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Restoration companies, travel insurance provider and brokerage make 50 Best Managed Companies list


February 27, 2013   by Canadian Underwriter


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Several companies in the property and casualty industry have made Deloitte’s list of Canada’s 50 Best Managed Companies, including those in the restoration field and a brokerage company, while others requalified on the list for a consecutive year.

BusinessCompanies compete to make the annual list, which marks excellence for Canadian-owned and managed private companies with revenues over $10 million.

The program’s applications are reviewed by an independent judging panel that evaluates how companies address various business challenges, including new technologies, globalization, brand management, leadership, leveraging and developing core competencies, designing information systems, and hiring the right talent to facilitate growth.

Among the industry winners on the list was Toronto’s FirstOnSite Restoration, which provides remediation, restoration and reconstruction services nationwide to residential, commercial and industrial customers.

“We are thrilled to be named one of the Best Managed Companies in Canada,” Dave Demos, the company’s CEO commented in a statement. “Over the years we have strived to meet our commitment to excellence in customer service, employee engagement and innovation at every touch point. At FirstOnSite our core strength is our team and this prestigious award is testament to all their hard work.”

Notably, FirstOnSite has been investing in technology capabilities, including its proprietary mobileCT software for project management.

“Today’s market place is not just about the investment in the product or service; it is also about the investment in people,” explained John Hughes, National leader for Canada’s Best Managed Companies program and leader of the Greater Toronto Growth Enterprise practice for Deloitte. “FirstOnSite invests in their team to build up a strong and sustainable company.”

Oakville, Ont.-based emergency restoration and remediation company STRONE also made the list, noting its commitment to training as one stand-out management trait.

“While we are pleased to be recognized as one of Canada’s best managed companies, we believe it is our people and their dedication to our vision of ensuring STRONE continues to set and maintain a position of leadership within the disaster recovery and restoration industry,” Neil Blinco, STRONE’s Co-CEO, Marketing and Sales commented. “As good as we are today, we all, as a team, strive to be better tomorrow.”

Travel insurance company TU Group, which includes Travel Underwriters in Canada, also made the list this year as a first-time applicant. “We’ve been innovating and evolving in the travel insurance industry for 49 years”, noted Patrick Robinson, the group’s president and CEO. “We’re very proud to be recognized nationally for the way that we manage our business and develop our team.”

“Many travellers use our products and services, but don’t know a lot about us,” he added. “What they do know is that our people are responsive, helpful and friendly – when they need us most. That’s what is truly important to us”.

Cambridge, Ont.-based brokerage Cowan Insurance Group also made the list, attributing its place there to its commitment to clients, multi-line sales approach and strategic partnerships.

“We are truly honoured to be named as one of Canada’s 50 Best Managed Companies this year,” said Heather McLachlin, Cowan’s president.

“As a first-time applicant, I am exceptionally proud that Cowan Insurance Group has been recognized as a national leader in business excellence. This award is a testament to the caliber of talent we have within our organization and to the innovative spirit of our employees and their unwavering commitment to put our customers at the centre of all we do.”

Among the requalified winners (those who have made the list for two consecutive years to retain their status on the list) were CARSTAR Automotive Canada Inc. and vehicle history report company CarProof. 


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