Wallace McCain Institute Announces Incoming Cohort of Business Leaders: ELP19

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 25, 2026
Wallace McCain Institute Announces Incoming Cohort of Business Leaders
After a rigorous and inspiring weekend known as The Choosing, the Wallace McCain
Institute (WMI) at the University of New Brunswick is proud to announce the 19th cohort of
its Entrepreneurial Leaders Program (ELP) – a carefully curated group of 16 high-
performing business owners from across Atlantic Canada.
Together, this ELP19 group generated over $103 million in revenue last year and employ
more than 600 people throughout the region. These leaders now join a powerful
community of peers committed to supporting one another’s growth and navigating the
complexities of business leadership – through real conversations, deep trust, and a
commitment to building a stronger Atlantic Canada.
This year’s selection process brought together 23 finalists for two days of interviews,
activities, and peer connection. The final group was chosen not based on individual merit
alone, but for how their experiences, industries, and leadership styles complement one
another to create a true mastermind forum.
“Our vision at WMI is for the Region to become the most connected and powerful business
community in the country, and this cohort is a powerful and progressive step toward that
aim,” says Tracy Bell, the Institute’s Executive Director.
“The magic of ELP19 is in how their diverse industries and lived experiences fill each
other’s gaps. By sharing hard-earned learnings, and facing the lonely challenges of
entrepreneurship together, they aren’t just building companies – they’re building the
generational prosperity our region deserves.
”
Over the next year, the ELP19 cohort will gather 10 times for immersive retreats across the
region. After the first year, most alumni groups continue to meet quarterly – evidence of the
deep value they find in this community.
The Wallace McCain Institute supports 650+ entrepreneurial leaders across Atlantic
Canada. Collectively, WMI-a\iliated companies employed more than 18,000 people and
contributed over $2.6 billion to the Region’s economy last year.
About the Wallace McCain Institute
The Wallace McCain Institute grows businesses by growing entrepreneurial leaders –
through life-changing learning and lasting connection. As the home for some of Atlantic
Canada’s most driven founders and CEOs, WMI creates confidential, peer-based forums
where real conversations lead to real growth.
Rooted in our values of trust, inclusion, connection, peer learning, and vulnerability the
Institute o\ers transformational programming and a deep community that supports bold
business growth and aims to create and increase generational prosperity. We believe, when
leaders grow, business follows. That’s the work we’re here to do.

Contact:
Tracy Bell
Executive Director, Wallace McCain Institute
tracy@wallacemccaininstitute.com
506-866-0049

Pictured in the attached photo, from left to right, is our incoming ELP19 business owners’
cohort, with company name and province HQ noted.
Front Row (l-r)
Katherine Lanteigne Distillerie NB Distillery NB
Katie Martens The Coffee Mill Ltd NB
David Mitchell Pathfinder Foods PE
Alex Weaver Crawford Bubbles Haircare for Kids NB
Cameron McNeil Par94 Golf NB
Ali Eldefrawi Duffy Water Treatment NB
Back row (l-r)
Mark Gaddas Ironwood Manufactured Homes NB
Mark Hatfield Homestar Inc NB
Brent Garrish New Maritime Brewing & Valley Electric NB
Corey Stewart Flewelling Press NB
John Ernst Terra Beata Farms NS
Pavel Gupta NeenOpal Canada NB
Craig MacIntyre EA Engineering PE
Alex Roach Caldwell Roach NS
Bill Deblois Buns & Things PE
Andrew Toole Don Moore Surveys & Engineering NB