[FEATURE] Staebler Insurance Brokers

By TruLife Magazine0

An interview with the Management Team at Staebler Insurance Brokers by TruLife Magazine

How does it feel to be one of the oldest and most trusted businesses in the Tri-Cities?

We really appreciate and value the trust placed in us by our customers, employees and industry partners. Staebler has had a long and rich history as a part of this community’s past which only serves to strengthen our commitment to be there now and into the future. We treasure our connection to the Waterloo Region and strive to be that “one stop shop” to meet everyone’s insurance needs.

Staebler Insurance Brokers
Staebler Place, 871 Victoria St N
Kitchener, ON, N2B 3S4
519-743-5221 or 1-800-321-9187

In the movement to a greener healthier way of business, what initiatives have you taken as a company to reduce your footprint?

We take pride in the fact that we care about our planet earth and are doing our part to preserve it and reduce our carbon footprint. We have implemented electronic workflows that have reduced our paper consumption drastically. Our entire office now use electronic files instead of paper ones and we really think twice before we actually print a hard copy of any report or document to ensure it is warranted. We purchase recycled paper and we also use environmentally-friendly disposal services for electronics and other equipment.

We believe that every business, large or small, has the power to use some of these ideas to contribute to the solution. Setting energy-saving features on all office equipment to put them into sleep mode when not in use, turning equipment and lights off after hours or performing an energy audit to make sure your electronic equipment is as efficient as possible are just a few other procedures that we have implemented.

What are the advantages of using a broker over going straight to an insurance company?

A broker works only for the client and represents a number of different insurance companies. In a world where business can be less than transparent, we pride ourselves in being open and candid with our clients, knowing that we are totally devoted to their best interests. We look at our customers’ unique situations, search the marketplace on their behalf and present them with coverage solutions, which may go beyond what any one insurance company is able or willing to offer. Choice is important. We are also there to advocate on behalf of our client when they have a claim and we help them through the process when they need us.

Your slogan “Be Wise – Staeblerize” is well known around many circles. What does this mean to you?

It is a major part of our history, having been developed by Keith Staebler back in the 1940’s. Our slogan represents a shared value: to make the best decision – “Be Wise”, as well as our call to action – “Staeblerize”. Our wise owl that accompanies our slogan may be seen as a little quirky, but it sticks with you. People remember our slogan “Be Wise, Staeblerize”.

DID YOU KNOW…
H.L. Staebler Company Limited have been around since 1873?
That’s longer than:
The light bulb (1879)
Coca-Cola (1888)
Ford (1903)
Kraft (1903)
Boeing (1916)
…how about that?!

What aspects of your business have changed since 1873? What philosophies have you kept the same as a tradition of Staebler excellence?

Our community is very vibrant, and steadily growing as it attracts new residents and new businesses. Making newcomers feel welcome and included has had the double benefit of enriching our community, as well as making for a positive experience for them. The culture at Staebler has changed over the years to fully embrace the diversity of our community, our staff and our customers as a source of strength. In order for Staebler to move forward with the times, we needed to embrace technology as a key tool in improving efficiencies and freeing up time for our Brokers to be readily available for their customers. What has not changed is our commitment to our policyholders. We are their trusted provider of insurance solutions so we value and promote open communication to ensure that we recognize their desires and needs, and that they are comfortable in understanding their insurance protection.

What type of services are offered at HL Staebler?

Our goal is to be the “one stop shop” for all insurance needs for the homes, vehicles and businesses in our community. We review not only the insurance requirements of our customers, but we also suggest and recommend practices that may reduce or control exposures to potential losses which could help make their world a safer place. We call this “doing the broker job”.

When a client signs up with you, what treatment can they expect in regards to being a member of the Staebler family?

As a member of the Staebler family, our clients’ needs come first. You are certainly not just a number at Staebler. We have structured our business so that we partner up each broker with their own clients. Our brokers often know their customers very well, having serviced them for many years. They have seen their families grow and their needs change, and also businesses change and adjust to the ever fluctuating economy. Our brokers ensure that their insurance program has adapted and changed right along with them. We are clear about our commitment and loyalty to our customers.

Do you find it challenging to manage a large staff?

Just as we do our clients, we understand and respect the fact that our staff are unique individuals and we value their dedication in making our company what it is today – we consider them a family. Our employees really do pull together as a team. It is clear that they have great respect for each other’s knowledge and skill sets, and call on each other for advice and assistance every day. We pride ourselves in having top-notch staff who share their ideas and actively participate in the decision making that ultimately directs the company. What could be easier than that?

What do you do to keep your staff members motivated and well educated?

We believe in providing autonomy in our staff roles. Each staff member has input with new ideas, suggestions and comments which make them part of the solution and motivated to do a great job. Our brokers value their client relationships and commitment comes naturally. We have our staff involved in various committees where they can branch out into other areas of interest such as advertising, training and development or peer mentoring. Management is committed to providing our staff with the tools and resources they need to excel in our industry. It is very important for us to keep up to date and current in our ever-changing industry so we do promote education and provide financial support so our employees can achieve the various insurance designations that are offered. This provides our team with confidence and empowerment.

How has the recession affected your business?

Our business relationships flex with our customers’ needs. In recessions, our customers may feel the economic pressure to accept cutbacks, and we always look for ways to get the most value for their insurance dollars. We also continue to offer advice and recommendations, as we firmly believe that our customers appreciate and prefer being well informed so they can make the best choices.

Do you have any regrets?

We don’t have time for regrets. If we find something not working out the way we had hoped then we know it is time to go to plan B! Each situation has its share of learning opportunities, and we have learned a lot through the years.

What are your future goals for your business?

It is great to know that we can play a part in providing stability and security to the people in our community both customers and staff. It is vitally important for us to continue to run our business prudently so that the families who are relying on us can plan for their futures and trust that their financial investment in their property and business is protected.

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