About The Insurance Man
The Insurance Man is a leading independent brokerage offering comprehensive insurance solutions, including life insurance, financial planning, employee benefits, disability, and critical illness coverage. As a nationally licensed firm, we specialize in creating tailored programs for professionals and business owners to safeguard their wealth.
Our approach involves collaborating closely with clients, their accountants, lawyers, and financial advisors to develop the most tax-efficient and cost-effective strategies for wealth preservation and enhancement. With over 300 years of combined experience and a track record spanning 45 years, The Insurance Man is known for its integrity and dedication to clients.
Our team of industry experts is committed to prioritizing the unique needs of each client, ensuring that every solution is designed with their best interests in mind.
meet the team
Tim Snelling
President, The Insurance Man,
Tim began his career in the insurance industry in 1993. Guided by his father, Lee Snelling, Tim established The Insurance Man in 1996, where he currently serves as president. With over 30 years of experience, Tim is renowned for his strategic vision, innovative approach, and unwavering commitment to client satisfaction.
Under Tim’s leadership, The Insurance Man—originally founded by the esteemed Dave Gareau—has experienced substantial growth and earned a reputation for excellence in service and life insurance coverage. As a member of the Conference for Advanced Life Underwriters, Tim has played a crucial role in developing advanced insurance products tailored to the needs of professionals and business owners
Dedicated to mentorship and professional development, Tim actively supports industry initiatives that foster growth and innovation. In his personal time, he enjoys boating, diving, traveling, and relaxing by the river.
Tim’s deep expertise and dedication to the insurance industry position him as a leading figure and visionary in the field.
Mavis Wenmann-Sholdice
VP Operations
ACS, AIAA
For Mavis Wenman-Sholdice, working in insurance is deeply rewarding because it allows her to make a meaningful impact on people’s lives—both financially and through access to healthcare.
“I find it fulfilling to contribute to our clients’ financial security and peace of mind, especially when we can support them during health crises or challenging life events,” Mavis shares. “Exceptional service has always been a personal priority for me.”
Mavis began her insurance career in 1988 and dedicated 22 years to various roles at one of Canada’s largest health insurance carriers, Great-West Life (now Canada Life). She joined The Insurance Man in 2010 and earned her license that same year. Her expertise includes life insurance, living benefits, group benefits, and special risk products.
“My experience has given me a well-rounded knowledge of the industry,” she explains. “Currently, I focus more on day-to-day operations and management.”
Mavis’s key piece of advice is to “buy insurance while you’re young and healthy. Many people delay until it’s too late or they’re no longer medically insurable.”
At The Insurance Man, Mavis appreciates the open and friendly culture, feeling like part of a family. “Sylvie and Tim go above and beyond to create a fun and exciting work environment,” she says.
Originally from Ontario’s Niagara region, Mavis moved to Northern Ontario as a teenager and later settled in Ottawa after college. She values the sense of community found in small towns while enjoying the conveniences of city life.
Merv Clost
CFP
Merv began his career as an Advisor in 1996 and spent the following two decades in various leadership positions at Great-West Life and London Life, where he supported advisors across Eastern and Northern Ontario. During this time, he expanded his expertise in insurance and tax planning, earning designations as a CFP (Certified Financial Planner), CHS (Certified Health Specialist), and CEA (Certified Executor Advisor). In 2017, Merv naturally transitioned to join the Palladium Financial Services Inc. team.
At Palladium, Merv specializes in creating advanced wealth and estate planning programs for professionals and business owners. His skill in translating complex strategies into clear, actionable plans, and collaborating with clients’ other advisors—such as lawyers and accountants—sets him apart within The Insurance Man Financial Services team.
Outside of work, Merv enjoys spending time on the golf course with family and friends.
Currently serving as the Executive Vice-President of The Insurance Man Financial Services Inc., Merv works closely with President Tim Snelling to adopt a team approach in addressing and fulfilling client needs.
Dave Gareau
The founder of the Insurance man
Dave, a lifelong resident of Pembroke, Ontario, has always cherished his vibrant community. In 1978, he married and devoted himself to raising three wonderful children, who have since given him the joy of five grandchildren.
Dave began his professional journey in the insurance industry with Prudential of America in 1978. His career took an exciting turn in 1996 when Prudential was acquired by London Life. Not one to rest on his achievements, Dave founded his own business, The Insurance Man, in 1998. His dedication and expertise have continued to shine, and he joined The Insurance Man team in 2019, where he remains a valued member.
Before venturing into insurance, Dave was a dedicated Pembroke Lumber Kings junior hockey player, spending five years passionately pursuing the sport. Outside of work, Dave enjoys the great outdoors and finds immense joy and freedom in riding his motorcycle along the open road.
Andrew Power
Financial Advisor - The Insurance Man (Pembroke) Ltd.
For over 8 years, I’ve been dedicated to providing personalized solutions in financial planning, retirement strategies, investment portfolio design, and personal insurance. As a full-service financial advisor and broker, I am committed to cutting through market noise to find the best solutions tailored to my clients’ goals and needs. At The Insurance Man, my team and I specialize in creating golden parachute programs for business owners, golden handcuffs for key employees, as well as offering life insurance solutions and investment planning. Our aim is to help you achieve your goals and dreams through a guided and proven process, ensuring that you and your family benefit while minimizing tax burdens.
I reside just outside Pembroke with my wife, Mackenzie, our two children, and our dog, Rosie. As a devoted father and husband, I enjoy golfing, home cooking, and, though I’m an amateur musician, I embrace the joy of learning and trying new things. With deep roots in the Ottawa Valley, I consider myself fortunate to build my business and earn the trust of my wonderful clients in such a beautiful and welcoming community.
Julie Frenette
CHS, CEA Insurance Advisor
Julie has dedicated the past fifteen years to the insurance industry, working with one of Canada’s largest insurance companies. In February 2016, she took a significant step in her career by joining The Insurance Man team as a Service Specialist, while also pursuing her studies to become a Financial Advisor.
With her extensive experience and a strong passion for client service, Julie excels in delivering exceptional support across our group benefit teams, as well as handling individual needs in life insurance, living benefits, investments, and estate planning. Her dual licenses in Ontario and Quebec enhance her ability to serve clients effectively in both provinces.
In addition to her role as a Financial Advisor, Julie serves as the compliance officer for both The Insurance Man Financial Services Inc. and The Insurance Man teams, ensuring that all operations adhere to regulatory standards.
Donna Kelly
Senior Marketing Assistant
Mandy Gorr
Marketing Assistant
Mandy, a lifelong resident of Pembroke, Ontario, brings a warm and friendly presence to her community. She pursued her education in Office Administration at Loyalist College in Belleville and completed her studies at Algonquin College in Pembroke.
After a rewarding 13-year marriage, Mandy takes pride in her two children—a 24-year-old son and a 22-year-old daughter. With a touch of humor, she often jokes that “third time’s a charm,” referring to her fulfilling work experiences with Dave Gareau and Donna Kelly.
Mandy began her career with The Insurance Man in the late 90s, leveraging her background in home and auto insurance. She also gained valuable experience working alongside her father in the family travel trailer business and gas station.
Mandy cherishes her quiet moments and enjoys spending leisurely days on the boat, whether exploring new beaches or relaxing with her fishing rod. Among her hobbies, she loves reading and crocheting, but her greatest passion is cooking. Recently, she has embarked on a new adventure as a chicken farmer, finding joy in caring for her chickens and collecting their fresh eggs.
With her dedication and expertise, Mandy is committed to staying in the insurance industry for the long haul!
Frequent Ask Questions
Find answers to the most frequently asked questions and learn more about our services.
What types of life insurance plans are available?
We conduct a thorough needs analysis to determine the right amount and type of life insurance to suit your needs now and well into the future.
1. Term Insurance:
2. Temporary protection, lower cost, fixed premiums during your chosen term, option to upgrade to permanent protection
Whole Life Participating Insurance:
lifetime protection that does not expire, higher cost, dedicated fund manager, flexible payment options, opportunity for cash value to build within policy
Universal Life:
lifetime protection that does not expire, generally less expense than whole life participating, you choose the investment accounts/subject to market volatility, opportunity for cash values to build within policy, flexible payment options
How does disability insurance protect my income?
What are the benefits of employee benefits insurance for my business?
Employee benefits insurance offers a range of advantages for your business, including:
- Attracting and Retaining Talent: Competitive benefits packages help you stand out in the job market, attracting top talent and encouraging current employees to stay with your company.
- Increased Employee Satisfaction and Productivity: Comprehensive benefits can boost morale and job satisfaction, leading to higher productivity and a more engaged workforce.
- Improved Employee Health and Well-being: Access to health insurance and other benefits supports employees’ physical and mental well-being, which can reduce absenteeism and improve overall performance.
- Enhanced Company Reputation: Offering robust employee benefits demonstrates that your company values and invests in its employees, enhancing your reputation as an employer of choice.
- Compliance with Legal Requirements: Certain benefits may help ensure your business meets legal requirements and avoids potential fines or legal issues related to employee benefits.
Overall, employee benefits insurance is a strategic investment that supports your team while contributing to the long-term success and stability of your business.
What is financial planning, and how can it help me?
Financial planning is a strategic process that involves assessing your current financial situation, setting long-term financial goals, and creating a comprehensive plan to achieve those goals. It encompasses budgeting, saving, investing, and managing risks to ensure financial stability and growth.
Here’s how financial planning can benefit you:
- Goal Achievement: By defining clear financial objectives, such as buying a home, funding education, or retirement, financial planning provides a roadmap to achieve these goals systematically.
- Improved Financial Management: It helps you track your income and expenses, create a budget, and make informed decisions about spending and saving.
- Investment Strategy: A financial plan includes strategies for investing in various assets, helping you grow your wealth over time while managing risk.
- Debt Management: It offers guidance on managing and reducing debt, helping you improve your credit score and financial health.
- Risk Management: By identifying potential risks, such as health issues or job loss, financial planning includes strategies for insurance and emergency funds to protect you and your family.
- Retirement Preparation: It ensures that you are saving adequately and investing wisely to achieve a comfortable retirement.
- Peace of Mind: Knowing you have a plan in place for your financial future can reduce stress and give you confidence in your financial decisions.
Overall, financial planning provides a structured approach to managing your finances, helping you navigate challenges and achieve long-term financial success.
What are RRSPs and GICs, and how do they work?
RRSPs (Registered Retirement Savings Plans)
RRSPs are tax-advantaged savings accounts designed to help you save for retirement. Contributions to an RRSP are tax-deductible, meaning they reduce your taxable income for the year you contribute. The money you invest in an RRSP grows tax-deferred, which means you won’t pay taxes on the earnings until you withdraw the funds, typically during retirement when you may be in a lower tax bracket.
How RRSPs Work:
- Contributions: You contribute a portion of your income to your RRSP, up to an annual limit based on your income and previous contributions.
- Tax Benefits: Contributions reduce your taxable income, potentially lowering your overall tax bill.
- Growth: Investments within the RRSP grow tax-deferred, including interest, dividends, and capital gains.
- Withdrawals: When you withdraw funds, typically during retirement, the amounts are taxed as income.
GICs (Guaranteed Investment Certificates)
GICs are low-risk investment products that offer a guaranteed return over a fixed period. You deposit a lump sum with a financial institution for a specified term, and in return, you receive interest payments and your principal back at the end of the term.
How GICs Work:
- Investment: You invest a set amount of money in a GIC for a predetermined term, which can range from a few months to several years.
- Guaranteed Return: The financial institution guarantees the return of your initial investment plus interest at the end of the term.
- Interest Rates: GICs offer fixed or variable interest rates, which are typically higher than regular savings accounts.
- Early Withdrawal: Withdrawing funds before the term ends can result in penalties or reduced interest earnings.
Both RRSPs and GICs play distinct roles in financial planning. RRSPs are focused on retirement savings with tax benefits, while GICs provide a secure, predictable return on investments with minimal risk.
What important questions should I ask my insurance agent to ensure I choose the right plan?
When selecting an insurance plan, asking the right questions can help you understand your options and make an informed decision. Here are some important questions to consider:
- What Coverage Options Are Available?
- Ask about the types of coverage included in the plan and whether there are additional options or riders you might need.
- What Are the Premiums and Deductibles?
- Inquire about the cost of the premiums, deductibles, and any out-of-pocket expenses you may incur.
- What Are the Exclusions and Limitations?
- Understand what is not covered by the policy, including any limitations on specific types of claims or conditions.
- How Does the Claims Process Work?
- Ask about the procedure for filing a claim, including required documentation and expected timelines for resolution.
- What Is the Policy Term?
- Find out the length of coverage and any conditions that might affect the renewal or termination of the policy.
- Are There Any Discounts Available?
- Check if there are discounts for bundling multiple policies, maintaining a good claims history, or other qualifying factors.
- What Is the Financial Strength of the Insurance Company?
- Inquire about the insurer’s financial stability and reputation to ensure they can meet their obligations.
- Can the Plan Be Customized?
- Ask if you can adjust the coverage to better fit your specific needs or circumstances.
- What Is the Cancellation Policy?
- Understand the terms and potential penalties associated with canceling or modifying the policy.
- Are There Any Recent Changes to the Policy?
- Ask if there have been any recent changes to the coverage or terms that might affect you.
- Ask if there have been any recent changes to the coverage or terms that might affect you.
By asking these questions, you can gain a clear understanding of the insurance plan and ensure it aligns with your needs and expectations.