Billyard Insurance Group's Next BIG Move: National Expansion

It is with great enthusiasm that we share our next BIG move – we have officially launched our first branch location in Alberta, making a BIG mark on Western Canada. With over 48 established branches already serving the diverse communities of Ontario, developing a nationalized presence was only a matter of time for a company whose vision is to “think BIG.” 

National Expansion An Attainable Goal

At its inception in 1998, Billyard Insurance Group was a locally owned, independent insurance brokerage that served residents in the Niagara Region. When Stephen Billyard and Cody Douma stepped in as President and Vice President respectively, their visionary leadership brought about remarkable and exponential advancement, putting national expansion on the near horizon for BIG. Stephen Billyard explained, “It was the next obvious growth opportunity for us. Our business model provides the support and structure we needed to expand the business on a national scale.”

A Strategic Business Approach

The company’s strategic business approach has propelled BIG into this new development in Western Canada. As Billyard reflected on some of their strategies, he said, “We focused on bringing in talented team members for key management positions, creating technology solutions that satisfied the needs of rapidly growing brokerage, and building operational infrastructure that supports growth.”  

A BIG Reputation

Billyard Insurance Group has rightfully earned a reputation as Canada’s home for top insurance talent,  as we have focused primarily on attracting industry-leading brokers. Billyard emphasized, “We found that brokers and agents all across the country are looking for the type of entrepreneurial opportunity that BIG provides. Here they are able to take their careers to the next level and leverage their skills to be more profitable and effective in the industry.” When Billyard and Douma were able to identify key partnerships with like-minded entrepreneurial candidates, it sealed the final decision to make the next move into Alberta.

Unwavering Support From Industry Partners

The proposal to go national was met with resounding support from their partners and markets. “We were amazed at the overwhelming appetite from our markets for growth as we increase our presence as a national brokerage,” Cody Douma said.  

Industry Pivots a Real Advantage

While the industry experienced a significant pivot to remote work 2020, Billyard Insurance Group utilized this shift to their advantage for their upcoming developments into other Canadian provinces. Cody Douma comments, “Where there was a push to meet with potential partners across the country, COVID actually accelerated our ability to meet with and select the best candidates through virtual means.” Billyard Insurance Group had been intentionally focused on investing in infrastructure and technology, which positioned them well in navigating and accommodating changes during rapid growth.  

Thrilled and Looking Forward to What’s Ahead

The whole BIG team, along with leaders Stephen Billyard and Cody Douma are thrilled and incredibly grateful for the support they have received, “We are encouraged by the excitement of so many talented brokers across the country on the BIG platform. Our vision for BIG is to be a leading national brokerage with communities across Canada.” 

Want to Partner with BIG?

This BIG move into Alberta is just the beginning! We continue to welcome ideal partnerships across Canada and invite interested candidates to reach out. If you have an entrepreneurial spirit, a passion for insurance, and you are a BIG thinker with a growth mindset, contact us to learn more about our partnership opportunities. 

Think BIG.  

Contact: 
Charlotte Mahy
Billyard Insurance Group Inc.
charlotte@thebig.ca 
905-346-2190 ext. 826