Peter N Skoretz

I grew up in a small Saskatchewan community after my dad, a second generation Ukrainian-Canadian, sold his farm and bought a house in town.

No one expected me, the second of four children, to leave the town, let alone the province. But when a high school diploma got me a job fixing tracks for CP Rail in BC's mountains with a jackhammer, I realized two things: I wanted to see more of the world, and, only more education would get me there.

In 1988 I earned a Geography degree from the University of Regina. That's also where I met my wife Suzanne, who hails from Chile. We've been together for three decades and have two bright, polite, responsible young adults: Nicholas and Carmen.

Suzanne and I made the big move to Ontario in the late 1980's, where after earning a Masters in Planning degree, I joined the City of Guelph as an urban planner. After 8 years however I discovered I do love to plan - just not cities.

I always had an interest in the financial markets so when the chance came to join Edward Jones, I jumped at it. More than 23 years later, here I am.

Working with me at our office in Downtown Burlington is Silvana Tonelli, a Senior Branch Office Administrator. Silvana speaks three languages - English, French and Italian - and brings over 16 years of experience with Edward Jones to our branch.

Silvana and I specialize in helping people plan for their retirement. I'm a listener more than a talker and really love to hear people's life stories. I also work hard and I'm honest, two qualities that have served me very well in my career and in my life.

Speaking of which, I'm very community minded. I've been a Big Brother, a Rotarian, a Carpenter Hospice board member and a 25 year blood donor.

When I'm not working, volunteering, or with my family, I'll be playing some sport or another. Skiing, softball, golf, hockey or just walking our dog Piper are a few things I do to stay healthy.

Thanks for reading my life story - I look forward to hearing yours!