About Us - Senior Management Bios

Ira Smith - MBA, CPA, CA•CIRP
Certified Insolvency Counsellor, Chartered Insolvency & Restructuring Professional (CIRP), Licensed Trustee in Bankruptcy

After qualifying as a Chartered Accountant (CA), Ira was looking for a specialty where he could use the skills and training he had acquired to make a real impact in other people's business and personal lives in real time. Insolvency was just that specialty. For over 17 years Ira was an insolvency partner in the global financial services firm PricewaterhouseCoopers Inc. until he set up his own practice in 2005. His high-quality, independent professional advice is enhanced by his focused approach for designing a practical, workable plan for individuals and companies in financial crisis.

Ira thrives in a charged environment where things are constantly evolving; no two days are ever alike. In the corporate practice, he feels a great sense of reward and accomplishment when he can give lenders or other creditors advice and implement that advice to recover funds for them. The corporate practice also affords Ira the opportunity to run different types of businesses before turning them around and selling off the operating assets as a business unit to another party who can continue the business. This process very importantly preserves jobs and that is very meaningful to Ira.

In the personal practice Ira is known by his clients for being approachable, knowledgeable and extremely good at what he does. His reputation is built on the depth of his experience and his ingenuity for finding solutions to help clients move forward. Ira is able to help individuals through their financial and emotional challenges to start their lives over with dignity and respect. He finds it extremely rewarding to find out how much better their lives have become as a result of his involvement in solving their debt problems. The heartfelt thank yous are priceless!

Ira is extremely committed to his profession. He has been a board member and President of the Ontario Association of Insolvency and Restructuring Professionals. In addition Ira participated in various committees of the Canadian Association of Insolvency and Restructuring Professionals, including being the past Chair of its Professional Conduct Committee.

In his leisure, Ira supports his community by volunteering at the Adath Israel Synagogue. Prior to this involvement Ira was a board member and President of Delisle Youth Services, a United Way agency dealing with troubled adolescents.

"I started my insolvency career in 1979, and the thrill I obtain by helping people is as strong as ever."

Brandon Smith - BA CIRP
Business & Society, Ontario College Advanced Diploma with Honours, Construction Engineering Technology, Certified Insolvency Counsellor, Chartered Insolvency & Restructuring Professional (CIRP), Licensed Trustee in Bankruptcy

Brandon became involved in insolvency through his father Ira. Insolvency is the family business. Ira Smith, a trustee in bankruptcy, opened his own firm in 2005. A year later he was looking to hire additional staff and Brandon was looking for a career change, so the timing was right and the fit was perfect. Joining the firm was a move that has greatly benefited both Brandon and Ira.

Insolvency allows Brandon to use both business acumen and interpersonal skills to solve the problems faced by his clients, particularly those facing personal financial crisis. He finds it very satisfying to be able to work with a person in financial trouble, alleviating their burden and getting them back on track.

Brandon has intimate knowledge of the ramifications facing individuals and small business in financial crisis. Prior to joining the firm, he worked in the construction and renovation industry and brings his specialized knowledge to insolvency matters in both the complex areas of verification and quantification of lien claims and asset realizations.

In his leisure Brandon loves to travel throughout North America. In addition he keeps busy with DIY home improvement projects.

"Success can only be achieved through work and dedication".

Starting Over, Starting now, Ira Smith Trustee & Receiver Inc. can help you overcome your financially difficulties. Contact us today