Gala Line Up

John Foresi is the  CEO and Co-Founder of Venterra Realty, a North American real estate  investment and management firm overseeing a multi-billion-dollar  portfolio across 24 major U.S. markets. Under his leadership,  Venterra has built a reputation not only for strong investment  performance, but for creating one of the most respected workplace  cultures in the industry — earning multiple recognition's including Best Places to Work, Top CEO, and Companies That Care.

A Niagara native  with deep local roots, John brings a rare combination of global business  leadership and grounded, real-world perspective. His career spans  senior leadership roles across multiple industries  including transportation, consumer packaged goods, investment banking,  logistics, and software — experiences that have shaped his long-term  approach to building businesses, teams, and culture.

Keynote: The Long Game — A Real-World Perspective on Life, Business & Leadership

In a world  increasingly focused on short-term results, rapid change, and constant  noise, John will share a different perspective — one grounded in decades  of experience building organizations, investing capital,  and developing people.

This keynote is centered on a simple but powerful idea:
the most meaningful careers, businesses, and lives are built over time — not in cycles, but across decades.

Drawing from his  experience leading and scaling a multi-billion-dollar organization, John  will provide practical, experience-driven insights on:

• How to think about economic cycles, capital, and long-term opportunity
• Making better decisions in environments defined by uncertainty and change
• Building organizations through strong culture, leadership, and people development
• Understanding how early decisions compound over time — both personally and professionally
• Why character, consistency, and reputation ultimately become your greatest advantage

While aspects of  this message will resonate with individuals in their 20s and 30s —  particularly those transitioning from sport into business — the broader  perspective is highly relevant for:

• Business owners and operators
• Leaders managing teams and developing talent
• Organizations involved in long-term capital projects and regional growth

This is not an  academic discussion. It is a candid, practical perspective shaped by  over 30 years of real-world experience — and the same thinking John  applies within his own organization and shares with his  own family.

A Unique Opportunity

This is a rare  opportunity to hear directly from a global business leader with deep  Niagara roots — someone who understands both the complexity of  large-scale business and the importance of community, relationships,  and long-term thinking.

 Pat Smith is the  Founder of the  Saints Business Leadership & Community Network (SBLN), a platform  dedicated to connecting  business, sport, and community across the Niagara Region. 

 A lifelong resident  of St. Catharines, Pat grew up playing minor hockey with the St.  Catharines Royals before competing in the Golden Horseshoe Junior Hockey  League (GHJHL) with the Thorold Blackhawks from  1996 to 2000. His passion for the game has continued well beyond his  playing career, including over a decade of coaching competitive hockey  at various levels.

Pat currently serves  as a Board Member with the Ontario Hockey Association (OHA), where he  is in his second year contributing to the governance and growth of  hockey across the province.

Professionally, Pat  is an Executive Vice President of Sales at RFI, a leading U.S.-based  dietary supplement manufacturer, where he has built a strong reputation  for driving growth, developing strategic partnerships,  and leading high-performing teams. In addition, he has demonstrated his  entrepreneurial mindset by co-founding a successful Canadian  nutritional import/export business.

Through the launch  of the St. Catharines Saints and SBLN, Pat is focused on creating a  lasting impact in Niagara — bringing high-level hockey back to the  community while building a platform that connects local  businesses, develops talent, and supports long-term economic growth.

Pat holds an undergraduate degree in Communications from Brock University and an MBA from Medaille College.

He is married to his wife Tara, and together they have two sons, Colton and Cruz.”

Scott Sweitzer is a  Niagara-based entrepreneur and business leader whose career reflects the  transition from competitive sport into building and leading successful  ventures within the community.

A native of St  Catharines, Scott played junior hockey with the Thorold Blackhawks and  Wexford Raiders before continuing his career at the University of  Guelph. Known for his competitiveness and work ethic,  he carried those same qualities from the ice into the business world.

Today, Scott is a  co-owner of the Juniper Inn, a boutique hotel developed within a  revitalized landmark property in Port Dalhousie, and is actively  involved in the ownership and management of over 500,000  square feet of commercial real estate across St. Catharines. He is also  a partner in Sells 

Niagara Real Estate, where he plays a key role in  residential and commercial development and transactions across the  region.

Through his  entrepreneurial approach, Scott has built a reputation for identifying  opportunities, executing projects, and contributing to the ongoing  growth and revitalization of Niagara.

Perspective & Experience

At the SBLN Gala, Scott will provide a local, real-world perspective on:

• Transitioning from competitive sport into business and entrepreneurship 
• Building businesses and managing real estate projects within Niagara 
• The importance of relationships, reputation, and long-term thinking 
• Contributing to community growth through local investment and leadership 

His story represents  the pathway many athletes and young professionals aspire to — staying  local, building something meaningful, and creating lasting impact within  the community.

Justin Shugg is a  former professional hockey player whose career reflects the discipline,  adaptability, and resilience required to compete at the highest levels  of the game — and successfully transition beyond  it.

A Niagara product,  Shugg developed locally before advancing through the Ontario Hockey  League (OHL), where he established himself as a high-end offensive  player, recording over 200 career points. He was selected  in the 4th round (105th overall) of the 2010 NHL Draft by the Carolina  Hurricanes, marking the beginning of his professional career.

Shugg went on to  play in the American Hockey League (AHL) with the Charlotte Checkers and  made his NHL debut with the Hurricanes during the 2013–14 season. He  later extended his career internationally, competing  across top European leagues including the KHL and DEL, where he  continued to produce offensively and contribute to winning teams —  including a championship run in Germany with EHC Red Bull München.

Known for his speed,  skill, and hockey IQ, Shugg built a well-rounded professional career  across North America and Europe, gaining valuable experience in  different systems, cultures, and competitive environments.

Perspective & Experience

At the SBLN Gala,  Justin will share insights drawn from his journey through junior,  professional, and international hockey — including:

• The discipline and mindset required to perform at an elite level 
• Adapting to new environments, teams, and expectations 
• Navigating the transition from professional sport into the next phase of life 
• Applying lessons from high-performance sport to business and personal growth 

His perspective  offers a relatable and practical lens for both athletes and business  professionals — particularly those navigating change, growth, and new  opportunities.

Wendel Clark is one  of the most iconic figures in Toronto Maple Leafs history — a player  defined by his rare combination of elite scoring ability, physical  toughness, and uncompromising leadership.

Selected 1st overall  in the 1985 NHL Draft, Clark quickly became the heart and soul of the  Maple Leafs during a pivotal era for the franchise. Serving as team  captain from 1991 to 1994, he led by example —  combining skill and grit in a way that resonated deeply with fans  across Canada.

Over the course of  his 15-year NHL career, Clark scored 330 goals and 564 points, while  earning a reputation as one of the toughest and most respected power  forwards of his generation. His career-high 46-goal  season (1993–94) and his role in the Leafs’ deep playoff runs cemented  his legacy as a cornerstone of the organization.

Although he played  for several NHL teams throughout his career, Clark’s identity is  inseparable from Toronto. His return to the Maple Leafs in 1996 remains  one of the most celebrated moments in franchise history.

Today, Clark  continues to represent the Maple Leafs organization as a community  ambassador and remains a central figure in the team’s culture and  history. He was honoured with a place on Legends Row and is  widely regarded as one of the most beloved players to ever wear the  Maple Leaf.

SBLN Event Experience

At the SBLN Gala,  Wendel will be in attendance for exclusive meet-and-greet opportunities  and professional photo experiences, providing guests with a unique  opportunity to connect with one of hockey’s most  respected leaders.

Rick Vaive is one of  the most accomplished goal scorers in Toronto Maple Leafs history and  now serves as Head Coach of the St. Catharines Saints, bringing  elite-level experience, leadership, and credibility  to the organization.

Selected 5th overall  in the 1979 NHL Draft, Vaive quickly established himself as one of the  premier power forwards of his era. After being traded to the Maple Leafs  in 1980, he became a cornerstone of the  franchise — making history as the first player in team history to score  50 goals in a season, a milestone he achieved in three consecutive  years (1982–1984).

Over his 13-year NHL  career, Vaive played 876 games, recording 441 goals and nearly 800  points, while earning recognition as one of the league’s most consistent  and dangerous offensive players. He served as  Maple Leafs captain from 1982 to 1986, leading the team during a  defining period and solidifying his place among the organization’s most  respected leaders.

Following his  playing career, Vaive transitioned into coaching, where he continued to  demonstrate his leadership and competitive drive — including  championship success at the professional level.

Leadership & Impact

As Head Coach of the  St. Catharines Saints, Vaive plays a central role in building a  high-performance culture — helping guide players who have progressed  through junior and professional hockey as they continue  competing at the highest level of Senior AAA.

His experience —  both on and off the ice — provides a unique bridge between elite sport  and leadership, reinforcing the broader mission of the Saints and the  SBLN to support player development, transition,  and long-term success.

SBLN Event Presence

Rick will be in  attendance throughout the evening, connecting with guests and  representing the Saints organization as part of a broader group of  hockey leaders, business professionals, and community partners.