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Reliance
Insurance
Reliance Insurance was started in 1992 by a local legend named Fred Hall. He was one of the pioneers of insurance in Medicine Hat since the 1950s. Fred left the industry for a while and decided that he missed it so much he would open up another brokerage and that’s how Reliance was born.
Since Fred’s retirement in 2013, Justin Cunningham, Chad Fai, Braden Maser, and Lisa Mathison have now taken the reigns with a wonderful staff and continue to deliver the best service at Medicine Hat’s largest locally owned brokerage. We pride ourselves on that title, as we support and hope you will support local ownership so the money you spend stays in the community.
Justin Cunningham
Owner + Business Insurance Advisor
Justin graduated from the University of Lethbridge in 2004 with a B. Mgmt. in Finance, and a B. Arts in Economics. Since 2006 he has been with Reliance Insurance and earned his level three General Insurance licence and CAIB designation. He became a partner in 2008 and took on the role of General Manager. He enjoys golf, squash, and running when he’s not taking time for his three kids Liam, Lyrah, and Archer and wonderful wife Nichole.
Braden Maser
Owner + Business Insurance Specialist
Braden is a Commercial Insurance Specialist and became a partner with Reliance Insurance in July 2017. He obtained his Chartered Insurance Professional (CIP) designation in 2006 after graduating from the Mount Royal University Insurance Program. Braden has over 15 years experience working within the insurance industry in various capacities in Calgary and now Medicine Hat. Braden is happy to be back in Medicine Hat where he grew up and looks forward to raising his family here.
Chad Fai
Owner + Business Insurance Advisor
Chad began his insurance career in 1994 after graduating from Mount Royal University’s Business Administration and Insurance program. He earned his Certified Insurance Professional (CIP) in 2000 and has over 25 years of experience in the insurance industry. Chad became a partner in 2015 and continues to grow the commercial insurance division through the principle of strong relationships and knowledge of his client’s business in various industries including construction, oil & gas, educational institutions and professional sectors. Outside of work, Chad enjoys spending time with his family, mountain biking, snowboarding and travelling.
Lisa Mathison
Owner + Business Insurance Advisor
Lisa graduated from Medicine Hat College with a Marketing Diploma in 1998 and started her insurance career in May 2000. During her many years in the insurance industry, she has earned her CAIB and CPIB designations. Lisa loves to spend time outdoors looking for new adventures with her daughters Keira and Halle and their dog, Bo.
Lacey Ambrosi
Personal Insurance Specialist
Lacey joined the Reliance Insurance Team in 2020, and is a hometown girl who was born and raised in Medicine Hat. In 2004, she graduated from the Global Tourism and Marketing Program and has been in the customer service industry ever since. She decided in 2019 that is was time for a career change and obtained her Insurance licence. Lacey thrives on making new connections and making every client experience personable with her bubbly personality, one can always hear her laughter around the office. In her personal time, she enjoys spending time with her two daughters, Jazmin and Lily.
Susanna Clarke
Personal Lines
Susanna joined the Reliance team in January of 2024. She has called Medicine Hat home for 20 years and loves the all the beautiful scenery the city offers. Licensed in 2021, she balances her professional life with a love for Netflix, camping, road trips, and quality time with her partner Nathan and their two cats, Nellie and Zoey.
Michelle DeBolt
Finance and Account Administration
Michelle started in the insurance industry at Reliance insurance in 2003 as their receptionist. She worked hard to became a personal lines broker in 2007. After many years of being a broker, she followed her dreams and moved into the finance and accounting department in January 2019. Michelle enjoys running, camping, reading, playing card and board games with her husband Clinton and her two daughters Kiera and Abigail.
Lisa Finkbeiner
Administration
Lisa was born and raised in Medicine Hat. Many years ago, she was an insurance broker but left the field to other experiences. Lisa came back to her passion in 2019 and has been in the insurance industry since. Lisa and her partner Brett, enjoy watching the Toronto Raptors play, playing golf and disc golf, going to concerts and spending time with family and friends. She has 2 kids, Chance and Chasity and 3 cats named Jellybean, Bear and Gina.
Lyndell Franklin
Client Services
Lyndell is part of the dynamic duo reception/admin team and ½ the brain at the front desk which she shares with her work Mom, Mo! Lyndell has been with Reliance since 2011. She was born in Saskatchewan and raised in Fox Valley, so she basically knows all of Medicine Hat. After graduation, she moved to Lethbridge for college, where she met her 6’-6” husband. If you know Lyndell she is only 5’-2”. She and her husband moved to Medicine Hat in 2008 for his work and it’s now home! They have 2 children, Harper and Calyn and their dog Frankie. Lyndell enjoys the fast, steady pace of Reliance Insurance and making people laugh!
Kerri Gagley
Personal Insurance Specialist
Kerri Gagley is a welcome addition to the Reliance Team. After years in auto finance, she has decided to make a change and hasn’t looked back! She works hard to Increase her knowledge and experience in order to find the best solutions while providing excellent customer service. During her downtime you can find her adventuring with her husband Jay and 3 boys Nik, Carter and Noah.
Michelle Garand
Commercial Insurance CSR
Michelle started her Insurance career in 2013 as a receptionist and quickly moved into a Broker role focusing on Personal Lines. She has recently joined the Reliance team in the Commercial lines department and looks forward to getting to know the clients and expanding her knowledge and experience. Michelle is working towards obtaining her CAIB designation and hopes to have that complete by the end of 2019. Michelle grew up in Winnipeg and moved to AB in 2005 having spent a few years in Calgary before making Medicine Hat her home. When not working Michelle enjoys spending time with her husband Trent, their two boys, Jerrick and Jaxson, and their dog Taco.
Karen Geiger
Personal Insurance Specialist
Karen is a part of our Personal Lines insurance team at Reliance. Karen is a new addition to Reliance Insurance, joining the team in the fall of 2020. Karen has been married for over 28 years and has two children. When not at work, Karen loves to spend time outdoors camping, golfing, walking and gardening.
Maureen Getz
Client Services
Mo is part of the dynamic duo reception/admin team and ½ the brain at the front desk. She was raised in Medicine Hat and began working with the public at 14 years of age. She raised her family in Redcliff and holds strong ties to the community. Mo came to Reliance Insurance from an Alberta registry position in 2012 and is thrilled with the community-minded spirit here at Reliance. She loves camping with her husband Garth and fur babies Leo and Bruce. Again, everyone knows Mo!
Tammy Heaton
Personal Insurance Specialist
Tammy joined the Reliance team January of 2022 as a personal lines broker. Tammy has been a Medicine Hat resident for over 30 years and loves the city she calls home. After 18 years at Alberta Registries, it was time for her to explore new opportunities and face new challenges. She’s very excited to be a part of the Reliance Family. When Tammy’s not working, she enjoys working out, spending time with her two children Drayden and Camille, paddle boarding with friends and walking her energetic dog, Jax.
Ariana Lecorps
Client Services
Ariana joined the Reliance Insurance reception/admin team part time in June 2021. She grew up a small-town girl in Fox Valley, Saskatchewan. After graduating from Lethbridge Community College with a diploma in Communications-Television Production, she spent most of her career working as a videographer/editor before becoming primarily a stay-at-home mom. Ariana enjoys volunteering at her children’s school whenever possible and in her spare time loves spending time with her husband Mike, their children Javan and Malin, and their pug Rocky.
Val Martens
Personal Insurance Advisor
Val joined Reliance Insurance in 2016, with over twenty years of experience in the insurance industry. She loves looking after clients with expertise like none other. No problem too big, no solution too small. Val was born and raised in Medicine Hat and loves spending time with family and her grandchildren.
Brin Miller-Beal
Commercial Insurance Advisor - Church & Charity
Brin has recently moved back to her hometown of Medicine Hat and joined the Reliance Insurance team. She brings her enthusiasm and vibrant personality to our Church and Charity insurance program. In her personal time, Brin enjoys spending time with her husband, Matthew and her two daughters, Madison and Kennedy.
Murray Nunweiler
Commercial Insurance Specialist - Church & Charity
Murray is a life-long resident of Medicine Hat with decades of experience in oilfield finance and insurance. Murray has joined Reliance Insurance with a focus on a specialty market – insuring churches and charitable organizations throughout Western Canada. Murray is married to Selena and has 2 grown daughters. In his spare time you will find him playing hockey and golf.
Carissa Page
Personal Insurance Specialist
After working in the car industry for 15 years as a service adviser, Carissa took the leap into insurance and is beyond happy that she did! Carissa has her Diploma in Police and Security from Medicine Hat College. She also has her Level 2 Insurance License. Carissa feels like she won the Job Lottery when she was hired at Reliance and fits right in with the office’s team atmosphere! She loves helping people, spending time with family and friends, camping in the summer, and playing volleyball, slowpitch and golf.
Hayley Poberznick
Personal Insurance Specialist
Hayley has been a personal lines broker since 2007, with a background in adjusting as well. She has a B Arts in Kinesiology, as well as her CAIB designation. Hayley can be found at the gym daily and is up to date on all celebrity activity. She always has a smile to give to her clients and is a people pleaser. Her favourite thing to do is watch Netflix with her English Bulldog, Hammy.
Lana Prosser
Administration Commercial Client Services
Lana joined our team in May 2019 as one of our front-line receptionists and soon after moved into the role of a commercial insurance processor. She greets all of our clients with a warm smile and happy demeanour. Lana brings with her a strong background in accounting, bookkeeping & administration. Outside of work, Lana is always on the go, spending time outdoors or tending to her backyard oasis. She appreciates the team spirit & exceptional staff members that make Reliance Insurance such a great place to work!
Tiffany Schindle
Personal Lines
Tiffany joined the Reliance team November of 2023 as a personal lines broker. Tiffany was born and raised in Medicine Hat and considers herself a proud local girl. Tiffany obtained her insurance license at the age of 18. Insurance is in her blood. Tiffany has her CAIB and CIP designations. She’s very excited to be a part of the Reliance Family and helping current and new Reliance clients. When Tiffany is not working, you can find her at the Medicine Hat Golf and Country Club, spending time on Flathead lake or a Ski hill during the winter.
Shyla Smith
Commercial Insurance CSR
Shyla started in the insurance industry in 2007 in Edson, AB after completing her BA at the University of Lethbridge. She started at Reliance in April 2016 as a CSR after moving to Medicine Hat to be closer to her hometown Shaunavon, SK. Shyla’s role as CSR in our Commercial Insurance Department makes her an invaluable member of the Reliance Team. Her wealth of knowledge and willingness to help are wonderful qualities. When she is not in the office, Shyla enjoys spending time with her husband Brett and their 3 children, Easton, Aubrey and Jett.
Tessa Thompson
Personal Lines CSR
Tessa was born and raised in Medicine Hat, after several years in the banking industry she decided it was time to try something new and joined the Reliance Insurance team. She loves going to concerts and a good DIY project – only a few could be featured on Pinterest fails. Tessa also enjoys spending time with her friends and her two cats, Church and Peach.
Wanda Vandenbroek
Client Services + Business Insurance
Wanda is the Administrative Manager and Commercial Insurance CSR and has been part of the Reliance Team since 2007. Born and raised in Medicine Hat/Redcliff, Wanda enjoys spending time with family and friends and her beloved cat, Smokey. She is a die-hard fan of the Detroit Red Wings, Toronto Blue Jays and the Medicine Hat Tigers, being a season ticket holder for a number of years.
Barb Wahl
Personal Lines CSR
Barb has been in the insurance industry for over twenty years, with Reliance from August of 2015. Originally from Ontario, the wild west called to her to spread her excellent attitude to all Albertans. Her insurance experience is primarily personal lines products but will help with any product needed. Her quirky personality and robust knowledge will enable her to help with all your insurance needs.
Alisha Westland
Business Insurance Advisor
Born and raised in Medicine Hat, Alisha had spent 8 years in the banking industry before deciding it was time for a change. In 2015 she started in the Insurance Industry, first in personal lines and then found her genuine interest was in commercial insurance. Alisha has completed her Level 2 Insurance license as well as her CAIB designation. She is currently working toward completing her Chartered Insurance Professional (CIP). Alisha loves to spend time with her family and friends, loves to travel, and is constantly looking for a new project or home renovation.