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About Us
Our Philosophy
We are a brokerage focused on personal relationships. Our customers are extremely loyal and span multiple generations. We pride ourselves on providing our customers with the good old fashioned customer service they deserve.
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As your trusted advisors, we take the time necessary to determine your insurance needs and will find the best solution for you, no matter how simple or complex your needs may be. Our guidance for all insurance inquires is just a phone call away.
Our History
Al Dorman Insurance Brokers Ltd. was founded in 1974 by Al Dorman after branching away from Smith, Dorman and Williams. He relocated his home office from Queensville to an office in the old Mill beside the Mount Albert Post Office. The office boasted lots of charm and character and was easily accessible for his clients.
Aside from looking after the insurance needs of the community, Al was known for his big personality and dapper attire. Everyone enjoyed his pastel coloured blazers, fashionable hats and big smile! He was well respected and community spirit was extremely important to him.
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In October, 1986 Al hired Karen Armstrong as his Customer Service Representative and Office Manager. In April 1991, Marlaine Mills was hired as a second CSR.
Al’s clients meant the world to him! When he decided to retire, he agreed to sell the brokerage but only if Karen and Marlaine would remain on staff so that his clients would be comfortable with the transition. Neil Gow was happy to oblige and purchased the brokerage in November, 1993.
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Karen then purchased the brokerage from him and relocated to the office to its current location at 19150 Centre Street, Unit 1, Mount Albert, Ontario. Karen’s son, Curtis Armstrong, joined the organization in January, 2008 as a CSR. Karen’s husband, Al Armstrong, assisted in the daily operation of the brokerage.
As Karen pondered retirement, numerous inquiries were made to purchase the brokerage, however, none felt right to her. She decided the best thing for her clients was to find a buyer who was committed to make customer service a priority and maintain the small town atmosphere she had worked so hard to achieve. It all came together when she made the decision to sell to her son Curtis Armstrong and former employee, Marlaine Miller. The purchase took place on April 4, 2016 with Karen remaining on staff, part time.
The office has since celebrated its 45th anniversary, opened a branch office in Ottawa and hired three new staff members, Laura Hurtibese, Sarah Jurgens, and Ian Cotarla.
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