In a certain way, Tim Hardy’s insurance career has come full circle.
The broker (pictured above), who has worked in Canberra for the past eight years, launched McLardy McShane Tamworth this month in a move that continues the company’s rapid expansion. A Tamworth native, Hardy began his insurance career in a sales support role at Elders Insurance in 2009, before taking up positions at companies including allinsure and Gallagher. He told Insurance Business that he was motivated to work with McLardy McShane for a variety of reasons.
“I was talking to a few colleagues about my desire to start something of my own,” he said. “They recommended that I talk to McLardy McShane since it’s a really good company with an excellent organisational culture. We talked, found out that we share similar values and beliefs, and I couldn’t be happier to be working with them.”
For Hardy, the opportunity to be closer to friends and family had a significant impact on his decision to return to Tamworth. In addition, he believes there are several untapped markets in the area that could greatly benefit from high-quality insurance products and tailored advice.
“A lot of insurance around here is focused on agriculture since it’s a fairly central part of business in Tamworth and the surrounding area,” he noted. “However, we’re planning on focusing a lot more on sectors such as retail, as well as aged and disability care, as there seems to be gaps in these markets that we can provide for.”
Don McLardy, CEO of the McLardy McShane Group, said that the company was “very pleased to partner with Tim and help him realise his vision.” The company has established branches in places including Melbourne, Sydney, Albury, Bendigo, and Byron Bay and, with the addition of Hardy’s Tamworth, is well on its way to “building a very strong national major city and regional presence”, according to McLardy.
As the branch has only just opened, Hardy is still in the process of setting up his office with the assistance of McLardy McShane and is currently looking to expand his team.
“From my perspective, it’s a perfect time to get out there and grow a business,” he said. “I can’t wait to see what 2021 holds in store.”
