Larry Verniest began his financial planning practice in Calgary in 2001, following a career in agricultural sales and a degree in agricultural economics. He provides holistic, independent advice to individuals, families, and small businesses, helping them build integrated financial plans. Larry lives in Calgary with his wife Rosa and enjoys travel, the mountains, golf, and hockey, believing that strong financial planning requires both growth and protection.
Your partner in personalized, full-service wealth management
Your ally in the pursuit of financial freedom
We go beyond just managing money. At Verniest Group, we focus on optimizing your financial journey by fusing technology, modern strategies, and core values like integrity, transparency, and balance. We provide honest, personalized advice and a proactive, high-touch experience.
Book a meetingMeet the team
.png)
Larry Verniest,
Wealth Planner
Sameer Amin, MBA, CIM®
Supervising Portfolio Manager
Brian Wells, CIM®
Portfolio Manager
Larry Verniest,
Wealth Planner
ABOUT
Sameer Amin, MBA, CIM®
Supervising Portfolio Manager
ABOUT
Sameer Amin is a Portfolio Manager at Optimize. He leads a team of associates, making sure investment strategies align with each client’s goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon. He collaborates closely with advisors to deliver consistent, well-informed guidance to the families they support.
Drawn to the financial industry by a passion for solving complex problems, Sameer finds fulfillment in helping clients navigate key decisions with clarity and confidence. He values the trust that’s built through the process of turning market insights into actionable, long-term strategies.
Outside of work, Sameer enjoys travelling with his family and exploring new places for both relaxation and perspective.
Brian Wells, CIM®
Portfolio Manager
ABOUT
Brian Wells is a Portfolio Manager at Optimize. He supports advisors, high-net-worth individuals, and business owners. He puts his clients at the centre of each financial recommendation and decision, focusing on preserving their wealth, optimizing their growth, and guiding them toward their long-term goals.
At just 12 years old, Brian’s father introduced him to investing. This introduction sparked his early passion for markets, which grew into a dedicated career of helping others make informed financial decisions. He continues to bring this same curiosity and commitment to every client relationship. Brian takes the time to understand each client’s values and objectives to design portfolios that align with their entire financial situation.
Beyond work, Brian enjoys hiking, travelling, hockey, golf, and writing music. He also gives back through mentoring and volunteer work.
Team Values
-
At The Verniest Group, integrity is the cornerstone of our practice. We are dedicated to acting with fairness and accountability. Our team prioritizes ethical standards, making sure all our recommendations are aligned with our clients' best interests. By staying true to our values and the morals of our clients, we build lasting relationships and help investors feel confident and secure in navigating their financial journeys.
-
Transparency is at the heart of The Verniest Group. We believe open and clear communication is key to building trust and confidence. By demystifying financial strategies and providing full disclosure, we empower our clients to make informed decisions. Our team enables our clients to understand the “why” behind each recommendation. For us, transparency isn’t just a practice — it’s a commitment to put clients’ needs first.
-
At The Verniest Group, our clients are our top priority. We take the time to understand their unique goals, priorities, and challenges, tailoring our advice to suit their specific needs. Our team is committed to providing personalized, proactive solutions and unwavering support at every stage. By focusing on the success of our clients, we aim to create long-term partnerships that deliver meaningful results and financial peace of mind.
Supporting our community
The Verniest Group is committed to supporting equitable education for children in low-income communities. Through our involvement with First Book Canada, we work to remove learning barriers and enable the provision of essential resources for educators and students. This reflects our team’s belief in fostering a brighter future where every child has access to quality education and opportunities for success.
Advancing pediatric health is a priority for The Verniest Group. By contributing to SickKids, we support the process of groundbreaking research and administration of world-class healthcare for children. Our involvement aids the improvement of health outcomes, while also offering hope and healing to families. This commitment underscores our dedication to making a meaningful difference in the lives of young patients and building healthier communities.
Promoting cultural awareness and unity is important to The Verniest Group. Through our support of the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund, we contribute to reconciliation efforts and the mission to foster understanding between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities in Canada. Our involvement highlights our commitment to creating a more inclusive and compassionate society for generations to come.