Working Ventures Insurance Solutions | Union Member Insurance Savings

Our Vision: The right products, great service, the best people.

For over 25 years, Working Ventures Insurance Solutions (WVI) has specialized in providing group insurance discounts to union members, retired union members, and other organized groups across British Columbia.

Our professional, unionized brokers can arrange coverage for you through our main operations call center, with same day service on most policies.

WVI Insurance represents numerous competitive insurance markets and our experienced brokers work hard to meet your insurance needs.

In 2019 we amalgamated with Growth Financial Corp.

Growth Financial Corp Guiding Principles:

Growing – We succeed by meeting the needs of those we serve.

Reliability – We do what we say.

Opportunity – We are grateful for the opportunity to serve, learn and grow.

Wisdom – We are committed to continuous learning and excellence.

Trust – We are guided by utmost good faith in everything we do.

Honesty – We hold ourselves to the highest ethical standards.

KELOWNA BRANCH

Nicole
Lychak-Smith

Branch Manager

Hello, my name is Nicole Lychak-Smith. I have been with Working Ventures Insurance since 2018. My role is Branch Manager.

I have 19 years of Insurance experience in 2 provinces (BC & SK) with a wide variety from Auto, Home, Farm, Commercial, as well as Training & Management. I thoroughly enjoy the Management aspect of my career. I hold my CAIB (Canadian Accredited Insurance Broker) designation and I am always looking for training opportunities that will enhance my insurance knowledge.

When not at the office, I enjoy many outdoor activities with my friends and family such as walks along the beach, kayaking, playing volleyball and swimming.

We have an amazing team of Brokers here at WVI. Give us a call and one of our experienced Brokers would be happy to provide you a quote.

Michelle Hobal

Insurance Broker

Hello, my name is Michelle Hobal. I have been with Working Ventures Insurance as a Broker since 2005.

I have 33 years of insurance experience, starting in Manitoba working for MPIC. Upon moving to Kelowna I worked as a receptionist on the insurance side at Laurentian Pacific now known as Intact Insurance. I worked my way up to processor then Underwriter over my 14 years with the Company.

In 2004 I began a new adventure working in a Brokerage office. I started as a clerk and was then offered the chance to take the Level 1 insurance course which opened the doors to landing myself a job at Working Ventures Insurance. I now have my level 2 Insurance license and have enjoyed working with the WVI Staff and our clients for the past 16 years.

Alexandre Martuscello

Insurance Broker

Hello my name is Alexandre Martuscello – please stay tuned for info to be added at a later date

Kelsa Yamaoka

Insurance Broker

My name is Kelsa Yamaoka and I have been with Working Ventures Insurance since 2020. With a sales background, I knew a career in Insurance would be an ideal fit as it allows me to help clients based on their needs to ensure the best insurance fit.

I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology from The University of British Columbia, a Risk Management Certificate from the Insurance Institute and am currently working towards my CIP designation.

When I’m not at work, I take every opportunity the spend time outdoors, and be with family and friends.

Mandi Sommer

Insurance Broker

Hello, my name is Mandi Sommer and I have been with Working Ventures Insurance Solutions since 2021. After 17 years in the service industry, I decided it was time to expand my skill set while utilizing my experience in customer service, and Insurance was the perfect fit. After nine months of studying, I obtained my CAIB (Canadian Designated Insurance Broker)
designation. I plan to obtain my CPIB (Canadian Professional Insurance Broker) designation because I believe that by educating myself as much as possible, I will be able to give the best assistance to our clients.

When not at the office, I enjoy spending time reading, cooking, game nights, and spending time with my family, my friends, and my pets.

I feel very lucky to be a part of the amazing group of Brokers here at WVI. I look forward to continuing to work with, and learn from, each and everyone one of them.

Carolyn Bartier

Insurance Broker

“Hello, my name is Carolyn Bartier. I first joined Working Ventures Insurance in 2002 and I very much
enjoyed working here until 2015 when my spouse was transferred for work and we both moved to Ontario. I am now back in BC living on beautiful Vancouver Island with my family. I was very excited when the opportunity came up in November of 2022 for me to join this great company once again and work remotely from home.

I originally started in the insurance industry in Penticton BC in 1999. Since then I have working in the insurance industry right across Canada in Ontario, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. My specialty is home insurance and my passion is connecting with our wonderful clients and helping them meet their individual insurance needs. I currently hold a level 2 license and I am working towards my CIP designation.

Outside of the office I am happiest when I am outdoors on a remote hiking trail or when I am
surrounded by my family and friends.”

Aimee Kay

Branch Manager

Hello my name is Aimee Kay – please stay tuned for info to be added at a later date.

Keri-Lynn Bignell

Insurance Broker

On March 15, 2024; after 45 years in the insurance business as well as managing Whitlock
Insurance Services, a division of Growth Financial Corp in Trail, BC, I have relocated to Working
Ventures Insurance Solutions – Kelowna Branch. I continue to be involved in the business and
look forward to serving all my clients as the Commercial Account Manager for both Trail &
Kelowna Branches.
I was born in Charlottetown, PEI. Played professional hockey from 1969-1976. Started in my
Insurance Career in 1977. I love to play golf & fish.
If you are in the need of commercial insurance, don’t hesitate to give me a call.

Amrit Uppal

Insurance Broker

Hello my name is Amrit Uppal– please stay tuned for info to be added at a later date

Christine Mota

Insurance Broker

Hello my name is Christine Mota– please stay tuned for info to be added at a later date

Timeyin Ine

Insurance Broker

Hello my name is Timeyin Ine– please stay tuned for info to be added at a later date

Bob Whitlock

Commercial Accounts Manager
(Trail Branch)

On March 15, 2024; after 45 years in the insurance business as well as managing Whitlock
Insurance Services, a division of Growth Financial Corp in Trail, BC, I have relocated to Working
Ventures Insurance Solutions – Kelowna Branch. I continue to be involved in the business and
look forward to serving all my clients as the Commercial Account Manager for both Trail &
Kelowna Branches.
I was born in Charlottetown, PEI. Played professional hockey from 1969-1976. Started in my
Insurance Career in 1977. I love to play golf & fish.
If you are in the need of commercial insurance, don’t hesitate to give me a call.

Sonia Fenton

Commercial Producer
(Trail Branch)

Hello my name is Sonia Fenton – please stay tuned for info to be added at a later date