General Bank of Canada is a Schedule 1 Chartered bank headquartered in Edmonton, Alberta. Our mission is to help our customers achieve their goals by offering innovative and competitive priced loan and deposit products and the best service levels in the business. We have been in business since 2005.

OUR STORY

Our roots go back to Porcupine Plain, Saskatchewan, where our founder, Donald H. Wheaton Sr. worked at the local general store. Along with three partners, he became part owner of a small General Motors dealership in town. The partners soon realized the car business wasn’t for them, and Don Sr. became the sole owner. In 1961, a large dealership in Edmonton became available and General Motors offered him the opportunity to take it over. Along with his wife and family, Don moved to Edmonton and took over what was to become Don Wheaton Chevrolet Oldsmobile.

In the mid-1980s, our founder and his family saw an opportunity to offer finance and insurance products to car buyers through dealerships, starting with creditor life and disability insurance and later, extended warranties.

The next area of expansion was into banking. General Bank of Canada was launched in 2005. With only three employees at the time, we made our first auto loan in July 2005. Today, we employ almost 60 great people, including a sales force across the country, and we have helped over 325,000 Canadians with their auto loan and investment needs. Over recent years, we have diversified into new business lines, including commercial lending and aviation financing.

The success of General Bank of Canada is a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit of our founder and employees. We are proud to carry on the tradition of treating people well, doing business ethically, and mastering our craft.

OUR CORE BELIEFS

RELATIONSHIPS

We build mutually beneficial relationships with our customers and co-workers based on assumed trust, respect, and personable connection. Both customers and staff can expect a positive and helpful interaction that is solutions focused.

SUSTAINABILITY

GBC thrives as a profitable, growing, and trustworthy business. Our risk-aware culture allows us to balance our short-term results with our long term views. We have built long lasting relationships with our employees and customers through effective risk management and positive business performance.

LOOKING AHEAD

We work in an ever-changing environment that requires us to be open and alert to new ideas. We engage our staff and look outside the business and our industry for changes that will impact us.

FLEXIBILITY & ADAPTABILITY

We use our best judgement in making day to day decisions while considering future organizational impact, with an explanation of the why behind our policies and processes.

PEOPLE

At GBC, we empower, engage, and hire capable employees.  We treat our staff with respect and in turn, treat our customers with respect and professionalism. We strive to effectively communicate and display our vision, core beliefs and business strategy on a daily basis. We empower our staff to make decisions using logic and reason, supported by policy and risk management.

MANAGEMENT TEAM

Ayo Dahunsi

Chief Compliance Officer

I joined GBC because - of the bank’s values, culture and leadership. I was intrigued by the story of the Wheaton family; what I personally consider a ‘mustard seed’ story. The mustard seed is one of the smallest seeds and yet out of it grows one of the largest, strongest trees known. In that story are the possibilities that lie ahead to build a bank that can stand for generations.

I am committed to building a dynamic Compliance program that undergirds the bank’s strategy of building a bank that can stand for generations. This means that the Compliance program enables the bank’s unique advantage, supports it to meet shareholder and other stakeholder expectations and provides a consistently sound regulatory perspective that drives culture within the bank by involving every employee at GBC.

I am passionate about authentic, servant leadership. I believe that through this mindset, I can touch the lives of others and I can choose to make my life count by finding ways that are positive, impactful and enduring, to relate with others.

I grew up with a fascination for creating and putting things like Lego and puzzles together. That has now evolved into building programs. I consider the opportunity to once again, strategize and deliver on a fit for purpose compliance program, both a gift and an opportunity. Not every Compliance Officer has such an opportunity and to have it for the second time in my career, is great.

The key to success in business is understanding that without people that there is no business. These people are our clients and our employees. AT GBC we have a people focus. Everyone pitches in to do what needs getting done. Everyone is involved in the business of building a bank that is capable of going the distance; a bank that can stand for generations.

Outside of work I can be found serving my community, speaking at engagements, unwinding through my many creative hobbies such as jewelry making and reading.

Eric Dillon

Eric Dillon

President

I joined GBC because It was a compelling opportunity to work with very talented people in a relatively new and innovative bank that has big ideas about the future.

What you like about the Banking industry Money and banking enables people to live the life that they want to live. I really do feel like banking is a way to help people to realize their hopes, goals and dreams – whether that is starting a new business or buying their first home.

I am committed to - Always working toward becoming the leader I want to be. I hope tomorrow to be just 1% better than today.

The key to success in business is - Hiring people way smarter than yourself and then giving them the platform, autonomy and responsibility to do their best work

I am passionate about – Building the next generation of leaders in business and supporting better gender balance in banking and finance. I have been very lucky to be mentored by some great leaders and have taken to heart the responsibility to do the same for others.

I grew up – as an air force brat. That meant that I got to enjoy flying with my pilot father and also enjoy the experience of living in many diverse parts of Canada.  J'ai beaucoup de chance!

Outside of work – I love being outside.  Whether that is golfing, skiing, hiking or riding my mountain bike.  Fresh air for me is food for the soul.

Brian Kulig

Chief Financial Officer

GBC is a case study for a highly efficient, virtual business. The combination of fewer than 50 staff, well developed technology and processes, critical portals providing virtual reach to a large customer base spanning 5 provinces, and a modest sales force all come together to produce a very impressive result. The most important ingredient is the staff – everyone is critical, everyone is a contributor.

I enjoy the banking sector because it is a highly conceptual, creative environment, focused on the gearing of capital, liquidity, and leverage. As an accountant in a bank, I particularly enjoy the process of imagining, then managing risk.

The keys to success in business are twofold: 1) identify a marketplace need that, once satisfied, generates profit, and 2) create a culture and environment that lures and retains great staff.

I grew up in Ottawa, and in the spirit of “go West young man”, moved to Edmonton in 1986. Alberta is an amazing province and is a place I am proud to call home.

Other areas of interest that complement my ‘day job’ include linking practice, teaching, and research through long term involvement with academic institutions (MacEwan University’s School of Business, NAIT, CPA, and Athabasca University) as an Accounting instructor and coach. Post-secondary involvement allows me to stay connected with students a.k.a. tomorrow’s leaders.

Outside of work I enjoy being outdoors as much as possible. I’m also an enthusiast photographer, allowing my camera to take me to places of scenery and solitude.

Cory Gallant

Chief Risk Officer

I joined GBC for the opportunity to work for a small, vibrant organization with a great group of people that are committed, professional, and determined.  The hard work that each individual displays on a daily basis is what allows this organization to compete against the largest banks in the country.

I love the banking sector because it provides the opportunity to learn about different aspects of business including risk management, retail credit, commercial lending, compliance, treasury, liquidity, project management, IT, and many more.  It offers a glimpse into the dynamic integration required to function as a team.

The key to success in business is to surround yourself with good people, put them in roles that maximize their talents, provide the resources they require, and then stay out of their way.

I grew up a huge Edmonton Oilers fan and remain a passionate fan today. Hopefully, under the leadership of their new captain, the fans will be able to see more winning seasons over the coming years.  Go Oilers Go!

I’m committed to improvement. Everyday affords me the opportunity to be a better family member, friend, co-worker, and student. I never get tired of learning new things and implementing them across various facets of my life.

Outside of work I enjoy exploring the great connected trail system in the Edmonton River Valley.  It is a wonderful way to enjoy nature while still in the city, and with over 160 kilometers of trails, there is always something new to discover.

Marley Begg

National Director of Sales and Strategy

I joined GBC because of the excitement and challenge involved with joining a ground-floor opportunity. It’s important to make the most of oneself by fanning the tiny, inner sparks of possibility into flames of achievement.

I love the business of people! I love to build the relationship, build the trust, and hopefully earn the business in the end.

I obsess over making sure things are done right to ensure the success of this little Canadian bank.

I grew up on a farm outside of Edmonton, riding 14 horses to keep them exercised for the racetrack. I grew up in a great family that emphasized values, morals, and work ethic.

I'm passionate about seeing the world from the mountain tops on the back of my horse Cotter. Everything seems to melt away and just that moment is all that matters. Nature and peace at its best!

Outside of work my favorite thing to do is to socialize with the ones I love. There’s nothing better than great food, great conversation, and laughs.  She who laughs, lasts!

Paul Ermantrout

National Director, Commercial Services Group

I joined GBC because of the opportunity to establish and build out a commercial division from scratch.  To be able to do this for one of the most entrepreneurial and respected business families in Western Canada was icing on the cake.

I love the commercial banking business because of the thrill of the deal.  That, and the long term relationships that I have established over the years because of what I do day-to- day.

The key to success in business is a passion for what you do, managing customer expectations, and remembering that there are only so many hours in a day so they should be spent wisely.

Outside of work my favorite thing to do is spend time with family and friends.  If I get to do that while riding my bike or hiking, all the better.

I’m passionate about cycling, which has resulted in needing a bigger garage as I now sit at 8 bikes and counting.  As the saying goes, the right number of bikes is N+1 where N is the current number of bikes you own.

I grew up in small town Alberta (Ponoka) with a love for sports.  I have always tried to maintain those small town values no matter where my life’s journey has taken me.

Carrie LeClaire

Head of Operations

I joined GBC because I admire their story.  The passion and entrepreneurial spirit from the founders to their employees. Imagine a bank and a successful entrepreneur combine their best qualities and bring those to work each day.

I am committed to creating an environment for people to thrive and where leaders continually challenge the status quo in a way that fuels others to come along that journey.  As good as we are today, we are going to be better tomorrow, and we’ll have fun doing it.

The key to success in business is people - more specifically, relationships and energy.  Ensuring there is healthy flow of deposits and withdrawals in both will certainly contribute to a viable and sustainable future.

I’m passionate about leadership and building high performing teams.  Combining thoughtful intentions with transparent communication provides a good foundation for building leaders and engaging a team.

I grew up in a small community east of Edmonton, on an acreage near Tofield.  My love of sports, curiosity and ambition to be a part of a performing team later grew into becoming a coach and leader.

Outside of work I can be found refueling, either inside a rink playing hockey or outside in nature by bike, car or foot.  The faster the better and if there is water, mountain or animals involved, it feeds my love of photography at the same time.

Ayo Dahunsi

Ayo Dahunsi

Chief Compliance Officer

I joined GBC because - of the bank’s values, culture and leadership. I was intrigued by the story of the Wheaton family; what I personally consider a ‘mustard seed’ story. The mustard seed is one of the smallest seeds and yet out of it grows one of the largest, strongest trees known. In that story are the possibilities that lie ahead to build a bank that can stand for generations.

I am committed to building a dynamic Compliance program that undergirds the bank’s strategy of building a bank that can stand for generations. This means that the Compliance program enables the bank’s unique advantage, supports it to meet shareholder and other stakeholder expectations and provides a consistently sound regulatory perspective that drives culture within the bank by involving every employee at GBC.

I am passionate about authentic, servant leadership. I believe that through this mindset, I can touch the lives of others and I can choose to make my life count by finding ways that are positive, impactful and enduring, to relate with others.

I grew up with a fascination for creating and putting things like Lego and puzzles together. That has now evolved into building programs. I consider the opportunity to once again, strategize and deliver on a fit for purpose compliance program, both a gift and an opportunity. Not every Compliance Officer has such an opportunity and to have it for the second time in my career, is great.

The key to success in business is understanding that without people that there is no business. These people are our clients and our employees. AT GBC we have a people focus. Everyone pitches in to do what needs getting done. Everyone is involved in the business of building a bank that is capable of going the distance; a bank that can stand for generations.

Outside of work I can be found serving my community, speaking at engagements, unwinding through my many creative hobbies such as jewelry making and reading.