The Ontario Broker - Volume 23, Issue 2 - 18

Feature
It's hard to put into words how
perfect I find this industry.
And how much I want others
to realize what it has to offer.
" But insurance is the perfect career for me. We're not talking about your
mom's auto policy. We're talking about working with brokers all over the world
so your client can expand their business operations or work on ransom policies
because your client's consulting in the Congo. We have clients operating in
40 different countries right now. It's not liking insurance. It's looking at issues
holistically, problem-solving and pulling everything together. Every single day
is different and exciting. And the harder I work, the luckier I get. "
Shifting perspective is something Thomas is familiar with in his personal life,
too-he's become very involved with the Legion located across from his house.
" My fiancé and I were always too afraid to go in. Couldn't tell you why exactly.
But one day, the sign out front said, Missed your train? Come in for a cold one.
So we did. It was one of the friendliest crowds. The couple sitting next to us
have become some of our best friends, and we're still going for cold ones. "
Thomas's fast-track mindset extends to his newfound Legion community.
" I peel potatoes for Christmas dinners. I BBQ at summer events. I've helped
audit their books. I think we've planned half our wedding at the Legion. "
In between edits on this article, Thomas married a fellow young broker. At
the Legion.
" Have I mentioned that story? I met my fiancé at IBAO's Young Brokers
Conference six years ago. Kristen was also relatively new to insurance at the
time. We kept in touch and would run into each other at industry events.
Kristen then joined the Tredd team (now Westland Insurance), and we started
dating. And now, it's a Westland wedding. "
Thomas's attitude has helped him push forward in all aspects of his career,
including running Westland's downtown Toronto office, overseeing every
renewal and hiring to expand his team.
" It's hard to put into words how perfect I find this industry. And how much
I want others to realize what it has to offer. People see the word insurance
and don't walk up to the booth at the career fair. And you know what, I didn't
either. But we know it's an amazing career-it's everyone's responsibility in this
industry to help shift the perception, because every interaction with us informs
public opinion. "
Thomas is the exact kind of ambassador the industry needs. We're lucky to
have him.
18
The Ontario Broker
The Ontario Broker - Volume 23, Issue 2

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