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Meet Your Broker

Leadership

  • Doug Strong

    President

    Doug Strong

    President

    Doug Strong’s career journey began in the early 1980s when he worked in construction with Seaboard Properties Ltd. However, a downturn in the economy led him to pursue a new path as an insurance agent, marking the start of a transformative career in the industry. He spent his early years working with Seaboard Properties before joining the Canadian Indemnity Insurance Company as a marketing representative. In 1989, Doug returned to Seaboard Properties, accepting a partnership position and beginning a new era that would shape SeaFirst Insurance as it is known today.

    In 1991, Doug purchased shares in the company, cementing his role as a driving force behind SeaFirst’s expansion and success. Under his leadership, SeaFirst acquired other firms across the region, establishing a strong presence in locations like the Saanich Peninsula and Gulf Islands. Doug also played a critical role in strengthening SeaFirst’s relationship with Lloyd’s London, a partnership that began in 1991 and grew into a robust coverholder arrangement. Today, SeaFirst is widely regarded as not only one of the largest Lloyds Coverholder but also setting a standard as “Best in Class” in London.

    Beyond his impressive business achievements, Doug has an adventurous spirit that drives him both professionally and personally. An avid outdoorsman, he has embarked on unforgettable river rafting trips, scaled some of the highest peaks in the world, and tackled daring heli-skiing expeditions. His passion for adventure mirrors his approach to business: bold, forward-thinking, and resilient.

    Doug’s legacy at SeaFirst also includes fostering a family connection within the company. He mentored his daughter, Laura, who now leads SeaFirst’s Lloyd’s Underwriting division. Through his guidance and commitment, Doug has not only positioned SeaFirst for continued success but has also ensured that his values of dedication and perseverance live on in the next generation.

  • Dan Olive, CAIB

    VP Operations

    Dan Olive, CAIB

    VP Operations

    Dan is one of the Managing Partners at SeaFirst Insurance and looks after our personal lines, general operations and marketing while managing a large commercial lines portfolio. He has been in the insurance business since 2004 and his primary areas of expertise are strata and pharmacy insurance. As an active member of the community of Central Saanich, Dan volunteers with multiple organizations and has served on several advisory committees and non-profit boards. In his spare time, he enjoys camping with his family and is an avid roller hockey player.

The Team

  • Doug Strong

    President

    Doug Strong

    President

    Doug Strong’s career journey began in the early 1980s when he worked in construction with Seaboard Properties Ltd. However, a downturn in the economy led him to pursue a new path as an insurance agent, marking the start of a transformative career in the industry. He spent his early years working with Seaboard Properties before joining the Canadian Indemnity Insurance Company as a marketing representative. In 1989, Doug returned to Seaboard Properties, accepting a partnership position and beginning a new era that would shape SeaFirst Insurance as it is known today.

    In 1991, Doug purchased shares in the company, cementing his role as a driving force behind SeaFirst’s expansion and success. Under his leadership, SeaFirst acquired other firms across the region, establishing a strong presence in locations like the Saanich Peninsula and Gulf Islands. Doug also played a critical role in strengthening SeaFirst’s relationship with Lloyd’s London, a partnership that began in 1991 and grew into a robust coverholder arrangement. Today, SeaFirst is widely regarded as not only one of the largest Lloyds Coverholder but also setting a standard as “Best in Class” in London.

    Beyond his impressive business achievements, Doug has an adventurous spirit that drives him both professionally and personally. An avid outdoorsman, he has embarked on unforgettable river rafting trips, scaled some of the highest peaks in the world, and tackled daring heli-skiing expeditions. His passion for adventure mirrors his approach to business: bold, forward-thinking, and resilient.

    Doug’s legacy at SeaFirst also includes fostering a family connection within the company. He mentored his daughter, Laura, who now leads SeaFirst’s Lloyd’s Underwriting division. Through his guidance and commitment, Doug has not only positioned SeaFirst for continued success but has also ensured that his values of dedication and perseverance live on in the next generation.

  • Dan Olive, CAIB

    VP Operations

    Dan Olive, CAIB

    VP Operations

    Dan is one of the Managing Partners at SeaFirst Insurance and looks after our personal lines, general operations and marketing while managing a large commercial lines portfolio. He has been in the insurance business since 2004 and his primary areas of expertise are strata and pharmacy insurance. As an active member of the community of Central Saanich, Dan volunteers with multiple organizations and has served on several advisory committees and non-profit boards. In his spare time, he enjoys camping with his family and is an avid roller hockey player.

  • Christine Etele, CAIB

    Personal Lines Manager

  • Kari Bowerbank, CAIB

    Personal Lines Underwriting Manager

  • Daryl Kochan

    Director of Underwriting

  • Daniel Bernardes, MA

    Operations Manager

  • Kerri Koome

    Personal Lines Sales Manager

  • Mike Gagnon, BA, CIP

    Claims Manager

  • Steve Pearce

    Commercial Sales Growth Manager

  • Garrett Hartley

    Senior Commercial Account Manager

    Garrett Hartley

    Senior Commercial Account Manager

    Garrett Hartley, Commercial Account Manager at SeaFirst Insurance, looks after various commercial accounts. His expertise includes strata properties, commercial buildings, contractors, adventure operators, and many other types of businesses. He has been with SeaFirst since 2012 and in the industry since 2011. Fourth-generation islander, Garrett has a wealth of knowledge of the area, local businesses, and communities. In his free time, Garrett stays active exploring the outdoors, hiking, fishing, snowboarding and golfing. You can also catch him enjoying the excellent restaurants that Greater Victoria has to offer.

  • Michael Kissinger, CRM, CAIB

    Commercial Lines Sales Manager

  • Amanda Dyrbye

    ICBC Supervisor

  • Sarah Harms

    Personal Lines Supervisor

  • Tanya Phillion

    Commercial Lines Supervisor

  • Candy Classen

    Underwriting Team Lead

  • David Hill

    Underwriting Team Lead

  • Kim Topping

    Personal Lines Team Lead

  • Joshua Ward

    Small Business Unit Team Lead

  • Tracey Cottrell

    ICBC & Driver Services Team Lead

  • Steve Millar, BA, FCIP, CRM

    Claims Department Team Lead

  • Aishwarya Panse, B.COMM

    Insurance Advisor

  • Aaron MacGregor

    Commercial Producer

  • Alexander Gibson

    Commercial Insurance Advisor

  • Alexia Huibers

    Insurance Advisor

  • Bill Boneham

    Senior Underwriter

  • Ali Flynn, CAIB

    Commercial Producer

    Ali Flynn, CAIB

    Commercial Producer

    Ali Flynn joined the Insurance Industry in 2009, beginning her career in Auto & Personal Lines before moving into Underwriting. Her passion for sales and client relations led her to transition from Underwriting to a supervisory role in Personal Lines. She then moved to the commercial side of the business, where Ali excels at guiding clients through the complexities of insurance policies to ensure they receive the necessary protection.

    Outside of her professional pursuits, Ali is a proud mother to her daughter, Layla. Together, they enjoy an active lifestyle, with skiing being one of their favorite activities. Balancing her career and family life, Ali is passionate about ensuring that both her clients and her loved ones feel safe and supported in every endeavor.

    With a wealth of experience in the industry, Ali is dedicated to providing clients with personalized insurance solutions that meet their unique needs.

  • Amy Nash

    Insurance Advisor

  • Dylan Bell

    Commercial Producer

    Dylan Bell

    Commercial Producer

    Dylan joined SeaFirst in January 2024 as a Commercial Producer, specializing in Apoth-A-Guard, Business, Property, Strata, and Contractor’s Insurance. With 13 years of experience in the golf industry, Dylan brings a strong service mindset and a passion for building relationships. His goal is to provide personalized insurance solutions that truly fit each client’s unique needs—protecting what matters most to them.

    When he’s not working with clients, you’ll likely find Dylan on the golf course, exploring new travel destinations, road biking, or hiking the stunning trails of Vancouver Island.

    Dylan is dedicated to making insurance simple, smart, and stress-free.

     

  • Arpita Sahasrabudhe

    Auto Insurance Agent

  • Arthur McDonald

    Auto Insurance Agent

  • Deanna Bakken

    Senior Underwriter

  • Austin Pandolfi

    Auto Insurance Agent

  • Joel Tyrrell

    Commercial Insurance Specialist

    Joel Tyrrell

    Commercial Insurance Specialist

    Joel has been with SeaFirst since 2020 and can’t say enough good things about the environment and culture here. He has been in the insurance industry since 2004 and can offer exceptional guidance and service on everything from large strata commercial properties to small businesses and everything in between. Joel was born and raised in Victoria and has a passion for meeting new clients and making new connections. This passion for customer service has led to many meaningful new client relationships and referrals. He enjoys baseball, golf, camping, hiking and travelling in his spare time.

  • Brenda Aspinwall

    Auto Insurance Agent

  • Kim Wright

    Commercial Lines Assistant

  • Jessica Cedar

    Underwriter

  • Chantelle Hughes

    Insurance Advisor

  • Corrine Gardner, CAIB,CIP

    Insurance Advisor

  • Hayley Pfeifle

    Auto Insurance Agent

  • Nicole Lok, CAIB

    Commercial Insurance Advisor

  • Robyn Young

    Underwriter

  • Barb Maja

    Claims Telephone Adjuster/Examiner

  • Jaime Perron

    Insurance Advisor

  • Samuel Bernard

    Underwriter

  • JC Raines

    Auto Insurance Agent

  • Jennifer Stevens

    Insurance Advisor

  • Jessica Oberg

    Insurance Advisor

  • Katrina Buzath, CIP, CAIB

    Auto Insurance Agent

  • Kaylee Strugnell

    Insurance Advisor

  • Lynda Nash

    Insurance Advisor

  • Megan Saunders

    Insurance Advisor

  • Heather Sigwin

    Claims Examiner

  • Rachel Drover

    Personal Lines Underwriter

  • Randi Logan

    Auto Insurance Agent

  • Rick Chisholm, CAIB

    Insurance Advisor

  • Sabrina Goodfellow

    Auto Insurance Agent

  • Sabrina Sarvas

    Insurance Advisor

  • Sally Bauman

    Insurance Advisor

  • Scott LeBlanc

    Small Business Unit Insurance Advisor

  • Tyler Thornhill

    Auto Insurance Agent

  • Laura Kinloch

    Claims Assistant

  • Peggi Raidt

    Administrative Assistant

  • Loretta Copley

    Senior Commercial Insurance Producer

Congratulations
to our President
Doug Strong
on his 35 Years
with SeaFirst!

Holiday Closure Notice

All SeaFirst offices will be closed on Labour Day (Monday, September 1st) and will reopen at 9:00 AM on Tuesday, September 2nd.

Please note: Our Oak Bay office will remain closed on Tuesday, September 2nd and will reopen at 9:00 AM on Wednesday, September 3rd.

Thank you for your understanding, and we wish you a safe and happy long weekend!