|
|
Hello Athletes, Agents, Parents, Trainers, & others,
The regular season is now in full swing – it’s time to push the performance boundaries to see just how great you can be and how great you can make everyone around you. If you’re looking for inspiration just remember how few get the opportunity you have right in front of you. And while you’re at it, why not flex that muscle in your skull and further your financial literacy while you’re at it too?!
In this Issue:
- Hunter St. Martin & Susan Humpreys-St. Martin
- David Silye & Jim Silye
- Joshua Ravensbergen
- VP S&E is Live in Socials!
- Mental Health Tips
- The 6th Backstreet Boy AND N’Sync member…
- Linde; Turning Air into Dollars
| |
|
Hunter St. Martin & Susan Humphreys-St. Martin
Congratulations to Edmonton native Hunter St. Martin for signing an ELC with the Florida Panthers. What makes this story even more incredible is that his mother Susan Humpreys-St. Martin, former Olympian and winner of several national medals (including the 1997 Canadian Figure Skating Championship Gold), is Hunter’s skating coach! Susan owns and operates Pure Sk8, a world class skating program focused on elevating athletes to their highest performance level. Other notable athletes’ in her training program include NHL Prospects Braeden Cootes, Koehn Ziemmer, Luke Prokop & Jared Davidson.
Amazing Work Hunter Enjoy It & Your Support is Inspirational Susan!
|
 | |
David Silye & Jim Silye
The tenacious two way forward known for his grit and hockey smarts, David Silye, signed in the off-season with the Calgary Wranglers of the AHL after a successful junior & college career donning the jersey of several teams including the Penticton Vees, Clarkson University, Minnesota State & University of Wisconsin where he graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Finance – he then advanced his education by pursuing a Master’s degree in Real Estate. The Wranglers have been on an absolute heater thanks partially to David’s efforts, winning 7 of their last 8 and putting them atop the AHL standings.
Apple doesn’t fall far from the tree either. His father, and number one supporter, Jim Silye, played for the Calgary Stampeders for 6 seasons (winning a Grey Cup in 71′), and then went on to serve as a Member of Parliament for Calgary-Centre with the Reform Party for 4 years. Most recently Jim has been involved as the CEO of Eagle Rock Exploration Ltd., and now serves as management to Wild Stream Exploration Inc.
There’s a New Mayor in Cowtown… Get it David!
|
|
Source: Sportsnet, NHL.com. | |
Congratulations to Josh Ravensbergen on being named to the Team CHL roster for the inaugural 2024 CHL USA Prospects Challenge! In the current 2024-25 season, Ravensbergen boasts a strong record of 7-1-3 and is currently ranked as an ‘A Rated Prospect’ by NHL Central scouting, indicating he is currently projected to go in the first round of the 2025 NHL Draft.
Keep Shuttin’ the Door & More Will Open For You!
|
| |
|
VP Sports & Entertainment Launches Socials!
Follow @VPSportsandEntertainment on IG (& @VPSportWealth on X) to be the first to know about everything – as our network of players, agents, parents, trainers, coaches, etc. continues to grow, we’ve received feedback that more content (delivered in a more timely manner) would best serve everyone’s interests. Don’t worry – the Monthly Highlights & Insights is still here for longer form info exclusive to our crew.
If you’re reading this on your phone click the Icon below to follow.
|   |  | |
6 Ways to Support a Friend Struggling with Mental Health
October was Mental Health Awareness Month, so wanted to share an organization that is supporting Men’s Health through apparel – a social club with a positive message that has grown significantly in popularity since launching.
It’s called Friends of Felix; it’s owned and operated by two buddies in Kelowna, BC who’s personal experiences lead them out on a mission to raise awareness and funds for Men’s Mental Health. Follow them on Socials to learn more – below are some tips to help a friend who’s struggling, shared by counsellor Joel Brazier, Vernon, BC.
1. Hold space – You don’t need all the answers. Simply being present helps counter isolation and offers a break from stress.
2. Listen and validate – Engage with questions and relate through shared experiences to show understanding.
3. Encourage healthy coping – Suggest positive activities like exercise or journaling to avoid unhealthy substance use.
4. Check in and invite – Small gestures like a kind word or inviting them out can make a big difference.
5. Know your boundaries – Avoid giving advice outside your expertise. Stay within your comfort zone.
6. Suggest professional help – Providing information on support services can be a major help, showing care and concern.
**Please know that if a friend is ever threatening suicide you should call the RCMP immediately. For further information or to contact the author with any questions, please email Joel directly at info@generationscounselling.com with the subject line FOF. **
|
|
|
The Sixth Member of N’Sync AND the Backstreet Boys
Lou Pearlman, agent to both bands, wrote himself in as the sixth member of both bands, meaning he would get paid on all performances as an entertainer AND receive his agency fees. In fact, he was also running one of the largest Ponzi schemes in U.S. history, defrauding over $300 million from investors.
Source: The New Yorker.
| |
|
Why Are Athletes & Entertainers Most Vulnerable to Fraud?
Athletes and entertainers are prime targets for financial scams due to limited financial knowledge, sudden wealth at a young age, heavy reliance on advisors, pressure to maintain an image, and demanding careers that prevent detailed oversight, creating opportunities for mismanagement and exploitation.
3 Ways to Protect Yourself from Fraud
1. Enhance Financial Literacy – Invest time in learning the basics of financial management. Understanding core financial concepts enables better decision-making and reduces dependency on others. Educational workshops, online courses, and engaging trusted financial mentors are great starting points.
2. Hire a Team of Reputable Advisors – Set up a system where multiple trusted professionals oversee your affairs, reducing the chances of any single individual having too much control. For instance, hire separate advisors for taxes, investments, and legal matters, and review monthly statements personally.
3. Stay Involved in Financial Decisions – While it’s essential to trust professionals, you need to stay informed and involved in significant financial decisions. Regularly review reports, ask questions (even the “dumb” one’s), and maintain open communication with advisors. If someone makes you feel like you don’t have the right to know more, or makes you feel stupid, this could be a sign that they are hiding something.
By following these strategies, athletes and entertainers can significantly lower their risk of fraud and build a more secure financial future.
| |
In July 2024, the Portfolio Manager established a position in Linde (“LIN”) for the VPI Sustainability Leaders Strategy. | |
|
Linde Turns Air into Dollars
Investing in businesses that address major global challenges—like climate change, healthcare access, and resource management—positions you for long-term success. This quarter, we added a new company to the Pool: Linde, an exceptional business that turns air into profit by supplying essential industrial gases. From life-saving oxygen in medical applications to hydrogen and carbon capture systems driving the clean energy transition, and even helping to create safe drinking water.
Linde is making a real impact.. but does it past the test? (see below)
| Note: All values in $US as of July 23, 2024. Periods of 2024 through 2028 show consensus analyst estimates. Forward earnings multiple is based on fiscal year + 2 consensus estimates. Source: Linde PLC Investor Relations, Bernstein Societe Generale Group, S&P Capital IQ, Bloomberg L.P, Value Partners Investments | |
|
We understand you have a lot on your plate, so please reach out if you are curious or concerned about growing & protecting your wealth efficiently. Financial stress does not allow you to achieve your full potential, we are here to help.
| | | | |
