Bob Keays, our Director of Business Development, has over 30 years’ experience in the insurance industry and is well known as a knowledgeable, kind, caring professional who is passionate about helping people and making a positive impact on the lives of those he meets.
We thought it might be interesting to get Bob’s perspective on insurance and life in general. Here is what he had to say:
What do you love about insurance?
I know I am doing something to protect people. For me, it is about making sure people (and their families’) financial wellbeing are protected.
What do you specialize in?
My area of expertise is group business where members have access to a group discount (savings) which allows them to have more disposable income for their families.
I really enjoy cultivating relationships of trust and friendship. I love educating people about Insurance and working with our groups to showcase the benefits we have to offer its membership. I get excited when I receive messages from people telling me how happy they are with the coverage we found for them at a great rate. It is very rewarding to know we have made a positive impact.
Who has been a role model during your career?
I was very fortunate to have the opportunity to work with Conrad Grant and Kendall Higgins. Both of these people have great ethical values and are knowledgeable, kind, caring, empathetic, and genuine people. Most importantly, they always put the customer first. These are the values I appreciate in people. I have watched them work with clients. They have given me the confidence to do my job well and be the best at what I am doing. Today, I am fortunate to work with an amazing team at Higgins Insurance. Our management team and staff are very caring and professional.
What is your approach to “Work Life Balance”?
I love my job and I take it seriously. Work is such a great place for me to connect with amazing people who are doing awesome work around the Maritimes. Life goes by so quickly and we should all try not to worry about things that are beyond our control. I am a Sepsis Survivor, and because of this I do treasure my health. I love every moment I have with family and friends. I never miss an opportunity to be around them. I love going out for bike rides, walks, officiating a few hockey games in the winter, and driving my old 73 beetle a few times a year, especially at Christmas time when I put a tree on the top of it. People love getting their photo with it!
What is the future of insurance?
There will always be a place for Insurance Brokers who’s number one goal is to prevent something bad from happening to their clients, and being there for their client when the inevitable occurs. I love the fact that when someone calls our office their phone call is answered immediately by one of our First Impressions Team. From there our clients are connected with a Higgins Insurance Broker. Customer service is something we take great pride in and it helps us stand apart from the direct competition.
We have embraced technology and use it extensively to help our clients. Please read “The Higgins Insurance Difference”. https://www.higginsinsurance.ca/discover.html
What are your goals for the future?
Building relationships, embracing technology, continuing to take care of clients by listening to what they need. I like to help people and let them know we are going to protect them. The wow factor is very important to me, so we work hard to find the best solution for their specific needs. One of the challenges we have are rates, but even when rates go up our team takes the time to do a complete file, and competitive rate, review so our customer is getting the best possible value.