The Ontario Broker - Volume 22, Issue 5 - 33

Tanner Insurance was founded in 1922. From their first location in Vars,
Ontario, they've enjoyed steady growth and have become recognized as one of
the leading insurance brokerages in Eastern Ontario. This year also marks their
50th anniversary as an IBAO Member.
The Secret to Tanner
Insurance's Success
HOW IS THE BROKERAGE CELEBRATING? ARE YOU DOING ANY
CHARITABLE INITIATIVES?
We had the chance to throw a summer party, and promote and
celebrate through merchandise. We're also extremely fortunate to have
the ability to contribute to our community. Some of the local organizations
that we have been able to donate to are a local women's shelter, Freedom
Dog Rescue and the Ottawa Heart Institute. We're pleased to say that many
of our charitable initiatives are in collaboration with the staff including the
Ottawa Food Bank and Smiles for Seniors, which is a Christmas program that
we've taken part in for many years.
HOW HAS THE BROKERAGE EVOLVED OVER THE YEARS?
Over the years, there have been significant changes to our office. We
were once an office in Vars, a small town just outside of Ottawa. We
started with five people-the majority being Tanners- and have grown
into our head office in Ottawa with approximately 50 employees. We've
made efforts to diversify our product line which has grown to include a
sister company, Portside Marine Insurance which specializes in Marine
Insurance throughout Canada. A significant increase in the depth of
management has been a change that has happened steadily over the
years. Tanner Insurance went from a rural-based office to an urban office
with staff from all over Canada.
WHAT'S YOUR BROKERAGE'S GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT?
One of the greatest struggles in any business is the succession between
generations and I'm very proud to say that Tanner Insurance has
successfully transitioned the business between three generations. What
once started out as a small business established
by my grandfather, Allan Tanner, was then taken
over by my father, Donald Tanner and my brother,
Bud Tanner. My brothers and I had the opportunity
to take on the challenge of successfully operating
Tanner Insurance together and I've continued to
have success with it on my own. Now my daughters
are the fourth generation of Tanners working at the
company.
Reaching the 100-year milestone is very surreal.
It is hard to comprehend that number, but to put it
into perspective, the business was created before
the great depression. I'm very proud to reach such
a major milestone, but also very humbled as I look
back on the efforts put in by so many people to get
here. It motivates me to continue to build.
WHAT'S THE MOST INTERESTING FACT
ABOUT YOUR BROKERAGE?
Our valued and dedicated controller Denise has
worked for all four generations of Tanners and
obviously has worked here longer than me.
* Creating a safe and respectful work
environment
* Remaining resilient against adversity
* Having a solid foundation
* Cultivating a dedicated staff
* Staying true to our vision for the company
and using it to move forward
RUNNING A BUSINESS WITH THAT KIND
OF HISTORY-WHAT'S YOUR ASSESSMENT
OF THE CURRENT STATE OF THE BROKER
CHANNEL?
When I first got into the business in the 90s
everyone said that the channel was doomed because
the banks were going to take over insurance. My
father explained that the same discussions took place
in the late 60s and early 70s when direct writers came
into the picture. Yet we're still here and the channel
is still thriving and relevant. There'll be changes over
the years, there's no doubt about that. But I believe
the channel is very resilient and though we'll have
challenges, the future is bright. Many things have
changed in the industry since I started, but as long as
we adapt, I believe the broker channel will continue to
thrive and be successful.
VOLUME 22 | ISSUE 5
33
The Ontario Broker - Volume 22, Issue 5

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