About Us - Merchant Advance

David

Dean

David Gens

Founder, President & CEO

David founded Merchant Advance Capital in the den of his apartment in 2010. Since then he has grown the business into a national company with offices in Vancouver and Toronto. David is also the Executive Chairman of progressa.com. Previously, David was a partner with GBA Equity Partners, a Vancouver-based small to mid-market private equity firm. He is a UBC business grad and loves playing music. In 2014, David was named in Business in Vancouver’s Top Forty Under 40, and in 2015 he was named in BCBusiness Magazine’s Top 30 Under 30. In 2016, David was a finalist in the prestigious Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year awards in the fintech category.

Dean Drysdale

Chairman of The Board

Dean Drysdale has over 20 years experience starting, growing and selling businesses. His two most successful ventures include: Carmanah Technologies Inc, a pioneer in the field of solar powered LED lighting where he served as CFO and sat on the board of directors, and Checkwell Solutions Corporation, best known for its BackCheck brand, where he served as Chairman of the Board and CFO. Dean has an MBA from INSEAD in Paris, France and a PhD in Organizational Development from Cass Business School in London, England. He is also a CGA.

Diego Lemos

Senior Developer

Diego has over 10 years experience with software development and he is currently involved in improving and maintaining Merchant Advance Capital’s systems. Recently moved to Vancouver from Brazil, Diego received his Bachelor in Computer Science and now spends his free time exploring the landscapes of beautiful British Columbia.

Colin Chisholm

Chief Collections Officer

Colin heads our national Collections Team and is based in Toronto Ontario. He works with a group of experienced lawyers across the country to ensure our investors and clients derive the maximum benefit from their relationship with Merchant Advance Capital.

Dave Hostetter

President, Leasing Division

Many years as National Manager and franchise development and support for international franchise chains – Canada and Western US, followed by 12 years in the Equipment Leasing space as a broker owner and lender. When not working with our distribution channels, Dave enjoy’s part time studies in engineering, ancestry research, and travel among other pursuits.

Marla Dranfield

Senior HR Manager

Marla has over 8 years of operational and strategic HR management experience. Since joining Merchant Advance Capital in March 2016, she has developed and managed its HR function, including recruitment, performance management and employee relations. Outside of the office, she enjoys travelling, hiking and snowboarding. Marla holds an MBA, an MSc in Human Resource Management, and the CPHR designation.

Aziz Ahmed

Portfolio Manager

Aziz looks after Merchant Advance Capital’s diverse portfolio, building strong business relationships and providing daily support to our ever-growing client base. Upon graduation from the University of Toronto, Aziz moved to the Canadian West Coast to further his career in client relationship management and shortly after became a full-time member of the Merchant Advance team in July of 2014. When he is not at the office, Aziz enjoys hiking and camping on Vancouver Island and around the Sunshine Coast.

Melvin Barrocan

Vancouver Office Manager

As one of Merchant Advance’s first administrative hires, Melvin’s dedication and work ethic have played an integral role in the Company’s growth in the last few years. A graduate of Vancouver Community College’s Administrative Assistant Program, Melvin is well poised to run the Administrative team and manage the general needs of the Vancouver Office. When he’s off the clock, Melvin enjoys his daily visits to Ninja Bubble Tea on Vancouver’s sunny days and sipping a delightful cup of hot chocolate on Vancouver’s rainy days.

Dominik St-Denis

Head of Underwriting

Dominik joined Merchant Advance Capital in early 2012 as an Underwriter and also undertook the role of systems designer. His contribution to the development of Merchant’s proprietary underwriting system has been instrumental in the business’s success. A graduate of Ryerson University’s Bachelor of Commerce program, Dominik has lived on 3 continents before settling down in Vancouver. He can be seen running the seawall in the summers and snowboarding in the winters.

Alex Chisholm

VP Marketing

Alex brings legal and marketing experience to the team and has played a pioneering role in furthering Merchant Advance’s national recognition. A graduate of Dalhousie University in Halifax, she has resided in many major cities across Canada and is proud to call Vancouver home. Alex is an avid runner and tennis enthusiast who enjoys the active lifestyle of the West Coast.

Manu Bains

VP Operations

Manu implements systems and structure to support the company’s rapid growth while executing on the plan to add to the bottom line of the organization. With over 10 years of business operations and people management experience, Manu brings a blend of strategy, operations, and leadership acumen to Merchant Advance Capital. Having led multi-disciplinary teams delivering operations and business transformation across a variety of industries, her experience allows her to provide strategic business advice and to capably coordinate operations within the organization. Her expertise and passion lie in creating operational efficiencies where business and technology can come together seamlessly. When outside the office you can find her at a local coffee shop or exploring the city.

Radik Gens

Chief Technology Officer

Radik Gens is a specialty IT contractor with over 40 years of industry experience. Radik is also President & CEO of Gens Software, whose clients have included Microsoft, British Airways, American Airways, Ritchie Bros Auctioneers and many others. Radik holds an MSc degree from the Russian Moscow State University.

Esther Chan

Chief Financial Officer

Esther oversees the finance, accounting and human resources functions, while focusing on Merchant’s long-term growth and profitability. She graduated from the University of British Columbia and is a Certified Professional Accountant. With a progressive career spanning over 11 years, Esther brings a wealth of experience from the high technology sector. She possesses deep expertise in strategic long-range planning and is keen on introducing technology to achieve operational effectiveness. She is passionate about developing high performing teams and growing leaders from within those teams. Outside of work, Esther enjoys many activities including running, hiking, snowshoeing and yoga.

We've Put Together Our Ideal Team of Industry Experts

Merchant Advance Capital was born with the singular desire to help small businesses reach their full potential.

In order to do that, we needed a team of professionals with the same mission, vision and drive.

We like to think we found them. Meet a few of them here. (Hover & click photos for bios)