Mike Boynton is one of those insurance professionals we all owe thanks to for painting the industry in a positive light. Insurance isn’t just about money and risk. It’s about family, community, safety and progress.
The 32-year-old vice president of PBL Insurance is determined to use his insurance platform to “give back to the community” he cares so much about. He volunteers as a ‘Big Brother’ with the charity Big Brothers Big Sisters of Toronto (BBBST), where he mentors a ‘Little Brother’ and supports him through life’s challenges.
Family-focused Boynton has over 10 years of insurance experience with PBL Insurance in Toronto. Insurance Business caught up with him to find out more about his philanthropic deeds and how he juggles a healthy work/life balance.
How did you get into the insurance industry?
I’m a fifth-generation insurance broker in Canada. My great, great grandfather owned and ran an insurance agency in Walkerton, ON, which was later taken over by my great uncle. After that, my grandfather purchased and ran his own insurance brokerage, named Curtis Insurance, which my father bought and later merged with PBL Insurance. My brother and I both work at PBL Insurance as leading producers and shareholder purchasers in the business.
I was very fortunate to have support from my family, who encouraged me to take a crack at the insurance industry after graduating from university. I did some backpacking in some of the poorest countries in the world, where I realized that I should take advantage of the opportunities I had at home. I knew I wanted a healthy work/life balance, and I wanted a career that would support the values I learned while travelling, which was to give back to the community and be honest with people. If you do well in the insurance business, you can have a great family life and contribute to your community.
What are your standout career achievements so far?
I’ve been a niche expert in two of PBL Insurance’s most successful commercial insurance programs. Over my 10 years with the company, they’ve grown into two of the largest programs in Ontario in those sectors. I was promoted to vice president of the company in 2015, and have received the president’s top producer award for eight of my last nine years working at PBL.
What advice do you have for young people thinking about pursuing a career in insurance?
My advice is to focus on the big picture. Figure out what impact you want to have, and work continuously to make that impact and improve upon it. But most importantly, go through that journey with your friends and family.
Another point I try to keep in my head is: don’t try to be the smartest person in the room. Rather, surround yourself with the most talented individuals you can find, and never stop learning.
What are your career goals?
My goal is to grow PBL Insurance in any way that I can, so that my family and I can connect with and make a positive impact on as many people as possible. I want to be a leader in the industry and I want to use my leadership skills to benefit the wider community.
Self-development is really important to me. I enjoy getting out of my comfort zone in order to learn new things. I’m in the process of joining Toastmasters North York to improve my leadership and public speaking skills, and, in 2018, I’m participating in a personal leadership training course.
Tell us about your involvement with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Toronto.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Toronto (BBBST) is a non-profit organization that’s really close to my heart. When I was growing up, I was lucky to have support and guidance from a number of different mentors, including my older brother. I wanted the opportunity to be that mentor figure for someone else.
I have been matched with a ‘little brother’ through the BBBST program for nine years, and in that time, I’ve seen him make great progression through the mentorship-based charity. My ‘little’ was born with one hand, but has overcome this physical challenge to reach for his goals. He’s a starter and leader of his ‘Rep’ Ontario Basketball Association team at 17 years old, and he has become one of the biggest inspirations of my life.
In 2013, I was awarded the James Marshall ‘Big of the Year’ award. I also spent three years as chair of the Young Leaders Committee of BBBST, and am now a mentor for the committee, which has raised more than $500,000 for BBBST to date. In the past few years, I’ve been an insurance ambassador for the charity, supporting its annual fundraiser ‘Bowl for Kid’s Sake’. I’ve been successful in getting other insurers and brokers to support the event.
Aside from philanthropy, what other hobbies do you have?
I’m an avid squash player - that’s how I enjoy spending my time when I’m not with my family and friends.
