OUR TEAM > ASHLEY WARD

BUSINESS COACH

Ashley Ward

“Every challenge is an opportunity to rewrite your business's story. Results-driven to my core, I help owners build the businesses and lives they never imagined possible one step at a time.”

BEST FIT FOR: You've tried the new hire, the new system, the new software, and you're still waiting for the results. I work best with owners who:

  • feel like they're playing whack-a-mole, solving the same problems again and again;

  • are buried in day-to-day decisions and tired of the business running them;

  • know there's a better way but haven't found it yet;

  • are at an inflection point, deciding between doubling down on profitability or investing to double the business;

  • want a partner with deep strategy and sales experience to help them reclaim their time and build a scalable asset.

ABOUT ME

I'm an athlete, and sport has taught me some of the most important lessons of my life. Clear goals, discipline, a defined program, and a coach who's committed to your success matter just as much as raw talent over the long run, and often more.

In my early twenties I hit my first real inflection point. I'd built a contracting business while attending college, and I had to choose between applying to medical school and following my passion for business. Business won. I had the bug.

In those first few years of running my own business, I saw how closely excellence in sport mirrors excellence in business. You need clear goals, a strong plan, great people (including a coach) and relentless execution. That belief has shaped every chapter since.

 After completing my MBA at Ivey, I spent six years in management consulting, working across dozens of small and medium-sized businesses. I learned to diagnose quickly, find the real issue beneath the obvious one, and build practical plans owners could actually execute.

From there I co-founded Maple Organics, Canada's first organic pharmaceuticals company. Building it from the ground up taught me what it means to bet on yourself, sell a new idea to the market, and make every dollar count. 

Most recently, I spent seven years as COO of Romex Hardscapes. Alongside my business partners, I helped grow the company from four employees into a multinational operating across Canada and the U.S. We scaled through the classic growing pains: hiring ahead of the curve, building systems that held up under pressure, developing sales teams and navigating the decisions that come with explosive growth.

Strategy and sales are where I do my best work. I love helping owners get clear on where they're going, build a plan to get there and create the revenue engine to fuel it. Then I'm right there with them, challenge by challenge, as they make it happen.

 Outside of work, I'm a wife and mom of three, based in Vancouver with East Coast roots. Outside of work you'll most often find me training for my next triathlon, getting outside, volunteering in our community or planning our next family adventure.

I've been coached, I've coached others, and I've seen what's possible when an owner has the right plan and the right person in their corner. That's the role I want to play for you.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Master of Business Administration,

    Ivey Business School

  • Bachelor of Science, Mathematics and Biology, Acadia University, 2004

  • Graduate Certificate in Executive Coaching, Royal Roads Enrolled

EXPERIENCE

  • 20+ years owning, operating and leading businesses

  • 20+ years building and leading sales teams

  • 7 years as COO of Romex Hardscapes, growing it from 4 employees to a multinational, plus 5 years on its Board of Directors

  • 7 years in franchising, from College Pro franchisee and General Manager to franchise development at O2E Brands

  • 6+ years in management consulting focused on strategy, profitability, revenue growth and people systems

  • 3 years as Co-founder and Co-CEO of Maple Organics, Canada's first organic pharmaceuticals company

  • 10+ years working in business partnerships

  • 2 successful business exits

INDUSTRIES

  • Mostly industry agnostic

  • Manufacturing and distribution

  • Building products and construction

  • Consumer products and health

  • Home services and franchising

  • Companies expanding across borders (Canada–U.S.)

AREAS OF FOCUS

  • Business goals, strategy and roadmaps

  • Revenue growth plans and execution

  • Building and leading high-performing sales teams

  • Defining roles and building great teams

  • Navigating complex people dynamics

  • Financial visibility and confident decision-making

  • Leading change and scaling with intention