Sara Bijl
Windsor,Canada
Summary
Knowledgeable Service Insurance Broker with background in insurance brokerage, skilled in risk assessment and policy recommendations. Expertise in building strong client relationships and customizing insurance solutions to meet individual needs. Proven abilities in negotiation and policy management demonstrate strategic approach and keen attention to detail.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Service Insurance Broker
HUB
Windsor, ON
10.2023 - Current
- Develop customized insurance solutions aligning with client needs and risk exposures.
- Negotiate policy terms with insurers to secure optimal coverage for clients.
- Educate clients on insurance products, enhancing understanding of policy benefits and limitations.
- Provide exceptional customer service by responding quickly to inquiries, resolving issues, and anticipating client needs.
- Currently licensed in Ontario, Alberta, and the Maritimes in good standing.
Sales Insurance Broker
HUB
Windsor, ON
05.2020 - 10.2023
- Quoted and discussed Property & Casualty insurance policies; up-sell and cross sell policy coverage; answered all questions relating to deductibles, claims and processing of the policies.
- Promoted features of the brand i.e.: PC Insurance and kept up to date on product knowledge re: home and auto products. Provided Shadowing for new hires.
- Assisted Team Leader with escalation calls to rebuild client rapport, turned the sale around all while ensuring clients received the best customer service and selling of policies.
Sales Support
Fastenal
Windsor, ON
02.2019 - 04.2020
- Assisted all store counter sales for walk-in traffic and clients that required parts.
- Accurately executed quote requests received through the store email from clients.
- Answered phones, set up new accounts, visited new clients to confirm place of business and develop rapport, to build a portfolio of products for them.
Special Projects Manager
Kanata Living Inc.
Windsor, ON
10.2017 - 05.2019
- Facilitated the transition and sale of a retirement home by delivering mentorship and training in customer service, operations management, and property procedures to newly hired management. Performed in-depth annual property inspections to ensure quality control and compliance with government regulations.
- Collaborated with the President and a Website Developer in creating online content and brand representation.
- Cultivated strategic relationships with vendors, contractors, and potential clients.
General Manager
The Shoreview at Riverside
Windsor, ON
08.2014 - 10.2017
- Oversaw the daily operations of an 86 suite Retirement Home after purchasing from receivership and the renovation of the facility. Successfully onboarded and managed a team of 5 managers including the Director of Care and Dietary Manager to troubleshoot resident concerns and provided tailored solutions to develop and maintain client trust.
- Directed daily operations to enhance efficiency and service quality.
- Held management meetings to deliberate on client concerns, new company policies and pricing strategies.
- Implemented cost-control measures that improved budget adherence.
Administrator
Bruce Villa Inc.
Windsor, ON
01.2009 - 08.2014
- Collaborated with the President, Director of Care and Activity Manager to oversee the day-to-day operations of a 120 bed Special Needs and Retirement Home. Engaged with clients to foster a strong relationship by developing a friendly environment and ensuring a consistently high level of care was provided.
- Liaised with the City of Windsor to meet per diem budget allowances for property maintenance and staffing.
- Managed the Property Maintenance program with Maintenance staff.
- Discussed methods of increasing occupancy with senior management.
Education
Retirement Communities Management Diploma -
Centennial College
Toronto, ONInterpersonal Skills Management Course -
Witz Education
Toronto, ONSkills
- Attention to Detail
- Proactive team player
- Driven
- Customer service
- Active listening
- Critical thinking
- Complaint handling
- Client education
- Organization
Accomplishments
- Cleaned up a book of business of Insurance policies, to make sure they were underwritten correctly. Handled complaints and educated clients to know their policies.
- Reduced the time frame of grievances, all while maintaining a balanced staffing level, due to WSIB related cases, scheduling, and sicknesses, etc.
- Oversaw the training and transfer of information to new management at Kanata Living Inc. to guarantee the successful sale of the property and provision of excellent customer service.
- Accomplished in reducing 10% in monthly costs within 2 years as Administrator at Bruce Villa Inc. Assessed and updated internal procedures, enforced budget adherence, and supported the Director of Care.
PROBLEM RESOLUTION
TEAM MANAGEMENT & TRAINING
COST SAVING INITIATIVES
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Certification
- Licensed Insurance Broker - RIBO, since 2020
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Service Insurance Broker
HUB
10.2023 - Current
Sales Insurance Broker
HUB
05.2020 - 10.2023
Sales Support
Fastenal
02.2019 - 04.2020
Special Projects Manager
Kanata Living Inc.
10.2017 - 05.2019
General Manager
The Shoreview at Riverside
08.2014 - 10.2017
Administrator
Bruce Villa Inc.
01.2009 - 08.2014
Retirement Communities Management Diploma -
Centennial College
Interpersonal Skills Management Course -
Witz Education