Age: 39
Occupation: Founder and CEO, McRally; CFO, Global Philanthropic Canada
As a first-generation immigrant, Quan Ly experienced many struggles growing up, but credits being forced to overcome those challenges for his successes. “My family and I were always trying to stay afloat, so it was growing up through adversity and having that persistence, hard work, dedication,” Ly says.
A chartered professional accountant, Ly started his career at Deloitte in 2007, but he knew he was destined to be an entrepreneur. “It was instilled in me that, if you want control over your destiny and if you want true freedom in life, carve your own path,” he says. In 2015, he left Deloitte and started his own firm, McRally, and has since grown it to a team of 11. The boutique cloud-accounting and consulting firm provides financial leadership and tailored solutions to more than 60 local businesses. Ly’s entrepreneurial spirit also led to him becoming a co-owner of Evil Corporation Brewing, a small-batch craft brewery that is known for its unique flavours and innovative bar-free taproom setup.
His philanthropic endeavours are similarly well-rounded. In 2023, he was appointed Chief Financial Officer at Global Philanthropic Canada, an organization that advises non-profits on executing large-scale fundraising and strategic initiatives.
Ly also volunteers locally, currently serving a third term as treasurer on the board of the Calgary Society of Independent Filmmakers. Additionally, he’s a mentor in the Rotary Club’s Carl Smith Stay-in-School Program, where he was once an award recipient. Through McRally, Ly is a sponsor and supporter of Ace High, a Stampede fundraiser that has raised just over $147,000 for Trellis Society over the past three years (Ly’s individual donation is approximately 10 per cent of that amount). “I have a true desire to help people, connect with people, and just do better for the world,” he says.
Thank yous
“Mom and Dad; Jenny and Lawrence; Yvonne and Nick; Sandy and MaryBeth; Shawn Freeman and Murlyne Fong; the entire McRally team (Leslie, Yumiko, Carissa, Sandra, Tsagi, Julia, Adrienne, Nourel); the Evil Corp Brewing team (Dan, Mel, Jackson, Leone, Jade); Guy Mallabone and the Global Philanthropic Canada management team; Andrew Long and The CSIF board members.”
Top 40 Under 40 2024
Eluvier Acosta & Juan Castillo