Management Team

Grant Simpson, PEng, MBA.

Chairman of the Board

Grant Simpson is Chairman of Heron Capital Corporation, a position he has held since incorporation in 1997. He has been affiliated with the Heron Group of Companies since 1980. Mr. Simpson is the President of Equity Development Group and is the Chief Operating Officer of The Heron Group Limited. Mr. Simpson is a graduate from Queen's University in Civil Engineering and also holds an MBA degree from the University of Toronto. 

John Prittie, MBA

President

John Prittie is President of Heron Capital Corporation and has been involved with the Heron Group of Companies since July of 1997. Mr. Prittie was formerly the President of Mini-Tankers USA, Inc. and is also a former Board Member with Mini-Tankers Canada and the Canadian Franchise Association. He is a past Chairman of the CFA's Program Committee. Mr. Prittie also has industry experience in the following franchise systems: Dominion Foods Stores Limited (Mr. Grocer Supermarkets and Min-A-Mart Convenience Stores), Mother's Restaurants, The Country's Best Yogurt (TCBY), Prime Restaurants (East Side Mario's, Casey's and Pat & Mario's), Shred-It, Jumbo Video and Mini-Tankers. Mr. Prittie is a seasoned franchise executive, establishing more than 500 franchises domestically and internationally, and is respected for his ability to assemble and develop first-rate franchise management teams. Mr. Prittie earned a Master's Degree in Business Administration from the University of Windsor and holds both B.Comm. and B.A. designations.

Brad Foster, CA

Chief Financial Officer

Brad Foster is Chief Financial Officer for Heron Capital Corporation, a function he fulfills for all of the Heron Group of Companies. Mr. Foster has been affiliated with the Heron Group of Companies since September 1999. Mr. Foster was formerly Chief Financial Officer for Mini-Tankers USA, Inc. From 1997-1999 Mr. Foster was senior underwriting analyst with Ontario New Home Warranty Program. Mr. Foster also has industry experience in the following franchise systems: Canadian Tire, Midas Muffler, Great Canadian Bagel and Mini-Tankers. Mr. Foster is known for his depth and breadth of financial knowledge relating to franchise transactions and taxation. Mr. Foster earned a Bachelor of Accounting (B.Acc) from Brock University and holds both C.A. and CPA designations.

Dan Hopkins, CA

Vice President of Development & Operations

Dan Hopkins is Vice President of Development and Operations for Heron Capital Corporation, a function he fulfills for all of the Heron Group of Companies. Mr. Hopkins has been affiliated with the Heron Group of Companies since January 2008. Mr. Hopkins was formerly the Director of Development & Franchising for Midas Canada and the former Vice president of Development and Franchising with Mail Boxes Etc. Mr. Hopkins also has industry experience in the following franchise systems: KFC Canada, Wendy’s Canada, Cara Foods and Manchu WOK. Mr. Hopkins is known for his related experience in Real Estate, Franchise Management, and Construction which enables him to facilitate franchise transactions of all types. Mr. Hopkins graduated with honors from Humber College Civil Engineering program.