Northwood Staff Profile: Matthew Sonier

What do you do at Northwood?

I’m a trader on our Investments team, responsible for executing and monitoring portfolios, deploying and sourcing cash for various liquidity needs, and implementing trades for clients and our portfolio managers, and always seeking best execution for all orders.  I also provide support and guidance to our operational teams, provide market insight, and help mitigate client and firm risk.

What surprised you the most since you've been at Northwood?

What surprised me the most was learning about and seeing first-hand the meaningful and impactful relationships we develop with our clients’ entire family unit.  Beyond the financial and advisory guidance we’re able to provide our families, there’s a very special and personal bond we develop and foster for years and generations in some cases, which is really unique.  There’s a genuine and mutual care that we share with our families, and I think that speaks to the heart of Northwood as a firm.

What are your favourite things to do outside of work?

Outside of work I’m a very active person!  Backwoods camping, skiing, golf, hockey, rugby – you name it – I’m game!  My dog Shadow is a rescue Huskie from Northern Ontario, so she naturally keeps me very busy as well.  Whenever I’m not attempting some kind of home reno, I spend time with family, friends, and enjoying all that life has to offer!

Do you have a special hobby?

I don’t know if it’s a hobby, but it’s a rarer skill in a Canadian – and that is I love to surf!   Every summer my family and I would go down to Maine with family friends, and I had the fortune to learn at a younger age from one.  Our family friend  gave me a board, some pointers, and I never looked back.  Since then I’ve also surfed a few times in California and Costa Rica, and am looking forward to hitting the big waves in Maui.. one day..

Anything exciting coming up for you?

Christmas with the family of course!  We’re all doing our best to stay safe and healthy this year so we can all get together and celebrate with the ever-expanding family, including 1- and 4-year old cousins who certainly get in the spirit.  As we’ve done for as long as I can remember, we’ve always gotten together to have a laugh, share an amazing meal with some great wine, and look forward to a new and exciting year ahead!