Our Team

Vince McKay, QAFP™, EPC, CPCA

Financial Advisor

Vince began his journey in the life insurance and financial services industry in 1998, following years of service in the Canadian Military and international work experience. His entry into the field was inspired by his late father-in-law, Harold Wiffen, with whom he worked closely. It was during Harold’s illness that Vince discovered a deep passion for helping individuals and families ensure their financial affairs were properly structured to support their retirement and estate planning goals

Holding the Qualified Associate Financial Planner™ (QAFP™) certification, along with the Elder Planning Counselor (EPC) and Certified Professional Consultant on Aging (CPCA) designations, Vince is committed to the highest ethical standards. He brings a wealth of knowledge, practical experience, and integrity to his work, offering trusted financial advice and solutions tailored to meet the needs of everyday Canadians.

Vince is a dedicated advocate for his clients and a respected leader in the financial community. He is an active member of Advocis, The Financial Advisors Association of Canada, serving as a Past President and current Board Member of the Greater Vancouver chapter. Nationally, he contributes as a member of the Leadership Council and serves as Chair for the Advocis Protective Association. He is also a Past Vice President of GAMA International (Vancouver). Beyond his professional commitments, Vince believes strongly in community service. He has volunteered in leadership roles with organizations such as the MS Society, Langley Canada Day Celebrations, BC Summer Games, BC Senior Games, Operation Red Nose, and the Langley Child Development Centre. He has coached youth sports and is a trained instructor for Roots of Empathy, an award-winning school-based anti-bullying program.

In his personal time, Vince enjoys golf, flying, and playing goalie on several ice hockey teams. His greatest joy comes from being a devoted Papa to his space-loving granddaughter and 2 grandsons as well as a proud father to three adult daughters, who share his enthusiasm for sport, community involvement, and living life to the fullest.

Through his unique Essential Binder System, Vince helps clients organize their financial documents, clarify their income needs, and confidently pursue their personal goals. With a clear focus on “Planning for Your Tomorrow, Today,” Vince remains committed to guiding Canadians toward a secure and meaningful financial future.

Email Me

Phone: (604) 574-5599

Mobile: (604) 836-5839

Sandi Ostermann

Executive Partner

Sandi has been a fixture in the financial industry almost from birth, growing up immersed in the world of finance as the daughter of the late Harold Wiffen, founder of Wiffen Financial. Raised in Edmonton and Toronto, Sandi was introduced to many of the company’s long-time clients as a young girl, which sparked her passion for building meaningful client relationships.

Her deep personal connection to the business, coupled with her keen insight into the day-to-day operations of the office, ensures that she is always in tune with the evolving needs of the clients.

Having experienced the loss of both of her parents in their early retirement years, Sandi has a profound understanding of the importance of living fully and making the most of every day. This life lesson is a driving force in her approach to encourage clients to embrace their retirement with joy and purpose.

Outside of work, Sandi is a proud mother to three adult daughters and grandmother to three wonderful grandchildren. When she’s not in the office, Sandi enjoys tap and burlesque dancing, gardening, sewing, yoga, and cherishing quality time with her husband, Henry.

Email Me

Phone: (604) 574-5599

Jenna Sheppard

Life Licensed Assistant
Travel Insurance Advisor

Jenna is a licensed Life Assistant and Travel Insurance Advisor who brings precision, organization, and care to every aspect of her work. Highly detail-oriented, she plays a vital role in supporting clients by managing files, maintaining accurate records, and ensuring the seamless administration of RESP accounts and insurance policies. Jenna works closely with Sandi in the office, forming a reliable and collaborative team dedicated to delivering top-tier service.

Her strong command of spreadsheets and client management systems ensures that every interaction is efficient, professional, and personalized. Fluent in French, Jenna also supports bilingual clients with ease and clarity.

Outside the office, Jenna is a proud wife and mother of two daughters, currently embracing her newest role as a Dance Mom. She brings the same dedication and heart to her family life as she does to her professional responsibilities—balancing both with grace, focus, and a constant desire to learn and grow. With her family she enjoys cruise ship travelling and practicing her French language skills.

Email Me

Phone: (778) 788-0215

Alex Fairbairn

Insurance Advisor

You know your clients must like you when they decide to come join your team!

We are pleased to welcome Alex Fairbairn to the Essential Financial team. He brings several years of experience as a sales and marketing representative and fully understands the importance of client relationships.

Together with his wife, they have purchased a home in White Rock where he was born and raised. As a first-time homeowner and newlywed, Alex understands the importance of setting his family up for financial success and having the necessary securities in place to help his goals become a reality.

Having completed his LLQP certification, we are excited to have him as a part of our team and look forward to seeing his career grow.

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