Expert Guidance in a World of Risk | A Navacord Partner
PRESS RELEASE:
Binks Insurance Brokers Limited FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 2018/04/04
613-226-1350 www.binks.ca
“We are proud to announce that today, April 4th, 2018, marks One Hundred Years since Binks Insurance opened in a small office on Sparks Street in Ottawa”, said Harry Binks, President for the past 45 years.
Early Years in Downtown Ottawa
In April 1918, a 34-year-old Harry Stuart Binks opened the first office of a new insurance and real estate company known as Binks and Shaw at 130 Sparks Street above Topley Photographic Studio. Back then street cars rumbled along Sparks Street and the fledgling company spent most of its time offering Fire Insurance through British, Canadian and American companies.
In 1926, Binks bought out his partner and moved the company to new offices located at 55 Metcalfe Street in the Masonic Temple Building. Harry S. Binks Insurance would remain at that location for the next 30 years.
A Second Generation Joins Binks Insurance
Shortly after serving in World War II, Harry’s son J. Stuart Binks re-joined the family business and the name was soon changed to Harry S. Binks & Son. Father and son worked together for the next decade until Harry Stuart Binks passed away after a lengthy illness in 1956 at the age of 73. His passing was covered extensively in local and industry media and mourned by the many community groups and clubs that he had lead and supported over the years.
Growth of Binks Insurance under the steady hand of Stuart Binks would continue for the next 20 years and see the company look after many Ottawa firms and institutions. It is fascinating to see how the firm provided peace of mind to so many different companies, from J.R. Booth’s lumber enterprises in 1918, to bridge builders, to large public bodies, and to small businesses.
Along Comes the Third Generation of Binks Family Ownership
In 1971, Stuart’s nephew Ward Strickland joined the business. After J. Stuart Binks passing in 1973, his oldest son, Harry S. Binks, who was at one point the youngest insurance agent working in Ontario, would eventually become President, taking over from his mother Nancy. Harry was joined a few years later by Geoffrey H. Binks and Diana C. Binks.
Celebrating 100 Years and Four Generations
Many dedicated employees have contributed to the success of Binks over the decades. Several fourth generation family members have also contributed, including Erin Binks, Geoffrey Bilder, Jason Proulx, Lauren Binks, Morgan Strickland, and our current Officer Manager Allison Binks.
In 1996, Binks was the first Ottawa Broker with a website, and was a pioneer in Electronic Data Interchange within the insurance industry. Over time, Binks spun off several divisions, including a credit & political risk brokerage, a high-tech brokerage, and finally a Personal Insurance Brokerage in 2010.
Today, Binks Insurance is a Commercial Broker specializing in Dealerships, Technology Firms, and Non-Profit Associations, and helping many other Ottawa area businesses with their Risk Management.
The firm celebrated its 100th year in business by giving $100 to a different charity each week for the past year, and is a Proud Sponsor of the Dream Mountains Foundation 2018 Everest Base Camp Trek. President Harry Binks climbed to Everest Base Camp in May 2018 in support of the Ottawa School Breakfast Program.
Binks Insurance is proud to have contributed to the growth and stability of Ottawa’s economy over the last century.
For further information, please contact:
Harry S. Binks, President
Binks Insurance
W: 613-226-1350; 228 M: 613-720-7698
www.binks.ca
