Falkins and Western unite

Fast-growing Western Financial Group has finalized its purchase of Falkins Insurance Group in British Columbia’s Kootenay region

Jeff Burke is president and CEO of Western Financial Group, based in High River, Alberta. — Photo courtesy Jeff Burke

Western Financial Group (Western) became widely known in Cranbrook, B.C., when, as part of its growth strategy, Western purchased the naming rights to the city’s largest community facility. In September 2012 the Cranbrook RecPlex was renamed Western Financial Place.

Western was founded in 1996 in High River, Alberta, by Scott Tannas, who is now a Canadian senator. Western’s focus on growth through acquisition has resulted in the establishment of more than 160 Western Financial Group offices in B.C., Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Jeff Burke has been with Western for just over a year and a half. He became president of the company in August 2013 and CEO on January 1, 2014.

“We look to purchase brokerages that have the same philosophy and values that Western has,” Burke said. “Fairness, truthfulness, value, loyalty—these are our principles.”

Well-matched principles

As of January 1, 2014, Western completed its acquisition of Falkins Insurance Group, a Cranbrook-based company with a total of 11 offices in the Kootenay region. There are now 70 Western offices in B.C. Burke said that like Falkins, Western is based in rural communities and understands the values that are incorporated into rural living and lifestyle.

“We work with customers at the worst of times and the best of times,” he said. “When the economy thrives, we celebrate with them—and when they have tough times, we work with them to make the best resolution.”

Pete Stefano has been with Falkins Insurance Group for 12 years, all of them in Cranbrook. His new role is as vice-president of Western's Kootenay region. Stefano believes, after being involved with Western on an increasing scale for nine years during the acquisition process, that their shared core values make the two companies a good fit.

Stefano said that while there’s some nostalgia about having the Falkins name retired after 117 years, he is feeling positive about the larger company’s fresh outlook.

“We feel that this transition is a good one—we just have to get used to the new letterhead and email addresses,” Stefano said with a smile. “Our staff is what makes us successful, and we look forward to having that continue with Western. Our customers can expect the same great service from the same people that they’ve dealt with in the past at the branches.”

Community benefits

Through its Western Communities Foundation, Western gives back to the communities in which its offices are situated. It gives infrastructure grants for key community facilities, provides bursaries for graduating high school students, and supplies automated external defibrillators in some community buildings.

“We also have a matching grant program where we match up to $500 of funds raised by community groups,” said Burke, “and we work with Habitat for Humanity, local food banks and local fundraisers.”