Workhardplayhard - Blog Posts

"Whatever is rightly done, however humble, is noble." (Quidvis recte factum quamvis humile praeclarum.) - Henry Royce The Rolls Royce Cullinan premier. The venue was incredible. Classic passenger trains stood as sentries over the gala and the two yet to be unveiled cars. The trains themselves have had Buffet, Churchill, various royalty, prime ministers, as well countless other officials and dignitaries visiting whom visited our country as guests. Compartments and entire cars were even named after some of these guests. The vehicle's name derived from the world's largest diamond at 3,106 carats and valued over $400M USD. The tailgating feature alone stole the show, and as always, it exemplifies luxury and elegance. . . . . . . #finance #financialplanning #entrepreneur #workhardplayhard #hustle #quotes #blessed #Calgary #yyc #thankful #legacy #leader #goals #beyourownbanker #luxury #luxurycars #rollsroyce #cullinan #sickweb #wine #exclusive (at Canadian Pacific Railway Co)

"Las Vegas turns women into men, and men into idiots" -Benjamin "Bugsy" Segal Looking down from the top of the High Roller (ferris-wheel), it's hard not to appreciate appreciate not only Bugsy's Flamingo, but the Las Vegas Strip as a whole he helped create. I wonder if he ever thought his vision would turn out so grand? Between the open bar on the High Roller, trying to take pictures with old friends, and new, Las Vegas has been quite an experience. We even saw the fountain show at the Bellagio before we wandered down to experience it in person. At this point the Leaders Conference has been more than memorable. I guess I have to thank, as Ceaser Romero put it, "Mobster with the Beautiful blue eyes." . . . . . . #finance #financialplanning #entrepreneur #workhardplayhard #hustle #quotes #blessed #vegas #lasvegas #flamingo #ceaserspalace #Paris #drais #bellagio #travel #poker #blackjack #trump #cosmopolitan #treasureisland #harrahs #venetian #love #mgm #linq #balleys #highrollervegas #beyourownbanker (at High Roller Vegas)

"Las Vegas looks the way you’d imagine heaven must look at night.” -Chuck Palahniuk Lucky enough to qualify for the Leaders Conference, which this year was in Vegas Baby! So when we aren't crushing it at the tables...er...tirelessly studying with other professionals about the newest tax changes...ya, thats it, some of of took of to explore the strip. Honestly my favorite part in any city, is exploring places. Vegas in particular is almost unrecognizable from day to night. Lessons learned quickly: I was rusty in blackjack, 22 push can be forgiving, @mylifeyyc was dangerously good at baccarat, and @andyfreeman99 plans great restaurant encompassing recharges. . . . . . . #finance #financialplanning #entrepreneur #entrepreneurlife #workhardplayhard #hustle #quotes #blessed #vegas #lasvegas #flamingo #ceaserspalace #Paris #drais #margarita #margaritaville #bellagio #travel #poker (at Las Vegas Strip)

How do you decide on a Bond quote? It seems like a fools errand, there are too many famous quotes, so I'll try to go one level deeper: "Be polite, be courteous, show professionalism, and have a plan to kill everyone in the room." -James Bond (and James Mattis) "I don't stop when I'm tired, I stop when I'm done." -James Bond A found picture from the Rotary/Rotaract's, Secret Agent & Bond Girl Charity Soiree & Fundraiser. After two years working with the Rotaract club helping young people learn about financial literacy, I was flattered to receive an invite to the event. Even more so when the person who invited me held ticket 007 just for me. A night of music, secret missions, code words, drinks, and even an attempted assassination made helping the charity more fun than work. Philanthropy is always worth it. #finance #financialplanning #entrepreneur #workhardplayhard #hustle #quotes #blessed #Calgary #yyc #thankful #legacy #leader #goals #bond #007 #secretagent #beyourownbanker #betterlatethannever #sharecalgary #calgary360 #shareyyc #rotary #rotaract (at Sky 360 Restaurant)

"In every walk with nature, one receives more than he seeks." -John Muir Rounding out pictures from my Victoria trip. Most of them are from Hatley Castle and it's surrounding gardens, but some are randoms from the day to day adventures. I can't wait to return Victoria. There is so much more I want to see, and an amazing burger joint I'll need to find again. On to life's next adventure :) . . . . . . #finance #financialplanning #entrepreneur #workhardplayhard #hustle #quotes #blessed #victoria #castle #ocean #pacific #hatley #hatleycastle #royalroads #royal #leader #goals #legacy #flowers #garden #forest #beyourownbanker #yacht #nature #exploring #exclusive (at Victoria, British Columbia)

"Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower." -Albert Camus "Change your opinions, Keep your principles; Change your leaves' Keep your roots intact." -Victor Hugo "All the trees are losing their leaves, and not one of them is worried." -Donald Miller Hatley Castle and it's surrounding gardens are jaw-dropping. The breif respite, and return to nature between seeing friends and clients is regenerating. Reviving to one's spirit. Now to return home Calgary, knowing I'll be back next year. I wonder if they allow picnics? . . . . . . #finance #financialplanning #entrepreneur #workhardplayhard #hustle #quotes #blessed #nature #victoria #castle #hatleycastle #hatley #royal #royalroads #leader #goals #legacy #exclusive #marvel #logan #xmen #Deadpool #deadpool2 #travel #garden #ocean #pacific #brogues #thekingly #beyourownbanker #sharecalgary #exclusive (at Hatley Castle)

"Rocks in my path? I keep them all. With them I shall build my castle." -Nemo Nox "The man who moves a mountain begins by carrying away small stones." -Confucius, Confucius: The Analects Hatley Castle, the many gardens, Royal Roads University, the Pacific Ocean, every inch. Every single inch. They should have sent a poet... I know why they filmed Logan here, Deadpool, and Deadpool 2. Its an oasis like Banff, transformative. When you're here for a private event during filming and get to go in the blocked off areas, it's even better. I wish I had brought sneakers, not wingtips I was wearing, but that's the dress code of the event. The a upper and lower Japanese Garden I found particularly nice, and there was an Oak tree on the way to the Italian Gardens that wandered and towered like something out of a Robert Frost novel. Go to Victoria, spend a day here. Breathe. Relax. Recharge. . . . . . . #finance #financialplanning #entrepreneur #workhardplayhard #hustle #quotes #blessed #nature #victoria #castle #hatley #hatleycastle #royal #royalroads #leader #goals #legacy #exclusive #marvel #logan #xmen #deadpool #deadpool2 #travel #ocean #brogues (at Hatley Castle)

So to round out pictures from the 2018 Rolls-Royce Phantom Premier, I wanted to put another quote. I found a few off the beaten path ones, I'm honestly not sure my favorite: "Wall Street is the only place that people ride to in a Rolls Royce to get advice from those who take the subway." -Warren Buffett "If a working class Englishman saw a bloke drive past in a Rolls-Royce, he'd say to himself, 'Come the social revolution and we'll take that away from you, mate.' Whereas if his American counterpart saw a bloke drive past in a Cadillac he'd say 'One day I'm going to own one of those.' To my way of thinking the first attitude is wrong. The latter is right.'" -Kerry Packer "When I bought the Rolls-Royce they thought it was leased, then I bought that new Ferrari hater rest in peace." -Meek Mill My favorite part of the car is still the actuated blinds on the rear window and back windows. It's the simple things. . . . . . . #finance #financialplanning #entrepreneur #workhardplayhard #hustle #quotes #blessed #Calgary #yyc #thankful #legacy #leader #goals #thankful #wine#legend #luxurycars #luxury #rollsroyce #phantom #wine #yacht #buffet #ferrari (at Million Air Calgary)

When you're going for a Rolls-Royce quote, do you go the classics from Henry Royce? "Strive for perfection in everything you do." -Henry Royce "Whatever is rightly done, however humble, is noble. (Quidvis recte factum quamvis humile praeclarum.)" -Henry Royce "Take the best that exists and make it better." -Henry Royce Or do you go with something with more unique: "I am like a Rolls-Royce. I can run without an engine, purely on reputation." -Shahrukh Khan Whatever the answer, the unveiling of the 2018 Rolls-Royce Phantom was a sight to behold. Of course Calgary had to get hit with a blizzard, and the roads resulted in being more than a little touch a go than anyone would prefer. It started late, but Million Air made a great host. When you walk in from the blowing snow and trade a jacket and gloves for flutes of champagne and oer d'oeuvres, you know the drive was worth while. This version of the legendary Phantom was the extended wheel base version, over 23' long. It's a land yacht of luxury. The first car to be equipped with laser lights, and so over the top in splendor, most of the private jets sharing the hanger blushed. . . . . . . #finance #financialplanning #entrepreneur #workhardplayhard #hustle #quotes #blessed #Calgary #yyc #thankful #legacy #leader #goals #thankful #wine#legend #luxurycars #luxury #rollsroyce #phantom #wine #yacht (at Million Air Calgary)

"I'm dehydrated... I'll just add some water to my Scotch" -Unknown The meal at the Bruichladdich event was on point, and match precisely with the scotch samples. And as we were hydrated; or saturated, from the sky the band played on, never missing a beat. It was a great evening on the banks of the Bow River, I'm surprised I never uploaded the pictures before. . . . . . . #bruichladdich #betterlatethannever #finance #financialplanning #entrepreneur #workhardplayhard #hustle #quotes #blessed #Calgary #yyc #thankful #legacy #rain #leader #scotch #private #exclusive #socialbuttonco #meals #food #music #wine #llconversations (at St. Patrick Island)

"Whenever someone asks me if I want water with my Scotch, I say I'm thirsty, not dirty." -Joe E. Lewis I found myself organising and backing up my pictures from my phone into albums, and found some fun times I just had to share. Better late than never I suppose. The day last year of the pop up private scotch tasting on St. Patrick's Island. Bruichladdich was fantastic at explaining and pairing our meal, even if mother nature did unleash one hell of a downpour. The water formed muddy puddles, tried to collapse our temporary shelter, and in the end, I had to say goodbye to a pair of Allen Edmonds. But I won't forget the experience with fond memories. . . . . . . #bruichladdich #betterlatethannever #finance #financialplanning #entrepreneur #workhardplayhard #hustle #quotes #blessed #Calgary #yyc #thankful #legacy #rain #leader #scotch #private #exclusive #socialbuttonco #meals #food #music #wine (at St Patrick's Island)

"Wine is bottled poetry." -Robert Louis Stevenson  Taken at a very early hour on someone's birthday at @untitledyyc. They say if you're the smartest person in the room, that you're in the wrong room. This is one of those nights where I'm definitely in exactly the right room. All our friends are gathered, their ages span generations, and their areas of expertise are as vast as the bottles of spirits behind the bar. But the part that matters, everyone to the person, was kind. Now, who's sabering the next bottle? . . . . . . #finance #financialplanning #entrepreneur #workhardplayhard #hustle #quotes #blessed #calgary #yyc #thankful #wine #kindness #legacy #exclusive #leader #humble (at Untitled Champagne Lounge)

In Toronto I learned the origins of the handshake: "Hockey historians say the handshake dates to English settlers in Canada, who preached an upper-class version of sportsmanship in the 19th century. Soon, tough kids in urban and prairie rinks began imitating imagined dukes and earls of the old country." -George Vecsey I also was reinvigorated by the fact that Canadians are known for respect for the game of hockey: "In this jersey, I promise to play for logo on the front, not the name on the back" -Sidney Crosby So I wanted to share some random pictures from the rest of my Toronto trip. Massey Hall, the Hockey Hall of Fame, and late-night journeys that began in Ossington and ended in new, strange, and amazing places, with new, strange, and amazing people. Thanks Toronto, it's been a productive visit. I can't wait to return. . . . . . . #finance #financialplanning #entrepreneur #workhardplayhard #travel #Toronto #blessed #leader #thankful #quotes #legacy #hustle #Canada #nhl #hockey #friends (at The Communist's Daughter)

"Is hockey hard? I don't know, you tell me. We need to have the strength and power of a football player, the stamina of a marathon runner, and the concentration of a brain surgeon. But we need to put all this together while moving at high speeds on a cold and slippery surface while 5 other guys use clubs to try and kill us. Oh yeah, did I mention that this whole time we're standing on blades 1/8 of an inch thick? Is ice hockey hard? I don't know, you tell me... Next question." -Brendan Shanahan I feel the 1972 Summit Series area was, aside from the Esso Great Hall, my favorite part of the Hockey Hall of Fame. I wasn't around for another decade, but I relived the series through family, rebroadcasts on television, and eventually a made for tv movie. I only wish you could hear Foster Hewitt scream the, "Henderson! Henderson has scored for Canada!" as soon as you step foot in the area. . . . . . . #finance #financialplanning #entrepreneur #workhardplayhard #hustle #quotes #blessed #Toronto #thankful #leader #legend #legacy #hustle #Canada #canadian #nhl #hockey #hockeyhalloffame #summit (at Hockey Hall of Fame)

"I've been gifted. The world is full of people who not only haven't been gifted, but have had something taken away from them. All I have to do is see one of them, some little girl who can't walk, and then I don't think I'm such a hero anymore. I think that compared to them, I'm a very small article." -Bobby Orr Here I stand in the heart of the cathedral of hockey itself. The Esso Great Hall of The Hockey Hall of Fame. I wish Instagram could upload panoramic photos. Originally built in 1885, and home to all of the major NHL trophies we dreamed of hoisting as children. All three variations of Lord Stanley's cup exist here. The oldest, when decommissioned; painstakingly deconstructed piece by piece, flattened, and put on displayed in frame; like a body's ribs in medical textbook. Lithograph photos of the hall of fame players/coaches/announcers, line every surface, and I could spend a day wandering around just this room finding my hero's, and the legends I learned about growing up. The giant stained glass skylight illuminates everything with a warm glow. I know I'll be back. . . . . . . #finance #financialplanning #entrepreneur #workhardplayhard #hustle #travel #Toronto #hockey #hockeyhalloffame #nhl #leader #hero #blessed #thankful #legacy #canadian #canada #quotes #cathedral #stainedglass #humble (at Hockey Hall of Fame)

"What makes night within us may leave stars."      -Victor Hugo Younge-Dundas Square is an oasis of light in the dark Toronto night. After the earlier festivities down in Ossington, I find an all night coffee shop/dive restaurant; the kind that serves 24/7 breakfast, and make myself at home. Staring across the street at Massey Hall, I realize there are much worse places to find myself working on spreadsheets and catching up on emails. After a meal, and a cup of rocket fuel, I decide to stop exploring for the evening, and head back to the hotel for a few moments of sleep before its time for calls and meetings. #finance #financialplanning #entrepreneur #workhardplayhard #hustle #quotes #blessed #Toronto #thankful #coffee #massey #eatoncentre #allnighter #travel #exploring (at CF Toronto Eaton Centre)

"A house is not a home unless it contains food and fire for the mind as well as the body." -Benjamin Franklin The food at One Restaurant is so good it reminded me of family dinners over Christmas, in Edmonton, with family when I was a child. When I was looking up the quote; so as not to paraphrase, I stumbled upon a stellar quote from Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson. I feel it relates more to the life of an entrepreneur than most I have ever seen. Truly words to live by: "I'll never, ever be full. I'll always be hungry. Obviously, I'm not talking about food. Growing up, I had nothing for such a long time. Someone told me a long time ago, and I've never forgotten it, 'Once you've ever been hungry, really, really hungry, then you'll never, ever be full." -Dwayne Johnson #finance #financialplanning #entrepreneur #workhardplayhard #hustle #quotes #blessed #Toronto #food #travel #meals #benjaminfranklin #rock #thankful #hungry (at One Restaurant)

"I leave you with this thought... It is not the one with the greatest power that is important! It is the one who uses his power wisely... In the cause of justice!" -Thor Odinson (Journey into Mystery Vol 1, issue 112) A great show at my favorite Canadian theatre. The 4DX theatre at the Younge-Dundas Square is insane. Fog creeping down the isle, rain falling, lightening bolts crashing to the floor, and the smells ranging from flowers to burnt cobalt from fired bullet rounds. All of it seamlessly integrated with the movie. I recommend it emphatically! Jack "King" Kirby would have been proud of the art/costumes/cosmic weirdness, in Thor: Ragnarok, as he originally imagined him. My inner nerd loved every second of it. #finance #financialplanning #entrepreneur #workhardplayhard #hustle #quotes #blessed #Toronto #4dx #movies #thor #marvel #thankful #travel (at Yonge St and Dundas St)

"It is well to remember that there are five reasons for drinking: the arrival of a friend, one's present or future thirst, the excellence of the cognac, or any other reason." -W. C. Fields Third trip to the CN Tower, and I can finally see more than a wall of clouds. The private wine cellar tour was appreciated, and the Louis XIII was simply outstanding. A great end to a wonderful day. #finance #financialplanning #entrepreneur #workhardplayhard #hustle #quotes #blessed #Toronto #louisxiii #remymartin #thankful #cntower #wine #view #luxury (at CN Tower)

"The trouble with eating Italian food, is that five or six days later you're hungry again" -George Miller Buca is, and by a very large margin, the greatest Italian food I have found in Canada. Sharing meals with friends and family are some of my favorite memories growing up; and the best way to get to know people now. Thanks for the recommendations @itsjustbenjamin and @conniedesousa. #finance #financialplanning #entrepreneur #workhardplayhard #hustle #quotes #blessed #Toronto #italian #food #meals #wine #blessed #thankful (at BUCA Osteria & Enoteca)

"Be a yardstick of quality. Some people aren't used to an environment where excellence is expected." -Steve Jobs After the recent trip out east, I was reminded of the Emerging Leaders conference from last year in Montréal. Wow, the event in 2016 seems so far away. 381 days, countless meetings, even more phone calls, 15 pounds, 23,000 kilometers driven, and a beard. Looking through the pictures revealed a few things, mainly; the oceans of wine and abundance of talent, training, and fulfillment of spirit (both meanings) that went on over the event. I am still thankful and humbled to have been selected to be part of it. Sitting at dinner, and tables that with senior executives, directors and peers from companies over 100 years old to ones just starting who were identified as emerging leaders, in Montréal, was an experience I'll never forget. Thank you. #tbt #finance #financialplanning #entrepreneur #workhardplayhard #hustle #quotes #blessed #montreal #leader #leadership #emergingleaders #thankful #food #amazing #wine #moet #champagne (at Ristorante Buonanotte)

"I love that this morning's sunrise does not define itself by last night's sunset." -Steve Maraboli What's the story morning glory? The final sunrise in Montréal before heading off to Toronto. I hope to return soon #finance #financialplanning #entrepreneur #workhardplayhard #hustle #quotes #blessed #montreal #sunrise (at Le Centre Sheraton Montreal)

"We shape our buildings; Thereafter, our buildings shape us" -Winston Churchill As I wandered from my hotel to the St. Lawrence River, then into Old Montréal, I was able to tale a few pictures before my phone died. Getting the walking tour from a client and friend is really the best way to see a city. It really is as beautiful as I was told. The small winding streets, old architecture, and numerous shops. Schwartz's is the place for smoked meat sandwiches; full stop! Everything you want, right down to the greasy floor. I wish my battery had lasted to take pictures of the parliament building, the fort, or first Bank of Montreal. But tomorrow is a new day. For now to rest, morning will come early. #quotes #finance #financialplanning #entrepreneur #workhardplayhard #hustle #montreal #nofilter #historic #quotesofinstagram (at Vieux-Port de Montréal)

"I have loved the stars too fondly, to be fearful of the night." -Sarah Williams Maybe walking around Montreal for hours, as night turns to morning, makes you brain play tricks on you. But on my way back to the hotel I came across this unknown building right out of Gotham city. Two facts remain undoubted. 1) Old Montreal is exquisite 2) My inner nerd loves Batman I can almost hear Harvey Dent say, "The night is darkest just before the dawn. And I promise you, the dawn is coming." As I stare at this structure before cutting over some tracks back to my hotel I smile to myself over the simple moments in life that make you life worth living. #finance #financialplanning #entrepreneur #workhardplayhard #hustle #quotes #batman #blessed #montreal #emergingleaders #exploring (at Montreal, Quebec)

"The woods are lovely, dark and deep. But I have promises to keep, and miles to go before I sleep." -Robert Frost Central Park truly is nature's oasis in the middle of the Manhattan metropolis. #finance #financialplanning #entrepreneur #workhardplayhard #hustle #quotes #nature #goals (at Central Park)

"The difference between art and design, is that design is all about answers, and art is about questions" -Brendan Dawes Generally I agree with that sentiment. But the centre console of the Aventador wouldn't look at all out of place on display in an art gallery, as it does in its position on the octane powered monster that it inhabits. This may be a case where design, science, and art all broke even. #finance #financialplanning #entrepreneur #workhardplayhard #hustle #quotes #lamborghini #art #design #lamborghini #luxurycars #cars #luxury (at Lamborghini Manhattan)

"When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive - to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love." -Marcus Aurelius #finance #financialplanning #entrepreneur #workhardplayhard #hustle #quotes #sunrise #marcusaurelius #emperor #nyc #madametussauds (at Madame Tussauds New York)

"And when I breathed, my breath was lightning." -Black Elk #finance #financialplanning #leader #leadership #quotes #quotestoliveby #entrepreneur #workhardplayhard #rain #lightning #island (at New York, New York)

Thankful for the trip out on the water, and short sailing lesson, before I had to leave to go back home; before the next journey begins. I love my clients! I'll miss you Vancouver. So the only limerick/poem I know about a Captain, or in this case the civil war is: "O Captain! my Captain! our fearful trip is done, The ship has weather’d every rack, the prize we sought is won, The port is near, the bells I hear, the people all exulting, While follow eyes the steady keel, the vessel grim and daring;           But O heart! heart! heart!               O the bleeding drops of red,                   Where on the deck my Captain lies,                       Fallen cold and dead. O Captain! my Captain! rise up and hear the bells; Rise up—for you the flag is flung—for you the bugle trills, For you bouquets and ribbon’d wreaths—for you the shores a-crowding, For you they call, the swaying mass, their eager faces turning;           Here Captain! dear father!               This arm beneath your head!                   It is some dream that on the deck,                       You’ve fallen cold and dead. My Captain does not answer, his lips are pale and still, My father does not feel my arm, he has no pulse nor will, The ship is anchor’d safe and sound, its voyage closed and done, From fearful trip the victor ship comes in with object won;           Exult O shores, and ring O bells!               But I with mournful tread,                   Walk the deck my Captain lies,                       Fallen cold and dead." - Walt Whitman #finance #financialplanning #workhardplayhard #entrepreneur #thankful #poetry #sailing #yacht (at Royal Vancouver Yacht Club (official))

Okay, I may have a problem. I intended to just purchase a couple of pairs of socks on a small outing with a client. But a dozen pairs later tells another story. Damn behavioural economics! #finance #financialplanning #behaviouraleconomics #entrepreneur #sartorial #workhardplayhard (at West Vancouver, British Columbia)