Our Team

Kevin assumed the role of Executive Director of Community Futures Entrepreneur Fund in November 2017. Previously he fulfilled the role of Business Analyst for 18 years. Kevin works cooperatively within the community and with a Board of Directors, staff, and stakeholders to enhance the economic, social, environmental and cultural health of the Strathcona and Comox Valley Regional Districts through the organizations economic development efforts. In addition, Kevin oversees the core service of the organization which is to foster employment opportunities through its small business loans program.

“I enjoy the simple things. Taking the dog for a walk, going for a paddle, exercising on a bike, maintaining our home and yard, and so on. Family time is spent swimming, camping, playing games, and visiting. We also like the area where we live, so we stay close to home exploring parks, trails, and beaches. Vancouver Island is a great place to be, and we try to not take it for granted.”

Phung assumed the role of Administration Manager of Community Futures Entrepreneur Fund in 2019. Previously Phung worked with the Self-Employment Program known as Business Futures. She now carries out the financial transactions of the organization in addition to administering our provincial and federal contracts.

“My husband and I are small business owners and understand the highs and lows that it can bring. Together we have 2 loving boys who we couldn’t be prouder of. I adore my family and friends, travelling, exploring the outdoors, cheering on my boys in their various sports activities and seeing the world through their eyes. A proud Comox girl, I grew up in the Comox Valley but went away to go to school, to work, to travel and to experience life and culture in other places. I always knew one day I would return to raise a family and I feel very fortunate to be back and enjoying all the incredible things the Comox Valley and Strathcona region has to offer.”

Ferris assumed the role of Business Analyst of Community Futures Entrepreneur Fund in February 2018. Previously Ferris fulfilled the role of Senior Financial Advisor for 9 years in the Canadian Banking Industry. Ferris is the principal contact for all loan and business development clients and is responsible for commercial lending, growth of the loan portfolio, business counselling and assessing the feasibility of client business ideas, proposals and plans.

Ferris enjoys baseball, concerts, political and sport history, binging on his favourite shows, and the occasional video game.

“I enjoy visiting a bigger city, but my heart will always be living in a small town by the water.”

Carly is the CEO and co-owner of Island Ready-Mix, a concrete and aggregate supply company serving the North Island. Carly is also a Real Estate Agent with the Pisterzi Real Estate Group – Sutton WestCoast Realty and a member of the Vancouver Island Real Estate Board (VIREB).

“I enjoy my career and am always up for a new challenge! I prioritize professional development and community volunteer work. I like to cook up new recipes and share them with my friends. I love to travel and check out interesting events and festivals.

Most importantly, I am grateful to have three children who love the community as much as I do and a supportive husband to share the journey with.”

Ramon is a partner at Chinook Business Advisory Ltd., a consulting firm specializing in helping business owners selling their businesses and assisting buyers in finding a suitable business.

He is also a Mortgage Broker with Invis West Coast Mortgages, out of Courtenay. Turns out, he is the only Spanish speaker mortgage broker in Vancouver Island!

Prior to his current roles, he worked in banking for over 20 years. He has experience with a wide a range of banking services including Commercial lending, Trade Financing, Leasing, International Banking, FX, Treasury, and Payments and Cash Management. During his time in Commercial Banking, Ramon advised and supported several clients on starting their dream business, acquire shares from other companies, expand operations, and in many cases, prepare to transition out of business.

Outside work, he is a fully certified firefighter with Comox Fire Rescue, a director with the Rotary Club of Courtenay, a director with the Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce, and an avid cyclist and runner. He lives in Comox with his wife, Amy, and two children, Lane and Sebastian.

Ben is a partner with Roset Lanyon, a Certified Professional Accounting firm that specializes in tax and consulting for closely held businesses and incorporated professionals

“I’ve got 2 lovely kids who are in high-school. I love my work (accounting, Island Ready-Mix) and I am excited to help lead Campbell River in a better direction now that I’m on City Council. I think there are some very good times ahead for our City.”

Tamara was born and raised in Campbell River and come from a family of entrepreneurs working in the Marine Industry. She has been in the Insurance Industry for 19 years, specifically working with businesses including the marine sector.

“I see the value that small business and entrepreneurs bring to our community on a daily basis and seeing the businesses grow over the years is very exciting. Campbell River is such a great community and has so much to offer, my family and I spend our time fishing, exploring the area.”

Alex Bates is Project Manager with McElhanney Ltd., working with local and remote communities as well as developers and contractors throughout the North Island.

“Without small businesses communities would have no character or heart so I fully believe in supporting and enjoying them.”

Stefan is an independent fee-for-service Financial Planner and an associate member of the Financial Planning Association of Canada.  He helps individuals with their short and long term family financial planning.  By not selling any financial products whatsoever, he is able to provide unbiased evidence-based guidance and advice to those he works with.

Originally from Ontario, Stefan made a permanent move to Vancouver Island in 1998.  He completed his MSc in Exercise Physiology and taught at the University of Victoria for 10 years. Since 2016 he has called the Comox Valley home.  His wife is from Vancouver Island and they have three children.  Stefan also serves his community as a part-time, fully certified firefighter with Comox Fire Rescue.

“If I am ever asked ‘If you could live anywhere in Canada, where would it be?’, my answer is a confident ‘Here, in the Comox Valley’.  We absolutely love living on central Vancouver Island and realize how fortunate we are to call this our home.  The geography and communities make this a really special place.  A big part of the great community vibe is the diverse locally owned businesses found here.  We truly appreciate them and strive to support them when we can.”

Candice is the former owner of Eden Street Salon and Day Spa, in Campbell River, where she started at the age of 28 and just recently sold after 20 successful years in business. She now spends her time venturing into the construction field with a multi-unit home development and property management. The entrepreneur mindset has kept her focused in the service and hospitality industry with the future development of bed and breakfast accommodations.

Candice is a life hack enthusiast. When she is not reading about how to improve on something, she is busy sharing her knowledge and supporting others. In the community, you will finder her exercising with either her horse, dog, husband, or all three, which to her is the greatest enjoyment.