Board of Directors
Jonathon Phinney, B.Sc., PMP – President & Director
Jon is a founding member of Upcycle Minerals Inc. and brings 15 years of experience in junior potash mining projects, including expertise in potash solution mining, fertilizer granulation, completing conceptual studies, and new process development. Jon is the co-author of Upcycle’s patent and three other patents unrelated to Upcycle. Jon is an active community volunteer with Saskatoon Aviation Museum and Kinsmen. Jon holds a bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences from the University of Manitoba, Project Management Professional designation from PMI, and is a Licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineer.
Michael Loo, CFA, M.Sc. – Secretary & Director
Michael is a founding member of Upcycle Minerals Inc. and brings 5 years of experience in junior potash mining projects, playing an active role in plant design, risk assessment, and operations. Michael also brings over 10 years of experience in financial services, structuring deals and developing financial models for tax and estate matters for entrepreneurial businesses and their owners. Michael speaks Mandarin Chinese and actively practices his Japanese, Italian, and French. In addition to winning numerous national and continental math competitions in his youth, Michael holds a master’s degree with merit in mathematical finance from the University of York (UK), a bachelor’s in engineering physics from the University of Alberta, and is a CFA Charterholder. In his little spare time, he is an active member of his local choir and supports the annual international film festival.
Richard (Rick) Yakimishyn, B.Ed. – Director
Rick is a founding member and Director of Upcycle minerals. Rick has been a successful entrepreneur for the last 15 years where he has founded and cofounded companies in both the construction and equipment industry, working closely with staff constructing large projects. Rick is a co-author for Upcycle’s patent. Rick holds a Bachelor of Education from Brandon University.
Jay McNeil, MBA - Director
Jay McNeil was appointed team president of the Calgary Stampeders on Jan. 23, 2024, and continues in this role today. After his playing career, McNeil built a strong business career, leading sales and business operations for several resource companies in Canada including Trinidad Drilling, Tervita, Secure Energy and most recently in the role of COO for Cleantek Industries.
McNeil played for the Calgary Stampeders from 1994 to 2007, earning Canadian Football League all-star recognition on three occasions and West Division all-star honours six times. McNeil was a member of Grey Cup-championship teams in 1998 and 2001 and was twice voted by teammates as the winner of the Presidents’ Ring for excellence on and off the field.
McNeil also serves as a trustee for the CFL Players Pension Plan and as vice-president of the Canadian Football League Players Association. He also continued his association with the Stampeders, acting as a community ambassador for the team’s alumni association. McNeil has a Bachelor of Business Administration from Kent State University and a Masters of Business Administration from the University of Fredericton.
Advisors
Anant Minhas, P.Eng., PMP – Senior Project Advisor
Anant brings over 20 years of experience in mining engineering including leadership/management roles at large mining operations with relevant experience in Potash extraction. Some previous roles include New Gold – Rainy River, General Manager K+S Windsor Salt and Morton Salt, PCS Cory Potash expansion, mine start-up Baffinland Iron Mines Corporation, mine start-up Tata Steel Minerals Canada, and Rio Tinto Diavik. Anant holds a Master of Engineering in Electrical Engineering from the University of Alberta and Project Management Professional designation from PMI.
Larry Trenouth, CMA, CPA, MBA – Controller
Larry's extensive experience in accounting, management, and entrepreneurship, combined with his educational background, has equipped him with a robust skill set to contribute significantly to Upcycle. His range of education and experience has spanned many years, and he has been a part of many industry sectors including manufacturing and professional services. His contributions have included building and administrating accounting and finance functions in organizations and participating in corporate development initiatives such transaction readiness, prospectus preparation and acquisitions. Larry graduated from the College of Commerce at the University of Saskatchewan and qualified as a Registered Industrial Accountant (RIA), later renamed Certified Management Accountant (CMA), and eventually Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA). He also completed an MBA through Queen’s University.
McKercher LLP – Legal Counsel
Since 1926, McKercher LLP has been a trusted name in Saskatchewan for all legal needs. As a top-ranked law firm with offices in Saskatoon and Regina, McKercher offers a range of legal and advisory services. McKercher’s core values of Integrity, Excellence, Respect, Collaboration, and Dedication provide exceptional service and makes a positive impact in our communities.