Secrets to Selling your Business with Judith Pineault

With Canada on the verge of a major generational shift in business ownership, succession planning is more important than ever. This session features insights from Justine Janssen, a seasoned entrepreneur and expert in business transitions, and Michael Ras, a leader in employee ownership models, along with a special guest from the Bank of Montreal. Together, they will share strategies for preserving business legacy, protecting jobs, and strengthening local economies through thoughtful succession planning.

• Why Succession Planning Matters: Understand the economic risks of inaction and why now is the time to plan.
• What Employee Ownership Really Means: Explore the benefits and realities of employee ownership for owners, teams, and communities.
• Succession Pathways: Learn about models including EOTs, MBOs, co-ops, and hybrid approaches.
• Financing the Transition: Get insights on available lending programs, credit criteria, and financial preparation.
• Live Q&A and Resources: Ask questions anonymously and access tools for next steps and private follow-up.

Whether you’re looking to preserve your legacy, support your team, or strengthen your community, this session will help you explore practical, people-first approaches to business succession. Register now to take control of your transition strategy.

About Judit Pineault:

Judith Pineault, a Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA), is the former CEO and Co-founder of Eastern Fluid Power Inc. Following her successful exit in 2019, she has guided over 100 business owners through transition. With expertise in business valuation, sales, and value maximization, she provides real-world insights to help entrepreneurs successfully navigate the complexities of exiting their businesses.

More on our guest speakers:

Justine Janssen – Co-Founder of CommonShares

Justine Janssen is a business transition expert with over 15 years of experience guiding companies through growth, change, and succession. As Co-Founder of CommonShares, she helps retiring owners transition to employee ownership, preserving local businesses and community impact. Formerly Chief Strategy Officer at Dayforce, she led strategic initiatives and played a key role in its $800M IPO. With a background in consulting, small business ownership, and board leadership, she brings deep expertise in navigating complex transitions and building lasting business legacies.

Michael Ras – CEO of Employee ownership Canada

Michael Ras is a leader in employee ownership and public policy, serving as CEO of Employee Ownership Canada (EOC), a national nonprofit promoting employee ownership across the country. With a career at the intersection of business and government, he leads advocacy, education, and awareness initiatives to expand employee ownership. Formerly a senior public affairs executive and policy lead for Meridian Credit Union, Michael brings deep expertise in regulatory change and economic development.