Michael Klizs' Story

The best example of our values are the people who work here.

Born and raised in Victoria, BC, Mike realized early on that he wanted to 'get off the island'. He wanted to study, work and play. That's exactly what he did. After enrolling in Simon Fraser University, he played on the varsity basketball team and upon graduation got his first position with Canaccord's head office, which was in Vancouver at the time. His first job was a support role on the trading desk, and it gave him a taste for the business that would be his career path, and the company that he would be part of...and still is. After a few twists and turns like the 2008 crash and a subsequent move to Toronto, Mike is now an Agency Trader on the Institutional Desk for the Capital Markets business and has been there for almost 10 years.

For Mike, no two days are the same. He loves the challenge and uniqueness of each new trading day. And as for Canaccord Genuity, he values the fact that he has been able to grow in an environment that rewards commitment, hard work and initiative. "I've never felt stuck", says Mike, "CG has allowed me to continue to grow." The entrepreneurial vibe of CG is also something that has resonated with Mike. "As long as you've proven yourself, CG allows you to put on multiple hats, and if you earn it, if you do a good job, you'll be given a lot of freedom."

One of the principles that Mike was taught as a child and has put into practice all his life, whether on the basketball court or on the trading floor, is the value of a strong work ethic. "If you're going to do something", his father used to say, "do it well." He's lived that out every day and tried to instill that in his children now too, who by the way, total 3. How does he find time for everything? "You make decisions about balance, and then stick with them", he says. "This industry is tough and if you don't find that balance, it's hard to have longevity."

When you get to know Mike Klizs, you get to know the values of Canaccord Genuity.