Our Team

Meet the Essential Financial Team!





Vince McKay, QAFP™, EPC, CPCA

Financial Advisor

After years in the Canadian Military and then working overseas, Vince started in the life insurance industry in 1998, working closely with his late father-in-law, Harold Wiffen. It was during Harold's illness that Vince realized his passion for helping people to ensure that their financial affairs were structured to reach their retirement and estate goals.

With his QAFP™ (Qualified Associate Financial Planner™) Certification, EPC (Elder Planning Counselor) and CPCA (Certified Professional Consultant on Aging) designations, Vince has a commitment to the highest ethical standards of responsibly, demonstrating the knowledge, skills, experience and ethics to provide financial planning services and solutions for average Canadians with typical financial planning needs.

Vince is dedicated to providing the best service for his clients and advocates within the industry on a local and national level through his long-time association with Advocis, The Financial Advisors Association of Canada. He is a past President and current Board Member for the local Greater Vancouver chapter of Advocis and is currently on the leadership council for the National Chapter. Vince is also the Underwriting Chair of the Advocis Protective Association and a past Vice President of GAMA International (Vancouver).

Vince is not only actively involved in his professional association, but strongly believes in giving back to his community as well. He has volunteered in various leadership roles for the MS Society, Langley Canada Day Celebrations, BC Summer Games, BC Senior Games, Operation Red Nose, Langley Child Development Centre. He has coached for various sporting organizations and is a trained instructor for the award-winning school-based anti-bullying program, Roots of Empathy.

Vince has many interests, including golf and boating, and a passion for ice hockey – playing goalie on several teams. His greatest achievement is being a Papa to his space loving Granddaughter, and being a father to three adult daughters, who share his passion for sport, community and life.

With a clear focus on 'Planning for Your Tomorrow, Today' Vince is able to assist clients on various aspects of their planning needs. Through the use of his unique Essential Binder System, Vince helps clients organize their financial documents, keep their financial situation in order, outline their income needs and know that their personal goals can be realized.


Mutual funds are offered through Investia Financial Services Inc. The particulars contained herein were obtained from sources which we believe reliable but are not guaranteed by us and may be incomplete. The opinions expressed have not been approved by and are not those of Investia Financial Services Inc. This website is not deemed to be used as a solicitation in a jurisdiction where this Investia representative is not registered.

Sandi Ostermann

Executive Partner

Sandi has been a part of the industry almost since she was born. As the daughter of the late Harold Wiffen (Wiffen Financial), Sandi met many of their long time clients when she was a little girl growing up in Edmonton and Toronto.

Getting to know the client is what Sandi really enjoys. Being able to work closely with people to help them reach their personal goals and see them enjoy their retirement years is a great pleasure for Sandi. The day to day operations of the office and business processing keep her in tune with the needs of their clients.

Having lost both mom and dad in their early retirement years, Sandi understands the importance of encouraging people to 'live' their retirement and make the most of every day.

Sandi is the proud mother to 3 adult daughters and 1 very feisty granddaughter. When not at her desk, Sandi enjoys gardening, sewing, yoga and spending quality time with her husband Henry.

Jenna Sheppard

Office Assistant
Life Licensed Assistant

Jenna is the newest member of the Essential Financial team. She has a background in private healthcare as a Medical Office Assistant. Having completed her LLQP certification, she is excited to join the Essential team and is looking forward to getting to know their clients.

Jenna was born and raised in Surrey, BC, and has known Sandi and Vince for over 20 years as she has been friends with their daughter since she was a child.

She is a proud wife and mother to two little girls. As an avid traveler, she loves to see the world by cruise ship with her family. Her passion for travel has driven her to learn French as a second language.

Bienvenue Jenna!

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.