

Darrell grew up on his family farm in southern Ontario. A successful family farm business until they suffered a sudden loss of his father. His family faced the consequences of the right things not being planned for on his family farm. His father, like so many farmers today, didn’t take the time to plan for the “what ifs” with his professional team and he didn’t communicate his intentions. With the sudden passing of his father there was no legacy for the family farm business. Darrell then joined the financial services industry where he now dedicates his time to helping other family-owned farms implement customized succession plans. His mission is to ensure no other family experiences a loss like his family did.
Darrell is the founder of Farm Life, which helps clients across Ontario find stability on their farm and ensure the farm can live on for future generations to come. His role is to empower farm families to keep farming and ensure there is family harmony when building tax efficient succession plans. He is certified by the Canadian Association of Farm Advisors and is a certified Family Enterprise Advisor.
Darrell enjoys spending time with his wife Liane and their 4 children, Dylan, Cameron, Sydney and Kayden. They live on a farm east of Peterborough.

In January 2018, the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) partnered with Farm Life as its member benefit partner for succession planning services. This partnership allows OFA members preferred rates on their succession planning services. More details on this partnership can be found at OFA PARTNERSHIP

Wayne Warner
Field Representative
Central Ontario
Areas of Specialization:
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Succession planning
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Partnership advisement

Darrell Wade, Founder
CAFA Member
Family Enterprise Advisor
Areas of Specialization:
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Family coaching
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Succession planning
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Leadership development
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Financial planning

Bernie Kottelenberg
CAFA Member
Central Ontario
Areas of Specialization:
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Farm business planning
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Estate equalization
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Succession planning
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Family coaching

Andrew Leach
CAFA Member
Areas of Specialization:
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Next Generation Leader Development
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Transition Coaching
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Succession Planning
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Estate Planning

Earl Pollock
CAFA Member
Eastern Ontario
Areas of Specialization:
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Farm financial planning
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Succession planning
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Tax planning
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Farm business planning

Elizabeth Teleki
Chief Operating Officer
Areas of Specialization:
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Certified Business Counsellor
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Grants and Financing
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Business Operations & Planning

Laura Kennedy
Vice President
Marketing & Communications
Areas of Specialization:
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Brand strategy
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Public Relations
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Event development and execution

Tiffany Jacobs
Executive Assistant
Areas of Specialization:
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Administrative support
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Event support
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Client case coordination
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Liaison with community partners and professional teams

Lola Edward-Ajayi
Technical
Integration
Specialist
Lola joined our group of companies shortly after her graduation from Trent University where she studied English and Philosophy. Lola has extensive experience working with people and enjoys the challenge of a fast-paced work environment, multi-tasking and problem solving.
Currently supporting our teams as a Technical Integration Specialist, Lola recently presented at the Peak Strategies for Success Conference on Top Tips for Tech to share some best practises with guests.
Lola has a passion for healthy and active living, loves to cook and enjoys the company of her rescue tabby, Seth.
At Farm Life, we are looking to acquire new talent for our growing team.
We looking for individuals with a strong agricultural background combined with
experience in the financial industry.
If you feel you have the skills and experience to join our company, please submit your
resume and cover letter to elizabeth@farmlifefinancial.ca
Farm Life is proud to be partnered with Peak Benefit Solutions, central Ontario’s leader in providing group benefit plans and group retirement.
Farm Life and Peak have developed a group health and dental plan designed specifically for farm families. If you would like more information on this customized plan, please contact us directly.
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Customized coverage for your Family and Farm Business Employees
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Farm Life “private” health services
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Resources to specialized services