Following in my Family’s Footsteps

In my family, I’m a third generation financial advisor in integrated tax planning and legacy magnification. My father worked for Excelsior Life in the 50s and 60s. My grandfather and great uncle, Duncan and Beverley Robinson, were the most successful underwriter agents in Canada

Life Before Estate Planning

My grandfather and great uncle knew little about insurance when they first started. They did, however, invest the time to learn about income insurance, business insurance and estate conservation. They developed a unique service in their day which helped people analyze their wealth and administer their estate by showing their clients the many uses for life insurance.

Working together, Duncan and Beverley broke selling records and earned the honour as joint presidents of the prestigious Quarter Million Club for many consecutive years.

Steeped in British, Canadian History

Duncan and Beverley were grandsons of Upper Canada Chief Justice Sir John Beverley Robinson (1791-1862) who is known for his judicial career and promoting economic development for Upper Canada. John was a lawyer, politician and judge during his career. He was knighted and then was created a baronet in 1854.

His brother, Peter Robinson (1785-1838), for whom Peterborough is named after, was commissioned by the British Parliament to lead an emigration plan from poverty-stricken Ireland to Canada. Peter oversaw a total of 12 ships from Cork, Ireland to transport over 2,000 Irish immigrants to settle much of area in the Ottawa Valley in 1825.

Returning To My Roots

Despite my grandfather and father, I didn’t start my career in insurance. I should have realized the value of risk management. Like many, it was only when I suffered an irreplaceable loss that I recognized my short-sightedness.

I was given a second chance and I took it after I was sidelined for nearly 18 months after the loss of my son from leukemia. This devastating loss cost me my job and a good portion of my retirement savings.

Now I share my story to illustrate the value of planning ahead and empowering people to take control of their personal and business insurance to generate wealth and peace of mind. I trust by returning to my roots, where my grandfather and great uncle made their mark as Quarter Million Men at Canada Life Assurance Company in the 1920s, they would be proud of my accomplishments at the Million Dollar Round Table.