Who we are

Our clients’ roadmaps to wealth are their individualized investment policy statements, which reflect who they are, their goals, and their risk comforts. Ryan Lynch ensures each client stays on course for their unique objectives, work that is constant and continual, both on the front lines and behind the scenes. Relying on the expertise that comes from his Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation, he maintains optimal asset allocation for all of the MacNaughton Lynch Group portfolios. Additionally, Ryan assists Jonathan in developing comprehensive investment strategies, research, and portfolio construction through our Private Investment Management program.

Ryan joined the team in 2010, after earning industry experience as an Investment Consultant at another large investment firm. In that role, he developed a people-first approach to building wealth for his clients – Ryan’s philosophy is “to earn our clients’ trust through consistent hard work and transparency.” But Ryan’s path to wealth management began long before then, at his childhood dinner table in Waterloo, listening with fascination to stories from his father, Ed Lynch. He wanted to keep learning more and felt certain it was the career for him.

Ryan holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics from Wilfrid Laurier University, in addition to the CFA designation. While at Laurier, he played for the varsity football team, which won a Vanier Cup in 2005.

Ryan currently lives in Kitchener with his wife, Hayley, and they enjoy staying active and exploring their local area.

An interest in the stock market at a young age drew Ed Lynch to the financial services industry – a career he’s excelled at for almost four decades. In fact, Ed was hired right out of school into the investment industry while still a student at Wilfrid Laurier University. He worked his way up through the ranks, excelling at such roles as Assistant Branch Manager, Branch Manager, and Investment Advisor along the way.

Today, Ed co-manages one of the largest investment management teams in the country. His clients benefit from his breadth of knowledge in investment management and capital markets. Day-to-day, Ed handles individual investment portfolios, and also oversees the portfolios held by a range of charitable non-profit organizations. “Every day is a new day in the market,” he is known to say. “So I’m always looking for quality investments for the right price.”

Ed is committed to ensuring each client receives his devoted personal attention to their financial needs. His favourite part of his role is working closely with you to help you achieve your financial goals. A licensed registered options principal with the Toronto Stock Exchange, Ed has also earned credentials in life insurance and completed the Partners, Directors, and Senior Officers qualification.

Husband to wife Paula, and the proud father of eight boys, Ed enjoys spending his free time with his family. He’s active in the local sports community and an avid golfer.

Mark Pettigrew’s passion for investing started early – he opened his first investment account when he was in 10th grade and worked every after-school hour he could to add savings to it. He proved to be a natural in the financial services industry, beginning his career in 1988 with another large financial institution and working his way up to Branch Manager at 25.

Later, Mark joined Royal Trust as a financial planner, where he thrived, getting to know clients’ individual life goals and establishing a detailed plan to achieve them. Joining our team in 2005, Mark appreciates the connections he’s made with clients and gains fulfillment from providing them with the absolute best service and solutions.

Today, with decades of experience under his belt and as a recognized Certified Financial Planner (CFP), Mark offers you advanced investment and financial planning services to help you achieve your life goals. If you have more complex financial affairs, he will collaborate with other experts within the firm to find the sophisticated solutions you need.

Born in Brantford, Mark moved to Kitchener in 1993, where he lives with his wife, Diane, and two boys, Ben and Cam. After work, Mark enjoys spending quality time with his family at their cottage, coaching minor hockey, playing golf, and hitting the ski hills.

When he was still in high school, Andrew Dienst met Jonathan and Mark through his part-time job at a bank branch. They recognized Andrew’s potential and keen interest in the industry immediately. “They were invaluable mentors, and still are,” says Andrew. “I don’t take for granted that I got to learn from the best.”

Seeing real skill and drive in Andrew, Jonathan and Mark suggested he make the leap and become an Investment Advisor, which he did at the age of 23. Andrew specialized in the tech industry and, before long, was competing with some of the largest advisors in Canada.

Now, with a decade of investment experience, Andrew maintains his growth mindset and is always seeking new opportunities to learn. Responsible for day-to-day management and service of accounts, Andrew has a strong relationship with our tech-centric client base.

Andrew earned his honours economics degree from Wilfrid Laurier University and the Chartered Investment Manager (CIM) designation from the Canadian Securities Institute. Born and raised in Kitchener, he currently lives in Waterloo with this wife, Lindsey, and son, Asher. After work, Andrew enjoys staying active and is an avid baseball fan.

Brendan is no stranger to the world of finance, having spent his early career working for some of Canada’s largest institutional investment firms. He always knew wealth management was where he belonged, and in 2020 he made the move and joined our team.

A natural people person, Brendan loves spending time consulting with clients and building relationships. As he puts it: “To do this job properly, I believe you have to be in it for the people you’re helping.”

Brendan works with individuals, families, and business owners to develop customized wealth management solutions to help them achieve their life goals, collaborating with our RBC banking partners when needed. He calls on these experts to provide a full range of sophisticated banking solutions for more complex wealth needs.

Born and raised in Waterloo, Brendan graduated from Wilfrid Laurier University with a Bachelor of Arts degree. After work, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Julie, son, George and daughter, Claire. In 2005, Brendan was drafted to the Kitchener Rangers in the Ontario Hockey League and continues to enjoy coaching minor hockey locally.

Lindsay Masson came from a family of bankers, so pursuing a career in financial services was a natural fit for her. After graduating from the University of Windsor with an honours Bachelor of Commerce degree, she spent several years at another major Canadian financial institution, starting out as a bank teller and later transitioning into investment and wealth management. Then, she joined RBC Dominion Securities in 2014.

A warm, friendly people person, Lindsay values the relationships she’s built with clients over the years and finds that’s what she loves most about her work. Lindsay’s voice may be the first one you hear when you contact Jonathan’s office. She’s the primary point-of-contact for Jonathan’s clients, facilitating a vast range of administrative matters such as RRSP contributions, transfers, and account openings.

A key member of our team, Lindsay has over 20 years’ experience in the investment industry and holds the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation.

Lindsay was born and raised in North Bay but now calls Ingersoll home. Away from work, she enjoys spending time with her husband, Kiley, sons Grayson and Sterling, and dog, Ruffly. An avid runner, Lindsay completed her first full marathon in 2008.

A member of The Harbour Group since 2023, Michael Cochrane is an associate investment advisor who prides himself on providing critical support in investment research, portfolio execution, client portfolio reviews, and coordination of wealth management services. Michael has been a member of RBC Dominion Securities for nearly a decade and, in addition to his full associate investment advisor licensing, he has completed multiple courses through the Canadian Securities Institute, including the Options Licensing Course (OLC) as well as the Professional Financial Planning Course. He also holds a Bachelor of Economics (Honours) from the University of Toronto.

While she was growing up in the Waterloo region, Thoa had so many career interests, she found it challenging to settle on just one. “But finance was always something that made my list every time.”

Her affinity for math and her fascination with the dynamic, ever-changing financial environment led her to pursue a Business Administration and Financial Planning advanced diploma at Conestoga College. She has also completed a number of Canadian Securities Institute courses and is licensed as an Investment Representative with the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada (IIROC).

Thoa began her career working at other major financial institutions before joining our team in 2019. Day-to-day, Thoa executes a variety of administrative tasks from documentation to account opening and maintenance. She is the primary point of contact for Ryan’s clients, assisting with inquiries and requests, all while providing top-tier service. Clients and colleagues alike appreciate Thoa’s pro-active, knowledgeable approach, and genuine level of care.

Away from work, Thoa enjoys spending her time creating core memories with her two boys.

Driven by her commitment to promoting financial literacy, Monica found her passion for the financial services industry after completing a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Guelph. Through a series of what she refers to as “very fortunate events”, it became clear that her enthusiasm for empowering others to feel confident and excited about working towards and achieving their financial goals was what she was meant to do. From then on, research science was out and the industry change to finance came naturally.

Monica joined our team in 2023, supporting us during a teammate’s maternity leave. Now a permanent fixture to The MacNaughton Lynch Group, Monica believes she’s been “extremely lucky to be surrounded by the most brilliant and supportive colleagues and mentors in this business.”

With an affinity towards Financial Planning and an apt for creating systems that deliver an unmatched client experience, Monica continues to work towards additional designations in the Wealth Management field. She is eager to help others navigate the complexities of the financial world for many years to come.

Born and raised in Kitchener-Waterloo, Monica spends time outside of work hiking with her dogs, cooking, and enjoying the company of her family and friends.