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
LINDA DENIS
Director of Operations
I was born and raised in the Ottawa–Clarence-Rockland region and have called it home ever since, with the exception of a short time spent in Montreal during early childhood.
I studied Computer Science at Algonquin college and hold certificates in Graphic Design and Home Decorating, along with a CEBS designation. My professional background includes experience with the Federal Government and an insurance carrier. I have spent 12 years with Trimaran Advisory Group in a variety of roles, with a 2.5-year hiatus to support my daughter and son-in-law in building their bouncy castle rental business. Today, I have the privilege of splitting my time between Trimaran and my daughter’s company.
Outside of work, I am a wife, mother of two wonderful, entrepreneurial children, and a proud grandmother of seven beautiful grandchildren whom I adore. My husband and I enjoy staying active—bicycling, kayaking, and gardening in the warmer months, and cross-country skiing, skating, and snowshoeing during the winter.
I find great joy in helping others and believe that the care and effort we bring to our work and everyday actions defines us. Each person’s journey is different, and our value should never be judged in comparison to others.
Contact Linda: linda@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 three, 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
ABBY NAIR
Client Experience and Marketing Associate
From Monopoly money to real-world numbers, I’ve always been curious about how financial decisions can shape choices, create opportunities, and empower people to live intentionally. This curiosity guided my academic journey, earning an MBA from Thompson Rivers University in British Columbia, and a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Finance from the University of Mumbai.
At Trimaran Advisory Group, I’m learning every day how to help families and business owners gain clarity around their wealth, protect their life’s work, and design plans that reflect their values. From preparing Net Worth Statements and Estate Summaries to researching insurance solutions and coordinating applications, claims, and investment account setup and contributions, I focus on ensuring every detail is accurate and every complex document becomes a clear, actionable insight.
Outside the office, I bring that same energy to dancing, experimenting in the kitchen (with varying degrees of success), cycling, and taking on DIY projects that may or may not survive the weekend. I believe every day is an opportunity to learn, grow, make a meaningful impact in the community by helping our clients succeed. Financial decisions don’t have to feel overwhelming, they just need to be approached with clarity and care.
Contact Abby: abby@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)