Earlier this month, all that hard work became official. And the local multi-faceted insurance company will now be able to offer more services out of more offices thanks to their efforts.
Henderson Insurance joined Saskatchewan broker partner Navacord in announcing the integration of Regina-based Smiths Insurance and HAL Insurance under the Henderson umbrella, marking the next phase of growth for the company.
“It’s been really interesting,” said Dave Reidy, president and CEO of Henderson Insurance. “All three companies are really good at what they do, so this is just bringing people together and it’s really, really exciting to watch.”
The transaction with Smiths came into being in July 2020 and HAL in November 2020 -- meaning the whole integration plan came together in the middle of some of the worst the pandemic had to offer.
Being able to pull that feat off is a source of pride for Henderson, and was a product of procedures that were already in place. Since the organizations were already heavily into Zoom and Microsoft Teams prior to the pandemic, it was simply a matter of rolling along as usual.
In fact, Reidy had only met Jordan Smith of Smiths Insurance once in person before the transaction was completed.
“Being able to do both of them in the middle of COVID was pretty crazy, but we were essentially able to double the company and I’m pretty proud of our team for being able to pull that off,” Reidy said. “So we were together for 12 and 16 months respectively, and it’s creating something that doesn’t exist. We aren’t necessarily bringing them into Henderson, we’re bringing the best pieces of each into Henderson and bringing the best of Henderson into this group.”
Smiths Insurance is largely a retail organization focussing on motor license issuing, personal insurance and small businesses, while HAL Insurance carries a larger commercial and predominantly transportation focus, working with truckers ranging from small operations to international carriers.
“So that really fits well with us,” Reidy said. “The consolidated company is 65 per cent commercial and 35 per cent retail, so it’s really enhancing our transportation expertise.”
As for changes customers might notice, the largest difference will be Henderson now operating out of four locations, the main office in Moose Jaw and three stores in Regina, making it easier for clients to do business with the insurance group.
And with growth comes opportunity within -- the influx of employees and increased size has led to Henderson Insurance hiring a human resources professional, a sure sign that things are growing at an exponential pace.
“That doesn’t happen in smaller organizations,” Reidy said. “And there will be opportunities for employees to grow without leaving the organization, that’s something we’re really excited about.”
The good news will even extend into the community itself: already known for their charitable giving in Moose Jaw, Henderson will now be able to increase those efforts.
“And being a larger entity, Henderson Insurance has always been interested in giving back to the community, so we’ll be able to continue that focus and be that partner within the community for all types of organizations,” Reidy said.
All in all, it’s nothing but positive times for the organization, which first opened its doors in 1965.
“We’re excited about the future and very thankful for the community we serve and the trust they provide us,” Reidy said.
