Headquarters: Sherwood Park, AB
Year founded: 1933
Number of offices: 7
Number of employees: 37
Websites: tailormadeins.com
What makes Tailor Made Insurance Services unique?
Colin Knott, broker/principal: We are a locally owned and family-operated brokerage. Our local presence and knowledge of the community and the challenges that are specific to our customers give us a distinct advantage over the non-local and direct writers.
What strategies did you employ to boost your success in 2017?
CK: Entering our 25th year in business, we decided to make a strategic move and acquire a top-level brokerage. This not only positioned us as a substantial player in the Alberta marketplace by giving us significant representation in both Central and Northern Alberta, but also strengthened our relationships with our key markets.
Industry-wide, what do you think is the biggest challenge facing brokers today?
CK: We feel the biggest challenge is finding the right balance between offering digital solutions, yet maintaining and promoting the public awareness that “the best insurance is an insurance broker.” We have taken the approach of gaining a social media presence and staying technologically advanced, but continuing to strive to be recognized as a personal, trusted service provider to our customers.
What was your key takeaway from 2017?
CK: We need to be flexible and innovative, and capitalize on opportunities when they present themselves.
Which lines of business experienced notable growth last year?
CK: We experienced phenomenal growth in our personal lines products. We attribute that to our renewal procedures and the referral business achieved by our employees. They are the driving force behind our reputation for integrity and honest business standards.
