At Safety Bay Financial, clients benefit from a team that believes in going beyond the numbers. Led by Bill Gow and Shawn Perkins, the firm is built on a foundation of hands on research, transparency, and a genuine commitment to client success.
Unique Backgrounds, Unified Vision
Bill Gow, a lifelong Kenora resident and serial entrepreneur, brings decades of business experience to his role as President. His journey into financial advice began after running several local businesses and considering a career in teaching. A chance meeting with an advisor inspired him to pursue his CFP® designation and dedicate his career to helping families and professionals achieve financial security.
Shawn Perkins, originally from Winnipeg, started his career as a healthcare aid at a retirement home. Drawn to the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives, Shawn transitioned into financial services, where he now serves as a financial planner. Together, Bill and Shawn offer a blend of entrepreneurial insight and compassionate client care.
A Philosophy Rooted in Diligence
Bill and Shawn believe that understanding the companies their clients invest in is essential to providing sound advice. Their approach is defined by thorough research, regular communication with portfolio managers, and even in-person site visits to companies held in client portfolios.
As highlighted in a 2016 site visit to Speedway Motorsports Inc., Bill’s commitment to due diligence is exceptional. He personally travels to meet company leadership, covering his own expenses to ensure he gains firsthand insight. “Site visits are important because I have the opportunity to kick the tires and meet with the people responsible for managing the companies my clients own,” Bill explains. This level of dedication is rare in the industry and provides clients with confidence that their investments are in capable hands.
As Gregg Filmon, President of Value Partners Investments, observes:
“Bill goes the extra mile spending the time necessary to truly understand the companies we own in the VPI Pools. It’s a commitment which very few advisors make. The fact that he paid for his travel and accommodations reveals his dedication to serving his clients.”
Working with High-Quality, Client-Focused Managers
Safety Bay Financial partners with a select group of actively managed portfolio managers, chosen after in-depth research for their transparency and track record. Bill and Shawn co-invest alongside their clients and prioritize meaningful reporting, such as timely buy and sell notifications. This allows them to keep clients informed and engaged with their investment strategies.
Quarterly meetings with firms like Winnipeg-based Value Partners Investments focus on what is best for clients, rather than simply introducing new products. Accessibility is a key consideration; Bill notes, “If we have a client in the office, we can phone Value Partners with a specific question; they’re that responsive.” This responsiveness ensures that clients receive timely, relevant advice tailored to their needs.
Empowering Clients Through Education and Transparency
Bill and Shawn are committed to helping clients understand what they own and why. They regularly arrange meetings between clients and portfolio managers, fostering transparency and trust. These sessions cover topics such as buying practices and navigating challenging markets, and have received tremendous feedback from clients.
The advisors also monitor the performance and strategies of their managers, ensuring alignment with long-term goals and adapting as market conditions change. If a manager’s approach diverges from peers, Bill and Shawn investigate the reasons, always prioritizing the best interests of their clients.
A Personal Touch That Sets Them Apart
What distinguishes Safety Bay Financial is the personal care and integrity Bill and Shawn bring to every client relationship. Their willingness to go the extra mile, demonstrated through site visits, ongoing education and responsive service, reflects a deep commitment to helping clients achieve financial security and peace of mind.
At Safety Bay Financial, clients can be confident that their investments are managed with insight, integrity, and a personal touch.