FEATURED WINNER
Jonathan Hunt, CIM®, CIWM, CEPA®
“I had a picture of a house, and the house was Premiere Mortgage Centre”
Kerri Reed,
Premiere Mortgage Centre
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Winner:
The Desjardins Award for Rising Star Advisor of the Year
https://www.dennishuntandassociates.ca/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-hunt/
Jonathan.Hunt@igpwm.ca
2045732978
18th Street, Unit A, Suite 857, Brandon, MB R7A 5B8
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Winner: The Desjardins Award for Rising Star Advisor of the Year
Jonathan Hunt, CIM®, CIWM, CEPA®
facebook.com/reza.ghazi
@blackfishfinance
1188 Whakue St, Rotorua Central, Rotorua
@transalta
‘Most of their wealth is trapped’: how Jonathan Hunt helps business owners exit with purpose, not regret
Desjardins Rising Star honouree leads a new chapter in succession planning across Western Canada
Most business owners don’t realize that up to 80 percent of their wealth is tied up in a single, illiquid asset: their company. That statistic isn’t just financial trivia to Jonathan Hunt – it’s the starting point for some of the most important conversations of his career.
“My job is to help them unlock that value and exit with purpose, not regret,” says Jonathan, lead advisor and succession planning specialist at Hunt & Associates IG Private Wealth Management.
Traditional wealth planning can often overlook the complexity of business transitions; recognizing the critical importance of accessing those funds seamlessly and with intention, that was a trap Jonathan was determined not to fall into. His practice has emerged as a vital resource for entrepreneurs across Manitoba and Western Canada. His clients are builders – owners, professionals, and family business leaders between the ages of 35 and 60 – many of whom have poured decades into their companies without a clear path out. Jonathan’s mission is to forge one for them.
With a process that blends advanced planning with real-life empathy, Jonathan helps clients prepare not just their finances but their families and futures for life after business. Backed by over $150 million in assets under management and three advanced designations, he applies the value acceleration methodology to ensure exits are intentional, tax-efficient, and personally meaningful.
Operating across Brandon, Winnipeg, and rural Western Canada, his reach is growing alongside his reputation for bridging business value with life purpose. His guidance has helped owners transition to family, sell to third parties, or design step-back roles that preserve influence while unlocking liquidity.
Jonathan works alongside his father, Dennis Hunt, a respected advisor who has served the region for decades. Leaning on his father’s legacy while tackling issues of the day, they bring a unique and well-rounded approach to what they do. Together they’ve built a multigenerational practice that combines deep community ties with progressive financial thinking.
“Winning this award is a reflection of the clients who’ve trusted me with their life’s work – and the incredible mentorship I’ve had from my father and our team at Hunt & Associates,” says Jonathan, reflecting on his national recognition as Desjardins Rising Star Advisor of the Year by Wealth Professional Canada.
The accolade is a signal to Jonathan that his mission to change the conversation around succession is resonating. Outside of his advisory work, he supports local events, sponsors business-owner roundtables, and works to build a stronger exit-planning ecosystem across the Prairies.
The Lakes College Culinary Club (TLCCC) started with a team of 12 students and has now expanded to over 30 members, showcasing its continued success through participation in college events and even catering for local community organisations. This program not only imparts valuable culinary skills but also teaches the significance of community service, fosters practical abilities and cultivates a professional work ethic.
Spanning ages 11 to 18, the Culinary Club challenges students to create elaborate six-course degustation dinners and manage large-scale catering for college gatherings. Chloe, a Year 7 student, praises the program for imparting essential life skills in an enjoyable way among friends. Likewise, Emily values the connections she forms despite the program’s demanding pace.
Under the guidance of Chef Joel, TLCCC contributes to the college’s ethos and the students’ personal growth. The program’s commitment to local ingredients and culinary adventures is evident as it expands to include barista training and Responsible Service of Alcohol certification. The program seamlessly merges science, art and food technology, promoting discipline and shared responsibility. TLCCC embodies a commitment to service, community engagement and student leadership, cementing its unique character and contribution to The Lakes College.
The Lakes College Culinary Club (TLCCC) started with a team of 12 students and has now expanded to over 30 members, showcasing its continued success through participation in college events and even catering for local community organisations. This program not only imparts valuable culinary skills but also teaches the significance of community service, fosters practical abilities and cultivates a professional work ethic.
Spanning ages 11 to 18, the Culinary Club challenges students to create elaborate six-course degustation dinners and manage large-scale catering for college gatherings. Chloe, a Year 7 student, praises the program for imparting essential life skills in an enjoyable way among friends. Likewise, Emily values the connections she forms despite the program’s demanding pace.
Under the guidance of Chef Joel, TLCCC contributes to the college’s ethos and the students’ personal growth. The program’s commitment to local ingredients and culinary adventures is evident as it expands to include barista training and Responsible Service of Alcohol certification. The program seamlessly merges science, art and food technology, promoting discipline and shared responsibility. TLCCC embodies a commitment to service, community engagement and student leadership, cementing its unique character and contribution to The Lakes College.
@mldwealthmanagementgroup5617
Dennis Hunt & Associates IG Private Wealth
Dennis Hunt & Associates IG Private Wealth
@blackfishfinance
Centurion manages a diverse portfolio of multi-family apartment units, medical offices, and student housing beds across 46 cities in Canada and the United States. This includes 160 properties: 134 multi-residential apartments, 16 student communities, and 10 medical offices, totaling 22,314 rental units.
Centurion aims to provide investors with alternative investment solutions focusing on capital protection, regular cash flow, risk-adjusted returns, low volatility, diversification, and tax efficiencies. They strive to be a leading, reputable multi-disciplinary asset manager, capitalizing on new investment opportunities, embracing change, and driving continual improvements. Their core values of respect, integrity, simplicity, and excellence drive their mission.
Investment/Financing Solutions:
REIT: The Centurion Apartment Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) invests in a diversified portfolio of rental apartments and student housing properties, as well as mortgage and equity investments in property developments across Canada and the United States. The REIT focuses on areas with historically low vacancy rates, growing population demographics, addressing the growing need for housing and supporting the development of communities.
CFiT: Centurion Financial Trust (CFiT) is an income and growth-oriented trust that invests in a diversified portfolio of debt investments, including mortgages, opportunistic real estate developments, and corporate debt.
Mortgage: Centurion Asset Management Inc. is also a licensed mortgage broker (#12372) acting primarily on behalf of Centurion Apartment REIT. The team specializes in construction and term financing for multi-residential apartments, student housing, condominiums, and other traditional forms of real estate. They provide first and second mortgages, subordinate mezzanine, participating debt, and equity financing. Additionally, they fund development, bridge, and acquisition opportunities.
Property Management: Centurion is a leading provider of quality multi-residential apartments and student communities in Canada and the United States. The goal has always been to provide residents and their families with clean, safe, and comfortable homes. The company enhances residents' living experiences by proactively attending to their needs and constantly seeking ways to elevate their rental experience.
Corporate Responsibility: Centurion is committed to corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sustainable investing. The firm integrates environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations into its investment processes, ensuring that its investments contribute positively to society and the environment. Centurion supports various community initiatives and philanthropic efforts, reflecting its dedication to making a meaningful impact beyond financial markets.
Leadership Team: The success of Centurion is driven by its experienced and visionary leadership team. The firm’s executives bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise from diverse backgrounds in finance, real estate, and investment management. Their collective experience and strategic insight guide the firm’s operations, driving growth and innovation.
Client-Centric Approach: At Centurion, clients are at the heart of everything they do. The firm prioritizes building long-term relationships based on trust, transparency, and mutual respect. By understanding clients’ unique needs and objectives, Centurion delivers tailored solutions that help clients navigate complex financial landscapes and achieve their goals.
Consistent Returns: Since inception, Centurion has offered investors positive annualized returns, making it a reliable choice for those seeking dependable investment opportunities.