Our Vision: The right products, great service, the best people.
Kelowna Office
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 group 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.
Trail Office
In March 2024, Whitlock Insurance Services, was rebranded to Working Ventures Solutions. The office has been the cornerstone of the Trail community, providing reliable, personal insurance solutions for individuals and businesses throughout the region. Our wide range of products, which now include union member discounts are designed to protect what matters to you most.
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
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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
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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
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Hello my name is Alexandre Martuscello – please stay tuned for info to be added at a later date
Kelsa Yamaoka
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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
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Hello, my name is Mandi Sommer, and I have been with Working Ventures Insurance Solutions since 2021. During my first year, I decided to obtain my CAIB (Canadian Designated Insurance Broker) designation, and after studying for nine months, I achieved that goal. Since then, I have continued to learn and grow as a Broker through a variety of different training opportunities.
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
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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.
Kristian Juskiw
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Hello, my name is Kristian Juskiw. I’ve joined the Working Ventures Insurance team as an Insurance Broker in late 2024. I started my career with insurance in Winnipeg, Manitoba back in 2022 working on the brokerage side of insurance to assist clients directly with Auto, Home, and Marine Insurance.
While with Working Ventures Insurance, I have been studying for the CAIB (Canadian Accredited Insurance Broker) designation with plans to start working on my CIP (Chartered Insurance Professional) designation in 2025 to take on more complex situations and gain proficiency in the insurance field.
When not at work, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, physical training, spending time in nature, and going to the lake in the summer.
Ashley Brunt
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Hello my name is Ashley Brunt– please stay tuned for info to be added at a later date
TRAIL BRANCH
Aimee Kay
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Hello my name is Aimee Kay – please stay tuned for info to be added at a later date.
Keri-Lynn Bignell
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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
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Hello my name is Amrit Uppal– please stay tuned for info to be added at a later date
Christine Mota
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Hello my name is Christine Mota– please stay tuned for info to be added at a later date
Timeyin Ine
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Hello my name is Timeyin Ine– please stay tuned for info to be added at a later date
Ashly Biju
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Hello my name is Ashly Biju– please stay tuned for info to be added at a later date
COMMERCIAL ACCOUNTS MANAGER / COMMERCIAL PRODUCER
Bob Whitlock
(Trail Branch)
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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
(Trail Branch)
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Hello my name is Sonia Fenton – please stay tuned for info to be added at a later date
