Pride
We believe that entrepreneurship is a fundamental driving force within Quebec society and that our local entrepreneurs are amongst the most innovative and capable in the world.
We have decades of experience and have worked with companies across many industries. While primarily focused on the Quebec marketplace, we have also supported companies across Canada, the US, Europe and Asia.
We believe that every business owner is unique and deserves to be provided with guidance and solutions tailored to their specific challenges and objectives.
Founder and CEO
Paul Vokaty is an accomplished entrepreneur, executive coach and business consultant. After selling the first company he founded 25 years ago, he went on to build and contribute to the successful exits of four more remarkable businesses. While an entrepreneur at heart, he has also had a chance to hone his coaching and consulting skills at Fortune 500 companies such as Deloitte and SAP and has also served as a member of the venture capital investment committee of Desjardins Capital, which supports over 530 Quebec businesses.
Born and raised in Montreal, he has also lived and worked in Oslo, Prague, Strasbourg, and Philadelphia giving him a broad perspective on the world of business and a deeper understanding of the unique characteristics and potential of each venture beyond their balance sheet or geographic location.
He is a Certified Merger & Acquisition Advisor (CMAA), a member of the Board of Directors of the International Business Brokers Association (IBBA Canada), and has an MBA from the Norwegian Business School.
Principal Advisor, Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A)
Khaled Bitar is a veteran M&A Intermediary and business executive with more than 15 years of advisory experience and a deep knowledge of operational and financial analysis, valuation and deal structuring. He has worked with both Canadian and international firms with a focus on manufacturing, technology and consulting sectors. His wealth of transactional experience is a key asset in any negotiation process, ensuring valuable outcomes and favourable terms.
He has held a number of executive leadership positions, including sales and marketing, for both local and international entities. As a former entrepreneur, he has also owned businesses in the export and services sectors successfully opening and managing new markets overseas. Additionally, he is a part-time Professor of International Business at Algonquin College.
He earned the Certified Business Intermediary (CBI) designation from the International Business Brokers Association (IBBA) is a Fellow of the IBBA, and served 3 years as a Director of IBBA Canada. He also has a B.Sc in Chemistry and a Diploma in International Trade Training.
Principal Advisor, Marketing
Celeste Poirier is a seasoned marketer with over 15 years’ experience from the tech and financial services sectors. During her career she has had the opportunity to serve clients in 16 countries, from SMEs to multinationals.
Her experience and in-depth knowledge of marketing has shaped the way she engages with businesses owners. Her passion lies in understanding the needs and objectives of her clients and then helping them chart a course that ensures a successful outcome.
Having worked with a wide variety of SMEs enables her to better understand the individual characteristics and qualities of a business and highlight them in a manner that is relevant and compelling to potential buyers.
She has a Bachelor of Arts from Bishop’s University and lives in Montreal with her husband, two children and two dogs; Quin and Boey.
We believe that entrepreneurship is a fundamental driving force within Quebec society and that our local entrepreneurs are amongst the most innovative and capable in the world.
We believe that business owners should be rewarded for making a difference and the sacrifices they make on their journey.
We believe that every business owner is unique and deserves to be provided with guidance and solutions tailored to their specific challenges and objectives.
We believe we have an opportunity to support and to give back to the local community that has offered us so much.