Your partner in personalized, full-service wealth management

Your ally in the pursuit of financial freedom

We go beyond managing money—we focus on optimizing your financial journey by fusing technology, modern strategies, and core values like integrity, transparency, and balance. We provide honest, personalized advice and a proactive, high-touch experience.

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Meet the team

Doug Ransom, CFP®, CIM®

Associate Portfolio Manager

Doug Ransom, CFP®, CIM®

Associate Portfolio Manager

Doug Ransom has been helping clients achieve their financial goals since 2006, providing tailored financial plans and investment solutions. Before transitioning to wealth management, he worked as an engineer for a Victoria-based technology company from 1990 to 2005. His expertise lies in retirement planning, estate planning, and specialized tax and estate planning strategies for incorporated professionals and small businesses. Doug’s personal success in managing his own investments sparked a passion for guiding others through their financial and estate planning journeys.

He holds the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) and Chartered Investment Manager (CIM) designations, ensuring clients receive expert, strategic advice. Committed to community service, Doug has served on the boards of the UVic Alumni Association, the Keating Out of School Care Society, and the James Bay Child Care Society, and volunteered with the 10th Tsartlip Scout Group. In 2013, he was recognized by the UVic Alumni Association as an alumnus who made a difference.

Email: doug.ransom@optimize.ca
Phone: (250) 412-3499

Lionel Johnson

Wealth Planner

Lionel Johnson

Wealth Planner

Lionel has worked in the finance industry for nearly 40 years with his career taking off in business administration in the late 1980’s. During the early years he worked in the mortgage field providing over 500 mortgages for his clients, many first-time home buyers. It was then he realized he had a passion for working with people and helping them secure a solid foundation for their future.

In 2000 Lionel began working with BNS, Scotia McLeod as an investment advisor. This was a great career move allowing him to further aid his clients in securing their future investments.

Lionel and his wife enjoy life on salt spring island practicing sustainability with a small hobby farm including a fruit orchard and nut trees. They have chickens, honeybees and grow as much of their own food as possible.

Lionel also gives back to the community volunteering his time and knowledge as Executive Treasurer with the Salt Spring Island Conservancy. This organization protects and enhances the natural values of the island and its surrounding waters by acquiring land or covenants, and by educating landholders & the public.

Email: lionel.johnson@optimize.ca
Phone: (250) 537-9499

James Penner

Associate

James Penner

Associate

Email: james.penner@optimize.ca
Phone: (250) 363-9704

Nick Cup

Supervising Portfolio Manager

Nick Cup

Supervising Portfolio Manager

Email: nick.cup@optimize.ca
Phone: 416-900-3887

Team values

Clients First, Always

Putting clients first is not just a value; it’s our guiding philosophy at The Ransom Group. Every interaction, decision, and strategy is rooted in understanding and prioritizing our clients’ needs and goals. We are dedicated to delivering personalised, thoughtful guidance that helps clients achieve financial success while fostering long-term relationships built on trust and care.

Ethics Above Everything Else

Ethics guide every decision at The Ransom Group. We believe that a strong moral compass is essential to delivering truly exceptional service. By adhering to the highest ethical standards, we ensure our clients receive unbiased, honest, and transparent advice. This commitment permeates every aspect of our work, from onboarding new clients to providing ongoing support.

Always Doing the Right Thing

At The Ransom Group, integrity is our foundation. We are committed to doing the right thing, even when no one is watching. This unwavering dedication to ethical practices ensures that every action we take reflects honesty, accountability, and respect for our clients. By consistently prioritizing what is right, we build trust and create meaningful relationships that stand the test of time.

Supporting our community

The Ransom Group is committed to supporting equitable education for children in low-income communities. Through their involvement with First Book Canada, they help remove barriers to learning by providing essential resources and opportunities for educators and students. This reflects their dedication to fostering a brighter future where every child has access to quality education and the tools they need to succeed.

Advancing pediatric health is a key focus for The Ransom Group. By contributing to SickKids, they support groundbreaking research and world-class healthcare for children. Their involvement helps improve health outcomes while offering hope and healing to families, underscoring their commitment to bettering lives and strengthening communities.

Promoting cultural awareness and reconciliation is an important value for The Ransom Group. Through their support of the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund, they contribute to fostering understanding and building connections between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities in Canada. This involvement highlights their commitment to creating a more inclusive, unified, and compassionate society for future generations.