Dear BTF Community,
In this interview, Jeff Schellenberg, CEO of Decisive Dividend Corporation, discusses:
- Supporting Legacy Business Transitions: Decisive Dividend Corporation specializes in acquiring and growing manufacturing businesses while preserving their legacy, ensuring employee stability, and supporting local economies;
- Unique Buy, Build, and Hold Strategy: The company’s long-term approach invests in organic growth and keeps businesses operating as standalone entities, differentiating it from typical acquisition models; and
- Leadership in Business Education: With deep ties to Alberta, he is chairing the 2025 Alberta Business Transitions Forum, offering business owners and advisors invaluable resources and networking opportunities.
Enjoy,
Mark
Decisive Dividend Corporation, a Kelowna-based acquisition-oriented company, is reshaping the landscape for legacy business owners across Canada with its unique “buy, build, and hold” strategy.
At the helm of this innovative organization is Chief Executive Officer Jeff Schellenberg, who recently shared insights into the company’s mission, operations, and involvement in the upcoming Alberta Business Transitions Forum (BTF).
“Decisive Dividend is all about acquiring and growing manufacturing businesses, particularly those valued at under $25 million in enterprise value,” explained Schellenberg. “We focus on businesses that manufacture their own products or sell proprietary goods produced by third parties.”
A key focus for Decisive Dividend is helping exiting legacy-minded business owners who are seeking a seamless transition that preserves their company’s values and operations.
“There’s a huge number of business owners that are reaching the age and stage in their lives and they’re looking to move into the next chapter of their lives. They own these great businesses and what are they going to do with them? We have the opportunity to step in and acquire these businesses because for whatever reason they’re not going to transfer them to a family member or whatever that might look like,” said Schellenberg.
“These owners care deeply about their employees, their company’s legacy, and ensuring that their business continues to thrive in its current location. Our approach is designed to address those concerns. We retain the standalone nature of the businesses, bring in leadership when necessary, and invest to support organic growth, whether that’s expanding distribution capabilities or increasing operational capacity.”
Schellenberg is Chair of the upcoming Alberta Business Transitions Forum April 22 in Calgary.
Decisive Dividend’s commitment to holding businesses long-term differentiates it from other acquisition models. “These owners don’t want their businesses bought, ripped apart, and flipped within a few years. Our model offers stability, which resonates with their values,” Schellenberg added.
Since its first acquisition in 2015, Decisive Dividend has grown significantly, completing 13 acquisitions and currently holding 12 companies.
Schellenberg, who will serve as the chair of the Alberta BTF in 2025, brings a wealth of personal and professional experience to the role. “I attended the first Calgary BTF as a vendor, representing my wife’s family’s energy services business,” he recalled. “That firsthand experience taught me the value of this Forum for business owners navigating the complex process of selling their companies.”
He emphasized the Forum’s dual appeal.
“For business owners, you’re going to make a decision to sell your business very few times in your life. People are fortunate if they get more than one chance. So it might be your only bite of the apple and to learn as much as you can about what that process looks like, how you can do it in the best way possible, prepare yourself for what a sales transaction could look like. This is a tremendous venue for you to pick up some learning and meet some people who can help you walk through those processes,” said Schellenberg.
“For advisors, who form a big part of the community that attends as well, here’s an opportunity for you to rub shoulders with other advisors in different potential areas, sometimes competitors as well, but also a chance to meet business owners who need your advice. Tremendous networking event for the advisory community as well to connect with different people involved.”
Born and raised in Sherwood Park, Alberta, Schellenberg’s ties to the province run deep. “I grew up in Alberta, attended the University of Alberta, and have a strong connection to the region,” he shared. “That personal connection makes my involvement in the Alberta BTF especially meaningful.”
As Decisive Dividend continues to grow, its focus remains firmly on supporting Canadian businesses and their communities. “Our mission is to create value while respecting the legacy of the companies we acquire. It’s a model that benefits everyone involved,” said Schellenberg.
Mario Toneguzzi is a veteran of the media industry for more than 40 years and named in 2021 a Top Ten Business Journalist in the world and only Canadian. He also made the RETHINK’s global list as a Top Retail Expert 2024.