Laurie's principal roles prior to People First included the position of Chief Operating Officer and Office of the President of Assante Corporation, a TSE listed company, and prior to that, Managing Partner with Arthur Andersen.

During his tenure with Assante, he led the organization from approximately 100 employees to become one of the largest non-bank owned financial services companies in Canada, with some 2,500 employees and advisors, managing approximately $22 billion in client assets. Assante's portfolio also included a leading sports and entertainment services organization in the U.S. In 2003, the Canadian operations of Assante were sold for almost $1 billion.

Laurie graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) Degree from the University of Manitoba and is a Chartered Accountant by profession.