Delivering superior returns to shareholders doesn’t happen by accident. It takes foresight, discipline, and a people-first mindset to build businesses that not only generate results but stand the test of time. Few leaders embody this approach as completely as Lawrence Krimker. A serial entrepreneur and award-winning CEO based in Toronto, Krimker has earned a reputation for creating shareholder value through strategic innovation, disciplined capital management, and a company culture rooted in genuine human connection.
A Proven Track Record of Growth and Returns
Krimker’s leadership style has yielded impressive outcomes. At the helm of a national home improvement financing company, he led the business through a period of explosive growth. Over just three years, investors realized a 44% internal rate of return (IRR) and over a three-times multiple on invested capital (MOIC). These returns weren’t the result of luck or market timing. They were the outcome of a focused, multi-faceted leadership philosophy grounded in team culture, transformative growth initiatives, and meticulous financial discipline.
People First: Culture as the Engine of Performance
At the core of Krimker’s success lies a people-first philosophy. “The fact that we did three times MOIC with a 44% IRR just speaks to the quality of our people and the culture we created,” Krimker has said. He understands that no strategy—no matter how brilliant—can be executed without an engaged, stable, and motivated team.
From the start, Krimker prioritizes hiring not only for skill but for cultural alignment and growth mindset. He believes that great businesses begin with great people—and that those people must be supported to thrive. This means investing in individual development, ensuring employees have the tools and freedom to succeed, and reinforcing a culture of collaboration.
It’s also the small things that matter. Each week, Krimker sets aside time to write personal notes to team members and customers to acknowledge milestones and achievements. In a digital world, these handwritten letters and phone calls create lasting impressions. “It’s about connection,” he says—one that translates into loyalty, lower turnover, and stronger performance.
Under his leadership, the company was repeatedly recognized as one of Canada’s 50 Best Places to Work, including multiple honours as a top workplace for women. Executive turnover was virtually zero, with senior leaders staying six years or more. These are not just feel-good stats—they’re competitive advantages that compound over time.
Leadership from 30,000 Feet to 3 Feet
Krimker often speaks of leading “from 30,000 feet to three feet.” For him, effective leadership means maintaining a broad strategic view while staying close to the ground realities of the business. That means shadowing customer service reps, walking job sites, and talking directly with installers—not to micromanage, but to ensure alignment between long-term strategy and daily execution.
This philosophy is a continuation of a mindset Krimker developed early. As a student at Schulich School of Business, he ran mentorship workshops in Toronto’s Jane-Finch neighbourhood, helping youth access government grants and understand entrepreneurship. It’s this blend of vision and hands-on action that continues to define his leadership today.
Transformational Growth Through Smart Transactions
With a strong culture in place, Krimker has been able to lead bold growth strategies. One of the most notable was the acquisition of Snap Financial, which brought $350 million in assets under administration and increased the customer base fivefold—from 8,000 to 40,000. Over four years, he led eight strategic mergers and acquisitions that significantly expanded the business’s reach, product mix, and revenue.
But growth wasn’t limited to acquisitions. Krimker also led the creation of the industry’s first fully digital lending platform for home improvement financing—an end-to-end solution for contractors and homeowners. This innovation not only improved efficiency but differentiated the brand in a competitive market.
He also introduced a pioneering credit top-up feature, unlocking unused pre-approved credit capacity for existing customers. This product was a market disruptor, embraced by consumers and noted by competitors. For Krimker, these innovations weren’t about chasing trends—they were about identifying pain points and delivering better experiences at scale.
Disciplined Capital Management
Krimker’s approach to capital is as rigorous as it is strategic. He built a robust financial planning and analysis (FP&A) function with high-performing talent and a culture of accountability. Daily financial reporting and weekly reviews ensured financial health wasn’t just a boardroom concern but a company-wide discipline.
This structured approach gave his teams the agility to move quickly without sacrificing control. It also enabled consistent performance, even during periods of rapid expansion or industry disruption. For Krimker, capital isn’t just a resource—it’s a responsibility. And managing it well is central to delivering outsized returns.
The Krimker Blueprint: Vision, People, Discipline
From mentoring entrepreneurs in under-resourced communities to building national-scale enterprises, Lawrence Krimker has always operated with a long-term view. His investment strategy reflects this same balance. In businesses where he can offer hands-on guidance, he invests actively—bringing more than just capital to the table. In sectors like biotech and crypto, where market knowledge is specialized, he entrusts top-tier advisors and applies a passive strategy anchored in discipline and trust.
What ties it all together is a core belief: that success is not only about profit, but about purpose. Whether supporting startups, leading acquisitions, or investing in employee development, Krimker consistently chooses the path of sustainable growth and lasting value.