Looking to Connect with Experienced Searchers & Operators in Western Canada (BC/AB)

Hi everyone, My name is Rafael, I’m based in Vancouver and recently graduated from Queen’s Smith School of Business. Over the past year, I’ve had the chance to work directly alongside two searchers here in Western Canada, supporting them with LOIs, valuation models, pitch decks, and even rebuilding their website. That experience gave me great exposure to the deal side and confirmed for me that ETA is the path I want to pursue long term. What I’m focused on now is putting myself in the best position to run a search of my own in the future. I’d love to hear from searchers and operators across Western Canada (BC and Alberta especially) about what you found most valuable in preparing to step into the role, particularly around gaining hands-on operating experience and developing the judgment needed to lead a business day to day. Industry-wise, I’m especially curious about sectors like: – Fire protection & life safety – Elevator & accessibility lift maintenance – Waste management & environmental services – Water & utility services – Recycling & end-of-life materials – Specialized testing & monitoring – Disaster restoration & remediation – Access control & security monitoring – Renewable energy installation & efficiency retrofits – Marine storage & marinas – Restaurants (I know typically a tough acquisition, but still curious) That said, if you’ve successfully completed a search and are operating in any industry, I’d be honored to learn from your journey. If you’re open, I’d love to grab a coffee if you’re local, or connect over Zoom/phone if that’s easier. Looking forward to hearing from you! Thank you, – Rafael