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Blain King
BBA , PFA™
Financial Advisor*
Mutual Fund Investment Specialist**
Blain began his journey with Co-operators in 1997 after completing his BBA from the University of New Brunswick. After working for seven years as an Associate Insurance/Financial Advisor, he was ready to become an agency owner in the lovely town of Cornwall, PEI.
That adventure lasted for six years before the position of Associate District Manager became available in Halifax, NS. Seeing the possibility of further growth for himself and his family, Blain became a part of the Co-operators management team and gained lots of valuable experience that brought him to where he is today.
Realizing how passionate he was about providing financial security to his clients, Blain stepped into the position of agency owner once more. He finds fulfillment working closely with his team of specialized agency staff and finding ways to support his community in times of need.
Because of his strong belief in community involvement, Blain volunteers with Feed Nova Scotia, is a member of the finance committee at Halifax Christian Academy, and is a board member and strong supporter of Souls Harbour Rescue Mission.
Location
Bedford
Email
Claire Pickens
Associate Insurance Advisor
Originally from PEI, Claire moved to Halifax in 2022 as a field hockey recruit for Saint Mary’s University. Shortly after, she joined Co-operators as an Associate Insurance Advisor specializing in home and auto. Today, Claire works alongside the financial services team and is responsible for a full range of administrative duties. She enjoys building relationships with new and existing clients and takes pride in providing a positive client experience. She holds her General Insurance Licence and a Business Administration Certificate from Holland College.
Speciality
Life and investments administration
Hobbies
Live music and good food
Location
Bedford
Email
Ian Leger
Associate Insurance Advisor
Ian started with Co-operators in 2020 and currently holds his Level 2 General Insurance Licence. With a passion for supporting local businesses, Ian's focus is to make sure that his business insurance clients have coverage that fits their unique needs. In his spare time, Ian loves to be with his family and travels any chance he can get.
Location
Bedford
Email
Jake Earle
Associate Financial Advisor*
Mutual Fund Investment Specialist**
Jake and his family moved to Halifax from Newfoundland in 2020 where they have now planted roots. They extended their family in 2021 with the birth of their beautiful daughter, and recently welcomed their new son. In their spare time, they like to volunteer within their community, travel, hike and spend sunny days on the beach with their four-year-old dog, Tommy.
Jake has always had a passion for financial planning, but before starting his career as an Associate Financial Advisor, he worked in healthcare. This is where he experienced the benefits that a strong financial foundation can provide when the unexpected happens. As such, he makes it his priority to ensure all his clients understand the importance of sound financial advice and planning, so that they can focus on what matters during challenging times in their lives.
Jake helps his clients create a plan that sets them up for financial security and become financially independent. He is a Responsible Investment Specialist, which means he matches his clients' values with their investments. While they save, they're also making the world a better place! Jake believes each client is unique and he takes his time to get to know every one of them on a personal level. This ensures that he can help them build the right plan by highlighting gaps within their current situation so they have no misunderstandings before implementing solutions.
Location
Bedford, Truro
Email
Jeff Thompson
Associate Financial Advisor
Jeff joined the team in 2018, bringing many years of experience in relationship sales. Jeff provides a valued partnership in helping clients manage their financial well-being, their risks and their plans for the future. By reviewing life insurance and investment programs through a proven planning process, he helps his clients ensure they are protected and have plans in place to meet their retirement goals. Jeff enjoys spending time with his family and supporting our community through various volunteer programs.
Location
Bedford
Email
Jillian Rudolph
CIP
Associate Financial Advisor
Jill started her career with Co-operators in 2007. As the office manager, she specializes in business insurance and achieved Commercial Producer of the Year in 2016 for the Nova Scotia and Atlantic Region Districts. Jill has her Chartered Insurance Professional designation, which provides our clients with expert advice. Jill is proud to be part of Blain King Insurance & Financial Services Inc., the 2016 No. 1 Agency Award winner. Jill also enjoys spending time with her family and travelling.
Location
Bedford
Email
Kelsey Hughes
Associate Insurance Advisor
Kelsey joined the team in 2022 and has a background in the healthcare industry. She works closely with the life and wealth team to support their new and existing clients, and she is our connection to the community around us. Kelsey ensures that we live by Co-operators standards of giving back to the community – she helps plan and execute volunteer events, donation drives and much more.
Kelsey is a mother of two children and an advocate within our community for mental health and sustainable housing initiatives. She enjoys being outside with her kids, exploring nature, cooking, travelling, sports and weightlifting.
Hobbies
Travelling, hiking, cooking, art, music
Location
Bedford
Email
Madison Schneider
BComm
Associate Insurance Advisor
Madison has been with Co-operators since 2021. She enjoys speaking with clients and helping them find the best coverage for the best price. Madison graduated in 2022 with a Bachelor of Commerce degree and a major in finance.
In Madison’s free time she loves to travel, eat sushi and relax at the beach.
Speciality
Home, auto, travel
Hobbies
Trying new restaurants, thrifting, four-wheeling
Location
Bedford
Email
Melissa Jardine
Associate Insurance Advisor I
Originally from New Brunswick, Melissa moved to Nova Scotia in 2019. Melissa has her Certificate of Human Services along with extensive experience in the education field. She is excited to be taking on a new career. Melissa has volunteered at a variety of places and is also a blood donor. In her spare time, Melissa enjoys roller skating, reading, travelling and watching movies.
Location
Bedford
Email
Peter Ghiz
CIP
Associate Insurance Advisor III
Peter has worked in the Truro agency for the last two years with over twenty years’ experience in the insurance industry, and holds his Chartered Insurance Professional designation. Peter cares for our clients through his extensive knowledge and expertise.
Location
Bedford
Email
Skylar Sullivan
Associate Insurance Advisor
Skylar joined the team in 2018, coming from the hospitality industry. Starting out as our Client Contact Representative, she has since earned her General Insurance Licence and has made her way through auto, home, business and back again, currently working as our auto and home insurance portfolio manager. Skylar is passionate about people and the public, wanting to make the insurance world accessible and understandable for our clients, while building meaningful client relationships along the way. When Skylar isn’t working, she loves travelling, taking in local cafes, playing music, or taking part in community theatre productions.
Speciality
Auto, home, builders' risks
Hobbies
Travel, theatre, music.
Location
Bedford
Email
Tom Francis
Associate Financial Advisor*
Mutual Fund Investment Specialist**
Tom is a dedicated Associate Financial Advisor, a caring husband and father, and an owner of two border collies, Brew and Luna. Tom has made it his mission to empower individuals and families to secure their financial futures with confidence in the Halifax region. With years of experience in the financial industry, he is committed to helping you make informed decisions that align with your goals and aspirations.
At Co-operators, we believe in the power of tailored financial strategies to build and protect your wealth. Whether you're planning for retirement, investing for the future, or safeguarding your family’s financial well-being, Tom will be there to provide personalized guidance and support every step of the way.
Tom’s approach is rooted in transparency, trust and a deep understanding of the unique financial challenges and opportunities that residents of Halifax and the surrounding areas face. Tom takes pride in simplifying complex financial concepts, so you can make decisions that best serve your interests.
Location
Bedford, Truro
Email*Offering insurance products underwritten by Co-operators General Insurance Company and Co-operators Life Insurance Company.
**Offering mutual funds through Co-operators Financial Investment Services.