Our Team

Robert Pesti, CLU, EPC

Licensed for Life Insurance Products
Licensed for Mutual Funds through
FundEX Investments Inc

Rob has 22 years experience in the financial services industry, starting as a money trader for a schedule A Bank and then advancing into Estate and Retirement planning.

Rob brings to the company, experience in the wealth management services area along with a solid working knowledge of creative tax strategies.

Rob completed his Elder Planning Counselor course in 2004 which complements his Chartered Life Underwriting degree.

He has had extensive experience in assisting individuals and business owners with their intricate transitions. These can involve everything from marriages, divorces, births, deaths, retirement, health problems, aging, selling businesses or business succession.

All these "life events" impact us in ways that usually involve finances. Rob's role is to assist in walking through these issues in the most efficient way.

When away from the office Rob enjoys spending time on his acreage with his wife Maureen and their 2 daughters.

Todd MacKenzie, Associate

Todd was born and raised in Victoria and attended the University of Victoria before entering the Financial Service industry in 1996 with Laurentian Financial. In 1998 through 2001 he work for Manulife Financial & Securities acquiring much of his early knowledge and experience working along side some of Victoria's most qualified planners; where Todd was consistently recognized for his quality of work in properly accessing and managing client's insurance needs. During this time Todd also mentored under Robert Pesti, and eventually joined his team after Manulife demutualized, closing the Victoria office.

After 15 years of practical and acquired experience and still working with Rob and The Legacy Group, Todd finds balance in his family with wife Jenni and their two children.

Melissa Huston,
Executive Assistant

Licensed for Life Insurance Products
Licensed Assistant for Mutual Funds through FundEX Investments Inc

Originally from the prairies, Melissa came to Victoria in 1999 to attend the University of Victoria. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 2006 and began working in the financial industry later on that year.

Since then, Melissa has completed numerous courses in the field, and in August 2009, she was delighted to join Rob's team at The Legacy Group as Office Administrator and Executive Assistant. Dedicated to a high level of client service, Melissa is the primary go-to person for client servicing.

When outside of the office, Melissa enjoys sampling the variety of activities available in Victoria, but especially relishes time with her husband and their two cats.

Karen Foxall,
Administrative Assistant

Graduate of University of Victoria with a BSc in Geography and Economics. Has been employed as a Geographical Information Systems (GIS) technician with companies that consulted in emergency response, and forestry applications. Took time out of the workforce to raise three active boys which allowed her to become heavily involved within the schools both as a volunteer and as a member of PAC executive. Karen is excited to be back in an office setting putting her organizational skills to work.

Trent Abbott, CHS, RCIS

Licensed only for Life Insurance Products

Trent began in the Insurance Industry with Canada Life in 1990 and now focuses his practice in the field of living benefits. In 1999 Trent joined The Legacy Group as a partner.

Today, Trent has amassed over 17 years of experience and has a client base consisting primarily of self-employed business owners.

He helps protect the growth and income issues of these clients with many specialized products and planning techniques.

Trent enjoys living in Victoria with his wife Jane and their three children, Tyson, Vienna and Teaghan.

Joanne Barnes, RCIS
Administrative Assistant

Having a varied office background including commercial & personal insurance, healthcare, computer software and advertising, Joanne came to The Legacy Group in 2006.

She enjoys customer care and detail work. Joanne has a Bachelor of Arts in Honors English from UVIC and has studied various courses including business administration, insurance, calligraphy, and natural medicine.

Outside of work, Joanne enjoys spending time with her family and is very involved in the local community theatre scene. Her favorite roles include "Holly" in Langham Court Theatre's "An Act of the Imagination" and "Truvy" in Peninsula Players' "Steel Magnolias".