Business Financial Centre
Finance with ACU and build success.
The Business Financial Centre (BFC) offers guidance and advice that supports and encourages the growth and good financial health of businesses in Manitoba. Our local experts deliver some of Winnipeg's most diverse commercial financial services, all in one place.
With the BFC, you get a local, dedicated account manager who provides access to business accounts, deposit strategies, commercial mortgages, construction financing, term loans, operating lines of credit, letters of credit and much more.
Most importantly, the BFC goes beyond lending money and offers the financial advice and guidance you need to succeed.
Talk to us; you’ll find our attitude and flexible approach a refreshing change.
We offer:
- Local, dedicated account management
- Business accounts and deposit strategies
- Commercial mortgages
- Construction financing
- Term loans, operating lines of credit and letters of credit
- Financial advice and counselling
Meet our team
Cameron MacAulay
Director, Business Financial Centre
Director, Business Financial Centre
Dan Carevic
Associate Director, Business Financial Centre
Associate Director, Business Financial Centre
Martin Petras
Associate Director, Commercial Real Estate and Syndications
Stefan Paszlack
Associate Director, Commercial Real Estate and Syndications
Aleksandr Krukov
Senior Commercial Account Manager
Hart Garfield
Senior Commercial Account Manager
Lefteri Antonakis
Commercial Account Manager
Chad Elliot
Commercial Account Manager
Anthony Fischer
Commercial Account Manager
Daymon Gyles
Commercial Account Manager
Michelle Hardy
Commercial Account Manager
I’m Cameron MacAulay. I work with our members to provide a tailored approach to their business financing requirements now and in the future. I’ve spent the bulk of my career with Scotiabank in Commercial Banking and bring that experience to ACU. I’m honest and hardworking and always put my best foot forward when working with our members and internal partners to ensure the best member experience possible. When not at work, my two kids keep me busy and are the centre of my world. I’m an avid Winnipeg Jets fan and play recreational hockey and golf in my spare time.
Education and Credentials:
Bachelor of Commerce (Honors) degree from University of Manitoba
Canadian Securities Course
Judge/mentor for the Red River Community College Entrepreneurship Program since 2016
We have a great team here. We provide very creative lending solutions and I think that sets us apart. I’d love to work with you.
Reach me at:
204.258.3468
cmacaulay@acu.ca
I’m Dan Carevic. As Associate Director of the Business Financial Centre, I lead a team of experienced commercial banking professionals focused on providing excellent advice and service to small and medium-sized businesses.
With over 17 years of commercial banking experience, I have a real passion for leading my team as we work closely with business owners to help them grow and prosper in our community. As a locally-owned co-operative with local decision-makers, we at ACU leverage our experience and knowledge of the Manitoba market to deliver sound advice and tailored solutions. ACU focuses on investing skills and resources in creating a positive social impact in our communities, and that makes ACU a fantastic fit for me as a professional. Outside work, I like to keep active through exercise, golf, cycling and skating; pretty much anything that will help me keep up with our two young and very energetic sons.
Education and Credentials:
Associate of the Institute of Canadian Bankers
Designation from the Canadian Securities Institute
Board Member – Hockey Director, Bronx Community Centre
Board Member – Risk Management Association, Manitoba Chapter
If you’re a small- to medium-sized business owner, I’m confident ACU can help you. Give us a call.
Reach me at:
204.958.4311
dcarevic@acu.ca
I’m Martin Petras. I’ve been in the financial industry for almost a decade. Before that, I worked at the Canadian Wheat Board and as an executive at OmniTrax Canada. As the Associate Director of Real Estate and Syndications, I work with members who deal in commercial real estate, construction financing, land development and commercial operating lending. I maintain a portfolio of borrowing and deposit-based members and actively work on generating and developing new business leads. I’m a hard worker and a team player, and I appreciate how involved ACU is with the community and its focus on value-based banking. Outside of work, I’m a five a.m. gym goer and enjoy participating in various sports. I love to vacation with my family, my two kids keep me very busy, and I’m a big Jets fan.
Education and Credentials:
Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) in Actuarial Mathematics, University of Manitoba
International Grain Industry Program
I focus on individual personalized service, responsiveness, and a sincere dedication to the ACU members I serve.
Reach me at:
mpetras@acu.ca
Hi, I’m Stefan Paszlack, Associate Director of Commercial Real Estate & Syndications. In my role, I work with business owners, landlords and developers to provide customized financing solutions that fit their needs and help them grow their companies. For real estate financing specifically, this includes acquisition, construction and term financing for land, industrial, residential/multi-family, retail, hospitality and commercial projects.
Financing plays a key part in any business and I enjoy creating solutions that support our members’ success. From underwriting to structuring and then funding, I take care to identify and address challenges to unlock desired results. Additionally, I have just under a decade of commercial banking experience through roles at Scotiabank and First Nations Bank of Canada.
My grandfather was a successful entrepreneur who instilled in me the values of excellence in service for others. I see those values in action every day at ACU. As an advocate for Indigenous prosperity, ACU’s commitment to reconciliation, diversity and inclusion are very important to me.
In my free time, I like golfing and spending time with my young family. I also enjoy travelling and learning about other cultures.
Education and Credentials:
Bachelor of Commerce in Finance (Hons.) at University of Manitoba
I focus on individual personalized service, responsiveness, and a sincere dedication to the ACU members I serve.
Reach me at:
spaszlack@acu.ca
I’m Aleksandr Krukov. As a Business Account Manager, I look after commercial lending requests, mortgages, loans or lines of credit. I’ve been with ACU since 2004. The knowledge and expertise I have gained working in retail banking allows me to provide outstanding member service. I believe in integrity and being honest, fair and respectful. I apply this in my work every day, which closely ties in with the ACU's vision and values. I am married with two beautiful young kids. We like to travel, even though it maybe be challenging with young children. My hobby is the seemingly never-ending supply of house renovations.
Education and Credentials:
College Diploma in Banking, Minsk Finance and Credit College
Bachelor of Commerce, Accounting, University of Management and Entrepreneurship, Minsk
Financial and Credit Program, University of Management and Entrepreneurship, Minsk
Certificate in Financial Services and Advice
Personal Financial Planner designation
I am inspired by entrepreneurship. The decision to strike out on your own with an idea is a tough one. Sticking with it, employing other people and making it work is exceptional and inspiring. Let’s talk about what I can do to help.
Reach me at:
204.258.3169
akrukov@acu.ca
Hi, I’m Hart. As a Senior Commercial Account Manager, I manage a portfolio of commercial businesses, providing financing solutions and advice to help my members meet their financial needs. My areas of focus include commercial real estate, specifically multi-unit residential, retail/office, land development, and construction projects.
Over my eight-year career, I’ve gained experience in both commercial risk and commercial sales. I see my role as being a partnership with members, providing guidance and support throughout the financial processes. More than that, though, I’m passionate about helping them achieve their goals — seeing their growth and how their projects help our community is what drives me.
At ACU, the ability to co-operate is in our roots and I strive to co-operate with all stakeholders to maximize efficiency and benefit all. At ACU, we understand the Manitoba market, our businesses’ needs, and the power of community investment. We want our communities — where we operate and where our member-owners work and live — to thrive. I'm motivated by the positive impact I make in my role and in the community.
The small part I play in my members' projects and initiatives drives me to continually be on the lookout for solutions, helping them on their journeys to grow and improve our communities. My career has been shaped by ACU’s values.
I believe in hard work, dedication, and taking advantage of every opportunity I get to learn and grow. I was one of ten winners across Canada of the Co-operators Young Leaders Award in 2022, and am serving a three-year term as an executive committee member of the Credit Union Young Leaders of Manitoba, an organization dedicated to learning and leadership. I'm also a diehard Bombers fan, an avid tennis player, and enjoy spending our beautiful summers outdoors.
As your account manager, I will work alongside you every step of the way. My eye for detail, creative problem-solving, transparency, and strong attentiveness differentiate me from the market.
Education and Credentials:
Bachelor of Commence (Honours) Distinction - majors in Finance & Marketing
CUIC 345 Business Lending. Credit Union Institute of Canada (CUIC) with Dalhousie University
Credit Union Young Leaders of Manitoba – Executive Member
Co-operators Young Leaders Award Winner
ACU Committees: Community Grants and United Way Leadership
Reach me at:
204.258.3232
hgarfield@acu.ca
I’m Lefteri Antonakis. I work with small and medium businesses to arrange financing for real estate, leasehold improvements, equipment and accounts receivables. I also connect business members to ACU partners such as the retail branches for personal banking advice, Assiniboine Financial Group for investment advice, and Winnipeg Insurance Brokers. I was raised by small business owners and I know first-hand how hard they work and what it takes to operate a successful business. I’ve worked in the financial services industry since 2006 as a personal banking account manager and a business account manager. I value teamwork and community building which are align perfectly with ACU. I’m a dedicated father and family man, an avid sports fan, and enjoy playing golf and basketball.
Education and Credentials:
Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A) from Brandon University
Volunteer at Siloam Mission
I’m passionate about the intricate details of our members’ businesses, and I’d love to help you with your business goals.
Reach me at:
204.258.3369
lantonakis@acu.ca
The thing I most love about my work as a Commercial Account Manager is building and maintaining relationships.
In structuring commercial credit, analyzing financial statements and managing risk, my focus is always on a positive member experience, working with businesses to help them grow and succeed.
I’ve worked in several Canadian markets Canada over the past 12 years — Montreal, Toronto and now Winnipeg — which has given me unique insights into a variety of industries and helped me grow in my career. It has been equally educational to work with businesses in the same sector, though, as no two businesses are ever alike.
I have a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, which allows me to connect with members of all different backgrounds. For example, my position as a leader for a collaborative LGBT+ business owner outreach initiative across the financial sector in Toronto was an incredibly rewarding experience, as it helped open many doors that had previously been closed to smart, creative and industrious entrepreneurs and business people.
I am very much into athletic activities. I play hockey, tennis, golf and love getting away to go snowboarding. You can also find me at a Jets game or traveling to watch the Blue Jays.
Two things get me out of bed in the morning: good, strong coffee and the motivation to work hard for ACU’s business members.
Education and Credentials:
BSc Computer Science – Concordia University
Audio Engineering Diploma – Harris Institute for the Arts
Reach me at:
204.898.0058
celliot@acu.ca
I’m Anthony Fischer. I have over 20 years experience providing credit solutions to retail, small business, and commercial clients, and I’m known for delivering creative and holistic financial advice. As a Commercial Account Manager, I develop, grow and retain commercial member relationships by identifying and ensuring member financial needs are met. I manage a portfolio of small and medium-sized businesses, arranging financing — including commercial mortgages and lines of credit. I always strive to provide quality advice to members to help them build, preserve and transfer their wealth. Outside of work, I’m a father of two teenage girls who play many sports, which keeps me very busy.
Education and Credentials:
Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) in Finance
Professional Planning Designation
Talk to me if you’re looking for financial advice for your small to medium-sized business. Let’s see where we can take things.
Reach me at:
204.924-5360
afischer@acu.ca
What I love about my job as a commercial account manager is building and maintaining relationships with member clients and providing them with financing option that will help their businesses thrive.
I started in banking as Client Advisor for RBC in 2016. I transitioned to commercial banking at RBC in June 2020, and came to ACU in September 2023.
Over the years I have gained a great deal of experience in client/member engagement, helping them identify their needs, priorities and overarching objectives for their business. It’s rewarding to be able to provide advice and solutions to members — such as lines of credit, real estate acquisition and term loans, on the finance alone — that put their businesses in a better position and a path for success.
For my member clients, on a regular basis I perform in-depth analysis of financial statements, annual reviews, account checks and short-term reviews. I also look for partners within ACU, like cash management specialists, who can further solidify their business processes.
I enjoy the close-knit atmosphere at ACU, which includes colleagues and resources through the organization. I believe our member clients enjoy that atmosphere as well.
When I’m not working, I enjoy staying fit, trying different cuisine and restaurants, and following the NFL and UFC.
Education and Credentials:
Bachelor Business Administration – Major in Marketing
If you’d like to grow your business, talk to me. I’d be more than happy to discuss what your goals are and help put together a plan to get you there.
Reach me at:
dgyles@acu.ca
I’m Michelle Hardy. As a Business Account Manager I provide financial services for our business members including financing for such needs as commercial mortgages, loans, operating lines of credit, Canada Small Business Financing Loans, accounts and investments. I started in financial services in 2000. My first 10 years were retail sales focused, with the last 10 years in commercial financing. For me, two things are crucial: the environment and supporting diversity. The serious commitment ACU has made to the environment is extremely important to me, and one I fully support. Outside of work, I’m a busy mom with three older kids. I’m constantly busy going to after-school sports and activities. When we can find the time, we love to enjoy the outdoors by going hiking and camping.
Education and Credentials:
Mount Royal College Management Program
Mount Royal University Entrepreneurial Co-Op Program
If you’d like to grow your business, talk to me. I’d be more than happy to discuss what your goals are and help put together a plan to get you there.
Reach me at:
204.258.3432
mhardy@acu.ca