Julie "Nicole" Couwenberg
St. Williams,ON
Summary
Being raised into the Insurance Industry, I have a passion for the industry and a strong knowledgeable background. With my Mother, along her side for 18 years, being her successor into the brokerage, which was sold to Shareholders. I was Previously and want to continue to be a determined Business Owner/Partner with commitment to excellence and more than 15 years of experience. Results-driven Insurance Broker/Office Manager and CEO with forward-thinking approach centered on company success and competitive growth. Demonstrated record of success in building successful teams and managing profitable operations. Pragmatic professional with solid experience in leadership roles. Adept at implementing strategic business plans, driving growth and improving operations. Skilled in financial management and stakeholder relations. Collaborative and dedicated to building and leading talented and motivated individuals.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
CEO
Norwich Insurance Brokers
Norwich, ON
12.2019 - 06.2023
- Managed partnerships and strategic business relationships by negotiating contract terms and handling conflicts.
- Developed key operational initiatives to drive and maintain substantial business growth.
- Cultivated forward-thinking, inclusive, and performance-oriented business culture to lead industry in innovation and push progress.
- Built productive relationships with industry partners and competitors to support strategic business objectives.
- Reviewed individual department performance and worked with leadership to improve processes, procedures, and practices.
- Addressed employee and managerial concerns and implemented corrective actions to promote compliance.
- Updated business processes, products and team makeups to generate more business opportunities and cater to audience needs.
- Engaged positively with staff and leadership colleagues, soliciting and encouraging feedback and collaborative spirit.
- Analyzed and tracked business metrics and made appropriate adjustments to meet supply and demand needs.
- Negotiated terms of business acquisitions to increase business base and solidify market presence.
- Devised and presented business plans and forecasts to board of directors.
- Monitored key business risks and established risk management procedures.
- Established and maintained strong relationships with customers, vendors and strategic partners.
- Initiated strategy to drive company growth and increase market share and profitability.
- Created succession plans to provide continuity of operations during leadership transitions.
- Represented organization at industry conferences and events.
Insurance Broker
Norwich Insurance Brokers
Norwich, ON
03.2004 - 06.2023
- Recommended type and amount of coverage based on analysis of customers' circumstances using persuasive sales techniques.
- Calculated quotes and educated potential clients on insurance options.
- Retained 97.8% of policyholders during annual renewal period.
- Strategized with clients to create customized insurance policy packages while informing clients of investment opportunities to protect assets.
- Mentored [Number] entry-level brokers.
- Met with prospective customers and business owners in homes, businesses and other settings.
- Formulated cross-functional solutions for personal and commercial insurance, including Agricultural and Hospitality insurance and performed thorough risk assessments.
- Tracked progress of all outstanding insurance claims.
- Evaluated accuracy and quality of data entered into agency management system.
- Developed sales leads from direct referrals, networking and targeted marketing campaigns.
Office Manager
Norwich Insurance Brokers
Norwich, ON
03.2004 - 12.2019
- Updated reports, managed accounts, and generated reports for company database.
- Coordinated special projects and managed schedules.
- Established workflow processes, monitored daily productivity, and implemented modifications to improve overall performance of personnel.
- Coached new hires on company processes while managing employees to achieve maximum production.
- Developed and maintained successful relationships with companies, clients and all business affiliates.
- Delivered performance reviews, recommending additional training or advancements.
- Reported to senior management on organizational performance and progress toward goals.
- Controlled finances to lower costs and keep business operating within budget.
- Managed compliance to keep organization operating within legal and regulatory guidelines.
- Set aggressive targets for employees to drive company success and strengthen motivation.
- Assisted in organizing and overseeing assignments to drive operational excellence.
- Leveraged data and analytics to make informed decisions and drive business improvements.
- Improved staffing during busy periods by creating employee schedules and time management abilities.
- Evaluated employee performance and conveyed constructive feedback to improve skills.
- Established performance goals for employees and provided feedback on methods for reaching those milestones.
- Streamlined and monitored quality programs to alleviate overdue compliance activities.
- Established team priorities, maintained schedules and monitored performance.
- Successfully managed budgets and allocated resources to maximize productivity and profitability.
Level 2 Dental Assistant
Dr. Lail & Associates
Woodstock, ON
09.2000 - 07.2003
- Maintained dental supply inventory by checking stock to determine inventory levels and placing and expediting orders for supplies.
- Documented patient dental health information, medical history, and vital signs for future reference.
- Performed general chair-side duties for general dentistry, endo procedures, and oral surgery.
- Cleaned and sanitized dental tools and equipment, straightened treatment rooms, and restocked supplies to prep for next patient and maintain health and safety practices.
Education
High School Diploma -
Norwich District Secondary School
Norwich, ONNo Degree - Pre Health Science
Queens University
Kingston, ONAssociate of Science - Certified Dental Assistant
St. Clair College of Applied Arts And Technology
Windsor, ONRegistered Level 2 Insurance Broker - Insurance
RIBO
Toronto11.2019
Commercial Insurance Risk Management - Insurance
Insurance Institute of Ontario
London, ON12.2007
Registered Level 1 Insurance Broker - Insurance
RIBO
Toronto03.2004
Skills
- Operational Oversight
- Conflict Alleviation
- Strategic Partnership
- Business Development and Planning
- Account Management
- Mergers and Acquisitions
- Business Administration
- Strategic Direction
- Business Development
- Employee Management
- Business Operations
- Market Understanding
- Business Consulting
- Recruiting and Hiring Top Talent
- Attention to Quality
- Profit and Loss
- Budgeting and Cost Control
- Operating Budget
- Policy Updates
- Risk and Mitigation Analysis
- Productivity Performance
- Relationship Management
- Organizational Leadership
- Revenue Growth
- Shareholder Accountability
- Mission and Vision
- Prospecting Clients
- Effective Customer Communication
- New Business Acquisition
- People and Culture
- Industry Expertise
- Growth Projections
Timeline
CEO
Norwich Insurance Brokers
12.2019 - 06.2023
Insurance Broker
Norwich Insurance Brokers
03.2004 - 06.2023
Office Manager
Norwich Insurance Brokers
03.2004 - 12.2019
Level 2 Dental Assistant
Dr. Lail & Associates
09.2000 - 07.2003
High School Diploma -
Norwich District Secondary School
No Degree - Pre Health Science
Queens University
Associate of Science - Certified Dental Assistant
St. Clair College of Applied Arts And Technology
Registered Level 2 Insurance Broker - Insurance
RIBO
Commercial Insurance Risk Management - Insurance
Insurance Institute of Ontario
Registered Level 1 Insurance Broker - Insurance
RIBO
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