Our Team

Jim Bazillion

Branch Manager, Senior Partner of Bazillion Group

Jim has been a branch manager and financial advisor for over 27 years. Jim’s time in the industry has been an evolution. Earlier time spent sitting on advisory councils and as a trainer for a national life insurance firm allows Jim a rare insight into how advisors, clients, investment products and the companies that issue them, work together. From a personal practice to a thriving branch, Jim is investing his time daily to staying apprised of education, world (and local) news and views, to share with clients and advisors. Jim’s dedication to the support, training, and guidance of both clients and advisors is an asset and example to the team at Bazillion Group.

Jim works with clients to discover financial goals and supply the products it will take to achieve them. In with savings, tax, retirement (OAS, CPP navigation) and estate strategies there may be some quasi-therapy in the conversations along the way. Maintaining a long, respected relationship with clients is the cornerstone of Jim’s practice. He is always available for sound advice and a friendly and empathetic ear.

For existing or new advisors to Bazillion Group, Jim is the principal branch manager. He has built a team to provide considerable support to advisors. His extensive experience with business building and succession planning makes him a sought-after resource for advisors’ own businesses. Jim has built his business based on what clients and advisors need to ensure their own success. Jim has structured the branch and personal practice to supply the most thorough support for advisors looking to build their business, maintain and streamline it, and eventually, retire from it.

Jim can be found on the golf course when time and weather permits. Jim and Valorie also enjoy time with their family, travelling to sunny destinations, and cheering on their favorite baseball and hockey teams.

Samantha Bazillion

Branch Manager, Partner of Bazillion Group

Prior to joining the branch, Samantha was, most recently, a private client service associate for a high-net-worth division of a fund company. division. Samantha gained valuable knowledge in her other previous roles as a financial services representative with one of Canada’s top banks and an administrative associate with a Calgary Managing General Agency for life insurance. In these positions, she has gained extensive knowledge of insurance and investment products and procedures, advising clients; and assisting advisors with their practice. Samantha’s main role as Branch Manager is assisting our advisors with their practice and managing our compliance department. With her experience in the financial services industry, Samantha provides a wealth of knowledge and friendly service.

For existing or new advisors to Bazillion Group, Samantha is one of our team members that will aid in day-to-day support, training, processing, and compliance. Her knowledge of the business and inner workings of an advisor’s practice, make her a valuable resource in practice management.

In their downtime, Samantha and Stephen enjoy time with their son and two dogs, travelling and being outdoors.

Valorie Elgar

Licensed Assistant, Business Manager, Partner of Bazillion Group

Before joining Jim in the practice Valorie was, most recently, a media spokesperson for an international tax preparation firm and a senior tax professional. Within the financial sector, she was previously Vice-president of a Calgary Managing General Agency for life insurance, past Branch Manager and Compliance Officer for multiple mutual fund and RESP (Registered Education Savings Plan) Scholarship dealers.

Valorie plays a key role in the service and support for clients. She is responsible for managing the business operations and providing tax preparation services to clients. With her experience in the financial services and tax preparation industry, Valorie provides knowledgeable and friendly service or a good chat if wanted.

For existing or new advisors to Bazillion Group, Valorie is one of our team members that will aid in day-to-day support, training, and onboarding, to ensure a smooth and enjoyable transition. Her knowledge of business and the inner workings of an advisor’s practice make her a valuable resource in practice management.

In their downtime, Valorie and Jim enjoy time with their family, travelling to sunny destinations, and cheering on their favorite baseball and hockey teams.

Stephen D. Poole

Mutual Funds Representative

Stephen has recently joined the Bazillion group to work alongside his wife, Samantha, and with Jim, after a career in the public sector.

He is a financial advisor who works with clients towards their financial goals, either through mutual fund investments, or insurance and segregated fund products. Stephen is passionate about working with like-minded, responsible young people, to ensure their changing financial goals are continually met as they move through the various stages of life.

Stephen enjoys spending time with Samantha, and their young son. His hobbies include working with computers, and quiet game nights with friends and family.

Maureen Aquila

Branch Manager – Fernie Location

Maureen works as a Branch Manager in our Fernie office location and has been providing advisor and client support for over 30 years. She works closely with Jim to bring solutions to our clients that address personalized planning and portfolio management.

She maintains a high level of education and training to bring the best possible experience to the clients of Bazillion Group, with a particular focus in taxation and retirement planning. She has worked with many clients through early stages of life planning to retirement years including savings strategies for short-term and long-term goals, education plans for families, pension consulting, assistance with navigating government programs (OAS and CPP), and retirement income solutions.

Maureen has served on numerous Councils over the years where input was sought to pave the way for new initiatives within the Dealer firm. As a Branch Manager, she works with our advisors to provide Compliance Support and Practice Management.

Fernie has been Maureen’s home for more than 40 years. She and her husband, Mario, greatly enjoy the quality of life in the valley. In her spare time, she can be found playing with grandkids, cooking, gardening, camping and enjoying Fernie’s world-class ski hill.

Brandon Studholme

Licensed Assistant

Brandon works as assistant to Jim in our Calgary office location. He has over 8 years in the industry as an advisor and is experienced in helping clients navigate all life’s financial milestones. He works closely with Jim to bring solutions to our clients that address personalized advice, insurance and portfolio management.

Committed to staying at the forefront of the industry, Brandon actively participates in educational webinars and attends weekly updates from portfolio managers, ensuring clients benefit from the latest market insights and investment strategies.

Beyond finance, Brandon enjoys exploring the open road on a motorcycle, and unwinding at home with his cat Chalupa. When not working, you might find him indulging in video games, music, sports, or whipping up a delicious meal in the kitchen.