Billyard Insurance Group (BIG) is one of the fastest growing brokerages in Canada, setting an example for others in the insurance industry.
In a recent interview with IBTV, CEO Steven Billyard shared some insights into BIG’s remarkable organic growth and how it was able to overcome one of the biggest challenges that have troubled the industry in recent years.
“The insurance industry is moving very fast right now,” he said. “Whether you’re on the broker side, the insurer side or the MGA side, there’s a shortage of experienced, talented insurance professionals.”
Recognizing this problem, BIG made sure to cultivate a culture and environment that naturally appeals to top talent.
By prioritizing employee satisfaction, work-life balance, and career development opportunities, Billyard said BIG was able to position itself as a brokerage where aspiring professionals want to build their careers.
“In the places where we couldn’t find top talent or great people to fill the roles that we had, we focused on just finding great people, and then turning them into great insurance professionals with our learning and developing resources,” he explained.
This focus on talent development is an important driving force behind BIG’s emphasis on putting its people first.
“We stayed focused on a few key principles – technology, branding, training, support, but most importantly, people,” Billyard said. “We sought out and empowered, the best, brightest and youngest in the business. And we’ve put brokers and agents at the forefront of our strategy.”
He went on to say that BIG has aimed to empower its brokers and agents to provide exceptional service to clients and foster business growth.
Still, Billyard acknowledged that they haven’t always been “perfect” in achieving this strategy.
“It’s actually hard business to bring change in this manner,” he said. “But I think it’s with that ethos that we get better and better every day.”
Hear more of Steven Billyard’s insights on his brokerage’s organic growth success by watching the full interview.
