Who We Are

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The Argent portfolio of
business investments
represents a diverse
group of local businesses.

Mathew Dober – Director

Born and raised in Kelowna, Mathew began his career as an entrepreneur, owning and operating several small businesses in the Kelowna area. Mathew attended university in Kelowna and completed a bachelor of arts in philosophy, political science, and economics. In 2000, Mathew moved to Calgary where he completed his law degree at the University of Calgary and MBA at the Haskayne School of Business.

Mathew began his legal career with the national law firm of Bennett Jones LLP in the corporate finance department working on numerous large-scale private and public financings, corporate reorganizations and asset/share purchase transactions.

His entrepreneurial spirit calling, Mathew left Bennett Jones in 2005 and began his own business law practice in Calgary where he focused on business development and private equity financing.

Mathew founded Business Law Group in Kelowna in January 2009, when he recognized a need for a business-specific law firm geared to clients in need of business expertise. In addition to his law practice, Mathew has been personally involved in the start-up and acquisition of dozens of small to medium-sized businesses.

Mathew brings years of technical business experience to Argent’s board of directors and is primarily involved in the acquisition role with Argent.

For more about Mathew read the following article “The Entrepreneurial Lawyer” from the Kelowna Daily Courier.

Education

Master of Business (MBA) – University of Calgary, Haskayne School of Business
Bachelor of Laws (LLB) – University of Calgary
Bachelor of Arts (BA) – (Philosophy, Political Science, & Economics) Okanagan University College
Professional Affiliations
Member, Law Society of British Columbia
Member (Inactive), Law Society of Alberta
Member, Beta Gamma Sigma

Community

Kelowna’s Top 40 Under 40
Finalist for the 2010 Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award, Kelowna Chamber of Commerce’s Business Excellence Awards
Dragon’s Den Presenter

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Chris Grout – Director

Raised in Calgary, Chris attended the University of British Columbia in Vancouver completing a Bachelor’s of Science in genetics, before returning to Calgary to complete his MBA at the Haskayne School of Business.

Chris began his business career with Canadian Pacific Railway. Working as an account manager within their coal division, Chris achieved the President’s Award in 2003 for his work in the arbitration and eventual settlement of a multi-billion dollar contract dispute with the railways largest customer.

In 2004, Chris began work on an innovative seniors housing project in Kelowna called Mission Villas. His roles were diverse, handling the planning, research, and finance during the development of the project to sales and general management as the community commenced operations.

In 2010, Chris founded Venture Realty Corp., a real estate brokerage structured to operate as a cohesive, corporate team of highly educated professionals rather than independent salespeople.

Chris brings his passion for business and 15 years of experience to Argent’s board of directors and is primarily involved in acquisitions and administration of new acquisitions.

Education

MBA – University of Calgary, Haskayne School of Business
Bachelor of Science – University of British Columbia
Professional Affiliations
Broker, Canadian Real Estate Association

Notable

Canadian Pacific Railway President’s Award
Dragon’s Den Presenter

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Chad Luider – Director

Born in Edmonton and raised in Kelowna, Chad began his career as an entrepreneur, owning and operating several small businesses in the Kelowna area. Chad then attended university in Kelowna and completed a Bachelor of Science degree. In 2003, Chad completed his Master of Science degree at the University of Northern British Columbia.

Chad began his business career after completing some post-graduate research in 2006. Chad continued his entrepreneurial career by developing an energy company with his business partners Mathew Dober and Chris grout. Upon selling the energy company Chad helped Mathew Dober start his legal practice in 2009 and then became the managing partner of Leaseline Equipment and Vehicle Leasing in 2014. In addition to managing the finance company, Chad has been involved in the start-up and acquisition of additional small to medium sized businesses from 2014 to present.

Chad brings years of business experience to Argent’s board of directors as well as a unique perspective and good analytical skills from his years of experience in science, research, law, and finance.

Education

Master of Science, University of Northern British Columbia
Bachelor of Science, Okanagan University College

Honors and Awards

Governor Generals Gold Medal for Academic Excellence
Canfor Annual Graduate Scholarship
Hammer Limnology Scholarship

Community

Kelowna Paddle Club
Vernon Ski Club

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Dany Laliberté – Director

Born in Timmins, Ontario Dany moved to Kelowna over 10 years ago. While completing his studies at a Quebec College, Dany was recruited to be a military officer in the Canadian Forces. Deciding that the environment of the military was not for him, Dany started another career in the mining industry in 1987, working for a Mineral Exploration Manufacturer as an assistant sales manager for 10 years. Dealing with national and international customers, he was also leading a group of employees in sales and shipping/receiving departments. Dany also studied at university to get an administration certificate, which would provide him with more tools for the next steps of his career.

In 1997, Dany joined the ownership group of an existing company, as a co-owner of MBI Drilling Products that was created in 1991. In 1998, Dany bought 100% of the shares of the company and transformed MBI Drilling Products from a distributing company (only in Quebec) to a manufacturing one (serving customers worldwide), thereby expanding the company tenfold.

Dany recently retired from his role as president of MBI Drilling Group for 18 years, however, he still retains ownership of this entity. In addition, Dany is Vice President and Partner in a business manufacturing diamond products for the mineral exploration industry (Pilot Diamond Tools Ltd.). He is also a partner in a mining supply manufacturer in Ontario (Premier Mining Products) and a few other local businesses in Kelowna.

Over the past 30 years, Dany has been a strong community member, serving as a part-time Firefighter for 10 years, in addition to acting as the President of the Pilot association for 3 years, Vice president of the Rouyn-Noranda Airport development committee and the director for 3 years of the Rouyn-Noranda Firearm club. He also holds a private pilot license, commercial helicopter license, and different aviation ratings.

Contact Dany