Just got my RIBO Level 1 — which brokerage should I join in the GTA/Brampton area?
Hey all, I just passed my RIBO Level 1 exam and I’m looking to join a brokerage on a commission basis. Background: I have ~8 years in logistics/warehouse operations (supervised a 30-person team), so I’m hoping to lean into commercial/trucking and cargo insurance as a niche eventually, alongside personal lines to start.
I’m based in Brampton and I’m weighing a few options — mainly Billyard Insurance Group (a few different branches: Brampton, Mississauga, Bolton), plus a couple of smaller shops like My Hunter Inc. and Sound Insurance Services.
A few things I care about:
**•** Real training/mentorship for someone new (not just “here’s a desk, good luck”)
**•** Decent carrier/market access so I can actually be competitive on quotes
**•** Fair commission structure and clear terms on book of business ownership if I ever leave
**•** Support for building a commercial/trucking book, not just personal auto/home
If you’re a broker (or ex-broker) in the GTA — which brokerage did you start at, and would you recommend it? Any specific branches or managing partners I should avoid or seek out? Also open to brokerages I haven’t mentioned.
Thanks in advance!