The Ontario Broker - Volume 23, Issue 2 - 17

It all started selling life insurance door-todoor
in a rundown part of Hamilton. Thomas sat at kitchen
tables presenting policy options just like in the movies.
" My first day on the job, I accompanied my manager on a
house call. We go inside, and there's a foot and a half of smoke.
I'm literally moving garbage aside to sit on the couch, and this
woman's dog runs up and pees on my leg. I wondered what I'd
gotten myself into. "
Thomas was 18. He'd deferred university a year, gotten a call
back from a life insurance provider and used his last $500 to
get his license. He says he only lasted six months in that job,
but it provided a solid foundation for the rest of his career.
Ten years later, Thomas is Vice President, Specialty Risk at
one of the biggest brokerages in Canada. His peers absolutely
gush about him.
" Thomas is a true symbol of humanity who sets a great
example for the younger generation. "
" Thomas shows extraordinary commitment to the industry
as a whole. "
" Thomas has done a tremendous job assisting his peers in
the transition of Tredd Insurance merging with Westland
Insurance. "
So how did this young broker fast-track his success and win
IBAO's Future Leader Award of Excellence?
" I was a sponge. I used to sit outside people's offices to
eavesdrop. I'd try figuring things out on my own, then ask
questions if I didn't understand something.
" I worked pretty much every job at Tredd. Procedural
jobs work well at the beginning of a career-for me that was
Account Management in our Welder Program. I dealt with
small policies, all very transactional, not 12 lines of coverage.
It's helpful to have an open mind and not think any job is
beneath you. That's a great position to learn from. "
Once he built his confidence, Thomas started dealing with
customers and markets. He received a recommendation letter
from one of his clients that went a long way, and ended up
transitioning to Program Director with two Account Managers
reporting to him. He developed the program, got into sales
and enjoyed leading a team.
After taking an aptitude test, Thomas switched directions
to take on the role of Marketing Coordinator, working with
insurers to negotiate renewals. Shortly after, he became
Marketing Manager.
" I started handling the marketing for all our accounts. I
loved it. I'd take submissions and negotiate deals with insurers.
The analysis was the best part-rearranging things to figure
the puzzle out. It often starts as this big issue. You have to
windle it right down to see the best way it can work. "
It's helpful to have
an open mind and
not think any job is
beneath you. That's
a great position to
learn from.
During this time, Thomas got involved with the Young
Insurance Professionals of Toronto (YIPT)-a group
connecting insurance professionals through networking
opportunities. After being nominated for a YIPT award,
he asked how to get involved. Specifically, were there any
initiatives that hadn't been started. They had an Ambassador
Program they'd been wanting to launch. Thomas presented a
seven-page proposal outlining his plan.
A few months later, Thomas became involved with the events
committee and was elected as Chair. He then put his name
forward for President and successfully landed the position.
That's just Thomas. He asks what needs to be done, looks
for opportunities and gets involved to help drive initiatives
forward. His YIPT colleagues gush about him just as much as
his colleagues.
" Since Thomas stepped into the role of YIPT President, he's
brought different viewpoints and is driving growth in a way
that's respectful and propels the organization to the next level to
succeed in years to come. "
What started as a seven-page proposal on an Ambassador
Program became a Strategic Plan outlining ways to evolve the
association into a corporation and focus the organization on
long-term growth.
That's Thomas. Fast-tracking to success.
" I always pictured myself in a suit and briefcase working
downtown. I just didn't picture insurance. Not one person, my
entire life, mentioned insurance as a career option.
Volume 23 | Issue 2
17
The Ontario Broker - Volume 23, Issue 2

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of The Ontario Broker - Volume 23, Issue 2
