C. Andrew Long, BA, CIM®
Andrew Long brings over twenty-five years of experience in the financial services industry to his team, with a background in Economics and a Chartered Investment Manager (CIM®) designation. Inspired by his father’s career at Midland Doherty, Andrew began tracking investments from a young age and quickly discovered a passion for helping clients achieve their unique financial goals.
As a Portfolio Manager and holder of the CIM® designation, Andrew specializes in long-term wealth building through investments in companies with positive earnings growth, sustainable dividends, sound quantitative metrics, and strong management teams. He is committed to actively managing portfolio risk, preferring companies with lower price volatility than the broader market. Andrew is recognized for his comprehensive financial and estate planning services, creative investment strategies, and dedication to serving clients’ best interests with innovation, integrity, and professionalism.
Andrew holds a Bachelor of Economics from the University of Victoria and has successfully navigated major market events such as the Asian Flu, Technology Bubble, Great Recession, and Covid-19. He plays a key role in leading his team, responsible for delivering outstanding financial planning and investment solutions to affluent clients.
Outside of work, Andrew enjoys spending time with his family and takes pride in continuing the family tradition in the financial services industry alongside his wife, Claire. He is known for his personalized client approach, professionalism, and commitment to helping clients build and preserve their wealth.
Claire Long, CIM®
Claire Long brings close to 22 years of experience in the financial services industry to her team, including 19 years with Wood Gundy. With an early interest in finance, Claire joined the investment industry while completing her business diplomas in Accounting and Finance, and quickly developed a passion for helping clients achieve their financial goals.
Claire holds the Chartered Investment Manager (CIM®) designation, and specializes in managing client investment portfolios and building strong client relationships under Andrew’s guidance. She is dedicated to understanding and meeting each client’s individual needs, regardless of their size or complexity. Claire is recognized for her expertise in administration, her client-focused approach, and her commitment to delivering personalized financial solutions.
Outside of work, Claire enjoys staying active with her family and loves being on the water. She prides herself on her attention to detail, professionalism, and genuine care for helping others achieve their financial goals.
Michelle Knudsen
Michelle brings nearly a decade of experience in the banking industry to the team. She initially joined to broaden her professional horizons and quickly discovered a passion for helping clients achieve their goals.
As a Client Associate, Michelle specializes in delivering day-to-day client services with a focus on building long-term relationships and providing exceptional support. She is recognized for her positive, can-do attitude and her ability to offer practical solutions to any challenge.
Michelle plays a key role within the team, assisting colleagues and proactively enhancing the client experience.
Outside of work, Michelle enjoys staying active, spending quality time with friends and family, and cooking with her nephews. She is also a Wordle master.
Kelsey Draper, BA, CFP®
Wealth Strategist
Kelsey's role as Wealth Strategist is to take an in-depth approach with each client, understanding their unique situation and what is important to them. She provides families with a comprehensive financial plan with ideas and recommendations to optimize their financial affairs integrating retirement, tax, will, estate, trust and insurance plans.
Kelsey collaborates with external professional advisors, including accountants, lawyers and the CIBC advisory team to implement recommended strategies.
Kelsey joined the financial services industry in 2006 and holds the Certified Financial Planner designation.
James Amarelo
Financial Planning Specialist
James joined the financial services industry in 2003 and has held various positions in wealth management and retail banking. In 2010, he acquired his Certified Financial Planner designation (CFP) for the reason that he is passionate about promoting financial literacy and ensuring that clients are on track through various stages of life. Originally from Toronto, he moved to Victoria 10 years ago and has made this his home.
James is quite active in the community and in his personal life. He was the Head Coach of the Victoria Special Olympics Curling team and lead them to the Canadian National Games in 2020. He enjoys spending time with his wife (Michelle) and their toddler (Annabelle) and has an active lifestyle in various types of sports.
Brian Einarson, B.Comm., CFP, RRC
Senior Trust and Estate Consultant
Brian believes that a key component of any wealth management plan is an estate plan that protects our clients’ assets, preserves their legacy and ensures their estate is distributed efficiently. Brian has been in the financial services industry since 2000. He started his career with a major investment firm and joined CIBC in Victoria, BC in 2006. Since then he has been honing his skills in financial and estate planning. Brian provides clients with a personalized approach to Wills, Powers of Attorney, and Trust services. When it comes to estate planning, every family presents a unique set of circumstances and Brian helps clients establish a plan that is custom tailored to suit their distinct needs.
Kelsey Draper, BA, CFP®
Kelsey's role as Wealth Strategist is to take an in-depth approach with each client, understanding their unique situation and what is important to them. She provides families with a comprehensive financial plan with ideas and recommendations to optimize their financial affairs integrating retirement, tax, will, estate, trust and insurance plans.
Kelsey collaborates with external professional advisors, including accountants, lawyers and the CIBC advisory team to implement recommended strategies.
Kelsey joined the financial services industry in 2006 and holds the Certified Financial Planner designation.
James Amarelo
James joined the financial services industry in 2003 and has held various positions in wealth management and retail banking. In 2010, he acquired his Certified Financial Planner designation (CFP) for the reason that he is passionate about promoting financial literacy and ensuring that clients are on track through various stages of life. Originally from Toronto, he moved to Victoria 10 years ago and has made this his home.
James is quite active in the community and in his personal life. He was the Head Coach of the Victoria Special Olympics Curling team and lead them to the Canadian National Games in 2020. He enjoys spending time with his wife (Michelle) and their toddler (Annabelle) and has an active lifestyle in various types of sports.
Brian Einarson, B.Comm., CFP, RRC
Brian believes that a key component of any wealth management plan is an estate plan that protects our clients’ assets, preserves their legacy and ensures their estate is distributed efficiently. Brian has been in the financial services industry since 2000. He started his career with a major investment firm and joined CIBC in Victoria, BC in 2006. Since then he has been honing his skills in financial and estate planning. Brian provides clients with a personalized approach to Wills, Powers of Attorney, and Trust services. When it comes to estate planning, every family presents a unique set of circumstances and Brian helps clients establish a plan that is custom tailored to suit their distinct needs.