David C. Bentall

David C. Bentall is a distinguished third-generation member of Vancouver's Bentall family and founding principal of Next Step Advisors Inc. After graduating from UBC and Harvard Business School, he spent 20 years in his family's business, serving as President and CEO of Dominion Construction, where he doubled annual sales to nearly $300 million. His unique expertise comes from experiencing three distinct succession scenarios: as a thwarted successor in a failed transition, as a successful president, and finally as a business seller in 1998. Following the family business sale, he co-founded the Business Families Centre at UBC's Sauder School of Business, serving as founding chair for five years. As an executive coach certified by the International Coaches Federation and Fellow of the Family Firm Institute, he has advised over 180 families on succession planning. His insights are captured in three books about family business succession and leadership. Beyond his professional achievements, he is a four-time Canadian National Water Ski Championships gold medalist and was ranked world number one in his age group for slalom skiing in 2013. His teaching excellence was recognized with an award from UBC in 2010, and he continues to share his expertise through speaking engagements and advisory services worldwide. Married to Alison for over 40 years, they have four children and eight grandchildren.