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Inside: Activity & Events Guide
Standing the test of time–145 years for Sutherland Insurance by Heather Grummett
MakingMoney ForYou.com
Business Venture
Speedvale Ave. Ave. W W., ., GUELPH Gordon Gordon St., GUELPH Stone Road Mall, GUELPH Alma St., ROCKWOOD
The staff at Sutherland Insurance got together this summer to celebrate the 145th anniversary of the company. Photo supplied.
When you think back to the founding of Guelph in 1827 and the limestone that was quarried to build prominent homes and buildings over those first fifty years–it’s hard to imagine that there is a business here in Guelph that very well may have insured those heritage homes when they were still regarded as new. It was 1870 when Sutherland Insurance first began operations, during a time when founder John Sutherland sold insurance from his horse and buggy, making trips throughout Wellington, Bruce, Grey and Huron Counties. Initially working for the Gore Fire Insurance of Galt, Sutherland joined the Robert Cunningham Agency in Guelph in 1875, where he tripled the agency’s business in his first five years. This became the foundation of John Sutherland and Sons Limited. Today, 145 year later, Sutherland Insurance celebrates as one of the oldest brokerage firms in Canada and one of the largest in the area. An inspiring example of a family business, the insurance brokerage has been operated by five generations of Sutherlands. Jeff Sutherland is the fourth generation President, his wife Suzanne is the Marketing and Communications Manager, and Zac Sutherland, recently named VP of Operations, sells both personal and commercial business insurance as the fifth generation of the family. The insurance brokerage offers a complete range of products and services covering personal needs such as car, home, condominium, snowmobile and motorcycle insurance; commercial and industrial coverage; and other products such as travel and life
insurance, as well as employee group benefits. “Ours is a very competitive industry and although there continues to be growing competition, we have seen steady growth over the last few years, especially with regard to business insurance,” says Suzanne Sutherland, Marketing and Communications Manager for Sutherland Insurance. “Our longevity and our stability allow us to customize policies to suit the unique needs of each business. We have strong relationships with our insurance company partners that allow us to service our clients very effectively and when they need us most.” “We are here to help clients out of a bad situation. It has become easier to purchase insurance online and because of that we try to caution people to know what they are buying. Often younger clients are attracted to purchasing the least expensive coverage they can find online but they are then discouraged by the lack of service once a claim is filed and they find themselves dealing with a different person every time, from a call centre that may not even be in Canada.” An example of the changing needs in business coverage is the growth of cyber threats. “You think it only happens to big companies,” says Sutherland. “However with the ease of technology, even small businesses are storing customer’s personal information in their computers, and when that is stolen it is devastating and will undoubtedly set your business back. We have coverage that protects you financially that will keep your business afloat.” With the head office on Victoria Road in Guelph,
Sutherlands also has representation in Collingwood, Pembroke and Haliburton. The company website offers online insurance quotes and allows clients to make policy changes. A social media platform is used to get information out quickly to their clients. From reducing their paper load by encouraging clients to receive their policies via email, to introducing e-signature applications, the owners have always embraced new technology to ensure they are both efficient and effective. “What is always foremost is how can we best serve our clients. As new technology has been introduced, we are continually adapting to continue to provide the best service we can,” adds Sutherland. “However, much of our success can be contributed to our amazing staff.” With a staff of 33, 29 as licensed insurance brokers, over 70% have been with the company for over ten years. In the history of the company, two employees have worked there for over 50 years. John Huck, Vice President, an integral part of the firm, is one of those employees who just recently retired in his 50th year. “There certainly have been many changes over the past 40 years that I have been in the insurance business, but Sutherland’s Insurance office still runs the same as always,” says Pat Grosicki, who recently celebrated her 40th anniversary with Sutherland Insurance. “Being honest, reliable, trustworthy and loyal are still first and foremost even now after coming from the horse and buggy to all the top technology of today. I believe many of our long-term staff stayed because they see and –continued on page 4
240 Victoria Rd. N., Guelph, ON N1H 6K9 (519) 822-0160 Toll Free: 1-800-263-1032
519-824-1595 Independently owned and operated. Truly local. Mike Baker, Publisher New mailing address:
31A-328 Speedvale Ave., East, Suite 150, Guelph ON N1E 0J4
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Online quotes available at www.sutherlandinsurance.com
You’re Safe with Sutherlands