They’ve answered the big questions.
“We are grateful and honoured that our clients give us the opportunity to play a part in their success.”
Fabio Brussolo, Partner
Graduate of the University of Toronto, 1987 • Earned CA in 1989 • More than 24 years in private practice • Passionate about family, physical fitness • community support and fundraising
Fabio is one of the two principals at BGS. His focus and professionalism are part of what makes BGS tick. We asked him a few questions so we could get to know him a bit better.
When you look back on your education, what was the most important thing you learned?
I think the real learning process started when I faced my first client. I came out of school with all the training anyone could want, but that first client encounter was an eye-opener. There is nothing like being in the trenches to start teaching you what matters to clients.
What matters to clients today?
Nothing critical has changed. It’s always about trust, giving it your focused best, and using experience effectively to help clients solve problems and make important decisions. As professionals, seeing clients grow and succeed is a rewarding part of what we do.
And what matters to you?
Family always has my heart. I truly enjoy our trips and memorable moments skiing, golfing, scuba and other quality times together. It feels good and it’s very important to me to support their interests and passion. Spending time in the community, being involved in fundraising, and supporting the people who are trying to make things better, are also important. I think that if you want to live in a good place, you have to do things to make it good.
BGS is described as a “Community of Entrepreneurs”. What’s behind that?
Well, a community is made up of people. I remind my children of the importance of working together and connecting with others. Clients need us. We need clients. And they often need each other. This is what helps make a community.
Do you enjoy your work?
I do enjoy it, and I really enjoy working with all the dedicated people at BGS. Also, I like seeing clients succeed. It’s important, and I like knowing that we played our part. We are all grateful that clients give us that opportunity. As accountants, working the numbers is what we do – but that’s the same for all accountants. Our real value comes when we apply our experience and interpret the facts and results with insight. Business owners can get caught up worrying about things they don’t have to, so I think it’s our job to bring balance and judgement to the table.
Mike is one of the two principals at BGS, and his energy and personality do a lot to drive the firm. We asked him a few questions so we could get to know him a bit better.
Mike, you and the firm are well-known for making your community work as important as the accounting work. What’s the motivation for that?
I think it’s our responsibility to put something back in for everything we take out. Our clients are our first priority in business, and they have first call on our time. Measured by the time spent, family comes next, and everything left over goes to something in our community. I serve on the board at of The Children’s Aid Foundation of York Region and do a lot of fundraising there. In addition, I’ve worked with a small group of very dedicated people to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for hospitals, cancer research and other causes. My son plays hockey, and I coach hockey as well, something that I think is worthwhile and really rewarding.
What inspires you?
I’m inspired by the people in my life, both the ones here today and the ones who have passed. Clients are always good motivators, of course. My 2 kids keep me focused, and I continue to draw strength from having shared so much with my late wife Angela. When she succumbed to cancer, our family received tremendous support from an entire community. I will never forget that.
Why have you built your practice around entrepreneurial clients?
My clients are people who have invested their lives into their businesses. I like that, and I am grateful that they trust me. I enjoy watching my clients grow in business and as people. It’s not hard to give them my best work.
One last question. What’s the best advice anyone ever gave you?
Balance – always try for balance in your life, between work and family, between your private life and the community.
“My clients are people who have invested their lives into their businesses. I am grateful that they trust me.”
Micahel Scauzillo, Partner
Graduate of the University of Toronto, 1986 • Earned CA in 1987 • Private Practice since 1991 • Passionate about family, business and physical fitness, including cycling and hockey • Active fund-raiser for a variety of causes