MENTOR
EXCHANGE
- EDISCOVER NEW WAYS TO CONNECT
Connect with fellow business leaders, potential collaborators, and industry peers.
- EFORWARD, TOGETHER
Share your expertise and help shape the next generation of local business leaders.
- EFORWARD, TOGETHER
Find the help you need with your own business from marketing to HR to financial planning and beyond.
MENTORS
Terry Vos
Vos Independent Grocer
About Terry
Community Leader – Actively involved in local organizations, including Port Perry Canada Day Committee, Community Living, and Big Brothers Big Sisters North Durham.
Matt Sommerville
Sommerville Consulting
About Matt
Designer & Urban Planner – Experienced in heritage, economic development, and cultural vitality, including leading key projects like the Port Perry Downtown Waterfront Revitalization.
Agricultural Advocate – Fifth-generation farmer and founder of Two Blokes Cider, blending heritage and agritourism to revitalize his family farm.
Community Leader – Passionate about fostering economic and cultural growth in Scugog, actively collaborating with local businesses through the Chamber.
Micheline Robichaud
Kiwi & Bos Wonder Emporium
About Micheline
Entrepreneur & Business Owner – Owns Kiwi & Bos Wonder Emporium and travel agencies in Canada and the U.S., with a strong entrepreneurial legacy.
Community Advocate – Passionate about local engagement, volunteerism, and supporting small businesses to strengthen communities.
Experienced Event Planner – Brings expertise in nonprofit work and event planning to the Chamber, eager to contribute to the community’s growth.
Amy Toon
McMurtry Law
.
About Amy
Dedicated Volunteer & Community Leader – Actively involved in numerous volunteer roles, including President of North Durham Ladies Lobball League and co-creator of Amazing Race Port Perry.
Experienced Law Clerk – Works with McMurtry Law, a family law firm in Port Perry, contributing to the firm’s strong community presence.
Award-Winning Volunteer – Honored with the June Callwood Outstanding Achievement Award for Voluntarism, bringing creativity and inclusivity to community initiatives
Karen Hunt
Electrolysis by Karen
About Karen
Entrepreneur & Advocate – Runs her own electrolysis business and supports local entrepreneurs.
Economic Development Expert – Brings 20 years of experience in Economic Development and Tourism.
Community Leader – Actively involved in the Scugog Chamber of Commerce, local organizations, and community events.
Rosario Greco
Rosario Greco Styles
About Rosario
Expert Stylist – Over 46 years of experience, specializing in cut, colour, and hair care with a Red Seal in Hairdressing.
Industry Leader – Competitor-turned-judge with a Life-Time Achievement Award, active in industry fundraisers and international training.
Ginger Jackson
McDonald's Restaurants - Port Perry & Uxbridge
About Ginger
- Community Driven
- 14-Year Vice President
- Event Planning
Kristen Meyer-Creamer
Sportslogos.net
About Kristen
Co-Founder of SportsLogos.Net – Leads the world’s largest online encyclopedia of sports logos, uniforms, and branding with a significant media presence.
Entrepreneur & Consultant – Co-launching “Player 97,” a consulting and design company, and offers marketing and design services to local businesses.
Community Advocate – Founded Step Up Step Out North Durham to highlight volunteer opportunities and actively volunteers on several local boards and committees.
Dawn Szuhai
Oak Ridges Hospice
About Dawn
Experienced Leader – 25+ years in HR management across multiple industries and 15 years in admin and finance.
Community Advocate – Key contributor to Oak Ridges Hospice, active volunteer in local causes, and dedicated yoga instructor.
Business Supporter – Serves as Secretary and Director of the Scugog Chamber of Commerce, helping local businesses thrive.
Margaret Ayres
Big Brothers, Big Sister of North Durham
About Margaret
Executive Director – Leading Big Brothers Big Sisters of North Durham for 25 years, igniting the potential of youth through mentorship.
Skilled Fundraiser & Event Organizer – Successfully leads community events like Wing & Pizza Night and Winding Roads Country Festival.
Community Advocate – Founding member of 100 Women Who Care Scugog, with extensive volunteer work in organizations like Paralympic Sports and Oak Ridges Hospice.
Melissa Rada
Radar Digital Marketing
About Melissa
Entrepreneur & Freelance Creative – Helps aspiring entrepreneurs grow their businesses through digital media, content creation, and social marketing.
Mentor for Young Creatives – Provides guidance on starting a creative business, freelancing, and building a personal brand.
Community Champion – Inspires and supports mentees to make a positive impact in their communities through their entrepreneurial journey.
Brian Gribben
Your Trusted Business Mentor & Financial Partner
About Brian
As a proud Scugog resident and business leader, Brian Gribben is more than just a financial advisor—he’s a mentor, community builder, and advocate for local business success. With decades of experience in financial planning and entrepreneurship, Brian has dedicated his career to helping business owners, professionals, and familiesnavigate their financial journey with confidence.
Brian’s passion for financial advising started at just 12 years old, inspired by his father’s work in the industry. Over the years, he turned that passion into BGIP (Brian Gribben Insurance Planning)—a thriving firm in the heart of Port Perry that is as committed to the community as it is to financial security. Hiring local talent, supporting small businesses, and giving back to the North Durham community are at the core of his mission.
Brian believes that strong businesses build strong communities. That’s why he actively mentors and supports fellow entrepreneurs, offering guidance on financial strategies, business growth, and long-term sustainability. Whether through one-on-one mentorship, community partnerships, or events like the BGIP Summer Spectacular—which has raised over $137,000 for the Port Perry Hospital Foundation in the first two years—Brian is dedicated to making an impact.
If you’re a local business owner looking for insight, guidance, or just a trusted conversation about your next steps, connect with Brian.
Let’s build a thriving business community—together.
Join the Mentor Exchange Program today and be part of a community built on knowledge-sharing, collaboration, and growth!
Email us at info@scugogchamber.ca to begin your journey!
HOW IT WORKS
How the Program Works
The Mentor Exchange Program is designed to foster meaningful professional relationships, providing mentors and mentees with a structured yet flexible way to connect, learn, and grow.
Mentor Commitments & Benefits
- Visibility & Recognition: Mentors will be prominently featured on our Mentor Exchange webpage. Premier Members will be recognized as “Founding Mentors” alongside our Board of Directors.
- Flexible Commitment: Mentors are asked to commit one hour per month for any mentee who signs up to connect. You can choose to support just one mentee at a time or a few, based on your availability.
- Mentee Selection Process:
- Mentees will browse our Mentor Exchange webpage, reviewing mentor bios.
- A “Connect” button will allow mentees to express interest in a mentor.
- Our office will reach out to the selected mentor to confirm their interest. If confirmed, we will facilitate the connection via email.
- Meeting Options: Mentors and mentees can schedule their meetings at their convenience—whether virtually, in person, or at our Chamber office meeting room, which is available free of charge for Mentor Exchange meetings.
- Ongoing Promotion & Support: Throughout the year, we will actively promote the program via social media, newsletters, and testimonials, providing additional support and engagement opportunities.
Who Can Participate?
- Mentees: Any member of the Chamber or a Durham College Business Program student can sign up.
- Mentors: Business owners, executives, and professionals who are passionate about sharing their expertise.
- Mentors can also connect with other mentors, exchanging insights to strengthen their own business strategies.
Why Become a Mentor?
- Enhance Your Reputation: Establish yourself as a thought leader and expert in your field.
- Build Meaningful Connections: Expand your professional network by mentoring emerging entrepreneurs
- Give Back to the Community: Support the next generation of professionals by sharing your knowledge, experience, and advice.
- Boost Your Own Growth: Mentoring is a two-way street—you may gain new insights, fresh perspectives, and valuable connections that can benefit your business.
- Flexible Involvement: Perfect for those who want to engage with the business community but may not be able to attend regular networking events.
Why Become a Mentee?
- Gain Expert Guidance: Receive real-world advice from experienced professionals to navigate business challenges.
- Expand Your Network: Connect with industry leaders and build relationships that open doors for future opportunities.
- Fill Gaps in Your Knowledge: Whether it’s sales, marketing, operations, or leadership—learning from a seasoned mentor can help accelerate your business growth.
- Support Your Entrepreneurial Journey: Get personalized insights tailored to your specific business needs and goals.