and strengthening the trusted relationships we have with our clients in these primary areas of focus. In her 27 + years with our Firm, Kelly has gained an understanding of what matters to our clients and enjoys finding creative ways to find resolutions to unique challenges. With her desire to provide personalized service and solutions, she strives to provide timely guidance and support in the areas of Estate Planning, Living Benefits, and Group Benefits. Kelly’s commitment to seeking the best resolution to challenges, while bringing a warmth and empathy to situations, creates lasting value for the clients and families we serve.
Education and Professional Designations:
  • Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Lethbridge
  • Life License Qualification Program
  • Licensed with the Alberta Insurance Council
  • Member of Advocis, the Financial Advisors Association of Canada.

Natalie L. Motz

Client Relationship Manager

Natalie brings a distinct passion for excellence, and professionalism. Her primary area of focus is assisting our Team in the areas of both Wealth Management and Estate Planning, with integrity and precision. Her continued attention to detail, refined organizational skills, and warm, client-focused manner remain an invaluable asset to our Firm.

SPECIALIST RESOURCES

Access to a well rounded team of specialists

When you work with the Smith Group you have access to our multiple specialist resources.

Rob Gillings

CFA, TEP, Portfolio Analyst

Rob has a unique Consulting role with our firm. He brings a wealth of expertise and knowledge of the investment industry to the table and is continually researching and writing about the many aspects of personal finance. Rob offers unique value-added services in the area of portfolio analysis, working with Kent to bring solid solutions to a select group of our clientele.

Jason Belair

CIM

As a Chartered Investment Manager, Jason has been helping individuals and families achieve their financial planning goals by providing advice in the key areas of Planning: Investments, Insurance, Tax, Retirement and Estate Planning. Jason is dedicated to providing high-quality advice and integrated wealth management solutions for our clients that simplify and enhance the quality of their lives.

Terry Dusmann

Securities Specialist

In his role as Securities Specialist for our Firm, Terry brings a wealth of experience in the securities industry to the table. He is passionate about educating and advising Clients on their Portfolios, utilizing disciplined strategies that are tailored to their specific needs and situations. One size does not fit all, and Terry understands that each Client has their own unique requirements to see their goals achieved.

Access expert advice on stocks and bonds through Canada Life Securities Inc. Talk to us to find out more.

Canada Life Securities Ltd., Member of IIROC and the Canadian Investor Protection Fund

http://www.iiroc.ca/investors/knowyouradvisor/Pages/default.aspx

https://www.canadalife.com/investing-saving/brokerage-services/canada-lifesecurities-ltd.html

Michael Vukets

C.P.A., C.A.

As the Founder and Principal of Vukets & Associates, Michael works with affluent Canadian families, specializing in Estate Planning, Corporate and Personal Tax integration, as well as intergenerational wealth transfers. Formerly the youngest Partner ever appointed with KPMG, Michael brings a wealth of experience to his specialized practice with a focus on helping clients achieve their philanthropic objectives.