Agriculture is not just a business for us; it's deeply rooted in our DNA.
Our journey in consulting began 25 years ago, originating as consultants in the film industry. However, upon discovering the profound agricultural legacy within our own family, we realized where our true expertise lies.
Today, our consulting niche is intricately woven into the fabric of Agriculture.
Over the years, we have seamlessly applied our extensive experience to cater specifically to the Feed, Seed, Grain, and Food Processing sectors.
David's connection to Canadian Agriculture is profound, tracing back through four generations of his family. The ancestral Lapp family homestead in Saskatchewan, where his great-grandfather forged a new life for his immigrant family, remains a thriving farm tended by David's cousins. Cherished childhood recollections involve quality time spent alongside his grandfather at a rustic Grain Elevator in Manitoba – an influential experience that fueled his decision to work at a Grain Elevator in Winnipeg upon graduating high school.
In keeping with family tradition, David's father and brother discovered their shared passion for the Agriculture sector, each approaching it from distinct perspectives – manufacturing and engineering, respectively. Despite their divergent roles, the unifying thread persisted, with Agriculture consistently at the core of their work and guiding principles.
Rooted by a rural upbringing, David's fervor for comprehending and enhancing processes propelled him to integrate technology seamlessly with his agricultural DNA. Across more than two decades, he has cultivated a thriving career as the Owner and Principal Consultant at Push Consulting, a venture he shares with his partner, Ellen.
As a dynamic force in the global agricultural industry, David specializes in harnessing technology to elevate efficiency for farmers and agricultural businesses. His expertise spans Good Agriculture Processes (GAP), tracking & traceability, and blockchain applications within pivotal food processing and agricultural sectors. Centering on the Industrial Internet of Things, David captivates audiences with his compelling insights and passion during speaking engagements.
David's leadership prowess transcends the realm of Agriculture, encompassing the direction of financial, operational, and sales activities across diverse industries. Renowned for his strategic vision, adept change management skills, and the capacity to foster high-performance cultures, David is a recognized figure in leadership circles. Outside his professional pursuits, David, a devoted family man, finds joy in hiking and cycling adventures with his wife, Ellen, and their two children, Evelyn and George.
Ellen brings with her a legacy of rich artistic heritage and tradition, rooted in her family's cultural tapestry.
Infusing her intrinsic artistic style and talent into her consultative work, Ellen stands out in delivering exceptional quality and results for Push Consulting's clients.
Her versatile executive strategy, coupled with superior consultative skills, exceptional customer service, and exceptional business acumen, sets her apart.
Recognized for her progressiveness, decisiveness, and innovation, Ellen excels in interpreting client goals, translating objectives into actionable plans, and providing decisive leadership to adeptly manage business operations. Operating with a strong sense of urgency, she thrives in the fast-paced work setting that defines her professional realm.
As an Owner and Consultant for Push Consulting, Ellen collaborates seamlessly with her husband, David, contributing to the dynamic success of their partnership.
Joe Gardner serves as the Head of Client Engagements & Funding Strategies
at Push Consulting, bringing decades of invaluable experience in corporate
structuring, CRA compliance, and tax optimization. Leveraging his extensive
background as President of TaxNet Canada, a national consulting firm
specializing in government funding strategies and tax recovery, Joe is instrumental in guiding Push Consulting's clients through complex legal and tax frameworks to ensure secure scaling and investor readiness.
At TaxNet Canada, Joe established a proven track record of securing millions in non-dilutive funding for diverse clients, particularly within the agricultural sector. This expertise, gained through successful models and a contingency fee approach, directly informs the strategic insights he now provides at Push Consulting.
Joe's proficiency extends to sophisticated financial planning and corporate setup, with a particular talent for de-risking cross-border transactions through strategic trade insurance and robust payment mechanisms. His deep knowledge from TaxNet Canada is a crucial asset for Push Consulting, empowering growth-focused ventures to maximize financial efficiency and confidently navigate complex regulatory landscapes.