The Finish Line Group

I Still Have Dark Days, But Now They Empower Me

Today is World Mental Health Day, and it’s hard to believe it’s been 12 years since I first publicly shared my battle with depression. I published an article called "How Can It Be So Dark Even on the Sunniest Days?" on Facebook.

Back then, talking about mental health wasn’t something you heard from men very often. I was nervous to hit "share," but the response shocked me. Messages flooded my inbox, thanking me for opening up. I was surprised and slightly embarrassed, but I felt relieved that I put it out there.

And I haven't stopped since that day.

We've come so far since then, but there’s still much further to go.

Over 50% of Canadians reported mental health as being their most significant concern. Yet, we still don’t talk about it enough.

I want to continue sharing my story to encourage others to do the same. It’s time to stop whispering about su***de and start having real conversations about mental health—because it’s not going away.

Share your story; it takes courage, but doing so makes it easier for the next person to tell their story. This is where the real healing begins.

I Still Have Dark Days, But Now They Empower Me — The Finish Line Group Tax Minimization. Selling your business. Building your legacy. Toronto Twelve years ago, I shared my mental health journey for the first time, and I was overwhelmed by the support that followed. What started as a nervous step into the unknown became a mission to keep speaking up, even as life tested me in ways I never could have imagined. Some may tire of the topic, bu

The Path of Grief: A Journey No Parent Should Walk Alone

Today, I find myself reflecting on a topic that's both deeply personal and universally heart-wrenching - the loss of a child. It's been nearly 9.5 years since we said goodbye to our beloved Maddie, and the weight of that loss still catches me off guard some days.

Recently, I've crossed paths with other parents who've experienced this unimaginable pain. Whether it's through depression, illness, accident, or any other cruel twist of fate, losing a child shakes the very foundation of our world. The devastation knows no bounds.

One thing I've learned on this journey is the critical importance of creating safe spaces to talk about our grief. It's not easy—for those grieving or for those trying to offer comfort—but it's necessary. We must ensure families have access to proper support—grief counselling, therapy, and, most importantly, love from their community.

Many don't realize that in those first days and weeks, when support pours in, the grieving family often finds themselves emotionally propping up others. It's a strange paradox of loss.

But the real challenge comes later. When the visits taper off, the meals stop arriving, and the phone falls silent more often, the true depth of sadness can take hold. In many ways, the months that follow a loss are the hardest to bear.

So, if you know someone who's lost a child - or any loved one - please remember this: Your support is needed most when the world has moved on, but their world is still standing still. Keep checking in. Keep showing up. Even small gestures can mean the world.

To those walking this difficult path: You're not alone. Your grief is valid, and your child's memory is precious. Be gentle with yourselves.

And to everyone else: Let's create a world where grief is met with ongoing compassion, understanding, and support. Because no parent should have to walk this road alone.

I'm about 2 years away from being eligible to start collecting my CPP retirement benefit (that's a scary thought in itself). My business owner clients often ask me if they should start collecting their CPP at 60, 65 or 70. Perhaps the question should be, "What can I do differently with my CPP benefit?"

Imagine the following scenario in the future: It's your granddaughter's 13th birthday, and there's a knock at the door. It's a delivery service that has a package for your granddaughter. She opens the gift, and inside, there's a note that says. "Happy birthday, Love always, Grandpa Chris." Inside, there is a cheque for $10,000.

Here's the interesting part: You passed away 5 years ago.

Your granddaughter has received these cheques for the past 5 years and will continue to receive them for the next 20 years. So will every one of your grandkids. How awesome would that be?! Do you think you would be fondly remembered long after you're gone?

What if I told you this could all be done by repurposing your CPP retirement benefit?

Born Once, Die Twice: Here's Your Chance to Shape a Lasting Legacy! — The Finish Line Group Tax Minimization. Selling your business. Building your legacy. Toronto Build an eternal bond between generations! Use your CPP benefit to create a lasting connection between grandparents and grandchildren even beyond your lifetime.

Recently, I've met with some business owners who are unsure whether they should set up a or confused about why their accountants have set up a .

I was unsure what a Holdco or Family Trust would accomplish, but then again, I didn't ask many questions and just trusted the advice of our accountants.

As I became more confident as a business owner, I started scrutinizing some of our decisions.

A Holding Company can be an invaluable asset, especially as you attempt to sell your business.

Buyers of businesses want clean books. They don't want investments, cash-value life insurance and real estate clouding their financials. Chances are you don't want to part with these assets either.

If you require a Holdco, this will clarify the need.

Ready to Elevate Your Business Strategy? Discover the Power of a Holding Company — The Finish Line Group Tax Minimization. Selling your business. Building your legacy. Toronto "Discover the magic of holding companies – your business superheroes! They save money, reduce risks, and simplify transitions. Learn how to wield their power wisely for your business success. Explore the pros, cons, and talk to pros before deciding!"

5 Powerful Ways AI Can Help Sell Your Business

Technology is propelling us into a new era, where AI is reshaping entire industries at an astounding pace. But we're just scratching the surface! The blend of excitement and concern surrounding AI's power is undeniable. It's a wake-up call: evolve or risk falling behind.

I'm thrilled by this evolution because it compels us to strive for excellence. Welcome to a realm where AI takes center stage in business selling! Imagine having a powerful ally that enhances every step of selling your business. AI isn't just a tool; it's a game-changer.

What are your thoughts?

https://www.thefinishlinegroup.com/blog/5-powerful-ways-ai-can-help-sell-your-business-1

5 Powerful Ways AI Can Help Sell Your Business — The Finish Line Group Tax Minimization. Selling your business. Building your legacy. Toronto Step into the future of business selling with AI! Discover how AI can revolutionize your selling journey: precise valuations, targeted marketing, streamlined deal matching, automated due diligence, and intelligent insights. Embrace AI's power for efficiency and success. Remember, while AI assists, r

I used to be embarrassed to say I sold life insurance.

Perhaps it goes back to that scene in Groundhog Day when Ned Ryerson approaches Bill Murray's character and smothers him with his cheesy sales approach.

Unfortunately, most people dislike life insurance. Media and movies have always painted life insurance advisors with a negative brush.

Know who values life insurance? Those who recognize its potential to slash taxes, secure legacies, amplify wealth, and support charitable endeavours.

For business owners with a negative view of life insurance, I challenge you to see how life insurance can address several things that keep us at night.

As one of my clients once said, "Chris, you make life insurance suck less". I guess I should take that as a compliment 😊

https://www.thefinishlinegroup.com/blog/reasons-business-owners-use-life-insurance

From Business Success to Tax Efficiency: 6 Powerful Reasons Business Owners Use Life Insurance — The Finish Line Group Tax Minimization. Selling your business. Building your legacy. Toronto Maximize business potential through tailored life insurance: cut estate taxes, balance succession, ensure continuity, and even leverage tax efficiency. Let life insurance be your compass to navigate business complexities.

As entrepreneurs, we all have our backstories.

Show me an entrepreneur, and I'll show you a story of resiliency.

I've been listening to The Storyteller's Secret by Carmine Gallo while walking to and from work the last few weeks. (I definitely recommend it)

I'm reminded that the greatest entrepreneurs of our time have had to overcome tremendous adversity to get to where they are today.

I've faced my fair share of adversity in business and life.

I've been knocked down and have not felt like getting back up, but I eventually drag myself off the canvas with a few more bruises, greater resiliency and experience.

I've talked to a few business owners lately that have felt pretty beat up. Some have questioned whether they're on the right path or not. I get it because I've been there.

Just remember that your complete story isn't written yet......and like all great stories remember that the resolution lies beyond your most formidable hurdle.

https://www.thefinishlinegroup.com/blog/the-rise-and-fall-of-my-35-million-business-a-story-of-triumph-and-tribulation

"The Rise and Fall of My $35 Million Business: A Story of Triumph and Tribulation — The Finish Line Group Tax Minimization. Selling your business. Building your legacy. Toronto From humble beginnings to a thriving $35M enterprise, I navigated triumphs and tribulations in the office furniture industry. The 2008 crisis brought unprecedented challenges, pushing me to shut down. Now, armed with insights, I empower business owners to navigate financial complexities, protecting