Brent Pickerl and Sharon Watkins have enjoyed a dynamic working relationship since 2001, initially partnering at McLean and Partners in Calgary, and subsequently culminating in their founding of Sandstone Asset Management Inc. (SANDSTONE) in 2004. SANDSTONE has rapidly become one of Canada’s foremost wealth management firms, and the combination of Sharon as CEO and Brent as President has solidified the company’s reputation as an exceptional enterprise.
Alberta born, Brent holds dual degrees from the University of Saskatchewan, majoring in finance and economics. He is a licensed Portfolio Manager (PM), a Chartered Market Technician (CMT), and an alum of Singularity University’s Silicon Valley Executive Program, an intensive program with an emphasis on harnessing accelerated technologies to advance purposeful businesses and promote social impact. Brent has a strong international orientation and deep respect for his firm’s responsibility to address global challenges even as it delivers exceptional results for its clients and community.
SANDSTONE has been profitable since its inception, and Brent takes particular pride in the fact that every portfolio is actively managed on an individual basis. He and his colleagues take an holistic approach to assisting families to build comprehensive life plans, with succeeding generations of family members choosing to continue to trust SANDSTONE in the management of their overall affairs. Assets under management have increased more than tenfold since the company was established.
On top of his many other accomplishments, Brent is a Boston Marathon qualifier and fitness advocate, who is devoted to family life with his wife and three children. He was recognized as a 'Top 40 Under 40’ Calgarian in 2007.
Consistent with the SANDSTONE philosophy, Brent deploys considerable time and talents to strengthen charitable initiatives in his community. He is Past Chair of the Finance and Audit Committee for the board of Calgary Arts Development; Past Chair of the Calgary Bridge Foundation for Immigrant Youth; and served as Vice-Chair of Downstage Theatre (dedicated to producing theatre which promotes discussion around social issues). Brent actively participates in a number of other SANDSTONE philanthropic initiatives including an annual Christmas drive to collect thousands of needed items for Calgary Drop-In Centre, and Sandstone’s annual CONNECTS - an evening of thought-provoking discussion on community and global affairs.