Our leadership team has complementary expertise and a track record of delivering results.

Dan Uszynski

President and Executive VP Operations

Dan Uszynski is a professional engineer with a distinguished career spanning over four decades. As a seasoned leader in operations management, he specializes in transforming and optimizing organizational performance. With a wealth of expertise, Dan has held prominent roles, including Chief Operating Officer, Vice President of Operations, and General Manager, with a significant focus on the automotive industry.

Throughout his career, Dan has demonstrated an exceptional ability to drive organizational change and deliver measurable results. His strategic approach includes restructuring, fostering innovation, and ensuring effective management practices. Dan has a proven track record of reviving underperforming and distressed organizations by collaborating with management and executive teams to build world-class operational capabilities. His work has emphasized excellence in risk management, strategic planning, and sustainable growth, cementing his reputation as a leader who turns challenges into opportunities for long-term success.

Rob Morrell

VP Business Development

Rob Morrell serves as Chair of the Strategy Committee at Big North Capital, bringing over 25 years of experience in executive management, strategy development, and commercial operational excellence. Rob leads the team responsible for ensuring Big North Capital organizational structure and capabilities align with its ambitious goals. Before joining Big North Capital, Rob held senior leadership positions within Canadian fast-moving consumer goods sector, including his role as Senior Director of Integrated Business Planning at MolsonCoors. There, he spearheaded initiatives to enhance the organizations’ ability to turn strategy into both short- and long-term results.

Rob earned his Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of New Brunswick. His extensive background in strategic planning has been vital in guiding Big North Capital investment and growth initiatives, ensuring continued value creation for its stakeholders. Robs commitment to excellence in leadership and strategic planning underpins his contributions to the firms success.

Gregory Steele

VP Finance

Greg Steele is a seasoned finance professional with extensive experience in both industry and consulting. He began his career in IT, transitioning to IT project management before dedicating 16 years to various finance roles in the food industry, where he supported manufacturing, sales, and marketing. For the past 17 years, Greg has focused on consulting, helping companies enhance their operations by improving profitability and implementing best in class financial systems and processes. His diverse finance leadership experience includes startups, manufacturers, and sales distribution companies. Additionally, Greg has hands-on experience in buying, selling, renovating, and managing his own residential real estate portfolio. His deep financial systems and multifaceted business background set him up to significantly contribute to the organization’s success.

Greg holds an MBA with a major in Finance from McGill University, a BSc in Computer Science from Memorial University, and is a CPA CMA. 

Sofia Pino

VP People & Organizational Effectiveness

Sofia Pino is a Certified Human Resources Leader, accredited coach, and business strategist with over 15 years of experience in driving organizational transformation. Her expertise spans diverse industries, including startups, retail, hospitality, and healthcare. Sofia is known for her ability to build strong relationships and align human capital with strategic business objectives, making her a key contributor to enhancing operational efficiency and fostering resilient workplace cultures. Her commitment to empowering individuals and organizations ensures lasting, meaningful success.

Sofia holds a Bachelor of Commerce and is a dedicated educator, mentor, and community volunteer. Recognized for her ability to navigate complex challenges, she brings a holistic approach to her work, blending strategic insights with practical solutions. Sofia’s passion for growth and transformation continues to make her an invaluable asset to the firm’s mission of driving excellence and innovation.

John Alegrias

VP Real Estate Operations

John Alegrias brings over 35 years of leadership experience, with a unique blend of expertise in both the aviation and construction industries. John leverages his background in operations, logistics, and project management to oversee the firm’s diverse real estate portfolio and maximize asset value. Beyond his aviation career, where he served as Pilot, Director of Operations and General Manager at Toronto’s Pearson International Airport, John has a proven track record in construction and renovation, transforming his family’s business into a thriving enterprise. His ability to manage complex projects and drive financial success is instrumental in advancing the firm’s strategic goals.

John’s experience chairing the Airlines Operators Committee (AOC) at Pearson Airport honed his skills in regulatory compliance and negotiation, further enhancing his capacity to lead large-scale initiatives. John’s expertise in asset management, coupled with his background in construction, continues to be a key driver of success for the firm’s real estate and investment operations.

Deepak Arora

VP Technology

Deepak Arora is a seasoned software industry veteran with 30 years of experience, currently serving as VP of Product Management at Oracle Canada.  His extensive background in software equips him with transferable skills in analytics, strategic planning, and process optimization.  Additionally, with over 25 years in real estate investment, he has cultivated a substantial portfolio of single-family homes and multi-unit rental properties, while also engaging in private lending for the past decade. Deepak specializes in deal creation, leveraging financial instruments such as VTB and private equity funding to enhance value for all investors involved. Having participated in over 250 real estate transactions, his expertise not only fuels his passion for the industry but also equips him to contribute meaningfully to the firm’s investment initiatives.

Deepak holds an MBA with a major in finance from Queen's University and an MSc in Control Systems for Nuclear Power Plants. 

Alok Pathak

VP Tenant Relations

Alok Pathak brings over a decade of experience in property management and private lending to his role as VP Tenant Relations. Having overseen a family-run portfolio of 400+ rental suites across multiple cities, Alok developed expertise in all facets of property management, including tenant relations, maintenance, contractor coordination, and large asset transactions.  Alok’s hands-on experience, combined with his recent focus on private lending for residential properties, provides him with a well-rounded perspective on real estate and investment strategies.

In addition to his work with larger rental properties, he has owned and operated smaller rental investments both individually and with partners. His deep understanding of property management, coupled with his transition to private lending, underscores his ability to navigate complex transactions and maximize value within the real estate sector. Alok’s diverse expertise is a valuable asset in supporting the firm’s goals and operations.