Never give up – success isn’t dished out on a plate

Your main asset as a broker is the relationships you build, says executive vice president

Never give up – success isn’t dished out on a plate

People

By Bethan Moorcraft

There are no shortcuts to success in the insurance industry – but hard work and determination can lead to quick gratification, as experienced by Insurance Business Young Gun Maxime Poulin (pictured).

Poulin is an executive vice president and partner of Groupe Ostiguy & Gendron. He acquired Groupe Ostiguy & Gendron alongside three other partners in 2015 and, since then, the company has grown from 45 to 60 employees and has seen an increase in revenues of more than 10% a year.

Poulin himself oversaw three acquisitions and exceeded new business targets while looking after insurer relations and the transitioning of key accounts.

The success of the company is not just about the numbers, said Poulin. “We were able to work closely with the employees and management to create a thriving, productive, inclusive and fun work environment while achieving growth and maintaining solid relationships with the Ostiguy & Gendron founders and partners,” he commented.

In 2016, Poulin received RCCAQ’s Distinction Relève award, a recognition of the most distinguished brokers under 35. He also features as one of our Insurance Business Young Guns 2017.

We caught up with Poulin to find out what makes him tick…

How did you get started in the industry?

I started out at ING Canada 12 years ago. ING was hiring trainees in underwriting. I started in personal lines and then worked as a commercial underwriter with ING for four years. After that, I held positions at Compu-Quote Inc., Deltek Logiciels and Axa Assurances before joining Groupe Ostiguy & Gendron as a business development manager in December 2012.

What are the best parts of your job?

I really like getting to know all of the different types of industries and their own reality. I also enjoy helping entrepreneurs and executives grow their business and face their challenges. It can be very rewarding.

What challenges have you faced in your role?

Growing a business and managing your time is always a challenge. Unfortunately, some competitors don’t always share the same ethics and values that we have, so that can sometimes be challenging as well.

What have you learned from working at Groupe Ostiguy & Gendron?

I’ve learned that one of your best investments and your main asset as a broker is the relationships you build – either with underwriters, clients or even competitors.

What advice would you give to someone working their way up the insurance ladder?

There are no shortcuts. If you work hard and be patient, you will win accounts and gain your client’s trust. Never give up – it might take years to reach where you want to be, but stick at it.

If you weren’t working in insurance, what would you be doing?

I went to law school, so I guess I would be doing something in the legal industry or in business. I always knew I had a strong entrepreneurial fiber in me.

What’s your favourite hobby?

I love golf, travel and nice wine. But most of all, I love spending time with my wife and our three-year-old twins.


Related stories:
Young Gun describes ‘balancing act’ between broker partners and insurers
MasterChef contestant fell into insurance after serious injury

Keep up with the latest news and events

Join our mailing list, it’s free!