Like a butterfly (or perhaps a “royal” beginning?), Creston Valley Insurance emerged in 1961, not as an insurance agency, but as a small finance company known as Monarch Acceptance Ltd.. Initiated by Doug Kinney, the business began offering property and casualty insurance products as part of their operation, adding an agency contract with The Wawanesa Mutual Insurance Company.

In 1964, the company was officially renamed as Creston Valley Insurance Services Ltd.. Along with other staff who worked in the office from time to time, the Kinneys employed family members including their daughter Becky and son-in law Neil Roth. The business was primarily located in a small 700 square foot office at 1215 Canyon Street and clients could certainly rest assured that their file records were in good hands - the file room was in a walk-in concrete block vault!

In the summer of 1980, the Kinneys retired to manage their mobilehome park and the business was purchased by four new owners: Carvil Moorey, owner of Anderson Insurance Agencies Ltd. in Castlegar, B.C.; Lee Johnson, employed by Anderson Insurance and a Nelson, B.C. native; Barbara Pierson, sister of Carvil Moorey, and her husband Roy from Calgary, Alberta. For two years the day to day operations were handled by the Piersons and their employee Dorothy Forsch, with regular assistance in farm and commercial insurance provided by Carvil Moorey and Lee Johnson.

In the spring of 1982, the ownership and operation of the company was assumed by Lee and Debby Johnson. They continued to operate the firm from the Canyon Street location with Kathy Huscroft as their sole employee until 1983. In that year, with their excellent track record of accuracy and quality service, Creston Valley Insurance was appointed by the provincial government to take over responsibility for Drivers Licencing and related services for the region.

With complete ownership of the company now in their hands, the Johnsons were able to fully implement their own philosophy of doing business. The Johnson’s belief in the “golden rule” meant that relationships with both staff and clients took priority over sales or profit motives. By treating staff and customers with respect and caring, and doing what was indeed best for them first, the company entered a period of rebirth and growth. The focus was on individual one on one service, and even though this was a more costly mode of operation, it positioned the company as a model place to work and do business. The staff found that the insurance office was actually a wonderful vehicle in which to contribute to the community at large.

With their new responsibilities and a couple more staff members, more workspace was in order. So, the offices were relocated to 910 Pine Street, (across from the RCMP station of the day) with newly renovated premises totalling 1800 square feet. It wasn’t long before the growing business needed even more employees and soon the staff ballooned to a total of five. Pamela Sabo, currently the longest serving employee, began her career with CVI in those growing years.

Being a broker of insurance policies and having your office directly across from the police station doesn’t mean you’re immune from crime. In the late 80’s the office was the target of safe burglars. Fortunately, the only damage of consequence was done to the antique 900 lb. Taylor safe. The solid receptacle’s purpose was to protect non-cash contents from fire, but in this case it proved its worth in preserving and a supply of licence plate decals. None the worse for the event, the office acquired a replacement antique safe (the 1800 lb.“Big Bertha”) and installed a new high-tech monitored alarm system.

In 1992, amidst a December snowstorm, Creston Valley Insurance was on the move once again. This time it was on to newer and even larger premises at the Creston Valley Mall. The new high traffic location proved to be a winner and the company’s reputation for quality service and products soon meant another expansion was in order. In 1997 the office was once again expanded, now totalling over 3000 square feet. The staff grew to handle the increasing influx of business with 10 full time employees.

Today, Creston Valley Insurance continues to grow and with a staff of 13 employees, and is ready to take on new challenges and explore new opportunities. The company marks its 40th Anniversary as Creston Valley Insurance Services Ltd. in 2004 and continues to be a steady community influence and reliable source for insurance and licencing products for the Creston Valley and East Shore of Kootenay Lake Districts. The highly trained and experience staff, who bring fun and enthusiasm to their workplace, take pride in delivering only the best in service to their customers. It’s this winning combination of people and quality products that takes Creston Valley Insurance on to even higher levels. And the best is yet to come…

Top