Brokerage adds to Ontario roster with acquisition

Ontario brokerage KRGinsure has acquired Ajax, Ont.-based Jones-Dooley Insurance Brokers Ltd.

RRJ Insurance Group Limited, operating as [o/a] KRGinsure, announced the deal at the end of that month. Jones-Dooley Insurance has been offering home, auto and commercial insurance to Ajax and the surrounding areas since 1985.

“Due to many changes in the insurance industry, the ever-growing need for more complex software applications, technical needs, cyber protection, and evolving government regulation, [past president Marsha Jones Dooley] began exploring the option of combining Jones-Dooley Insurance with a larger insurance broker to provide more stability, access to more markets, and professional support for their clients,” KRGinsure said in a July 30 press release.

“With that in mind, Marsha chose to merge their brokerage with RRJ Insurance Group Limited o/a KRGinsure. The ownership and management of KRGinsure are very reflective of her beginnings, with shared values of customer service.

“Marsha wants clients to have the same sense of personal service with real people answering the phone, not a call centre environment.”

KRGinsure has six offices across Ontario.

Jones Dooley began her insurance journey right out of high school, becoming licensed in both general and life insurance, according to her LinkedIn profile. She is now a 40+ year veteran of the insurance industry and “will continue to provide leadership and guidance and be an integral part of the transition phase with KRGinsure.”

She holds Chartered Insurance Professional (CIP), Canadian Accredited Insurance Broker (CAIB) and Elder Planning Counselor (EPC) designations.

Jones-Dooley Insurance’s frontline team includes Peter Dooley and James Dooley, KRGinsure says in the release.

Peter began working in the insurance industry part-time in 2004 and then full-time in 2008. He obtained his CIP designation in 2017.

James obtained his Registered Insurance Brokers of Ontario (RIBO) licence in 2006. In 2011, he became a licensed paralegal and worked with a firm in London, Ont. James primarily represented commercial drivers and operators, protecting their registration records.

After three years of appearing in provincial offences courtrooms across Ontario, he returned to the insurance business, bringing his added knowledge and experience. In addition to re-obtaining his RIBO licence, James is currently two credits away from the CIP designation. “Thanks to James’ legal studies and background, the Law Society of Upper Canada granted him the legal status of commissioner of oaths — providing an added service to our clients,” KRGinsure says.

Feature image by iStock.com/AmnajKhetsamtip