Rooted in the West.
Built to carry on.
Who we are
We're operators who buy and run businesses in Western Canada.
You built something strong, enduring, and rooted in Western Canada. We're here to carry it forward.
The partners
Elliott Collyer
Elliott leads Lodgepole's operations – sourcing, screening, and diligence. He spent over a decade at Parkland Corporation, most recently a Vice President running Parkland's Canadian retail business: 2,000+ gas stations and 1,000+ convenience stores under Chevron, Esso, Fas Gas, Pioneer, Ultramar, and On the Run.
There he led more than $3.5B of acquisitions and their integration, and reshaped the business through pricing, supply, merchandising, and systems. He started his career in M&A and strategy at Accenture.
He also owns and runs a short-term-rental business in Canmore that he built and manages himself – proof that running a small business well takes as much judgment and hustle as running a large one.
Kiernan Lynch
Kiernan leads Lodgepole's business development. A CFA charterholder, he spent close to a decade in Alberta's energy sector, evaluating companies and working alongside field crews.
He went on to serve as CFO of a private Gulf Coast oil and gas company in the U.S., and has led or supported more than $210M of capital raises across public and private resource companies. An earlier role running a clinical pharmaceutical supply chain across seven jurisdictions sharpened the document-driven diligence he brings today.
Shaped by Alberta's energy business and its culture of straight talk and long-cycle thinking, Kiernan pairs an operator's curiosity with a financier's rigor – and a commitment to protecting what an owner has built.
Wes Swanson
Wes leads Lodgepole's financial work – deal evaluation, valuation, structuring, and financing. He trained as an actuary, earned his CFA charter, and over two decades has advised on more than $20B of corporate finance and M&A at leading Canadian investment banks.
As Vice President of M&A at PwC Canada, he worked with entrepreneurs and management teams through major growth and transition decisions. Today he is CFO of Consolidated Liquidators International, one of Canada's largest merchandise liquidation businesses, and oversees an $800M portfolio for an ultra-high-net-worth family.
Wes knows a sale is about far more than price – it's employees, customers, family, and a legacy built over decades. He brings that to every conversation.
What we're looking for
Established and profitable
With loyal, repeat customers.
$1-3M EBITDA
Higher for the right deal.
Western Canada
Based in the West.
Manufacturing or services
Niche manufacturing or fabrication, essential services for businesses or households (e.g., install, maintain, repair, inspect, specialty), or distribution and wholesaling – real assets a plus.
Succession-minded owners
Planning their next chapter.
Flexible terms
Built around you – a full sale, a majority, or a gradual handover.
What to expect
1
First conversation
A relaxed call to get to know you and your business. Confidential, no obligation.
2
Mutual NDA
We sign an NDA before you share anything sensitive. Your information stays private.
3
We learn the business
Work through the numbers and operations together, at your pace.
4
An offer built around you
A full sale, a majority, or a gradual handover – structured to fit your plans.
5
Close, and carry on
We take the helm and run and grow what you've built, so it carries on.
Questions
What kinds of businesses are you looking for?
Established, profitable Western Canadian businesses with loyal, repeat customers – niche manufacturing, essential services, and distribution.
Is the first conversation confidential?
Yes. Nothing leaves the room, and we sign an NDA before you share anything sensitive.
Does it cost anything to talk?
No. No fee, no obligation. If it's not a fit, we'll tell you straight.
Do I have to sell the whole business?
No. A full sale, a majority, or a gradual handover – whatever fits your plans.
Do I have to keep working after the sale?
No. We're operators and step in to run it. Stay on for a transition if you'd like, or hand us the keys.
What happens to my people and what I've built?
We're buying it to run and grow it, not to strip it. Your team and your name carry on.
How do you decide what it's worth?
On the cash flow the business actually generates, not a formula or a growth story. We'll walk you through how we get there.
How long does it take?
Usually a few months from first call to close, moving at your pace. But we can move much more quickly if needed.
Are you a private equity fund?
No. We're three operators putting in our own capital to run one business for the long term – not a fund flipping companies on a clock.
Get in touch
Let's talk.
© 2026 Lodgepole Partners