Building a Firm with Purpose and Personality
To found a firm of Chartered Professional Accountants focused on the needs of Ottawa’s entrepreneurial private business owners was the objective Ian Hendry and I had in mind when we founded what has become HW Partners. We, too, were entrepreneurs and felt a kindred spirit with our clients. Understanding their goals, families, and challenges with empathy was critical. Do our best to further our client’s goals. Distinguish ourselves through effort and expertise. Be a firm with a soul and personality. These were our Founding Principles.
A Bit About My Journey
I was born and raised in Ottawa and have always held a deep affection for this city and its people. After graduating from the University of Ottawa in 1984, I obtained my CA designation in 1987 and earned my TEP designation in 2000. Following years of experience at a national public accounting firm, I co-founded Hendry Warren LLP with Ian Hendry in 2002 to serve private business owners with the strategic insight, responsiveness, and personal attention they deserved.
As our firm grew, so too did the passion and skill of our team. Many of our co-op students became full-time team members, then leaders, and eventually partners. I’m immensely proud of how the firm has evolved, expanding its services into new areas such as business valuation and the not-for-profit sector, all while maintaining the high standards we set from day one.
What Matters to Me
Helping clients find strategic solutions to complex tax and business challenges was always the most satisfying part of my work. Whether planning a business transition, implementing tax-effective remuneration strategies, or structuring estates for future generations, I found meaning in aligning financial expertise with personal goals.
Equally important was building a firm that not only delivered exceptional technical advice but did so with empathy, humanity, and a genuine investment in our clients’ success. I am proud that our team continues to embody this philosophy today.
Life Outside the Office
Outside of work, my greatest joy has always been my family. Beyond that, I’m passionate about sports and classic cars; there’s nothing like driving to the golf course with the top down on a warm summer day (even if the round doesn’t go as planned).
Education has also played a significant role in my journey. Inspired by my mother, a dedicated primary school teacher, I spent over 20 years teaching tax courses for CPA Canada and CPA Ontario, keeping my skills sharp and contributing to the profession.
In 2018, I was deeply honoured to be named a Fellow of CPA Ontario, alongside my friend and co-founder Ian Hendry. Being recognized by my peers for a career spent serving clients, colleagues, and the profession remains one of the proudest moments of my life.