by Scott Ronalds

Spot prawn season officially opened on the West Coast earlier this month. For a few short weeks in May and June, these sweet, succulent crustaceans that thrive in the coastal waters of B.C. go on sale to the public.

You can buy them two ways: from your local seafood shop, or directly from the boat.

For true spot prawn enthusiasts, the direct-to-consumer route (DTC) is the way to go. Buying straight from the boat means no middlemen, no extra commissions, and no packaging fees. It’s fresher, cheaper and offers a uniquely personal experience. More on that in a moment.

If you’ve ever visited our Vancouver office, you’ll know we’re a stone’s throw away from Granville Island — home to one of the main marinas where the prawn boats pull in to sell their bounty. I picked up a two-pound bag last week and they didn’t disappoint. Neither did the experience. There’s something to be said about breathing in the salty air, chatting with the fishers, and watching the marine life bustle around the docks.

Insider tip: flash boil your prawns for 60 seconds, then sauté in melted butter with garlic and a finely chopped Thai chili pepper (seeds removed). Cook for an additional minute or two over medium heat, then finish with a healthy squeeze of lemon juice and a sprinkle of rock salt. Serve with a warm sourdough baguette and a B.C. chardonnay. You’re welcome.

Now, let’s bring this back to investing.

The DTC model has flourished in industries like apparel, beauty, and farm-to-table food. In the U.S., investment firms like Vanguard have embraced the model, offering their products and services directly to clients and building enormous trust and scale in the process.

But in Canada, the story’s different. Most financial products are still sold through intermediaries—advisors, brokers, or bank reps. There’s a layer between the client and the investment solution that adds cost, and potential slippage around communication and reporting, which in turn can lead to an inferior client experience.

Why hasn’t it changed? Because the traditional model is highly profitable — for the intermediaries and the institutions behind them.

As one of the few “direct distribution” investment firms in Canada focused on serving investors with $10,000 to $1 million, we’re able to control every aspect of the client experience. That means:

• Real people (live, skilled professionals) answering your calls promptly. 
• A low fee schedule that rewards loyalty and puts more money in your pocket. 
• Reporting to you clearly, as we would want to be reported to ourselves. 
• Clear-cut advice tailored to your financial situation by professionals who know our investment funds inside out. We built them and manage them, after all.

Just like with spot prawns, going straight to the source in investing means better quality, fewer layers, and a more rewarding experience. Bon appétit.