About Us

lmi-about-usLackner McLennan Insurance Ltd. is a long-standing member of the Kitchener-Waterloo business community.

For more than 72 years, Lackner McLennan has been known as an outstanding Kitchener-Waterloo insurance brokerage.

The business is operated by five partners and a staff of dedicated insurance specialists and support personnel.

Our wealth of experience in the Personal Insurance and Financial Services arenas compliments our commercial offerings.

See our staff directory below:

Spencer R.K. Yule

Partner, Account Executive, Commercial Department
Career Experience

My career in the insurance industry began at the company level as a Commercial Property Underwriter with Economical Insurance in 2010. I was part of Economical’s E.L.I.T.E. training program which focused on the development of underwriters through junior, intermediate and senior levels. At Economical I learned the importance of developing and maintaining positive broker relationships which I brought with me when I joined Lackner McLennan Insurance in early 2013.

My extensive knowledge of building construction, class of business and underwriting principles contribute to front line underwriting; a key aspect of a brokers role. I believe that managing expectations with open communication builds strong relationships, ones which go beyond just a work environment. Above all, I have an unwavering commitment to deliver quality service to my clients.

Education
B.A., RIBO, CIP
Contact Information


Our Staff





Corporate Team

Stephen Bleizeffer

Partner, Commercial Program Manager, Vice President of the Board
Career Experience

Since beginning my insurance career in 1987 I have been focusing on the commercial side of the Property and Casualty industry. I first started working as a Producer for two small local brokerages before accepting a position with Lackner McLennan in 1991. In 2004, I was pleased to become a partner and shareholder.

As a published insurance broker and risk manager, my focus has been in developing professional relationships with business throughout Canada, specializing in commercial insurance and commercial insurance programs. I believe that managing relationships and establishing communication with clients that goes beyond a working rapport is of the utmost importance. This has developed into a very enjoyable and rewarding part of my work – meeting with and discussing insurance and general life aspects with both current clients and potential new clients and I highly appreciate these opportunities.

In my spare time, I like to read and have a great affinity to the collector car marketplace. As an “old car guy” I try to attend as many events as possible throughout the year and have amassed a very large collection of automotive books and magazines. I have found that a great number of my clients have the same interests and have become lifelong friends. During the winter months I participate competitively in various bowling and billiard events which might be a throwback to a misguided youth.

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James Chmiel

Partner, COO & Chairman of the Board
Career Experience

Prior to the acquisition of Erb and Erb Insurance Brokers Ltd., by LMI, I was a Partner at Erb and Erb, and served as the firm’s President since 2006.

In addition to my various company responsibilities now as Chairman and Chief Operating Officer, I feel very fortunate to be an active volunteer in the community.  I am involved with the United Way of Kitchener-Waterloo and Area, having served as a Loaned representative, account executive and, the 2011 Campaign Chair. I sit on various Insurance Company advisory councils; serve on various local boards; and I am an occasional Guest Speaker at the University of Guelph and Conestoga College.

I am also pleased to serve as an Audit Committee member for the Waterloo Region District School Board Trustees, and as a Regional Reviewer for the Prime Minister’s Volunteer Awards.

I was born in Hamilton and began my insurance career with a National Group Insurer in Mississauga. I’m thankful to be able to call, Kitchener-Waterloo, my home.

Education
  • RIBO, Registered Insurance Broker (ONT)
  • Governor General's Queen Diamond Jubilee Award winner
  • Waterloo Region 40 under 40 recipient
  • Kitchener Centennial's ‘Top 100 People Past, Present, Future making a difference in our community’
Contact Information
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Jeffrey Dow

Partner, CFO & Treasurer of the Board
Career Experience

As an accounting professional, I am continually striving to increase my knowledge in order to provide effective solutions to problems we may be facing. I have held a variety of positions in large public firms in a variety of industries; focusing on areas including finance, audit, project management and information technology. These positions have allowed me to develop exceptional interpersonal communication skills as well as enhance my ability to critically analyze a situation. I am currently in the final stages of completing my CMA,CPA designation and look forward to furthering my career in a dynamic and fast paced environment.

Education
  • MAcc, UW
  • BAFM, UW
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Dean McKillop

Partner, Director of the Board
Career Experience

I have been in the insurance industry for over 27 years in commercial sales. In 2009 I joined Lackner McLennan. My focus continues to be on the commercial side of things. While I deal with diverse types of businesses including contractors, trucking companies and general manufacturing, I have a large portfolio of farm equipment manufacturers.

Having been in the business for many years, I have long-standing clients and enjoy the relationships that have been established over this time.

Education
  • RIBO, Registered Insurance Broker (ONT), 1990
  • CAIB, Canadian Accredited Insurance Broker, 1996
  • CIP, Chartered Insurance Professional, 2005
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Albert Schmidt

Partner, Marketing Manager, Secretary of the Board
Career Experience

I started my Insurance Career with Erb and Erb Insurance Brokers and am very proud to be a part of the new Lackner McLennan/Erb and Erb organization. I have worked at many roles within Erb and Erb, working my way up from CSR, special project manager, trainer and sales and marketing manager. Now as the Secretary of the Board my duties have expanded again. I am honoured to serve such a fine company.

In July 2016 I became a partner in the firm of Lackner McLennan when they purchased Erb and Erb Insurance Brokers Ltd. and today I am the Marketing Manager of both Lackner McLennan and Erb and Erb.

Education
  • BA Honours, Anthropology 1999
  • RIBO, Registered Insurance Broker (ONT) since 2003
Contact Information
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Cameron E.K. Yule

Partner, President of the Board
Career Experience

Since beginning my General Insurance career in 1981, my efforts have been focused on the development of a commercial clientele empowering them to make wise insurance choices that are unique to their business. This professional relationship has allowed me to provide a full service team to manage not only the commercial insurance but also their personal insurance needs. I pride myself on my insurance knowledge and continually update this knowledge to deliver the best advice I can to my clients.

Education
  • RIBO, Registered Insurance Broker (ONT) since 1981
  • CIP, Chartered Insurance Professional (CIP)
  • B.A., University of Waterloo
Contact Information
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Spencer R.K. Yule

Partner, Account Executive, Commercial Department
Career Experience

My career in the insurance industry began at the company level as a Commercial Property Underwriter with Economical Insurance in 2010. I was part of Economical’s E.L.I.T.E. training program which focused on the development of underwriters through junior, intermediate and senior levels. At Economical I learned the importance of developing and maintaining positive broker relationships which I brought with me when I joined Lackner McLennan Insurance in early 2013.

My extensive knowledge of building construction, class of business and underwriting principles contribute to front line underwriting; a key aspect of a brokers role. I believe that managing expectations with open communication builds strong relationships, ones which go beyond just a work environment. Above all, I have an unwavering commitment to deliver quality service to my clients.

Education
B.A., RIBO, CIP
Contact Information
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Account Executives

Adrianna Banasik

Account Executive, Small Business Unit
Career Experience

RIBO

Contact Information
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Carl Bell

Account Executive, Personal Department
Career Experience

RIBO

Contact Information
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Craig Bunn

Account Executive, Commercial Department
Career Experience

RIBO

Contact Information
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John Fioretti

Account Executive, Personal Department
Career Experience

RIBO

Contact Information
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Todd Holinshead

Account Executive, Personal Department
Career Experience

RIBO

Contact Information
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Brianna Kilbride

Account Executive, Small Business Unit
Career Experience

RIBO

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W.K. Andrew Kirkwood

Account Executive, Commercial Department
Career Experience

B.A. History, B.A. Speech Communication, Corporate Communications Diploma, RIBO

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Dave Lagonia

Account Executive, Commercial Department
Career Experience

RIBO

Contact Information
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Joanne LeGal

Account Executive, Commercial Department
Career Experience

RIBO, CIP

Contact Information
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Lynn Lubczuk

Account Executive Group Home and Auto, Personal Department
Career Experience

B.A., RIBO

Contact Information
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Mike Onotsky

Account Executive, Manager, Financial Services
Career Experience

CFP

Contact Information
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Tim Pawlowski

Account Executive, Commercial Sales Manager, Commercial Department
Career Experience

RIBO, CCIB, Diploma – Business

Contact Information
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Yijie Ren

Account Executive, Small Business Unit
Career Experience

RIBO

Contact Information
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Lars Rittmann

Account Executive, Commercial Department
Career Experience

RIBO

Contact Information
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Brent Taylor

Account Executive, Commercial Department
Career Experience

RIBO

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Don Wales

Account Executive, Commercial Department
Career Experience

B.A., RIBO

Contact Information
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Jason Watchorn

Account Executive, Small Business Unit
Career Experience

RIBO

Contact Information
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Account Managers

Tim Avery

Account Manager, Personal Department
Career Experience

RIBO

Contact Information
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Bob Bennett

Life Insurance Specialist, Financial Services
Career Experience
Contact Information
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Nicki Brubacher

Technical Service Representative, Complementary Health Department
Career Experience

RIBO

Contact Information
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Heather Bryson

Account Manager, Complementary Health Department
Career Experience

RIBO

Contact Information
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Donna Buratynski

Account Manager, Personal Department
Career Experience

B.A.(Hons), RIBO, CAIB

Contact Information
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Christine Calzavara

Account Manager, Personal Department
Career Experience

RIBO

Contact Information
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Andrea Caple

Account Manager RMT Program, Complementary Health Department
Career Experience

RIBO

Contact Information
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Sharon Carlisle

Account Manager, Commercial Department
Career Experience

RIBO, CAIB

Contact Information
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Tim Chalmers

Account Manager, Personal Department
Career Experience

RIBO

Contact Information
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Kathy Chan

Account Manager Associations and Acupuncture Programs, Complementary Health Department
Career Experience

Advanced Diploma in Secretarial and Administrative in HK, RIBO

Contact Information
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Mary Churchyard

Account Manager, Commercial Department
Career Experience

B.A., RIBO, CIP

Contact Information
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Cathy Clavir

Marketer, Commercial Department
Career Experience

RIBO

Contact Information
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Rebecca Davis

Account Manager, Commercial Department
Career Experience

RIBO

Contact Information
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Kathy Fisher

Account Manager, Commercial Department
Career Experience

RIBO, CAIB

Contact Information
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Mary Gervais

Account Manager, Commercial Department
Career Experience

RIBO

Contact Information
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Lynn Gow

Account Manager, Personal Department
Career Experience

RIBO

Contact Information
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Louisa Grigg

Account Manager, Personal Department
Career Experience

RIBO

Contact Information
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Angela Grigg

Account Manager, Small Business Unit
Career Experience

B.A.. RIBO

Contact Information
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Deanna Hadenko

Account Manager, Personal Department
Career Experience

RIBO

Contact Information
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Andrew Harden

Team Lead, Small Business Unit
Career Experience

RIBO, CIP

Contact Information
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Ashley Holinshead

Account Manager, Commercial Department
Career Experience

RIBO, CAIB

Contact Information
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Sarah Hunter

Account Manager, Commercial Department
Career Experience

RIBO

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Debbie Hunter

Account Manager, Personal Department
Career Experience

RIBO

Contact Information
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Angela Hussett

Account Manager, Personal Department
Career Experience

RIBO

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Brenda Jennex

Technical Service Representative, Small Business Unit
Career Experience

RIBO

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Jo-Anne Jewell

Account Manager, Commercial Department
Career Experience

RIBO

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Ann Kibler

Account Manager, Commercial Department
Career Experience

RIBO

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Kelly A. Kilbride

Account Manager, Commercial Department
Career Experience

RIBO, CAIB, CIP

Contact Information
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Amanda Kuntz

Account Manager, Commercial Department
Career Experience

RIBO

Contact Information
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Dianne Leclerc

Account Manager, Personal Department
Career Experience

RIBO

Contact Information
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Meghan McCaffrey

Account Manager, Commercial Department
Career Experience

Diploma – Tourism and Travel, RIBO

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Alycia McQueen

Account Manager, Commercial Department
Career Experience

RIBO

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Beth McVeigh

Manager, Comp Health Program & Small Business Unit
Career Experience

RIBO

Contact Information
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Allan Metcalfe

Administrator, Financial Services
Career Experience
Contact Information
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Bea Meyer

Account Manager, Personal Department
Career Experience

RIBO

Contact Information
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Joey Moorehouse

Manager, Commercial Department
Career Experience

RIBO, CAIB

Contact Information
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Helena Nethery

Account Manager, Personal Department
Career Experience

RIBO, CAIB, CIP

Contact Information
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Tineke Nethery

Account Manager, Commercial Department
Career Experience

RIBO

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Jessie Paris

Technical Service Representative, Commercial Department
Career Experience

RIBO

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Sandra Proud

Account Manager, Personal Department
Career Experience

RIBO

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Tammy Ritza

Account Manager, Personal Department
Career Experience

RIBO, CAIB, CIP

Contact Information
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Jenny Schonenberger

Account Manager, Commercial Department
Career Experience

RIBO, CAIB

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Leslie Schweitzer

Account Manager, Commercial Department
Career Experience

RIBO, CSIP, CAIB

Contact Information
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Wendy Shantz

Financial Advisor, Financial Services
Career Experience

B.A.

Contact Information
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Paula Sommers

Account Manager, Personal Department
Career Experience

RIBO

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Craig Thompson

Group Benefits Advisor, Financial Services
Career Experience
Contact Information
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Lainee Tillich

Technical Service Representative, Complementary Health Department
Career Experience

RIBO

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Scott Underwood

Account Manager, Personal Department
Career Experience

Conestoga College – Business Insurance Graduate, RIBO

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Tari Wagner

Account Manager, Commercial Department
Career Experience

RIBO

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Richard Wamil

Account Manager, Personal Department
Career Experience

RIBO

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Selina Zhou

technical Service Representative, Complementary Health Department
Career Experience
Contact Information
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Administration Staff

Anita Bahab

Reception, Administration
Career Experience
Contact Information
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Shawna Bourke-Heimpel

Human Resources, Manager
Career Experience

B.A., CHRP, CHRL

Contact Information
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Carrie Dunning

Manager, Personal Department
Career Experience

B.Comm, RIBO, FCIP, CRM, CAIB

Contact Information
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Jono Hill

Manager, IT
Career Experience

B. Eng

Contact Information
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Tim Kauk

Assistant Manager, Personal Insurance
Career Experience

Bmus, Mmus, RIBO, CAIB

Contact Information
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Shirley Kendrick

Assistant, Administration
Career Experience

Diploma – Business Support and Bookkeeping

Contact Information
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Megan Pearson

Marketing Coordinator, Marketing Department
Career Experience

Diploma – Advertising, RIBO

Contact Information
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Shelley Sutton

Training Coordinator
Career Experience

RIBO, CRM, CIP, CIM

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