Helping entrepreneurs maximize total enterprise value through speed of execution & quality advice.
Our Team
Rick Paolone, CFA
Chairman & Chief Executive Officer
Rick has over 35 years of Capital Markets experience and has consulted some of the leading portfolio managers in both Canada and the USA. As a founding member of Haywood Securities, Rick held several senior leadership role including Executive VP and Branch Manager of the Toronto Office. During his tenure with Haywood Securities, Rick grew the business to 225 employees and successfully advised on over $2 billion of transactions. Rick holds a Chartered Financial Analyst designation as well as degrees in Economics & Business from McMaster University and Brock University.
Eric Corbett, CFA
Managing Director, Capital Markets
Eric has a strong understanding of corporate finance and capital markets advisory having worked extensively with private businesses and publicly traded entities. Eric previously served as the inaugural Chief Investment Officer of a prop-tech start-up in Toronto and was a Senior Manager in the corporate client group at one of Canada’s largest banking institutions. During his tenure, Eric oversaw the execution of high-profile transactions, providing debt capital to support M&A mandates, shareholder buyouts, and sponsor backed equity investments. Eric is currently a Board Member and Chairman of the Corporate Governance & Nominating Committee at Entero Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ: ENTO). Eric holds a Chartered Financial Analyst designation and a Bachelor of Commerce degree from McMaster University.
James O’Brien, LLB
Managing Director, Mergers & Acquisitions
James regularly advises clients on various corporate matters focusing on the sale and acquisition of businesses across a wide array of industries including agriculture, manufacturing, transport and healthcare.
In addition to his legal acumen, James has a passion for corporate finance, currently completing Level 3 of the CFA program. This combined skillset provides James with a unique ability to analyze a transaction above and beyond that of your typical M&A lawyer.
Prior to joining Oakridge Law LLP, James was a M&A / Securities Partner at MLT Aikins LLP where he practiced for 12 years. Outside of his practice of law, James is a founding member of Sustainable Equity Partners Ltd., a development company focused on the development of affordable multi-family housing across Canada.