Our Team

Robert Pesti, CLU, EPC, CIM

Licensed for Life Insurance Products

Rob has 27 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. In 2016, Rob achieved his Chartered Investment Manager designation (CIM). This designation is a step further in partnering with our existing Portfolio Managers and providing professional management advice for our clients.

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.

Melissa Huston,
Personal Insurance Specialist

Licensed for Life Insurance Products in British Columbia and Ontario

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 privileged to join Rob's team at The Legacy Group as Office Administrator and Executive Assistant.

Melissa is now taking on new clients of her own. Taking a holistic approach, she is addressing client's insurance and investments needs from a complete financial planning perspective. Melissa has learnt the industry from the inside out, giving her a unique advantage for ensuring client needs are taken care quickly and efficiently.

When outside of the office, Melissa volunteers as Vice Chair of the Burnside Gorge Community Association. She also enjoys sampling the variety of arts and cultural activities available in Victoria, but especially relishes time with her husband and their two cats.

Trent Abbott, CHS, RCIS

Licensed only for Life Insurance Products

Website: legacygroupinsurance.com

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.

Todd MacKenzie, Associate

Licensed for Life Insurance Products

Born and raised in Victoria, Todd attended the University of Victoria before entering the Financial Service industry in 1996 with Laurentian Financial. Much of Todd's early knowledge and experience was acquired while employed at Manulife Financial & Securities, working alongside some of Victoria's most qualified financial planners. It was during this time that Todd also mentored under Robert Pesti, a valuable experience that eventually led to Todd joining The Legacy Group.

Complemented by a strong business background, Todd offers 19 years of practical and acquired experience in the Financial Service Industry. From individuals, families, professionals and business owners, Todd prides himself on the quality of service and understanding he provides in properly accessing and managing each client's unique insurance and investment needs. Todd also finds that important work/life balance with an active lifestyle and through his son Oliver's, endeavours.

Ava Vanderschaaf,
Administrative Assistant

Ava was born in Victoria and raised in Duncan. She has graduated from Camosun College with her Heath Care Certificate.

Ava is thrilled to be a part of the Legacy team, and to be experiencing her administrative skills. She is the daughter to Rob Pesti and enjoys working with her father. She is a social outgoing person, and always enjoys getting to know new people.

Outside of the office Ava appreciates the out doors and spending time with her husband Robert.