On CDSPI’s 60th anniversary, we talked to two dentists—clients for over 40 years—who have taken great joy from their careers, and their lives.
All in the family.
Dr. Jerry Wowchuk, DDS
McGill University
Saint John, New Brunswick
Years in practice: 43
Wife: Marlene
3 Children, 9 Grandchildren
Moving to New Brunswick was the best decision we ever made.
I knew I wanted to own a practice as soon as possible after I graduated. A friend told me that New Brunswick’s cost of living, people, quiet lifestyle and physical beauty made the perfect place to get started. We’re still here over forty years later.
There are so many reasons why I love dentistry.
Probably the biggest thing is being your own boss. You call the shots and your success is in your own hands. I also enjoy dealing with people, whether it’s staff, or suppliers, or patients. And then there’s the reward of helping people every day.
At the start of my career, I knew I needed insurance and RRSP investments.
A friend told me about CDSPI. I liked that they only worked with dentists. They understood me and it was also very important to me that they had low fees. It’s been over forty years of clear sailing—we’ve been very pleased.
It’s great to know we won’t have to sell the house.
Our Investment Planning Advisor, Dana Scott, is like part of the family. She created our financial plan, and it was a great relief to see we’d be fine into our nineties. She showed us how to keep fees low and she’s non-commissioned so we know we’re getting unbiased advice. We’ve been very happy to refer colleagues.
I’m kind of a fitness nut.
I’m into hiking, biking, kayaking, snowshoeing, you name it. I go to the gym three or four times a week, and Marlene and I took up ballroom dancing which is great exercise for your body and your brain.
Semi-retirement has been the best part of my life.
I’m comfortable and relaxed. I still enjoy practising, and Marlene and I are living well and staying fit. I’m glad we’ve got a good financial plan because we have a lot of active living left to do.
This dentist has one speed—full.
Dr. Chris Kiazyk, DMD
University of Manitoba
Beausejour, Manitoba
Years in practice: 42
Wife: Barbara
4 Children, 5 Grandchildren
The greatest goal you can have in life is to learn how to learn.
This has been a guiding belief for me. Continuing education has always been important, and I’m constantly upgrading my skills on a number of things outside the operatory. Persevere. Develop your gifts. Don’t be afraid. Once you learn how to learn, the sky is the limit.
One of my great passions is woodworking.
I have a well-equipped shop. Apart from various home repairs and some furniture, I’ve also made my own snowshoes and longbows with an on-site steamer.
I used to have the energy of three people—now I’m down to two.
Apart from woodworking and gardening, I like to golf, ice fish, hunt (most of our red meat is game), learn languages, and play guitar in church every Sunday. It’s just the way I’ve always been, I really can’t help it.
I’ve always had insurance with CDSPI, but I was investing elsewhere.
I was disappointed with the performance and service I was getting from my previous investment firm. Then I met Debbie Okamoto from CDSPI Advisory Services*. She introduced us to Gino Ciavarella from Cumberland Private Wealth, CDSPI’s partner for private wealth management. We hit it off immediately and we’ve been working with him ever since.
I really like that we all work together.
I knew everything I wanted to do in the future, and the legacy I wanted to leave. I worked with Mike Tyler from CDSPI, who ran the numbers and it was a tremendous relief to see that everything was going to be fine. And then working with Gino on our investments has been terrific. I’ve referred many colleagues over the years.
My bucket list is written down.
There are always plenty of woodworking projects lined up. There’s travel, of course. Spending more time with the grandkids. I’m just so thankful that I have the security to do it all on my own terms.
* Investment planning advice is provided by licensed advisors at CDSPI Advisory Services Inc.
Restrictions may apply to advisory services in certain jurisdictions.