Brent Pickerl

Athlete, Concerned citizen, Entrepreneur, Explorer, Finance professional, Investor, Marketer, Musician

Brent began his career with one of the largest financial institutions in Canada, CIBC Wood Gundy. He spent several years building his knowledge of the investment field and acquiring his industry credentials, and could often be heard commenting on the evening business report for CKUA as well as QR77 Radio's Talk to the Experts. Brent subsequently worked for McLean & Partners in Calgary, where he teamed up with Sharon Watkins. Recognizing their shared investment philosophy and aspirations, Brent and Sharon stepped out on their own and started SANDSTONE Asset Management in 2004. It has proven to be a highly successful enterprise, and the company continues to go from strength to strength even in these times of volatility. Brent holds the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada's Partners and Directors designation, and is a licensed Portfolio Manager. Brent has completed the Governance-Plus Program at CentrePoint in Calgary, focusing on development of leadership competencies through strategic board placement. Currently he is the Chair of the Finance& Audit Committee for the board of Calgary Arts Development Authority (CADA), which champions the arts as a key driver of the long-term success of our city. Brent is also Past Chair of the Calgary Bridge Foundation for Immigrant Youth, an agency which assists new immigrant families in the community. From 2008-2011 he was selected to serve as a jury member for the City of Calgary Awards, celebrating outstanding achievements and contributions made by Calgarians. Brent is married with three young children. His ongoing goal is to provide energy and intellectual capital in a corporate and not-for-profit setting, while continually growing as a person. In his spare time he enjoys participating in his children's activities, and has completed numerous marathons and Ironman competitions. Brent was selected as one of Calgary's Top 40 under 40 and was featured on the cover of Calgary Inc.'s 2007 edition.

Uncommon partnerships.

As this is my first TED experience, please share one thing I have to do this week!

...emotional detail.