On September 8, members of ELO’s Peer Advisory Group (PAG) gathered at Trading Post Brewing - Fort Langley Eatery in historic Fort Langley, BC, for a site visit that blended entrepreneurial insights with excellent food and drink.
The brewery and eatery, founded in 2016 by Lance Verhoeff with the support of his father, Paul Verhoeff, has carved out a strong reputation in one of the toughest industries—the hospitality sector. Many of you may remember Lance and Paul sharing their story at the ELO Forum Vancouver 2024 (catch the podcast replay here).
A Taste of Entrepreneurship (and Beer)
During the visit, members enjoyed a curated “flight” of beers while learning firsthand from Lance about the brewing process, the challenges of launching in a competitive marketplace, and the hard-earned lessons behind Trading Post’s success. As Lance noted, the restaurant and brewery world is full of failed ventures—yet Trading Post has not only survived, but thrived, through a mix of vision, grit, and community connection.
The conversation—and the hospitality—gave members a memorable experience that went far beyond the pint glass.
Why Site Visits Matter
ELO’s Peer Advisory Groups are designed to foster the personal and professional growth of Christian business leaders. Composed of senior executives and owner-operators, PAG members meet every two months for peer-to-peer learning, one-on-one strategy reviews, and leadership webinars. Site visits like this one are a cornerstone of the program—bringing theory to life through authentic stories of entrepreneurial courage and creativity.
Peer Advisory Groups: Learning, Growing, Thriving
The ELO Peer Advisory Groups are comprised of Christian senior executives, entrepreneurs, and business leaders from across Canada who are committed to learning, growing, and finding deeper meaning in their businesses. By connecting with like-minded peers from non-competing industries, members sharpen their entrepreneurial skills and strengthen their leadership. With input from professional advisors and global expert presenters, PAG members gain practical strategies to prosper both in their business practices and as Christians in the marketplace. Together, members collaborate to tackle real business challenges, offering each other trusted advice and fresh perspectives.
Over the years, PAG members have gone behind the scenes at organizations including:
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Purolator National Hub (Toronto, ON)
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Cooke Aquaculture with co-founder Mike Cooke (Saint John, NB)
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Osoyoos Indian Band with Chief Clarence Louie (Osoyoos, BC)
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Krause Berry Farms with Alf and Sandee Krause (Langley, BC)
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JJ Bean Coffee Roasters with founder John Neate (Vancouver, BC)
Each visit offers more than a tour; it's an invitation to learn, ask questions, and be inspired by leaders who bring their faith and entrepreneurial vision into the marketplace.
Growing Together as Leaders
The visit to Trading Post Brewing was another reminder of what makes ELO’s Peer Advisory Groups unique: authentic connections, practical wisdom, and experiences that stretch leaders to think differently about their own journeys.
Interested in joining a group of like-minded leaders committed to growth, accountability, and impact? Contact Kyla Jacobs at Kyla@ELONetwork.org for more details on ELO’s Peer Advisory Groups📩.