As Canada's pre-eminent corporate restructuring specialist, Hap Stephen has brought back to life the likes of retailer Dylex Ltd, Algoma Steel Inc and the most recent Stelco. Stephen's two-person firm, Stonecrest Capital Inc, pocketed more than $4.1 million in fees as a reward for refloating Stelco, a sum that drew criticism in some labor circles when it was reported last year. Stephen will not say it, but corporate Canada's Mr. Fix-It likely earned every cent of his fees. While Stephen's CA training is invaluable when it comes to breaking down balance sheets and assessing corporate cash flows, observers say his unflappable personality and resolute good humor are his best attributes. Perhaps it is just post-Stelco syndrome, but Stephen hopes to focus Stonecrest more on the investment side of the business, advising potential investors looking at distressed companies and giving guidance to creditor groups during restructurings, as opposed to the large, public restructurings he has been doing, although the firm will continue to handle these restructurings.

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