Book off your calendar because Hats Off Day is coming to town on Saturday, June 1, 2019. Come out to Burnaby’s biggest street festival where thousands of people gather for live entertainment, fun activities, and food. There’s plenty of exciting things to do for the whole family. Join us in celebrating all that is great about Burnaby Heights. Stop by for games and giveaways and say hi to the Reliance staff in the Sponsor Zone, located on the South-side of Hasting’s 4400 Block. We will have giveaways and games.
Meet the Reliance Insurance Team!
Recently, Burnaby Now interviewed Jim Bell to find out a bit more about the reason behind the migration to Burnaby Heights. We would like to share it with you!
Q. How long have you been at this location?
We have been in business for over 35 years but we moved to our current location in the summer of 2016. The agency has grown over the years and has moved locations to provide continual space for that growth. It was apparent that Reliance needed to own a building. When this address came available we embarked on a journey to renew this location.
Q. Why did you choose this location?
I chose this location because Reliance has always resided in East Vancouver and the location was ideal. The Heights is a vibrant neighborhood, close to our roots and is very family and small-business focused. Although we have grown to be one of the top 15 insurance agencies in BC, we are family owned and operated and the staff is an integral part of our success. This neighborhood was a perfect fit for the way we do business.
Q. What does the Heights mean to you?
Great people, community, fantastic selection of restaurants, an engaged business association, and friendly neighbors. This is home where we can grow our business and become an integral part of the community.
Q. How did you get involved in this business?
I started out as an insurance claims adjuster and have worn many hats in insurance companies, both in Canada and the U.S. However, my life’s work for the past 30+ years is Reliance Insurance, and I have been growing and nurturing it since I bought the small company in 1985. Today, Reliance Insurance Agencies Ltd. boasts 113 employees.
Q. What plans do you have for the future?
I am a young at heart kind of guy who has no plans to retire. I want to continually grow Reliance Insurance organically and through strategic mergers and acquisitions. I enjoy working with my son Chris and mentoring the younger people in the office.
