Business trailblazer and respected community leader Ruston (Rusty) Goepel has made lasting contributions to British Columbia’s economic growth and social prosperity. With family roots in B.C. extending more than a century, Goepel’s dedication to his home province can be seen across five decades of work: in a successful investment career bringing employment and prosperity to people and businesses locally and nationwide; through his key leadership role in the 2010 Winter Olympics; and in his enduring support for many community causes that improve the lives of British Columbians.

Goepel co-founded Goepel Shields & Partners in 1989, bucking traditional business models to create an independent institutional brokerage where all employees shared in company profits. Starting with a staff of 18, Goepel Shields & Partners grew quickly throughout B.C., Alberta and Ontario under Goepel’s leadership. A 1996 merger with a retail-based broker created Goepel McDermid, a full-service investment brokerage with 500 employees. In 2000, the company completed a $130-million transaction with Raymond James Financial to form Raymond James Canada. Today, it is the largest independent investment dealer in the country, employing 700 people in B.C. and more than 1,600 staff nationwide.

Goepel’s business acumen has also helped other B.C.-based companies flourish. He serves as chair of Vancouver-based Yellow Point Equity Partners, which has raised $320 million and currently holds a controlling interest in seven B.C.-based companies that employ more than 3,700 people. He has also served on numerous corporate and public boards, including the Business Council of B.C. and Vancouver Airport Authority.

A lifelong passion for volunteerism and sport attracted Goepel as a central player in the 2010 Olympic Games. First joining the Olympic bid corporation in 1998 as a director, Goepel was later appointed to the Vancouver Organizing Committee (VANOC) Board. There, he was intimately involved in key planning and decision-making around the Games, from hiring CEO John Furlong to budgetary oversight. Following the passing of founding chair Jack Poole in 2009, Goepel was elected by his fellow directors as new chair to deliver the games to the world. He continued to serve until VANOC’s dissolution in 2013.

Goepel is a tireless community champion. Through his superb professional and personal network, he actively connects community groups with donors eager to support their vision. His volunteerism includes:

• Recruiting benefactors for Templeton School’s acclaimed theatre program and Boys & Girls clubs. He helped program administrators significantly expand opportunities for East Vancouver youth, especially those at risk;
• Co-founding and chairing the KidSport B.C. golf tournament, helping raise more than $350,000 to remove financial barriers for children wishing to play sport;
• Raising more than $500,000 for Community Living B.C. during his 24-year tenure as chair and founder of its charity golf tournament;
• Supporting the Canadian Diabetes Association as a fundraiser, gala chairman and donor, personally funding a diabetes research associate position at B.C. Children’s Hospital Research Institute;
• Fundraising for CNIB, B.C. Cancer, United Way, Big Sisters of B.C. and Lower Mainland, Canadian Olympic Committee, LIFT Philanthropy Partners and Canadian Little League Championship.