Our Team

Incite’s boutique model is supported by a team of senior strategists and business advisors with backgrounds in the fields of market research, business development, market strategy, brand, communications, and internal engagement. We work collaboratively to build project teams that provide clients with a range of perspectives to inform strategic decisions.

Ted Kouri

Founder and President

As Founder and President of Incite, Ted brings over 25 years of strategic marketing, M&A advisory, and consulting experience working with owner-managed companies, strategic buyers, industry associations, Board-led non-profits, and private equity firms. His proven ability to engage in complex business strategy and multi-stakeholder environments as a facilitator and advisor helps both buy-side and sell-side clients with growth strategy, communications, strategic issues management, and post-merger brand and culture integration.

Ted is an active volunteer, working with the University of Alberta Venture Mentoring Service and having recently served as the Board Chair of Edmonton Community Foundation. He is an engaged member of the business community, including involvement with Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO), Edmonton Executives Association (EEA), Synergy Network, and Association for Corporate Growth (ACG).

Recent transactions supported:

  • CompuVision & VC3 – Strategic Communications
  • Capital Colour & Priority Printing – Strategic Communications
  • CWB – Integration Planning

Darren Tonn

Partner and Creative Director

Always focused on the possibilities, Darren leads every brand strategy with creativity, passion, and drive. His array of artistic abilities, coupled with two decades of design experience, make him a true creative catalyst.  He plays a vital role in assessing brand reputation for our clients’ target acquisitions while also making recommendations around integrated brand positioning and brand strategy. As Creative Director, Darren has successfully led hundreds of branding initiatives for our clients.

As past president of the Advertising Club of Edmonton, Darren continues to remain involved in the creative community. He carries on his lifelong pursuit for art through visual expression with his design work and his work as an artist. View Darren’s art: www.darrentonn.com

Recent client engagements:

  • Belterra & All-State Belting – Brand Integration and Renaming
  • BBE Expediting – Brand Integration Strategy
  • CLPNA – Brand Integration Strategy
  • Capital Colour & Priority Printing – Strategic Communications

Stephanie Sims

Associate

Stephanie brought her creativity, emotional intelligence, and problem-solving skills to our team in 2019. She works closely with clients to support due diligence around market, brand, and customer assessments, then develops key deal deliverables that guide critical stakeholder communication and the smooth integration of both companies. Stephanie draws on her knowledge of marketing and strategic business analysis to help our clients rise above the competition and position themselves for immediate or future growth. Having owned and managed her own business, she understands the challenges our clients face and enjoys helping them create higher levels of success.

Stephanie is passionate and steadfast, successfully seeing projects through each phase of development. In 2015, she was a finalist for the Success 4 Business Start-Up Entrepreneur Award for Central Alberta, an award that recognizes innovation, strategy, and general approach to business.

Recent client engagements:

  • CLPNA – Brand Strategy, Culture Integration, Strategic Communications
  • Capital Colour & Priority Printing – Strategic Communications
  • ProducKIDvity – Strategic Acquisition Communications

Jesse Meyer

Partner

Jesse works with clients to solve challenging problems, generate revenue, and unlock untapped growth potential. Drawing from over 10 years of marketing, branding, strategic planning, and stakeholder relations experience, Jesse brings a wealth of experience working with clients in the public, corporate and not-for-profit sectors,  He has spearheaded effective organizational change, and helped to maximize operational excellence and innovation by working collaboratively with leadership teams to build the foundation, structures, and processes for long-term success.

Jesse is passionate about the communities he has called home. This passion is reflected in past involvement with organizations such as the CKUA Radio Foundation, the interVivos Mentorship Program, and the ITU World Triathlon Edmonton. He has also served on boards for the South Edmonton Business Association, Fort McMurray Tourism, 2015 Western Canada Summer Games – Wood Buffalo, and the Fort McMurray Sport Tourism Committee.

Recent client engagements:

  • BBE Expediting – Brand Integration Strategy, Deal Communications
  • Capital Colour & Priority Printing – Strategic Communications

Dania Spillett

Partner

With an abundance of relationship management, market positioning, communications, and engagement experience, Dania has supported the strategic growth of B2B organizations for over 10 years, establishing foundational elements for clients to effectively manage change and realize long-term goals. She is committed to understanding the unique challenges of her clients and their environment, then leverages market intelligence to craft impactful strategies that align stakeholders, brands, and messaging through all phases of a deal.

Dania’s appetite for business and community engagement is reflected in her active involvement with the Edmonton Executives Association (EEA), International Association of Business Communicators (IABC), and provision of strategic advisory for social profits such as Habitat for Humanity Edmonton, University Hospital Foundation, and Fort Edmonton Management Company. She has previously coached UofA students for JDC West business case competitions and served on the board of the Edmonton-based Centre to End All Sexual Exploitation (CEASE).

Recent client engagements:

  • ProducKIDvity – Strategic Acquisition Communications
  • Belterra & All-State Belting – Post Deal Market Positioning, Strategic Communications, Brand Integration, Culture Alignment, Change Management
  • CLPNA – Brand Strategy, Culture Integration, Strategic Communications
  • Diamond International Trucks – Positioning and Growth Strategy, Brand Integration
  • CompuVision & VC3 – Strategic Merger Communications
  • Vantage Living & Aster JV (Age Care Health Services & Axiom Infrastructure) – Strategic Communications

Janet Laurie

Principal

Janet joined Incite in July 2022 bringing more than 20 years of communications experience from a variety of industries, including energy, technology, banking, and professional services. Collaboration with internal and external audiences; excellent writing, analytical and interpersonal skills; and strategic vision are the cornerstones of her professional approach. Janet is passionate about solving problems, building strong relationships, and helping clients achieve their goals.

Born in Montreal and raised in Edmonton, Janet has also lived in Calgary and Victoria as well as points further afield in the Middle East and France. She has a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Calgary and a public relations diploma from MacEwan University. With two active teenagers, Janet’s current support within the community falls around volunteer commitments through their activities and sports.

Recent client engagements:

  • ProducKIDvity – Strategic Acquisition Communications

Joel Mazurkewich

Associate

Joel strengthened the Incite team by bringing his relationship-driven approach, enthusiastic attitude, and collaborative mindset to our team in 2021. Joel draws on his knowledge of business development, marketing, and stakeholder engagement to help clients understand market intelligence and make strategic decisions around how best to connect with their key stakeholders. He works closely with clients to support strategy development and build deliverables that help them achieve their goals through a transaction.

Joel is collaborative and efficient, successfully seeing projects through each phase of the deal. Outside of work, Joel is an advocate for his community, volunteering with the Edmonton Food Bank and with the City of Edmonton. Joel is passionate about sports and is an alumnus of Montana State University Billings where he was a starting outfielder for the Yellowjackets.

Recent client engagements:

  • Belterra & All-State Belting – Post Deal Market Positioning, Strategic Communications, Brand Integration
  • CompuVision & VC3 – Strategic Merger Communications

Joanne Canga

Executive Assistant

Joanne is the glue that keeps Incite together. Whether it’s setting up meetings, coordinating calendars, or assisting with proposals, everyone knows they can count on her to make things a bit easier. As the first point of contact for Incite’s clients and guests, Joanne’s positive attitude is a quality everyone appreciates. Her self-motivated nature and over 10 years of customer service experience shows in everything she does, and her friendly disposition makes anyone who walks through our doors feel comfortable and welcome.

When she’s not managing the office, finding operational efficiencies, or driving the internal adoption of new software and technology, Joanne leads Incite’s social club.

Ted Kouri

Founder and President

As Founder and President of Incite, Ted brings over 25 years of strategic marketing, M&A advisory, and consulting experience working with owner-managed companies, strategic buyers, industry associations, Board-led non-profits, and private equity firms. His proven ability to engage in complex business strategy and multi-stakeholder environments as a facilitator and advisor helps both buy-side and sell-side clients with growth strategy, communications, strategic issues management, and post-merger brand and culture integration.

Ted is an active volunteer, working with the University of Alberta Venture Mentoring Service and having recently served as the Board Chair of Edmonton Community Foundation. He is an engaged member of the business community, including involvement with Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO), Edmonton Executives Association (EEA), Synergy Network, and Association for Corporate Growth (ACG).

Recent transactions supported:

  • CompuVision & VC3 – Strategic Communications
  • Capital Colour & Priority Printing – Strategic Communications
  • CWB – Integration Planning

Jesse Meyer

Partner

Jesse works with clients to solve challenging problems, generate revenue, and unlock untapped growth potential. Drawing from over 10 years of marketing, branding, strategic planning, and stakeholder relations experience, Jesse brings a wealth of experience working with clients in the public, corporate and not-for-profit sectors,  He has spearheaded effective organizational change, and helped to maximize operational excellence and innovation by working collaboratively with leadership teams to build the foundation, structures, and processes for long-term success.

Jesse is passionate about the communities he has called home. This passion is reflected in past involvement with organizations such as the CKUA Radio Foundation, the interVivos Mentorship Program, and the ITU World Triathlon Edmonton. He has also served on boards for the South Edmonton Business Association, Fort McMurray Tourism, 2015 Western Canada Summer Games – Wood Buffalo, and the Fort McMurray Sport Tourism Committee.

Recent client engagements:

  • Capital Colour & Priority Printing – Strategic Communications
  • BBE Expediting – Brand Integration Strategy, Deal Communications

Dania Spillett

Partner

With an abundance of relationship management, market positioning, communications, and engagement experience, Dania has supported the strategic growth of B2B organizations for over 10 years, establishing foundational elements for clients to effectively manage change and realize long-term goals. She is committed to understanding the unique challenges of her clients and their environment, then leverages market intelligence to craft impactful strategies that align stakeholders, brands, and messaging through all phases of a deal.

Dania’s appetite for business and community engagement is reflected in her active involvement with the Edmonton Executives Association (EEA), International Association of Business Communicators (IABC), and provision of strategic advisory for social profits such as Habitat for Humanity Edmonton, University Hospital Foundation, and Fort Edmonton Management Company. She has previously coached UofA students for JDC West business case competitions and served on the board of the Edmonton-based Centre to End All Sexual Exploitation (CEASE).

Recent client engagements:

  • Vantage Living & Aster JV (Age Care Health Services & Axiom Infrastructure) – Strategic Communications
  • CompuVision & VC3 – Strategic Communications
  • CLPNA – Brand Strategy & Culture Integration, Strategic Communications
  • Diamond International Trucks – Positioning, Brand Integration & Growth Strategy
  • Belterra & All-State Belting – Post Deal Market Positioning, Strategic Communications, Brand Integration, Culture Alignment

Darren Tonn

Partner and Creative Director

Always focused on the possibilities, Darren leads every brand strategy with creativity, passion, and drive. His array of artistic abilities, coupled with two decades of design experience, make him a true creative catalyst.  He plays a vital role in assessing brand reputation for our clients’ target acquisitions while also making recommendations around integrated brand positioning and brand strategy. As Creative Director, Darren has successfully led hundreds of branding initiatives for our clients.

As past president of the Advertising Club of Edmonton, Darren continues to remain involved in the creative community. He carries on his lifelong pursuit for art through visual expression with his design work and his work as an artist. View Darren’s art: www.darrentonn.com

Recent client engagements:

  • CLPNA – Brand Integration Strategy
  • Capital Colour & Priority Printing – Strategic Communications
  • BBE Expediting – Brand Integration Strategy

Janet Laurie

Principal

Janet joined Incite in July 2022 bringing more than 20 years of communications experience from a variety of industries, including energy, technology, banking, and professional services. Collaboration with internal and external audiences; excellent writing, analytical and interpersonal skills; and strategic vision are the cornerstones of her professional approach. Janet is passionate about solving problems, building strong relationships, and helping clients achieve their goals.

Born in Montreal and raised in Edmonton, Janet has also lived in Calgary and Victoria as well as points further afield in the Middle East and France. She has a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Calgary and a public relations diploma from MacEwan University. With two active teenagers, Janet’s current support within the community falls around volunteer commitments through their activities and sports.

Stephanie Sims

Associate

Stephanie brought her creativity, emotional intelligence, and problem-solving skills to our team in 2019. She works closely with clients to support due diligence around market, brand, and customer assessments, then develops key deal deliverables that guide critical stakeholder communication and the smooth integration of both companies. Stephanie draws on her knowledge of marketing and strategic business analysis to help our clients rise above the competition and position themselves for immediate or future growth. Having owned and managed her own business, she understands the challenges our clients face and enjoys helping them create higher levels of success.

Stephanie is passionate and steadfast, successfully seeing projects through each phase of development. In 2015, she was a finalist for the Success 4 Business Start-Up Entrepreneur Award for Central Alberta, an award that recognizes innovation, strategy, and general approach to business.

Recent client engagements:

  • CLPNA – Brand Strategy & Culture Integration, Strategic Communications
  • Capital Colour & Priority Printing – Strategic Communications

Joel Mazurkewich

Associate

Joel strengthened the Incite team by bringing his relationship-driven approach, enthusiastic attitude, and collaborative mindset to our team in 2021. Joel draws on his knowledge of business development, marketing, and stakeholder engagement to help clients understand market intelligence and make strategic decisions around how best to connect with their key stakeholders. He works closely with clients to support strategy development and build deliverables that help them achieve their goals through a transaction.

Joel is collaborative and efficient, successfully seeing projects through each phase of the deal. Outside of work, Joel is an advocate for his community, volunteering with the Edmonton Food Bank and with the City of Edmonton. Joel is passionate about sports and is an alumnus of Montana State University Billings where he was a starting outfielder for the Yellowjackets.

Recent client engagements:

  • CompuVision & VC3 – Strategic Communications
  • Belterra & All-State Belting – Post Deal Market Positioning, Strategic Communications, Brand Integration

Joanne Canga

Executive Assistant

Joanne is the glue that keeps Incite together. Whether it’s setting up meetings, coordinating calendars, or assisting with proposals, everyone knows they can count on her to make things a bit easier. As the first point of contact for Incite’s clients and guests, Joanne’s positive attitude is a quality everyone appreciates. Her self-motivated nature and over 10 years of customer service experience shows in everything she does, and her friendly disposition makes anyone who walks through our doors feel comfortable and welcome.

When she’s not managing the office, finding operational efficiencies, or driving the internal adoption of new software and technology, Joanne leads Incite’s social club.

M&A Advisory Board

Incite is committed to building the strongest M&A communications and post merger integration advisory services practice for privately held mid-market firms in Western Canada. To further strengthen Incite’s M&A practice, we have established an advisory board dedicated to this space. Our board’s expertise, track record, and network will help Incite meet the needs of clients throughout their merger, acquisition, or divestiture journey.

Ron Dersch

President, Dersch & Associates Inc.

With over 20 years in the investment banking industry, Ron has led mid-market advisory transactions in the energy, manufacturing, distribution, retail, financial services, transportation, and technology sectors. Prior to his Investment Banking career, Ron spent over ten years in the energy sector with a Fortune 500 Petroleum Service Corporation, and six years in numerous commercial banking positions with a Canadian Chartered Bank. Ron has his Corporate Finance (CF) and Certified Mergers & Acquisition Advisor (CM&AA) designations. Ron is the Co-Founder and Past-President of the ACG Edmonton chapter and former faculty member of the Chartered Professional Accountants Alberta CFO Leadership program. Ron also serves as an advisor, and Director, to various private company boards.

Mark McRae

Partner, Sequeira Partners

Mark is a Partner at Sequeira Partners and has over 15 years of experience in corporate finance, mergers, acquisitions, and restructuring mandates. He helps clients to structure and negotiate debt and equity capital raises; assess transaction options; and execute merger, acquisition, divestiture, and restructuring transactions. Mark is a Chartered Accountant and Chartered Business Valuator. Prior to joining Sequeira Partners, Mark worked in corporate development and strategic planning for a major utility. He also executed transactions as a senior associate in the mergers and acquisitions group of a global accounting firm. Mark serves as a Board member and Advisor to several not-for-profit and for-profit organizations in the greater Edmonton area. When not at the office or “in a meeting”, Mark enjoys running, playing hockey and golf, and spending time with his wife Lindsay and his young children (Rory and Quinn).

Ian Reynolds

Partner, DLA Piper

Ian Reynolds is a senior partner at DLA Piper, advising multinational corporations, private equity firms, and private family “offices, enterprises and investment funds” on strategic planning, risk management, multi-jurisdiction mergers, acquisitions and divestitures, corporate reorganizations, corporate governance planning and structuring, and diverse financing arrangements including equity, debt, mezzanine, subordinated debt, and quasi-equity transactions. Ian is recognized as one of Canada’s leading lawyers in The Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory in 2015, 2016, 2018 and 2019, the Lexpert Guide to the Leading U.S./Canada Corporate Lawyers in Canada in 2016 and 2017, the Lexpert Special Edition – Canada’s Leading Corporate Lawyers in 2018 and the Lexpert Special Edition – Canada’s Leading Finance and M&A Lawyers in 2021. Over the past 20 years, Ian has served as a Board member and Advisor to several not-for-profit and for-profit organizations.