Gary Shea CLU, CHFC

GARY SHEAFor Gary Shea, the business of employee benefits is the business of understanding people.

For 29 years, Gary has made it his business to thoroughly understand his clients - their business, vision, values and the culture of their organizations. That’s because Gary defines true success in business by the trust and respect that he is able to build and translate into long-term client relationships.

After graduating from Laurentian University with an Honours Bachelor of Commerce Degree in Sports Administration, Gary was recruited by one of Canada’s largest national insurance companies. He spent 15 years selling and servicing employee group benefit plans in a number of Southern Ontario markets. In 1996, Gary became an independent benefits consultant and broker. For 12 years he worked with an established Hamilton-based insurance brokerage company, building a solid stable of clients and using his years of experience and insider knowledge of large insurance providers and plan design to negotiate the best options for his clients.

In 2008, Gary decided to strike out on his own. He formed his own consulting company and subsequently joined forces with our firm to take advantage of the team-based approach to business and client service. 
Gary has always been part of a team of one kind or another. He was a provincial champion as a member of Laurentian University’s varsity volleyball team and he continues to play hockey and softball. As a long-time coach of boys and girls teams in hockey, volleyball, softball, soccer and lacrosse at the house league, high school and competitive rep levels, Gary has learned to listen and see the game from his players’ perspective.

That approach has worked equally well in business. Gary understands the cost of a dollar and the importance of maximizing its value. When developing plan recommendations and negotiating rates for his clients, he treats every dollar as if it were his own. Gary takes the time to educate clients about their responsibilities, liabilities, options and opportunities in the process of plan design. His many years of experience with insurance providers have helped him to help his clients reduce expenses, claim costs and overall administration.

Gary has attained the insurance industry designations of Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) and Chartered Financial Consultant (CHFC) and he held the CFP (Certified Financial Planner) designation from 2007 until 2012.

To find out how BGM Financial and Gary’s years of experience can help make the investment in employee benefits and pensions work for you, contact him today at 519-623-7707 or gshea@bgmfs.com.

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