Mission Statement
Rick Ekstein
Rick is a proud first-generation Canadian, entrepreneur, investor, philanthropist, and civic leader. He is the founder of Phaze 3 Associates, a family office focused on real estate development, private equity, and venture capital.
Before establishing Phaze 3 in 2016, Rick served as President and CEO of Weston Forest Products and the Weston Forest Group of Companies, where he led operations in more than 40 countries. Under his leadership, Weston was recognized as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies, one of Profit 500’s Fastest Growing Companies, and one of Waterstone Canada’s Most Admired Corporate Cultures.
Beyond business, Rick is committed to strengthening community and country. He is co-founder of the Together We Stand Foundation, supporting Canada’s military families, and is actively engaged in efforts to fight antisemitism, support Israel, and build interfaith understanding. Rick also mentors and invests in Canada’s next generation of civic and business leaders.
In recognition of his contributions to Canada, Rick was awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal in 2025.
Stephanie Shapiro
Stephanie is the Executive Vice President at Phaze 3 Associates. She spent 10 years working with the federal government as a Senior Human Resources Advisor for Transport Canada, specializing in recruitment and retention, before joining Phaze 3.
Stephanie guides the Phaze 3 team through the firm’s dynamic work tempo with a human-centred philosophy. As a staunch advocate for mothers dealing with mental health issues, Stephanie’s empathic stance towards team members and clients, flows from her experience, education and intuitive understanding of the interplay between people’s personal and professional lives.
Stephanie is an avid reader and is doing her part to contribute to the growing body of writing exploring motherhood and mental wellbeing. A mother of two young girls, Stephanie blogs about her experiences at: www.mamaneedsavodka.com
michael Shapiro
Michael is the Chief Investment Officer at Phaze 3 Associates and the Managing Partner of Four Cornerstones Capital, the family’s Asset Management arm.
In his role, Michael is entrusted with the comprehensive strategy and execution of the investment portfolio, which encompasses a diverse range of private equity, venture capital, and real estate holdings. He actively engages with these investments, serving on the Board of Directors of numerous portfolio companies and advisory and investment committees. Notably, Michael contributes his expertise to AWZ Ventures, a multi-national VC Fund with over $350 million in assets under management.
Before joining Phaze 3 Associates, Michael held the prestigious position of partner and Executive Vice President at Weston Premium Woods. His leadership was instrumental in driving the company’s growth, leading to its successful acquisition by publicly traded Richelieu Hardware Canada in 2017. Michael’s significant contributions to the industry were recognized when he became the youngest individual ever elected to the Board of The National Hardwood Lumber Association, a globally respected organization known for its commitment to quality, education, and dispute resolution within the hardwood industry.
Michael is an alumnus of Western University, where he earned his degree in Finance and Economics.
Michael’s commitment to his family is as strong as his dedication to his professional endeavours. He finds immense joy and fulfillment in his roles as a loving husband and a caring father to his two beautiful daughters. He cherishes every moment spent with his family, especially when they engage in activities they all enjoy, such as skiing.
Brian Rowley
Brian is the CFO of Phaze 3 Associates. He has spent his career as the CFO of single-family offices, directly involved in overseeing financial reporting, corporate governance, mergers and acquisitions, refinancing, and income tax planning.
In addition to the extensive hours Brian spends at Phaze 3, he spends his evenings and weekends guiding people through difficult life circumstances and has become a cornerstone within his community.
For leisure, Brian can usually be found on weekends and warm summer evenings aboard his boat, moored at Toronto’s Harbourfront.
Rene rampaul
Rene is the Controller of Phaze 3 Associates. Bringing over 15 years of Accounting experience, including 8 years of Property Management experience, Rene specializes in analyzing financial information, preparing accurate and timely financial reports/statements and ensuring appropriate accounting control procedures in order to maintain the integrity of all financial information provided.
When not in the Office, Rene enjoys spending time with his family and friends, or attending whichever sporting event is happening in Toronto (except for Maple Leaf games).
jaicar nicolas
Jaicar is the Director of Special Projects and Stakeholder Relations at Phaze 3 Associates. With over a decade of experience supporting executives and driving operations in the not-for-profit sector, Jai has naturally evolved into a strategic role where she now leads impactful projects and cultivates key relationships across sectors.
Her career began in executive support and office management, where she consistently expanded the scope of her work, managing upwards, coordinating cross-functional initiatives, navigating sensitive stakeholder dynamics, and helping shape key decisions from behind the scenes. That foundation, paired with her intuitive sense for people and purpose, has made her a trusted leader within the Phaze 3 team.
In her current role, Jai plays a central part in shaping and executing a range of advocacy, educational, and interfaith initiatives, bringing together voices from government, community, and civil society to advance shared values. She also served as campaign CFO during the Ontario provincial election in 2022, a role that deepened her strategic, political, and communications acumen.
Jai’s work is driven by a strong commitment to public good, organizational integrity, and creative problem-solving. She is passionate about fostering meaningful connections and delivering results with empathy, clarity, and excellence. A mother of three and a graduate of Seneca College’s Design and Visual Communications program, she brings warmth, creativity, and purpose to everything she does.
Anna Tran
Anna is the Executive Assistant at Phaze 3 Associates. She is the organizational wizard behind the scenes. She keeps our executive team on track and ensures the office runs smoothly. From overseeing office operations to managing contacts and social media, Anna ensures every detail is handled with precision.
Anna is our go-to expert for all things events and hospitality, with over 15 years of experience making celebrations unforgettable. As a certified wedding, event coordinator and graduate of Seneca@York, she brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to every event at her other project, The Gem Hunters’ Lodge on Queen. Her organizational skills and dedication make her a valued part of our team.
Anna is a true foodie, working her way toward being a true gourmand! She is married to an amazing chef who often sends her to work with delicious meals and snacks. She has a ‘not-so-secret’ love affair with food and drink and often spends her free time watching food shows and catching up on the newest food trends.
rick seymour
Rick is the CEO of the Together We Stand Military Families Foundation, the primary philanthropic focal point at Phaze 3 Associates. After spending close to 10 years as a Lead Accounts Manager at a top advertising and design agency, Rick felt it was time to apply his problem-solving skills for the good of Canada’s brave military families. A former professional golfer, Rick evaluates strategic planning in terms of its long-range impact, and effectively pivots when unforeseen changes arise. A creative thinker, he loves a challenge and mapping out projects on his whiteboard. When not attached to his mobile or laptop, Rick enjoys spending time outdoors playing sports, cooking, and spending time with family and friends.
the Phaze3 Journey
Investing
Drawing on more than 40 years of professional experience and the diverse backgrounds of our associates, we are positioned to invest in a variety of opportunities.
Ideas & Deeds
Our associates generate a synergy that yields outcomes greater than their individual parts. Each brings a depth of experience and unique insights that drive our collective force.
Associates
Collaboration, mutual responsibility and a commitment to the common good are the practical and philosophical foundations of our expertise and work.