Our Team
Trimaran Advisory Group (a division of Trimaran Financial) is a financial advisory firm in Ottawa, Ontario that specializes in Family Business Succession, Family Legacy Planning, and Estate and Wealth Management for Business Owners and Self-Employed Professionals. Our focus is to help our clients:
·gain clarity around wealth, family legacy and social capital legacy
·help you protect and control your life’s work by making wise choices, and
·design a plan that respects what you want and why
We believe helping our clients achieve their Financial Independence and Family Legacy Goals goes beyond quantitative analysis. TRUE PLANNING GOES BEYOND TAX DEDUCTIONS. After all, families are more than tax deduction lines on a tax return…they are human beings with dreams, goals, aspirations and values that transcend money and time.
SANDRA POLLACK, CFP, CLU, TEP, FEA, MFA-P
Founder & Principal
Originally from Montreal and a graduate of McGill University, growing up in a large multi-cultural family prepared me for the challenges and opportunities that managing and owning a business create. Both of my parents were self-employed and from them I learned what a strong work ethic is. I have called Ottawa home for many years. I am an avid reader and learner – which is why you see so many letters behind my name. This pursuit of knowledge is dually motivated. It comes from an ever-burning quest for learning and curiosity about life and people.
I believe that building wealth and managing wealth are NOT the same thing. As one journeys through life, the responsibility and complexity that wealth brings requires a different approach to planning. One of the key elements is to clarify your values BEFORE rushing into strategies, tactics, and decisions, that people most often regret. Taking time to ask the “right” kind of questions is paramount to ensuring that you have the “right” solutions based upon what is most important to you, your family, and your business. Coming from a family of business owners I experienced firsthand the opportunities and complexities that family relationships bring to a business.
I’m an avid cyclist, a retired squash player, and an exceptionally average golfer. I like to travel and love when I can travel with my family. I have served in various volunteer positions over the years, including the Board of Directors for Volunteer Ottawa, the Board of Directors Ashbury College, the Chair of Rockcliffe Park Public School Home and School, Temple Israel, and I’ve coached girls soccer with the Ottawa Soccer Club. I am currently serving on the board of the Ottawa Jewish Community Foundation as well as volunteering with Street Smart (an organization sponsored by Jewish Family Services) to provide food, clothing, and friendship to Ottawa’s homeless community.
Contact Sandy: sandy@trimaranadvisory.com
GABY JARAMILLO
Financial Planning Associate
After graduating with a Bachelor of Commerce from The School of Accounting and Finance at Ryerson University, I knew I wanted to approach finance with a more personal touch. A few years at a big company on Bay Street only reinforced this feeling, and with the pandemic came an opportunity for change. I joined Trimaran Financial in 2020 and am responsible for drafting reports, brainstorming, researching and executing client planning solutions, coordinating new programs for legacy and family business planning, and coaching next gens of family businesses in financial literacy.
Sandy's passion for her work, respect for her clients, and her in-depth knowledge of the problems entrepreneurs face, coupled with the creative solutions she offers, makes her an ideal mentor. With Sandy’s guidance, I have recently passed my CFP exam and am working on the final steps before earning my CFP designation.
I am also inspired by my parents who immigrated from Peru. I grew up watching them try to navigate this new culture and society and I was impacted greatly by their perseverance, courage, and sacrifice which allowed them to build a successful life here in Canada. I have developed a deep appreciation for these qualities and aim to exemplify them in all that I do. When I meet entrepreneurs, I know they have these same qualities. Entrepreneurs are not only working as hard as they can for themselves, but also for their family and the community and I see a part of my parents in each of them.
Outside of work I like to keep busy by staying active. I especially enjoy sports such as volleyball, skiing, tennis, and golf.
Contact Gaby: gaby@trimaranadvisory.com
SAMANTHA DUNCAN
Director of Client Experience
Originally from Trenton, ON, I came to Ottawa pursuing an Honours Bachelor of Arts with a Specialization in English at the University of Ottawa. Although my lifelong passion is in the written arts, I’ve found I really enjoy working in a field where I get to help people on a daily basis. At Trimaran, I am privileged to support the entrepreneurs who call Trimaran their trusted advisory team. I assist with day-to-day client servicing, group benefit client servicing, I find joy in writing and editing the many reports that come across my desk, as well as keeping our wonderful Firm Owner, Sandy, organized. I enjoy being able to focus on clients’ goals and needs and most importantly, hone in on their why. I am also looking forward to launching new Legacy programs in the near future.
When not at the office, I am a wife, mom of two, writer, and event planner. I am actively involved with my church, co-founder and organizer of the Wake Up the World Young Adult Conference, and owner of Simple Blessings Weddings & Events.
I believe that your values should drive your actions and the way you impact your community. I believe a smile and a pleasant attitude can change someone’s outlook. And I believe it is important to help our clients however possible so they can continue to do what they do best.
Contact Samantha: samantha@trimaranadvisory.com
MIA
CEO (Chief Emotional Officer)
You’ll often find Mia roaming around the office, keeping us all “on our toes.” She will be the first to welcome you loudly at the door with a bark and a fervently wagging tail and will always be ready for a quick game of fetch before or after a meeting.
Mia is a big fan of treats and can often be found waiting patiently by her breakfast ball.
“You go out of your way to understand the history of your client (us), which has given you greater understanding of what we need and want in order to push forwards. With this knowledge you have been able to give better and sounder advice through a solid and achievable plan. Without a plan there is no goal, without a goal the future is unclear and unmapped. You are our personal financial ‘Navigator” and “GPS”. Now, we feel we can work our time and efforts to attain our goals in a much clearer and efficient way. Thank you for being so accessible. You make us feel we are important!”
– Phillip Blake, President (Starr Gymnastics and Fitness)