Our Mission
We are committed to providing the knowledge, tools and strategies to achieve goals through prudent financial planning, investments and insurance. We believe we make a difference by being an honest resource for helping people succeed.
David R. Johnson, CFP, CLU, Ch.F.C
Financial Planner - Manulife Wealth Inc.
David continues to provide trusted financial advice and guidance to clientele built over years of unwavering service. His objective is and always has been to help clients feel happy and secure through customized planning and arrangement of their financial affairs.
As the organization’s founder and an industry veteran of over 35 years David’s experience has been invaluable to clients as they financially navigate the complexities of modern life. During his business tenure the firm has grown and developed into a truly family business and David has continued through education to upgrade his knowledge earning several industry designations to better serve his clients.
On a personal level having son Steven join the business over a decade ago has certainly been gratifying and fulfilling for Dave. It’s fun to work together and without question a source of pride as Steve embodies much of Dave’s outlook and views. Perhaps this might lead to more time on the golf course and bike riding for Dave?
Steven D. Johnson, CFP, PFP
Financial Planner - Manulife Wealth Inc.
Steve helps clients each day by providing advice on virtually everything related to their financial lives. Steve’s primary objective is to make clients feel organized, empowered and confident about their day-to-day financial situation, direction and plans. He is focused on the client-centric tradition his Dad has emphasized since he started in this business in 1983.
For approaching 15 years Steve has been working directly with clients of our firm. After graduating from the University of Waterloo in 2006, Steven joined the team at D.R. Johnson Financial Services the same year and spent a lot of time focusing his post-graduate studies on the financial services industry and financial planning. He achieved his Personal Financial Planner and Certified Financial Planner designations both in 2013 as well as his Certificate in Advanced Investment Advice in 2016 and continues to study in pursuit of continuous improvement and other accreditations.
Steve loves spending time with his wife, Katie, and two young sons, Finnley and Hewitt. When time allows, he also really enjoys spending time with friends, playing golf and hockey. Another thing about Steve is that he really likes working on his home’s lawn (including weeding!) and spends a lot of his free time wrestling with it – a trait he inherited from his father.
Sarah Lifford, B.A.
Financial Advisor, Manulife Wealth Inc.
Sarah enjoys working with her clients to develop goals and to create a personalized road map to help ensure those goals are achieved. Her objective is to empower clients to make informed decisions about their finances. She also offers income tax preparation under her tax firm, Lifford Tax Services, optimizing tax strategies for her clients.
Sarah is approaching 10 years of working in the financial services industry. After graduating from Wilfrid Laurier University, she took accounting courses at Conestoga College but soon discovered that finance was her true calling. Sarah is very interested in professional development and continues to pursue ongoing education and designations.
In her spare time, Sarah enjoys spending time with her friends and family. She also enjoys reading, completing DIY/craft projects and volunteering in the community. If you ever need a book recommendation, she’s the one to ask!
Alison Kuntz, BA, CHS
Administrative Assistant - Manulife Wealth Inc. - Insurance Specialist - D.R Johnson Financial Services Inc.
Alison supports clients in all aspects of their insurance needs. She is the firm’s inhouse insurance expert who provides assistance with various risk management solutions including life insurance, disability insurance, critical illness insurance, personal health and dental coverage and travel insurance. Alison's primary objective is to help clients understand and manage their insurance programs.
Prior to entering the financial services industry, Alison graduated from the University of Waterloo with a degree in working with children with special needs. In 1993 she started working with David and obtained her life insurance license and several designations related to the insurance industry. Her current designation of Certified Health Insurance Specialist (CHS) is recognized by The Financial Advisors Association of Canada. Alison takes pride in continuously maintaining and enhancing her knowledge of risk management and insurance planning.
Alison is married with 3 grown children. Outside of work she enjoys time with friends, yoga and spending time with her aging parents as well as supporting her community. Enjoying her country property and working in her substantial flowerbeds allows her time outdoors with her 2 dogs.
Matthew Perras, QAFP
Investment Advisor Assistant - Manulife Wealth Inc.
Matt directly supports the lead advisors by providing research, analysis, and with the management and implementation of client portfolios. He focuses on taking a comprehensive approach in helping clients meet their financial goals, values, and objectives.
Matt discovered his true passion for finance while attending the Financial Planning Services program at Conestoga College. He obtained his Qualified Associate Financial Planner designation shortly after graduating and continues to pursue additional certifications to ensure he is continuously expanding his knowledge and skillset.
When he’s not working, Matt enjoys playing golf, being on the water and spending time with friends and family.
Nicole Wisted
Administrative Assistant - Manulife Wealth Inc. - D.R Johnson Financial Services Inc.
Nicole is often the first voice clients hear when calling the office. She has a diverse set of responsibilities at the firm handling many administrative tasks to ensure functionality and coordination amongst the team. Nicole works closely with David and Steven to assist with account transfers, meeting preparation and processing.
After graduating from Conestoga College, Nicole started her career in the financial services industry in 2011 and joined the team at D.R. Johnson Financial Services in 2018. Over the years she has obtained her life insurance license and is consistently taking courses and webinars to expand her knowledge and skills in the financial industry.
When Nicole is out of the office she enjoys reading, teaching zumba and spending time with her husband, family and friends.