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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, Neil 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 University in 2004 with a B. Mgmt. in Finance, and a B. Arts in Economics from the University of Lethbridge. 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 has recently taken 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.
Neil Maser
Owner + Business Insurance Advisor
Neil is a long-time resident of Medicine Hat with twenty-eight years in the insurance industry. He is a Chartered Insurance Professional (CIP) and holds his Canadian Accredited Insurance Professional (CAIB) designation. His wealth of experience brings value and leadership to Reliance Insurance as well as credibility with the various markets we represent. Neil and his wife Cori have two married children, Jenna and Braden, and five grandkids. Neil enjoys golf, squash, hanging out with his children and occasionally can be seen at Kitchen Ka-Boodle which he and Cori own.
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 started 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 twenty- two years of experience in commercial insurance, claims and management. He offers extensive insurance knowledge, solutions, and ongoing high-quality service in construction, oil & gas, public transportation, automotive, educational institutions and office professional sectors. Outside of work, Chad enjoys spending time with his family, volunteering, snowboarding, trap shooting and travelling.
Lisa Mathison
Owner + Business Insurance Advisor
Lisa graduated from the Medicine Hat College with a Marketing Diploma in 1998 and started her insurance career in May 2000. During her sixteen 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 husband Steve and daughters Keira and Halle.
Michelle Debolt
Finance and Account Administration
Michelle DeBolt is Personal Insurance Specialist. She started at Reliance Insurance as a receptionist in 2003 and worked her way to becoming a broker in 2007. She enjoys spending time with her husband Clinton and her two daughters Kiera and Abby.
Dave Flemmer
Personal Insurance Advisor
Dave began his working career at the age of 15, which included long term positions in a local pet shop and building supply store. Just when the time came for a career change, Dave was invited into the insurance industry by a long time broker in 2010 and he hasn’t looked back since. Having built a diverse client base means new challenges are never far off but always eagerly accepted. True to that form, Dave has moved into a position in our commercial insurance department. Outside the office, Dave enjoys camp, hiking and many outdoor activities with his wife and two sons.
Kerri Gagley
Insurance Advisor
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
Business Insurance Advisor
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 and their two boys, Jerrick and Jaxson.
Maureen Getz
Client Services
Mo is part of the dynamic duo reception/admin team at the front desk. She was Born in Taber and raised in Medicine Hat. She raised her family in Redcliff and the Hat as well. Mo came to Reliance Insurance from an Alberta registry position 4 years ago and is thrilled with the community-minded spirit here at Reliance. Again, everyone knows Mo!
Val Martens
Personal Insurance Advisor
Valerie Martens is a recent addition to Reliance Insurance after twenty years 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 has a strong interest in fashion.
Brin Miller-Beal
Personal Insurance Advisor
Brin has recently moved back to her hometown of Medicine Hat and joined the Reliance Insurance team. She has been a personal lines broker since 2014 and is working hard to expand her knowledge and experience, which, combined with her enthusiasm and vibrant personality, makes her a valuable asset to Reliance Insurance. In her personal time, she enjoys spending time with her husband, Matthew and her two daughters, Madison and Kennedy.
Hayley Poberznick
Personal + Business Insurance Advisor
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 favorite thing to do is watch Netflix with her English Bulldog Butters.
Mel Snyder
Insurance Advisor
After a time in the farm equipment business, Mel changed courses and began a career in the insurance industry in 1989. He moved from broker to a managing partner of a local agency in 2002. He later retired from that position to focus on working with a specialty market – insuring churches and charitable organizations throughout Western Canada. He joined the Reliance team in January 2019 and continues to expand those efforts here. Mel is married to Carolynn and has two sons and five grandchildren.
Barb Wahl
Personal Lines Manager
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.
Wanda Vandenbroek
Client Services + Business Insurance
Wanda is the Administrative Manager and commercial insurance processor and has been part of the Reliance Team for over ten years. Born and raised in Medicine Hat/Redcliff, Wanda enjoys spending time with family and friends and is a die-hard Detroit Red Wings and Toronto Blue Jays fan. She is very proud to be part of Medicine Hat’s largest locally owned insurance brokerage.
Vicky Krause
Insurance Advisor
Vicky is a recent addition to the team. She has spent many years in the local insurance industry and is now part of the Church and Charity department at Reliance. She has two adult children. Vickey and her husband spend their spare time at their second residence in the Cypress Hills in Saskatchewan.
Lyndell Franklin
Client Services
Lyndell is part of our front desk reception team and has been with Reliance for 5 years. She was born and raised in Fox Valley, Saskatchewan. After graduation, she moved to Lethbridge, Alberta to go to college, where she met her husband. They moved to Medicine Hat over 7 years ago for his line of work. Medicine Hat has always felt like home to her! Lyndell enjoys the fast steady pace of Reliance Insurance and all the friendly people she meets along the way.
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 demeanor. Lana brings with her a strong background in accounting / bookkeeping & administration. She enjoys the team spirit & exceptional staff members that makes Reliance Insurance such a great place to work! Her love of nature, music & laughter are shared making memories with her Grandchildren and her perpetual pup, Blaze.
Stephanie Sackman
Administration Assistant
Stephanie is an enthusiastic member of our Admin team. She handles our data processing, and easily takes on special projects and helps out wherever needed! Born and raised in Redcliff & Medicine Hat, she spends her time off with her husband, Brandon, and Shepherd, Akira, enjoying camping, water sports, motorcycle riding, dancing/music, and online gaming. If you bring your dog to the office, she’ll be the one running from the other end of the building to greet you and your pooch with excitement!
Nancy Rafa
Nancy joined Reliance Insurance after 28 years in the banking industry. She has been working in Insurance since 2017, earning her Level 2 License in March 2019. Nancy and her husband Paul operate a mixed Farm and Cattle operation by Seven Persons, AB. Nancy enjoys golfing, mud bogging and learning to play the drums.
Lacey Ambrosi
Lacey is a recent addition to the Reliance Insurance Team, 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 husband Mark, and her two daughters, Jazmin and Lily.
Carol Henderson
Carol is our newest team member for Reliance Insurance. She has been in the Insurance Industry since 2015. She has worked in the Banking Industry for 8 years prior to moving into her Administrative Role in Insurance. She has earned her Level 1 License since 2016. Carol comes from Ontario, but says “don’t hold that against her”. She is now a Medicine Hat Girl! Carol loves going to hockey games, ball games, basketball games, playing the odd game of golf and going to concerts.