It’s become something of a tradition here at Bridgewell Financial to cap off the year with a look back at our accomplishments as a team, our growth as a firm and the steps we’ve taken to serve you better. Throughout 2025, we’ve worked to enhance our systems and processes, fine-tuning our back-end infrastructure to provide a service experience that exceeds your expectations. The aim is to connect your wealth and health, helping you and your family live better, longer.
To do it, we’ve deepened relationships with key industry partners and organizations. Why? As we see it, the stronger the Bridgewell bench, the better we can meet your needs. With that focus on collaboration, we can deliver more innovative solutions that power your financial success. By adding new team members, we can introduce the expertise and experience needed to simplify your decision-making, while helping you plan with greater clarity.
It goes without saying that none of this would be possible without your ongoing support. As we celebrate an extraordinary year for our firm, we want to offer our sincere gratitude and a humble ‘thanks’ for making Bridgewell what it is today. Our success is only possible with your backing, along with the tireless work of our team and industry partners. With that in mind, here’s a summary of the most noteworthy developments at Bridgewell Financial in 2025.
Creating impact with a new annual charity event
In September, we staged our first annual Paddles with Purpose event at Fairgrounds Leaside in support of youth mentorship and development organization JA Canada and Keep Playing Kids, a non-profit organization dedicated to breaking down barriers to play by providing free, accessible sports programs for underserved children. It was a huge success, bringing together about 150 players from across the Bridgewell Financial community and raising more than $70,000 for these important causes. Paddles with Purpose is the marquee event in our annual fundraising calendar, one that will help us inch closer to achieving our $1 million giving goal. To learn more about that ambitious target, read last year’s year-in-review. JA Canada and Keep Playing Kids—whose values and goals around fostering health, well-being and long-term career success align so well with ours—will be Bridgewell’s spotlight charities moving forward.
While this year we honed our focus on those two amazing kid-centric organizations, there are many others that we continue to support. In May, our team raised
$12,000 in support of Jack.org after our initial $7,500 fundraising target—later increased to $10,000—was quickly and easily surpassed. We’re very proud to once again raise awareness and funds for an organization dedicated to youth mental health, just as we continue to support other important community organizations such as Youth Unlimited and the Daily Bread Food Bank.
Expanding our team, earning accolades and growing as professionals
One of the biggest developments happened at the start of the year. That’s when we welcomed Seligman Insurance’s Senior Partner Peter Seligman, Managing Partner Jeff Bernstein and Director of Individual Client Service Fran Perkins, to the Bridgewell Financial family. With a company history spanning more than 60 years—and in Peter and Fran’s case, more than four decades each of industry experience—Seligman has earned a reputation for providing customized insurance solutions to high net-worth families, entrepreneurs and their executive teams, along with scale-up businesses. Bringing a company in its third generation of family ownership into the fold was not only an important part of the strategy to continually enhance our insurance offering, but was a nod to the Seligman team’s extraordinary pedigree in the industry.
The additions to our team didn’t end there. Executive Assistant Emily Ioffe and Client Service Coordinator Tanisha Suvarna joined Bridgewell this year and made an immediate impact—Emily on the administrative front, and Tanisha in support of our broader insurance and financial planning teams.
We’re not the types to brag about our accomplishments, but 2025 saw members of the Bridgewell team recognized with both accolades and speaking invitations from several leading organizations.
In April, Partner Michael Wortsman and Benefits and Savings Programs Consultant Amr Galal were honoured at the Benefits Alliance Spark Conference with the ‘rising star’ award for commitment and contributions to the Benefits Alliance community and the wider group benefits sector. It was a well-earned nod for both Michael and Amr, especially coming from an organization like Benefits Alliance, which has established itself as a strong voice for the group benefits industry. Later in the year, the duo had the opportunity to both attend and speak at the
Benefits Alliance Connect Conference 2025 in Montreal. Michael joined an esteemed panel to discuss how Bridgewell is making artificial intelligence work for our firm—from streamlining operations and driving measurable outcomes to enhancing client experiences—and how AI will shape the group benefits sector in the years ahead. Amr was invited to sit on the prestigious Advisor Arc Panel where he discussed the practical strategies that helped him grow and maintain his book of business.
Collaboration with organizations such as Benefits Alliance and networking with top industry professionals helps our group benefits team build and constantly improve solutions offerings such as 360 Health, our dynamic health advisory program for business leaders and their families. 360 Health provides enhanced access to a range of medical services from advanced diagnostic testing and private surgery options to long-term and concierge care. It’s a program that has evolved considerably over the course of the year, as we work to provide our clients with the tools they need to bring health and wealth together, all while delivering a bespoke approach to healthcare.
Our insurance team was just as active on the event circuit. In February, Partner Chad Tranter was invited to speak at the Manulife Elite Forum in Seattle. His presentation focused on how Bridgewell Financial is incorporating wellness and longevity into the various practice areas of our business, including our solutions offering. That includes leveraging Manulife’s Vitality products to help our clients achieve financial well-being and live more fulfilling lives. Our team would attend another insightful Manulife event—the Manulife Longevity Conference—in November, where they heard insights from expert speakers on the convergence of health science, technology and financial planning.
In May, Chad and Senior Advisor Jeff Bernstein had the opportunity to present at the CALU 2025 Conference & AGM in Ottawa. This is the premiere annual event for Canada’s life insurance and financial advisors—and one we never miss. Chad highlighted Bridgewell’s workplace culture and the work it took to create a financial services company built around client wellness, while Jeff joined a panel of industry experts discussing innovative life insurance strategies. Lastly, Chad and Jeff this year completed Family Enterprise Canada’s Family Enterprise Advisor (FEA) designation. Now, as certified Family Enterprise Advisors, they’re even better equipped to help entrepreneurial and higher net-worth families manage their insurance, estate and financial planning needs.
Committed to our team’s well-being
Just as we work hard, we also need to break away from the office and enjoy time together as a team. This year we once again hit the slopes for the annual Bridgewell Ski Day, combining some downhill fun with apres food and drinks.
Our team again emphasized how much giving back is a key part of their values and workplace experience. So, this year we introduced a new employee policy designed to maximize the impact of their charitable donations. Whenever a team member donates up to $200, Bridgewell will match it five-to-one each year. It’s a way to amplify their generosity, while helping them feel connected to important causes. That’s in addition to the two paid days that we provide team members each year to volunteer at a charity or non-profit of their choice.
So, as we get set to ring in the New Year after reflecting on a wonderful 2025, we’d like to again thank you for your support. Happy holidays and all the best to you and yours in 2026!
The Bridgewell team
For assistance with your group benefits, wealth and financial planning, corporate or personal insurance needs, contact a member of our team.
