A LaSalle area institution, Ernest R. J. Bondy Insurance is celebrating an anniversary that few businesses achieve.
For the past 44 years, Bondy Insurance has been providing general insurance to area residents. Ernest Bondy, began selling Canadian Provident life insurance to area farmers in 1963 to help supplement his farming income. A year later he received his general license and began selling insurance policies on the homes, barns, cows, pigs and other livestock of Essex County farmers. " In those days, policies didn't come as a package deal," the senior Bondy would always comment..
"The business is still here, not because of us", says Marc Bondy, reflecting on the longevity of the company, "but because our customers have put their trust in us." Loyal, long term clients have not only put their trust in the Bondys, they have passed the tradition on to their children. "We are dealing with some third and forth generations now, said Rosaire Bondy. Marc and Rosaire are the sons of Ernest Bondy. Both have followed their father into the business.
In 1980 Bondy Insurance took up residence in a small commercial building at the corner of Malden and Martin Lane. The business, which was begun modestly in the Bondy family home on Malden Road, continued to grow at a steady pace, adding more customers every year.
Marc came to Bondy Insurance in 1984. In 1991, Rosaire joined his brother and father in the family business. Eventually, with Marc and Rosaire both actively involved, Ernest R.J. Bondy Insurance graduated to its present location at the corner of Maple Street and Front Road. "Moving here was the best thing we ever did" said Marc. Ernest at first questioned the need for the move but eventually conceded that his sons were "doing the right thing". The bright, centrally located facility was the perfect setting for the next stage in the company's development. In October of 1992, Marc and Rosaire took over as owners from their retiring father, sealing their commitment in which they had grown up. |
As LaSalle grew, the business continued to grow but the sons always kept in mind that the business was built on service. "At least 90% of our new business comes through referrals," said Rosaire. "We are thankful people appreciate how we treat them. We believe in offering a good product backed by good service." "If you help people get what they want, eventually you will get what you want. Don't push, don't sell, just give your customers information." Today, with the growth in LaSalle, Bondy Insurance has nearly 4,500 clients and employs six people in addition to Marc and Rosaire. Three of those employees have been with the company more than 23 years. Denise Lock has worked at Bondy Insurance for 22 years and Carol McMinn has been there for 23 years.
Joanne Aussant has been a Customer Service Representative for Bondy Insurance for 23 years. "It is a real joy to help people sometimes," said Aussant. "It gives you a good feeling. And here there is definitely a personal touch.
"I find I get personally involved with the clients. When there has been a tragic fatality, for example, I grieve with the family. It has an impact on me." "We are not Wall Street or Toronto," said Marc. "Part of the value of insurance here is in being able to sit down and talk with the person who handles your business. Don't just shop price. Sometimes we do have the lowest price - but that is not the only thing we are offering here." "We are a part of the LaSalle community and our clients are our neighbours," added Rosaire. "We are taking care of people we know. We live here, work here, play here and buy when we can." |
