The monthly member spotlight is an opportunity to learn more about a leader at one of our member companies and showcase the work they are doing. This month we spotlight Adam Veldpaus, Industry Leader, Technology at Cowan Insurance Group. Learn more about Cowan Insurance Group in our Member Directory.
Name: Adam Veldpaus
Title: Industry Leader, Technology
Company: Cowan Insurance Group
Cowan Insurance Group (Cowan), is one of Canada’s largest independent and privately-held insurance brokerage and consulting operations. We have been providing insurance and risk management to businesses, organizations, and individuals since 1927.
From humble beginnings in Princeton Ontario, Cowan has built a strong and growing Commercial Insurance brokerage division, in part, through our focus and specialization in targeted sectors: technology, construction, manufacturing, agribusiness, transportation, and not-for-profit, which is included in our municipalities, universities, schools and hospitals sector. Our relentless focus on identifying and serving the needs of our clients drives innovation, as demonstrated through the recent launch of our Supply Chain insurance product, the first of its kind in Canada for mid-sized businesses.
Through growth and diversification, our company has expanded our ability to meet the needs of our clients with a substantial Group Benefits and Pension consulting practice. Partnering with national and international insurance companies, we advise and create retirement, group benefits, disability management, and international benefits programs for employee groups.
Cowan Insurance Group is part of the Princeton Holdings Limited (PHL) Group of Companies. Our combined operation reports an employee count of more than 1,100, operating within Canada and the United States.
Cowan Insurance Group’s team is approaching 500 employees, operating out of 12 locations across Canada. Our commercial services team consists of more than 30 commercial account executives and over 100 employees, including account administrators, marketing, claims, and the Senior Leadership Team.
We believe in hiring for fit and providing employees with the needed tools to succeed and grow in their roles and careers. All client-facing members of our commercial services team have earned and maintained a valid registered brokers license in their respective provinces across the country.
What is your role and what is your favourite part of your job?
As Industry Leader, Technology, I am accountable for the technology segment business plans at Cowan Insurance Group, strategic growth of the book of business, as well as assisting others to grow our organization’s overall technology book. I have a passion for Technology and a background in Electronics; combining my technical insurance knowledge and experience ensures that the Technology segment at Cowan Insurance Group is at the forefront of coverage innovation for our customers.
My favourite part of the job is the opportunity and exposure it provides me with to converse with the creative innovators who are forming the future of the Canadian economy.
My role is to provide external penetration tests to our customers, support the onsite assessment team, and recruit, hire, and mentor staff.
If you could have coffee with any business leader or industry expert, who would you choose, and why?
No one specified if they have to be alive or can be deceased. I am a big Lee Iacocca fan. I admire Lee Iacocca as he never took the path of least resistance as he was always prepared with confidence in himself and the foresight to believe in the path he saw before himself.
“Apply yourself. Get all the education you can, but then, by God, do something. Don’t just stand there, make it happen.” – Lee Iacocca
Brian Krebs – I’ve followed him for years. His posts and talks are technical but are well understood by technical executives. My team and I are guilty of being able to communicate with technical peers, but when it comes to explaining it so everyone can understand, we can fall short.
What is the #1 business book/blog/website you would recommend?
Betakit.com – No one in Canada is better at reporting on the Canadian Startup and Technology space.
Looking at your company’s future, what are you most enthusiastic about?
Cowan Insurance Group is one of the largest privately held insurance brokerage and consulting operations in Canada. Our future is in the advanced knowledge and positioning we have in our key industry segments: Technology, Construction, Manufacturing, AgriBusiness, and Not-For-Profit business.
What excites you most about the local tech community?
The most exciting aspect of the local tech community is the constant draw of new innovators and thinkers to the London area. These new thought leaders brought by to the area by stellar educational opportunities represent the best and brightest of the future innovators and creators.
What causes or community activities is your company involved in?
Too numerous to mention. My favourites are our supporting Hackathons, Reforest London, and our upcoming cook a meal for Ronald McDonald house.
The Cowan Foundation strives to make a positive difference in the lives of Canadians by supporting and strengthening communities. The Foundation embodies our long-standing commitment to community involvement by supporting Canadian charitable organizations. The Cowan Foundation has supported numerous hospitals, universities, schools, and charities, as well as social service and support groups, donating more than $24 million to Canadian charitable organizations and communities since it’s inception in 1995.
Our Community Volunteer Program supplies donations to programs where Cowan employees have volunteered for a specified number of hours during the year. Our employees have dedicated close to 38,000 volunteer hours, resulting in donations of over $570,000 to qualified local charities.
