CPABC in Focus January/ February 2017 | Page 66

Bryan Sommer , CPA , CA , CFP , CIM
Member Profile

Bryan Sommer , CPA , CA , CFP , CIM

Portfolio Manager , CIBC Wood Gundy , and Financial Literacy Volunteer
Profile by Vivien Allen & Michelle McRae Photo by Kent Kallberg Studios
Giving back has been a focus for Bryan Sommer ever since he spent a long , cold night lost on Cypress Mountain at the age of 15 . “ By the time the search and rescue team found me , I ’ d made a promise to myself ,” he recounts . “ If I survived , I ’ d focus on the people and things I valued most , and start giving more than I took .” Bryan has made good on that promise ever since . A portfolio manager with CIBC Wood Gundy in South Surrey / White Rock , he applies his expertise not only to serving his clients , but also to bettering his community . In particular , he ’ s dedicated to making financial education more accessible . “ I ’ ve always been interested in financial literacy ,” he says . “ My father worked in the finance industry , and I grew up reading books like The Wealthy Barber . A career in finance was a natural path , and it has become a great way for me to give back .”
In addition to creating a mobile app that helps kids grasp the concept of financial selfcontrol and co-authoring a children ’ s book that showcases the importance of goal setting , Bryan also helps young people understand finance through his involvement in CPA Canada ’ s Financial Literacy Program . He began volunteering with the program in May
2014 , giving presentations at local elementary schools . Today , he ’ s an area leader for South Surrey / White Rock , helping other CPA volunteers find teaching opportunities . “ The Financial Literacy Program is a really good fit for my interests and experience ,” he says . “ Working directly with kids has been a lot of fun , and I really enjoy working with other volunteers . I get to see many of them find a new passion — one that gives them a new level of purpose .” Bryan actively encourages other CPAs to get involved , recognizing that the stakes are high . “ Financial responsibility is a skill that needs to be learned ,” he says . “ According to Statistics Canada , we saw record debt-to-income levels in 2016 , and with interest rates likely to increase , there could be challenges ahead for some families . CPAs have a unique skillset that pairs well with the Financial Literacy Program , so it makes sense to get involved .” Despite juggling the demands of a busy career , volunteer work , and a growing family , Bryan recently found time to author his second book , entitled The Reveal : Stepping Across the Line into Retirement . Released in November 2016 , the book is designed to help retirees make the most of life after work .
“ A consistent , dependable cash flow doesn ’ t necessarily lead to a happy retirement ,” he explains . “ Retirement is a time to do the things you ’ ve always wanted to do . Some of the happiest retirees I ’ ve encountered have found a sense of purpose in giving back to their communities .” While the book is available for purchase on Amazon , Bryan has also made free copies available at therevealbook . ca . For every book distributed , Bryan makes a donation to Dolly Parton ’ s Imagination Library , which puts books into the hands of children . He became involved with the Imagination Library through Sources , a local non-profit agency . Bryan has served as treasurer on Sources ’ board of directors since September 2015 . It ’ s all part of an overarching commitment to keeping that promise he made years ago , one fateful night . “ Volunteering has put my life into perspective ,” Bryan says . “ It actually energizes me , and it keeps me balanced . I live with a sense of purpose .”
CIBC Wood Gundy is a division of CIBC World Markets Inc ., a subsidiary of CIBC , and a member of the Canadian Investor Protection Fund and Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada .
66 CPABC in Focus • Jan / Feb 2017