First published in the 2018 edition of the Edwards School of Business Thrive Magazine.
Edwards alumni named Family Enterprise of the Year
Congratulations to four of our alumni for being named national Family Enterprise of the Year by the Canadian Association of Family Enterprise (CAFE)! Stuart Sutton, Jay Stark, Andrea Hansen and Tim Hansen are partners at Sutton Financial Group in Saskatoon, a company founded planning and personal development advice with a focus on integrating all aspects of their clients’ lives. For business clients, the company their total rewards strategy. Stuart says he’s proud to be involved in each client’s best interest.
The CAFE award recognizes the achievements of Canadian family businesses and the contributions they make to both local communities and our national economy. It’s based on several evaluation categories, including a shared vision, governance and continuity, growth, and culture and community. Sutton Financial Group received their award at a gala in Calgary on May 17, 2016.
The partners share their thoughts on business and family:
“Graduating at a time when Saskatchewan’s greatest export was its people certainly challenged the decision to stay. Then partnering with my spouse and two friends has helped us leverage our abilities to multiply the effect we have on our community and of course our families. Staying eternally optimistic and believing in abundance certainly helps create the right environment to achieve more than we thought possible.” – Tim Hansen (B.Comm. 2001)
“It was in a commerce class that Tim and I set a goal to own a business together. Our path to achieve that goal was not clear, but the desire and commitment was strong. Being in business together was a great decision and our lives are fully integrated to maximize our time together. We serve our clients, do what we love, build our community and most importantly raise our children, which are the next generation of future leaders and likely entrepreneurs.” – Andrea Hansen (B.Comm. 2000)
“Our founder (my father, Bob Sutton), passed on to us the importance of doing what is in the best interest of our clients and our community, and it is rewarding to know that we are carrying on his legacy in a way that the business community recognizes and appreciates.” – Stuart Sutton (B.Comm. 1996)
“Marrying my high school sweetheart, staying in Saskatchewan and partnering with like-minded people in a family business are decisions that have helped me achieve a level of authentic success beyond my expectations. A belief in lifelong learning, a little initiative and a lot of luck provided a solid foundation to pursue my passions. The result is a wonderful family at home and work that has me enjoying my days and anticipating the future.” – Jay Stark (B.Comm. 1997)