The Ontario Broker - February 2018 - 20

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FEEDING THE

WITH IBAO PRESIDENT BRIAN PURCELL

NORAH BLACK, MARKETING MANAGER, IBAO

Opportunities are endless in the channel. There's so much choice about
the kind of career you want to lead. There are all kinds of educational
opportunities to build that career for yourself. You really can create your
own path in insurance.

J

ames Purcell Insurance Brokers is the
only brokerage in Spencerville, a rural
community located in Eastern Ontario
about 70 kilometres south of downtown
Ottawa. It's a historical village with
structures and buildings dating back to
the 1800s, including the mill, built in 1811, which
remains the focal point of the community. Brian was
born and raised in Spencerville and remains a proud
and involved resident. "We're a very friendly and
volunteer-oriented town."
Brian did a brief stint in Peterborough when he
took Business Administration at Trent University.
After graduating he worked for London Life for a
number of years, living downtown Ottawa. He then
moved back to Spencerville to work for his father's
brokerage, continuing to work for London Life on
the side.

FEBRUARY 2018

20

"It was December 95 when I came to the IBAO and
did my two-week course. I got my licence and started
at the brokerage within a few months. I was 27."
Brian had grown up in the business - he did
accounting work a few summers in between
semesters. But he says there was a lot to learn when
he first started in the business.
"Another broker in the office, my dad's right-hand,
would leave piles of rate manuals on my desk. Here,
read these. When you study those manuals you
know what companies are looking for. You have all
the background info. You understand underwriting
guidelines so you understand where rates come from.
After that I completed my CAIB. We had a group
discussion with a number of brokers in Brockville. It
really taught us the business."

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Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of The Ontario Broker - February 2018
