It started with a simple observation.
Performance is rarely determined by one function alone. That belief came from running businesses that thrived and businesses that struggled.
Wayne UnRuh's background spans accounting, business leadership, managing large teams, and sales experience in the United States. He led multimillion dollar businesses that thrived and others that struggled. Seeing both taught him that no single function explains why a business wins or loses.
He founded Compass Online Marketing to help businesses strengthen marketing and growth. It solved a real problem, and it also exposed the next one: marketing cannot fix a business that cannot convert, price, deliver, or lead.
Then he met Jenna Raimbault, whose strengths in strategy, leadership, and implementation complemented what Compass could do on its own. During the COVID period the ecosystem took shape: Be Wise Consulting for consulting, leadership, HR, recruitment, training, and implementation; Look Locale for traditional and local marketing; Brand and Bloom for higher touch branding and creative; and a Schooley Mitchell franchise within Be Wise for financial performance through expense reduction.
STRIVE did not begin as a plan to assemble companies. Each company was created to solve a specific business need. Together they became an ecosystem of specialists connected by one shared philosophy: strengthen the drivers, and the business gets stronger.
To build Canada's most trusted ecosystem of business specialists, helping organizations thrive by giving them access to the expertise, leadership, and support they need at every stage of their journey.
To help businesses thrive by connecting exceptional specialists through one collaborative ecosystem that strengthens every driver of business performance: Demand, Sales, Financial Performance, Operations, and Leadership.
How we work.
Discipline
We do what we say we will do, even when it is difficult. Consistency, accountability, and disciplined execution create exceptional results.
Speed
Progress comes from taking action. We move quickly, make informed decisions, and continuously improve rather than waiting for perfection.
Growth Mindset
Every challenge is an opportunity to learn. We embrace feedback, pursue continuous improvement, and commit to becoming better leaders, teammates, and professionals every day.
Giver's Mentality
We put people first. We create value before expecting anything in return, building relationships through generosity, service, collaboration, and a genuine desire to help others succeed.
How the ecosystem developed.
- Before
Accounting, leadership, and sales
Wayne UnRuh works across accounting, business leadership, large team management, and sales in the United States, leading businesses that thrived and businesses that struggled.
- Compass
Compass Online Marketing founded
Built to help businesses strengthen marketing and growth, and to solve the demand problem owners felt first.
- Leadership & Development
Be Wise Consulting
Consulting, leadership development, HR, recruitment, training, and implementation for owners who needed more than marketing.
- Local Presence
Look Locale
Traditional and local marketing for businesses whose customers live and spend nearby.
- Brand & Creative
Brand and Bloom
Higher touch branding and creative for companies whose identity had fallen behind the business.
- Financial
Schooley Mitchell within Be Wise
A franchise added to strengthen financial performance through strategic expense reduction.
- Today
One ecosystem
Each company was created to solve a specific business need. Together they became an ecosystem of specialists connected by one philosophy, and it is still growing.
Not sure where to start?
Book an ecosystem introduction with Jenna Raimbault. It is a conversation about your business, not a sales call. We will work out which areas need attention and connect you with the right expert.