ABOUT Major Rock
Explore information about Major Rock investing company
The history of Major Rock
Major Rock Corporation (formerly Armstrong Group) was founded by Peter Armstrong. At 21, while working as a doorman at Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, Peter’s entrepreneurial spirit became evident when he formed Spotlight Tours – a specialized sightseeing bus company in Vancouver. This was the beginning of his career in the tourism and hospitality industry.
In 1979, Peter privatized Gray Line, a passenger bus company owned by the government of British Columbia. Ten years later, ever ambitious, he assembled a team to bid on Rocky Mountaineer after the Federal Government privatized the tourist train between B.C. and Alberta. Facing tough competition, the newly established Great Canadian Railtour Company (GCRC) was announced as the successful bidder.
Today, GCRC is known as Rocky Mountaineer, an award-winning luxury tourism train. Alongside its growth, the Armstrong Family diversified their portfolio within the communities that they know and love. What has become Invictus Properties was established in 2007 with the purchase of the Executive Inn (today’s Delta Kamloops), and later Alder Bay Equity Partners in 2015. In January 2023, Tristan along with Ashley and Chelsea assumed the leadership of the family businesses under Major Rock’s portfolio.
As a company, Major Rock appreciates the importance of the decisions we make today and how they will influence our existing, and future generations of team members, and companies and communities we operate in.
Our team
Peter has enjoyed an extensive career in the Tourism Industry. His entrepreneurial journey began in 1974 when he started his first business. Soon thereafter, he jointly acquired Gray Line of Vancouver. Ever determined, and with a passion for the hospitality and tourism sector, Peter continued his adventure with a group of partners, acquiring the rights to Rocky Mountaineer, privatizing it from Via Rail. Over three decades later, the business is recognized around the world as best in class. In January of 2023, Peter transitioned the leadership of the family office and Major Rock companies to his children: Ashley, Chelsea & Tristan. He remains involved, representing the family interest in Alder Bay Equity Partners. Throughout his career, Peter has volunteered considerable time to business and community boards. His passion beyond collecting Churchillian artifacts and his seven grandchildren is the Nature Trust of BC, where he currently serves as their Board Chair.
Having grown up in the tourism industry, Tristan is the second-generation leader of Major Rock Corporation. In this role, Tristan oversees the growth strategy and capital allocation decisions while leading the different business units. Tristan serves as the President & CEO of Invictus Properties as well as the Executive Chairman of Rocky Mountaineer. Previously, Tristan worked in a variety of sales and marketing roles outside of the family business and has a BA from the University of Western Ontario. Tristan lives in Toronto, Ontario with his wife Tara and kids. He enjoys running marathons and playing tennis.
Chelsea Armstrong has extensive experience with global consumer brands, including Burberry and Kate Spade in New York, Aritzia in Vancouver, and Perry Ellis International in Los Angeles. Chelsea also has tourism experience from the 2010 Olympic Winter Games and product development roles at Rocky Mountaineer. Building on this experience, Chelsea launched Jubilee Jones, a jewellery, and accessories brand in 2017. Chelsea also serves as the Managing Director of the Armstrong Family Foundation in addition to being a Board Member of Rocky Mountaineer. Chelsea lives with her husband Ryan and kids in sunny Los Angeles. She loves adventuring around the city, beach days, and sewing.
A native of Vancouver, BC, Ashley has worked in the not-for-profit sector working for the Forum for Women Entrepreneurs and The Business Families Centre at UBC. After working as a management consultant in London, UK for several years, she returned to Vancouver where she worked in various roles at the Rocky Mountaineer, including in the sales and analytics departments. She has served on the board of directors for the Rocky Mountaineer since 2016. Ashley has a BA from Queen’s University and an MBA from UBC's Sauder School of Business. Ashley lives in Vancouver with her husband Ryan and kids. She loves to read and play tennis.
Ada is responsible for the execution of strategy and capital allocation for the family office, as well as wealth and risk management of the shareholders, and general governance of the various entities in Major Rock. She has been working with the Armstrong family since 2005 and was previously in the tax group of a major public accounting firm, specializing in private companies. She loves playing tennis, travelling and enjoys her new status as an empty nester with her husband, while their two sons are off to university.
Marc-Antoine leads investments for the different business units of Major Rock while acting as an observer on the boards of Rocky Mountaineer, Invictus Properties, and Alder Bay Equity Partners. Previously, Marc-Antoine worked on the investment teams of Sagard Holdings and CPPIB in various positions and has a BCom from McGill University. Marc-Antoine lives in Toronto, Ontario with his wife Michelle. In his free time, he enjoys travelling, playing tennis, and reading.
Nick is a Chartered Professional Accountant with a strong background in accounting, financial planning, and analysis as well as capital management. With a strategic mindset, he specializes in effective capital allocation strategies that optimize financial resources and drive sustainable growth. Leveraging his expertise in finance and accounting, he is dedicated to delivering accurate financial reporting, insights, and strategies. Nick enjoys stand-up comedy, podcasts, tennis, and cookouts.
Antonietta holds a CPA-CA designation and has completed Parts I and II of the CPA In-Depth Tax Course. She primarily provides tax planning and specializes in tax compliance for personal and corporate tax returns. With a commitment to staying informed about new developments in tax legislation, Antonietta aims to tailor financial strategies to minimize tax burdens while fully complying with tax laws. Outside of work, she enjoys cooking, hiking, watching soccer and spending time with family and friends.
Karla is an experienced accountant specializing in financial statement preparations, tax due diligence and tax compliance. She is responsible for the department’s accurate tax compliance and preparation of financial statements and reports, budgets, payments, and funds allocation. Outside of work, Karla enjoys spending time with friends and family, biking, and yoga.
Jay is responsible for ensuring accurate and efficient management of financial records for various groups under Major Rock. His experience in the public practice, hospitality, and manufacturing industries allows him to effectively manage the preparation of financial statements for multiple entities and indirect tax preparation and filing. He holds an MBA, a Master’s degree in Accounts, and a CA intermediate degree. Jay enjoys travelling, being outdoors, and loves playing cricket.
Dessie is the functional point person and administrative support to the Founder’s corporate, community and personal matters. She is responsible for the efficient and smooth operations of the Founder’s office. Prior to Major Rock, Dessie worked for a private investment company and major public accounting firms in similar roles. In her free time, Dessie enjoys time with family, the outdoors, watching movies and travelling.
Cathryn is responsible for providing administrative support to the President & CEO and select shareholders. She keeps everyone organized, everything structured, and transforms chaos into smooth operations. Prior to Major Rock, Cathryn worked for major public accounting firm as a Partner Assistant working with global and regional leadership. When not working, she enjoys the coastal life with her young family.
