About Us
Joe and Rae have been life and business partners since a chance meeting in Miami in 2016 - the catalyst for everything that followed. Since then, they've worked around the world and at sea: as luxury sales consultants, auctioneers, HR and operations professionals, and, for one chapter, comic-book producers. The pattern has held throughout - strong revenue, satisfied clients, and repeat business.
Based in Kelowna, British Columbia, Welton Forrester & Co. is the firm built on that track record.
Our mission is simple: to help people and organisations thrive. Whether we're building high-performing teams, delivering unforgettable fundraising events, or solving complex commercial challenges, we believe great relationships and practical expertise create extraordinary results.
Our Values
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Integrity- We do what we say we'll do.
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Partnership- Your goals become our goals.
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Excellence- We believe exceptional results come from exceptional standards.
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People First - We believe great businesses are built by great people.
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Results Driven- Every recommendation has a purpose and delivers measurable impact.
Rae Forrester
Co-Founder and Operations director
Rae began her cruise industry career in 2014 and has since built an international career- spanning luxury retail, cruise operations, HR, auctioneering, and leadership.
Having lived and worked at sea herself, she understands the unique demands of shipboard life and is passionate about developing people, building high-performing teams, and creating positive experiences for both crew and guests.
As Co-Founder & Operations Director, Rae leads the company's operational delivery and plays a key role in shaping its recruitment, onboarding, and crew wellbeing services. With experience in counselling and mental health, she is passionate about developing practical, people-first support solutions that enhance the crew experience, strengthen retention, and help clients build resilient, successful teams.
Joe Welton
Joe's career spans luxury art sales, international business development, and licensing across North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. He built his commercial instincts at sea, managing gallery teams and leading live auction events aboard cruise ships, before going on to manage a contemporary art gallery in the UK, lead go-to-market strategy for a global licensed collectibles brand, and drive enterprise partnerships for firms serving Fortune 500 clients.
That range gives Welton Forrester a rare combination: the platform sales and client relationship skill of a working art auctioneer, paired with the strategic rigour of a B2B dealmaker. As the Commerical Director, Joe is registered with the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers, building toward chartered status in the maritime industry.
Co-Founder and Commercial Director
MARK WELTON
SENIOR ADVISOR- MBA, CCLP
With more than 40 years of international business experience spanning two continents, Mark has built a career helping organisations improve performance, navigate change, and achieve sustainable growth. His expertise spans organisational redesign, performance management, leadership coaching, negotiation, and supply chain management, bringing a strategic yet practical perspective to every client engagement.
As a Senior Advisor, Mark partners with organisations to solve complex business challenges and unlock their full potential. He works closely with clients to develop tailored solutions that strengthen leadership, improve operational effectiveness, and deliver lasting results.