Joseph Schlett is a Partner and Chair of the Board at SB Partners LLP. In addition to his integrated involvement with Assurance, Business Advisory and Taxation services, he also directs the Corporate Finance and Wealth Management divisions of the firm. He personifies the extraordinary level of service and attention that clients can expect from the team at SB Partners.
A seasoned professional, Joe realizes that the services of a Chartered Accountant go well beyond accounting and taxation issues. He works strategically with clients allowing them to fully understand the comprehensive nature of their financial affairs; then guides them through the maze. He takes pride in being a trusted adviser to entrepreneurial businesses, including operating management, principal owners and their families. Joe knows that there is a great need to simplify complex business issues, allowing for informed and strategic decision-making by clients.
Managing growth, enhancing profitability and minimizing taxation are all roles that clients expect from a Chartered Accountant. Joe's effectiveness in each of these roles can be attributed in large part to his skill as a constructive listener. He has a unique ability to act as an adviser and confidante, cutting through the clutter in the quest for the real answers and solutions. He is a problem-solver who has earned the respect of his clients, peers, and team members.
While Joe provides services to a wide range of clients, including the manufacturing, transportation/logistics, distribution and auto retailing sectors, many of his skills have been honed dealing with the unique challenges faced by entrepreneurs. That experience, over three decades now, allows him to spend a vast majority of his time functioning as an adviser, consultant and team leader.
Joe was also there during the developmental years of the Independent Accountants Financial Group (I.A.F.G.), headquartered in Western Ontario. Recognizing that Chartered Accountants are more than just ‘Accountants’, the I.A.F.G. provides guidance and expertise to clients in all aspects of wealth management. The I.A.F.G. has now grown to encompass sixteen progressive accounting firms from across the Province. Recognizing his involvement as a Director and dynamic contribution to this formative organization, Joe was recently honoured by his peer group with the I.A.F.G. Leadership Award.
Reflecting the ongoing commitment by SB Partners to community involvement, Joe contributes his time and advisory skills to charitable projects and can often be seen at charitable functions. He is particularly proud of the financial support that the firm provides to many community initiatives.
Never one to stop learning, Joe annually participates in extensive professional development courses, seminars and conferences throughout Canada and the U.S.
Recognizing the benefits and skills achieved through sporting activities, Joe continues his active involvement with hockey, skiing, and golf.
Without a doubt, Joe is particularly proud and dedicated to his spouse, Jann, and lovely daughter Kelsey.
Admissions & Affiliations
- ICAO, Chartered Accountant - 1981
- Canadian Tax Foundation
Education
- McMaster University, Bachelor of Commerce - 1978
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My family means the world to me, and there’s nothing I love more than being able to include them in the other aspects of my life that I cherish, such as with my community participation, going to the cottage, and staying active with sports. We have been spending summer vacations in Muskoka and Collingwood for 12 years, and all of us look forward to getting out on the water and boating around the lakes. I take great pleasure in many athletic activities as well, but am particularly fond of skiing and hockey, and love getting to enjoy them with my family.
Currently, I serve on the board of the Bulldogs Foundation in Hamilton, because I think it’s a great program that promotes education and physical health among youth in Hamilton and Halton. As a member of the board, I assist with events and coordinating fundraising campaigns.
My community involvement also extends to volunteer work that is more closely related to my professional career, as I am a member of the Independent Accountants Financial Group, and volunteer on their board as well. They are a professional association of independent accounting firms that come together to share resources and expertise. One of my most recent volunteer assignments was to look into the operational practices of a similar association in Atlantic Canada, to find out if our group could apply any of their successful strategies to improve our own accomplishments and develop new projects.
