Beyond Insurance: Still Independent. Still Local. Why That Matters More Than Ever
The insurance industry is changing.
Across Canada and right here in Central Alberta, we’re seeing more brokerages merge, consolidate, or become part of larger national and international groups. Consolidation isn’t inherently good or bad. It can bring scale, technology, and efficiency. But it also raises an important question for clients:
Who owns your brokerage, and does it really matter?
At Beyond Insurance, we believe it does. Here’s why.
Industry Consolidation: What’s Happening (and Why It’s Not the Whole Story)
Over the past decade, insurance has followed a pattern familiar in many professional services: larger organizations or private equity firms acquiring small, locally owned brokerages and creating centralized ownership structures. Often, these ownership structures are based outside Canada, commonly in the United States, and no longer reflect the “local broker” model many clients expect.
For clients, these changes often happen quietly. The brand name may stay the same. The office may still feel familiar. But behind the scenes, decision-making, incentives, and service models can shift.
That’s why transparency around ownership matters. Clients deserve to know who is guiding the advice they receive and where the incentives lie.
Why Ownership Matters to You as a Client
Insurance is built on trust, and trust is shaped by incentives.
Who owns your brokerage influences:
How advice is given
How insurer relationships are managed
How claims advocacy is handled
How much flexibility your broker has to act in your best interest
When ownership is distant, priorities can shift. Growth targets, shareholder expectations, or centralized processes can unintentionally influence service. That does not mean large brokerages cannot serve clients well. However, local and independent ownership creates a different environment, one where clients truly come first.
At Beyond Insurance, we are proudly independent and locally owned. Your money stays local. Our brokers live here. And we are deeply invested in the communities we serve.
Independence = Client-First Advice
Being independent allows us to do three things exceptionally well:
Protect choice
We can explore the full market without pressure to favour certain insurers or products. Our recommendations are based on fit, not affiliation.
Advocate without constraint
When claims happen, we step in personally, push for fair outcomes, and prioritize long-term client relationships over efficiency metrics.
Build trust through accountability
Local leadership means decisions are made by people who know your business, your community, and the local context. We understand the terrain, the weather, and the industries that make this region thrive.
Still Independent. Still Local.
Beyond Insurance remains proudly independent, intentionally so. We are:
Locally owned
Locally operated
Deeply invested in the communities we serve
Our leadership and brokers live here. We’re raising our children here, volunteering here, and building long-term futures alongside our clients. Our success is tied directly to the people, businesses, and organizations that make this region strong.
Local ownership allows us to:
Offer unbiased, client-first advice
Build long-term relationships instead of transactional ones
Advocate with clarity and confidence when it matters most
Independence isn’t about resisting change. It’s about protecting what works.
Community Matters, Too
Being local means we don’t just serve clients. We serve our neighbours.
This month, our brokers are bringing a little extra sweetness to the community by delivering donuts in support of Vantage Community Services as part of their Donut Cupid Valentine’s Day campaign. Working with clients like you allows us to invest in the community we all share, making these meaningful initiatives possible.
We are also proud to support Pink Shirt Day with a special anti-bullying campaign presented by the children of Beyond staff. It’s a powerful reminder that kindness, inclusion, and standing up for one another are values we practice not just at work, but at home as well.
Looking ahead, we will also be donating a silent auction basket to the 3rd Annual DKI RMHC Gutter Bowl Classic in support of Ronald McDonald House Charities, Red Deer.
Link to donate directly to the event: DKI-RMHC Gutter Classic | Ronald McDonald House Canada
This commitment is not separate from our work. It’s part of it. When you work with a locally owned brokerage, your support flows directly back into your community, strengthening the local economy and supporting families and organizations that rely on consistent, hands-on involvement.
What This Means for Our Clients
For you, staying independent means:
Clear, transparent advice
Real choice in coverage and carriers
Faster decisions and stronger accountability
Brokers who know your business, your industry, and your community
In a changing industry, our commitment remains steady: still independent, still local, and dedicated to doing what’s right for our clients, now and into the future.