About Vertex

Terry Stephenson founded and became President of Vertex in 2005. As President, Mr. Stephenson is responsible for Vertex’s day-to-day operations. Mr. Stephenson began his career with KPMG LLP gaining experience in audit, due diligence, valuations and taxation, where he advanced to Manager with a heavy clientele of construction clients. Mr. Stephenson joined Flint Energy Services Ltd. as the Director of Finance, where he was responsible for merger and acquisition transaction structure, support and execution along with public company compliance, tax planning and treasury management. In 2005, Mr. Stephenson founded Blackjack Investments Ltd., a privately held investment company focused on investments in the energy and resources sector. Mr. Stephenson has been a finalist for Ernst and Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year Award and has been considered a Rising Star in a publication of Oil Week. Mr. Stephenson holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Alberta is a Chartered Professional Accountant and currently sits on the boards of a number of private ventures.

Sherry Bielopotocky serves as Chief Financial Officer of Vertex Resource Group Ltd. where she is responsible for planning, forecasting, implementing and managing all the financial related activities of the company as well as risk management, information systems, human resources and asset management at Vertex.  She joined Vertex in 2005 and prior to her appointment as CFO, held the position of Vice President, Corporate Services at Vertex from  2015 to 2021.

Ms. Bielopotocky brings over 20 years of experience in strong business processes, financial management and analysis with a focus on growth, and operational execution. More specifically, she has significant experience with merger and acquisition integration, risk management, contracts, and public company reporting and compliance. Industry experience includes consulting, logistics, manufacturing and construction. Ms. Bielopotocky holds a Bachelor of Applied Business Administration-Accounting Degree from the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology and is a Chartered Professional Accountant.

Mr. Blenkhorn is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the consulting division of Vertex. Mr. Blenkhorn began his career with Hood Packaging Corporation, a privately held manufacturing company in the paper converting and packing industry. At Hood Packaging Corporation, Mr. Blenkhorn gained experience in process improvement, capital investment, technical sales support, product development in a wide array of business efficiency and improving initiatives. Mr. Blenkhorn joined Pioneer Land Services Ltd. in 2006, as a project engineer but quickly became responsible for the development and growth of their environmental division. Mr. Blenkhorn holds a Bachelor of Engineering Science degree from the University of Western Ontario and is a Professional Engineer, registered in both Alberta and Saskatchewan. Mr. Blenkhorn came to Calgary in 2000, after being drafted by the Calgary Stampeders. Mr. Blenkhorn remains active in the community, supporting the Stampeders alumni association and the United Way of Calgary.

As chairman of the Vertex board of directors, Mr. Butlin provides vision, mentorship, and leadership to the Vertex management team. Previously, Mr. Butlin was the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Flint Energy Services Ltd. (“Flint”), a publicly-traded energy company, until 2007 and 2005, respectively. Under his guidance, Flint grew from a small Canadian oilfield services firm to a public corporation with over 7,500 employees, 49 North American locations, and $1 billion of revenues. During Mr. Butlin’s 25-year tenure at Flint and its predecessor company, HMW Construction Ltd., he led the acquisition of over 29 companies and the listing of Flint on the Toronto Stock Exchange. Mr. Butlin is currently a Director of The Crossing Company. Previously, Mr. Butlin was a Director of the Edmonton Eskimo’s Football Club, Graham Construction Ltd., Derrick Golf & Winter Club, and past Chairman of the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology. Mr. Butlin holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the Michigan Technological University.

Terry Freeman is currently Head of Investments for ATB Capital, a private equity firm making minority equity investments in Alberta-based companies. In the past, he served as Managing Director of Northern Plains Capital, a niche private equity firm specializing in growth-oriented oil field services and energy industrial investments. Founded in 2005, Northern Plains Capital had $140 million under management in three funds and made 17 investments in various companies. As a Managing Director, Mr. Freeman was responsible for sourcing investments and investors, driving strategy, value creation, and eventual exits for investments and corporate governance at a Board of Directors level. Mr. Freeman also spent fifteen years as Chief Financial Officer of Flint Energy Services and its predecessors, where he managed the financial and administrative operations of the company including investor and banking relations, risk management, mergers and acquisitions, and various other executive responsibilities including acting as Corporate Secretary. He spent five years on the board of Flint Energy Services following his tenure as Chief Financial Officer until its eventual sale. He currently sits on the boards of a number of private construction, energy services, private equity, and real estate ventures as well as the board of directors of McCoy Global Inc., a publicly-traded oilfield services company. In addition to these roles, Mr. Freeman has held multiple volunteer positions with the Chartered Professional Accountants of Alberta, Chief Financial Officer Leadership Program, the University of Alberta, and various other community and charitable organizations. Mr. Freeman graduated from the University of Alberta in 1982 with a Bachelor of Commerce degree, is a Fellow of the Chartered Professional Accountants of Alberta, and holds the ICD.D designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors.

Trent Baker is a managing partner for 32 Degrees Capital, a private equity firm focused on investing in Canadian oil and gas opportunities with approximately $200 million under management. Mr. Baker has been with the firm since 2007 and is responsible for deal sourcing, driving strategy and value creation, investment due diligence, and investor relations. Prior to joining 32 Degrees Capital, Mr. Baker worked in the audit department of KPMG LLP. He currently serves on the board of directors of CORE Linepipe Inc., Duvalta Energy Corp., and HPC Energy Services Ltd. and has served on the board of directors of a number of previous companies. Mr. Baker holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Queen’s University, is a member of the Chartered Professional Accountants of Alberta, and is a CFA charter holder.

Mr. O’Connor, age 61, is currently the President of Timber Ridge Capital Ltd., a private holding and advisory company.

In the past, Mr. O’Connor has served as a Director and as Chairman of Flint, Director of IROC Energy Services Corp., President and Chief Executive Officer of Merak Projects Ltd., a software company focused on the international oil and gas industry, and a Partner with Bennett Jones LLP, a national law firm where he practiced corporate and securities law.  He currently sits on the boards of a number of private and public construction, software services, oilfield services, and real estate ventures.

Mr. O’Connor is also active in the community and currently serves with various organizations including on the Board of Directors of the Calgary Stampede and is past Chair of Hull Services.

Mr. O’Connor holds a Bachelor of Science (Chemical Engineering) degree from the University of Calgary and a Bachelor of Laws degree from Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario.

Stuart King has over 23 years of accounting and finance experience.  Since December, 2017, Mr. King has held the title of Chief Financial Officer for CWC Energy Services Corp.  Previously between November, 2010 and May, 2017, Mr. King was the Vice President, Finance and Controller of Canadian International Oil Corp., a private oil and gas company.  Prior to Canadian International Oil Corp., Mr. King was the Acting Chief Financial Officer and Controller of Mahalo Energy, a public oil and gas company with operational assets in the U.S.   Mr. King holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Calgary, and is a Chartered Professional Accountant in Alberta.

Terry Stephenson founded and became President of Vertex in 2005. As President, Mr. Stephenson is responsible for Vertex’s day-to-day operations. Mr. Stephenson began his career with KPMG LLP gaining experience in audit, due diligence, valuations, and taxation, where he advanced to Manager with a heavy clientele of construction clients. Mr. Stephenson joined Flint Energy Services Ltd. as the Director of Finance, where he was responsible for merger and acquisition transaction structure, support, and execution along with public company compliance, tax planning, and treasury management. In 2005, Mr. Stephenson founded Blackjack Investments Ltd., a privately held investment company focused on investments in the energy and resources sector. Mr. Stephenson has been a finalist for Ernst and Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year Award and has been considered a Rising Star in a publication of Oil Week. Mr. Stephenson holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Alberta is a Chartered Professional Accountant and currently sits on the boards of several private ventures.