About Us

History

In the beginning The Standard Insurance Brokers specialized in personal and commercial insurance and were very active in the real estate business. By 1976, ownership of the company shifted, bringing significant growth and progress.

Through the years…

• The year it all began, 1897 – Education Pioneer Melvin Seegmiller formed an alliance with Commercial Union.
• George Toole joined Melvin and renamed the company “Standard Realty Brokers.” From politics to prohibition, George was successful. When his political career as Mayor ended in 1923, he turned his attention to whiskey distribution!
• Lawrence Toole, George’s son, was the next successor. The junior Mr. Toole was influential in the community—influencing the sale of the Daily Miner and News to Stuart King.
• The first Standard team was formed in 1968 -- Lawrence Toole, Les Ingo, Betty Hargrave and Doris Hemmingway.
• Keeping the business in the family, Brian Ingo joins his father in 1976 as partner of Standard Insurance.
• Brian Ingo, John Berringer, and David Pearce became the managing partners in the late 1970’s.
• Glenn Alcock joins the management team at The Standard in 1984 and is partners with Brian, John and David.
• In 1987 The Standard opens their doors in Dryden.
• In 1997, our centennial year, The Standard opens doors for the first time in Sioux Lookout.
• In 2006 The Standard Insurance purchases Caren’s Insurance in Dryden and welcomes clients and staff to their team.
• In 2006 Wade Robertson joins the management team at The Standard.
• In 2007 Gord McCool joins the management team at The Standard. The current partners include; Brian Ingo, Glenn Alcock, Wade Robertson, and Gord McCool.
• In 2007 David Pearce retired from The Standard Insurance after 30 years.
• In 2007 The Standard Insurance welcomes Gary Forsyth and The Standard Financial Advantage to the team.
• In 2008, John Berringer retired from The Standard after 30 years.
• In 2008 The Standard doubles their market share by purchasing Canada Brokerlink offices in Kenora, Red Lake and Sioux Lookout and Dryden’s Skillen Squire office.
• In 2008 The Standard opens their doors for the first time in Red Lake offering personalized one-on-one service for clients in this surrounding area.