The Ontario Broker - Volume 22, Issue 4 - 54

Portage Mutual Insurance CEO
and President, John Mitchell
set to retire
John Mitchell, FCIP, CRM
After nearly 40 years in the industry, John Mitchell is saying farewell.
John has spent 39 years with Portage Mutual Insurance, including
assuming his current position of CEO and President in 2010.
J
ohn's love of, and devotion to, the industry
brought about many changes in the company.
He was instrumental in their successful legacy
IT projects, migrating the company to a best in
class technology platform. He helped infuse a
company wide commitment to customer service excellence.
During his tenure the company realized strong financial
growth while continuing to grow its customer base. John is
very proud of Portage's commitment to Mutuality evidenced
by the contribution of over $1,000,000 to local community
organizations across the country over the last 5 years.
John was kind enough to take the time to answer some
questions for the Manitoba Insurance Broker before his muchdeserved
retirement in December of 2022.
MIB: Name one thing you learned in your 39 years in the
insurance industry?
JM: It is a great industry to be in, and one where you never
know what tomorrow will bring.
MIB: Do you remember your first day at the office or is there
a memory that really stands out from when you started at
Portage Mutual?
JM: I started in the computer department and I used to back
up data onto large disks on the weekends. One such weekend,
I found the backup device on the floor. I picked it up, dusted it
off, turned the machine on to spin up the disk, only to hear a
horrible screeching and see smoke coming from the machine.
Who knew that data storage machines were so sensitive?
Apparently, my boss did. He was not exactly enamoured with
my work that day, but he eventually got over it.
MIB: What words or phrase best describes you professionally?
JM: I am passionate about our company, the people I work
with, and our industry as a whole.
MIB: What were your guiding principles through your years
of business?
JM: I really believed you should work hard, have fun, and help
others around you to succeed and enjoy their careers.
MIB: What are you are most proud of from your time at the company?
JM: Watching people grow and develop both personally
and professionally. I am very proud of the commitment and
personal investments that our employees have made on behalf
of Portage Mutual.
The Ontario Broker - Volume 22, Issue 4

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