People, passion, integrity, and innovation guide the way for Trent alumnus, Robert Gauvreau ’01. As founder and partner of Gauvreau Accounting Tax Law Advisory, one of the fastest-growing companies in the country, the Business Administration (B.B.A.) graduate and Lady Eaton College alumnus has a reputation as a thought-leader that transforms ledgers and figures into illustrious impact.

Robert believes that his Trent education provided a solid base for his ascent into leadership. Although he keeps advancing the bar forward, attending Trent was foundational in helping him to position himself for the future. While he had initially planned to become a teacher, he gained new insight during Dr. Raymond Dart’s ’82 first-year Entrepreneurship class.

“I had this connection where I felt that this is what I am meant to do” explains Robert. “It probably changed how I solve problems forever.”

He credits his time at Trent with academic leadership opportunities and acknowledges the University’s encouragement for students to form meaningful relationships with like-minded peers, even in other regions. In his work, he uses these skills every day. Robert served on the Lady Eaton College Cabinet and was president of the Trent Business Students’ Association (TBSA) for three years, where he met other leaders, gained a wider perspective, and made integral connections with Trent faculty.

“I saw this as a leadership opportunity for the school and the B.B.A program,” he adds. “I wanted to help put it on the map. It’s such an incredible program with incredible education and educators.”

Now Robert aspires for his team to become the go-to financial experts for North American entrepreneurs through their proactive educational contributions and innovative solutions unrivalled in the market.

“We’re out looking for a solution for that next problem,” says Robert, always keen on innovating through technology, people, and processes. “When we can share knowledge, teachings, training and experience from the top of the mountain so everybody can hear us, we influence and positively change the outcomes of so many lives.”

Advice for the next generation of business leaders

Robert’s advice for students, as the next generation of business leaders, is to stay out of the box, seize leadership opportunities, and find an organization that aligns with their values and passions.

“Figure out what it is that really gets you excited,” says Robert. “If I don’t come home from work with my hair on fire a little bit, it wasn’t a great day.”

Maintaining his strong Trent connections, Robert often turns to Trent Accounting students as well as those involved in the Trent Accounting Society or TBSA to expand his professional team.

“We’re going to continue hiring and recruiting the best talent that the world has to offer,” he says. “We’re so excited about continuing to work with Trent University and an incredible business program in our community. We feel very fortunate that so many A+ performers come out of that program and join our team every year.”