Laurie Baird
CA, CFP®, CLU, TEP, CEA
204-944-3525 | lbaird@lawtonpartners.ca | profile
Laurie’s entire career has been focused on helping his clients to grow, preserve, and enjoy their wealth. In fact, it was Laurie’s desire to work more closely with clients that led him to join Lawton Partners in 1997 as an associate advisor, where shortly after he became a partner in 2002. In addition to his extensive background as a Chartered Accountant (CA), a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional, a Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU), and a Trust and Estate Practitioner (TEP), Laurie remains fully committed to understanding clients’ objectives, offering them advice tailored to meet their specific needs and help them build long-term value.
With over 30 years’ experience in providing tax planning and business advisory services to corporations, individuals, and trusts, Laurie continues to demonstrate a thorough understanding of complex corporate structures and transactions. His knowledge and expertise allow him to work effectively with the firm’s advisory team in recommending and implementing investment, tax, business succession, and estate planning strategies that contribute to his clients’ success.
Laurie, his wife Jill, and their three children enjoy spending time together. The Bairds can be found skiing in the winter, or visiting the cottage in the summer. When Laurie isn’t at work or with his family, he is learning the art of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu or mastering Taekwondo where he currently holds the rank of 2nd Dan.
Team
Lucas Baird
B.Comm. (Hons.), CFP®, CLU, CHS®Lucas has worked with Laurie since October 2010 and is dedicated to helping clients achieve their financial goals and objectives. Mindful that his success depends on the success of their clients, Lucas practices with the highest standards of professionalism and integrity as part of his mission at Lawton Partners.
Cindy Desrochers
CA, CFP®, TEPCindy brings 15 years of Public Accounting Firm tax experience with her to assist with the team’s goal of building client wealth. She has detailed knowledge of corporate tax both from work experience and teaching courses through the CPA continuing education program. Courses include the In-Depth program, tax for controllers & corporate restructuring courses. Cindy is excited to apply her skills to help ensure clients are in the best position to be successful with their financial goals.
Penny Topolnitsky
Penny started her career as part of the accounting services division at a large national firm, where she first met Laurie. Laurie was instrumental in mentoring her early on, developing her skills to assist him in serving a large client base. While she enjoyed that environment, Penny decided to leave public practice to join the private sector where she became Controller of an internationally recognized manufacturing operation. She excelled in the entrepreneurial environment, helping to streamline operations and financial reporting. She continued her career in the private sector, sharing her knowledge and expertise with other organizations but was ready for a new challenge. Penny joined Lawton Partners in 2022 and is looking forward to working with Laurie again to provide the best possible financial service to his clients.
Penny completed her foundation studies in the CGA program and is anxious to start educating herself in the financial planning sector.
While not at the office, Penny enjoys spending time with her children at their country home.
Ayanna Demler
Ayanna joined Lawton Partners in 2023 as an assistant to Lucas and Laurie Baird. She comes with over 5 years of experience in financial services and is committed to continuous growth and education to keep up with the ever-evolving industry. She enjoys working with clients and takes pride in assisting the team to help their clients achieve their financial goals. Outside of work, Ayanna enjoys spending time with her family and being outdoors.
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