WHO WE ARE

President & Co-founder R.I.I Equity Partners Inc.

After generating a substantial gain on investment as a shareholder in the Reliance Group of Companies from the $208 million sale of the company, co-founded R.I.I Equity Partners Inc. a western Canada based private equity investment firm.
Primary focus on seeking, evaluating, making and then managing strategic equity investments in successful companies with strong growth potential.
25+ years combined commercial banking, merchant banking, private company management and private equity experience.
Personally invested in all R.I.I Equity Partners portfolio companies.

Past experiences include:

Vice President & Shareholder – Reliance Group of Companies

Assisted with general management of business operations, expense management, capital allocation, bank financing, financial planning, budgeting, risk management and on all legal matters including property leases and major contracts.
Worked with branch management, sales & marketing, HR, accounting, accounts receivable, and corporate safety throughout 15 Canada and US locations with a focus on developing best practices and maximizing company results.
Developed company growth and expansion strategies including the development of new branches, expansion of existing branches and overseeing all strategic acquisition opportunities.
Negotiated and finalized the purchase of a Canadian supply company and the sale of the Reliance Group to a US based public company listed on the NYSE.

Various Senior Portfolio Manager Roles – Merchant Banking

Managed a portfolio of debt, equity and patient capital investments in private and public companies for one of Canada’s largest merchant banks. Self-built this portfolio into one of their largest and top performing individual portfolios in North America.
Primary focus on business development, risk management and general account management.
Vast experience providing various forms of capital to finance mergers and acquisitions, company growth and expansions, succession and shareholder transition.

Various Account Manager Roles – Commercial Banking

Managed loan portfolios at one of Canada’s Big 5 Banks throughout various western Canada locations.
Primary focus on business development, risk management and general account management.
Largely provided capital to fund company operations, expansions, acquisitions, succession and shareholder transition.

Co-founder R.I.I Equity Partners Inc

After generating a substantial gain on investment as the co-founder and as a shareholder in the Reliance Group of Companies from the $208 million sale of the company, co-founded R.I.I Equity Partners Inc. a western Canada based private equity investment firm.
Mike brings 20+ years of experience as the President and co-founder of the Reliance Group of Companies.
Mike has invested in all of the R.I.I Equity Partner portfolio companies, takes an active interest in all new investments and sits on the board of directors.

Past experiences include:

President & Co-founder – Reliance Group of Companies

In 1993 Mike and a partner started Reliance out of a 2,000 sq. ft. one bay warehouse, with an initial investment of $40,000.
In 2005 Mike bought out the other founding Partner.
Over the last 10 years Mike had put together an industry leading management team and shareholder group, successfully increasing revenue by over 600%.
As the President of the Reliance Group his focus was on overseeing company growth with expansion in high growth markets, adding strategic business units, making strategic and complimentary acquisitions and attracting the top North America suppliers.
The Reliance Group grew to 15 Canada and US locations, prior to its sale to a large US based NYSE listed public company.

Who We Are