Bruny Surin became an iconic figure in Canadian sport after winning a gold medal in the 4 × 100 m relay at the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games and delivering an outstanding performance at the 1999 World Championships. Following his athletic career, he continued his journey as an entrepreneur, speaker, business coach, philanthropist and real estate investor.
Aware of the financial challenges many athletes face after retirement, he chose to surround himself with an experienced team to help protect and grow his wealth. For nearly twenty years, he has worked with the Vo-Dignard Provost Group at National Bank Financial Wealth Management.
From the Golf Course to the Markets
Bruny Surin first met An-Lap Vo-Dignard and Ian Provost, co-founders of the Vo-Dignard Provost Group, while organizing a charitable event for the Bruny Surin Foundation.
Impressed by their professionalism, discipline and collaborative approach, he decided a few years later to entrust them with the management of his wealth.
His decision was driven by a clear objective: avoiding the financial mistakes that have unfortunately affected many athletes after their sports careers ended.
“This is the money I worked my whole life for. I trust you, but take good care of it. I remember a time when I had none at all.”
Even today, Bruny Surin regularly consults his advisory team when major decisions need to be made or whenever markets experience periods of uncertainty.
It All Comes Down to Trust
According to An-Lap Vo-Dignard, the relationship between an advisor and a client is much like the one between an athlete and a coach. A long-term strategy depends on trust, discipline and the ability to stay committed to the plan despite market fluctuations.
Transparency and shared values also play an essential role in that relationship. The more open the conversations, the easier it becomes to provide advice tailored to the client’s reality and goals.
Over the years, Bruny Surin’s financial needs have evolved. His wealth has become more diversified and complex, requiring a broader approach that draws on multiple areas of expertise.
“Our work is not transactional; we build relationships that last for decades and support our clients through the different stages of their lives.”
The Best of Both Worlds
Wealth management occupies a unique position within National Bank’s ecosystem.
“We benefit from the resources and stability of a chartered bank while maintaining complete independence in the advice we provide and the tools we use,” explains An-Lap Vo-Dignard.
The team benefits from the technology platforms and cybersecurity safeguards of a large organization, while remaining free to offer investment products from the full range of financial institutions. The integration of banking services also helps optimize financial decisions: securing financing at a favourable rate is equivalent to generating a better return on investments.
These advantages have contributed to National Bank Financial Wealth Management being ranked first in investor satisfaction among advised investors, according to J.D. Power*; a group that Bruny Surin undoubtedly belongs to. Having once gone door-to-door to raise funds for his training camps, he is determined never to experience financial insecurity again.
A Trusted Team for the Future
Today, Bruny Surin continues his entrepreneurial ventures with the same discipline that defined his athletic career.
While he acknowledges the role that hard work and perseverance have played in his success, he also emphasizes the importance of relying on skilled professionals when making important financial decisions.
“There are athletes far wealthier than I am who have run into difficulties. My family and I are fortunate to be surrounded by a dream team. That is priceless!”
Read the article originally published on the La Presse XTRA website.
Source: National Bank Financial Wealth Management | Bruny Surin: Surrounding Yourself with the Right People to Succeed