Gary Houston

I have lived in Chatham Kent my entire life and was fortunate to remain on the family farm. I graduated from Ridgetown College and began working on the family farm in 1973. My insurance career began in 1984 when I worked for Ontario Crop Insurance as a claims adjuster. Then in 1989 I was asked to join the Howard Mutual Board of Directors. Who knew this would lead me to my next career in the insurance industry as an Agent in 1993. My new role allowed me the opportunity to keep connected to my family roots and farming. It is rewarding to assist my clients in finding the right coverage and price for their individual needs. My wife and I have been married for over 40 years and we have 2 sons and 2 wonderful granddaughters that keep us busy. In my personal time, I enjoy curling, hunting and travelling. I sing with the Chatham- Kent Chorale and for years we have been performing at the Capitol Theatre in early Dec. with a variety of sacred and secular songs. We usually follow up with one or two mini concerts at retirement homes in the Blenheim and Chatham followed by an annual Christmas Concert. I also enjoy singing in the church choir at St. Paul’s in Chatham

Chris Hill

I have worked at Howard Mutual since 2007. Previously to my time with Howard Mutual I attended and graduated from Ryerson University with a bachelor’s degree in business and played on their varsity hockey team. I have been a small business owner, I have also worked at various jobs in the agriculture, construction and insurance industries. I was born and raised in Ridgetown where the Howard Mutual Head Office is located. I am proud to carry on their reputation and tradition of service excellence. I can still remember my parents’ Howard Mutual Agent sitting at their kitchen table discussing insurance coverages when I was a small boy and that is still the way I treat my clients today. I pride myself in knowing all of my clients and their families personally and being responsible for their insurance needs is an honor that I enjoy and take very seriously. My Wife and I, along with our two sons, live on a rural property just outside Rondeau Provincial Park. I enjoy the outdoors, camping and working with my hands on various projects on our hobby farm. I help coach my eldest son’s local hockey team and I am looking forward to doing the same with my younger son this coming year when he starts playing hockey.

Dan Peltier

I started my insurance career in 2008. I am fortunate to love what I do along with helping people to protect their most valuable assets. I have witnessed firsthand how important having the right insurance protection is to a family. As a result of injuries sustained in an auto accident, my Mom is in a wheelchair for the rest of her life. When I was a volunteer fireman I witnessed how quickly someone can lose one of their largest investment, their home and personal belongings. I realize that you may not get everything back as sentimental items are impossible to replace, but, you will have peace of mind that you are properly protected. I have two boys that are ages 11 and 7 and enjoy watching them grow, coaching their baseball team and spending time outdoors together. I enjoy anything that has to do with cars and love working on them as well. During my spare time you will find me fishing, golfing, playing baseball or out on the water.

Jonathan Derksen, Jr.

Accessibility Statement

Accessible Customer Service

Howard Mutual Insurance Company (Howard Mutual) strives to provide equal treatment and benefit through its services and facilities. We are committed to removing barriers to access for people with disabilities and welcome feedback about how we can improve our customer service. All goods and services provided by Howard Mutual will follow the principles of dignity, independence, integration, and equal opportunity.

Assistive Devices

Howard Mutual accommodates the use of personal assistive devices that enable a person with a disability to access our services and facilities. Assistive devices include, but are not limited to: mobility devices, personal oxygen tanks, mini pocket recorders, and communication boards.

Service Animals

Howard Mutual recognizes a person’s right to have their service animal with them at all times. Service animals are permitted to be with their person while on the premises.

Support Persons

A support person is a person who accompanies the person with a disability in order to help with communication, mobility, personal care, medical needs, or access to goods or services. The support person can be a paid support worker, volunteer, friend, or family member.

When a person with a disability is accompanied by a support person, Howard Mutual employees, directors, and third-party contractors will ensure that both persons are permitted to enter the premises. In situations where confidential information might be discussed, consent will be obtained from the customer before any potentially confidential information is mentioned.

Communication

When communicating with a person with a disability, Howard Mutual is committed to doing so in a manner that is respectful and dignified.

Notice of Service Disruption

In the event of any temporary disruptions to facilities or services that customers with disabilities rely on to access or use Howard Mutual’s goods or services, Howard Mutual will post: a notice of the goods and services that are disrupted or unavailable, the reason for the disruption, the anticipated duration of the disruption, and a description of alternative services or options that are available. At minimum, this notice will be posted in a conspicuous place at the affected premises and may also be posted on Howard Mutual’s website.

Training

Howard Mutual is committed to ensuring that its employees and directors who deal with the public and customers receive training on accessible customer service. We will make every reasonable effort to ensure that third-party contractors who deliver goods and services on behalf of Howard Mutual meet the requirements of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005.

Howard Mutual’s training plan includes information on the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 and the requirements of the Integrated Accessibility Standards. The Human Resources Coordinator will ensure that training records are maintained, including dates when training was provided and the number of employees and directors who received training.

Billing and Documentation

Howard Mutual is committed to providing accessible invoices and documents to customers. For this reason, invoices and documents will be provided in hard copy, large print, e-mail, etc. upon request. We will answer any questions customers may have about the content of the invoice or document in person, by telephone, or email.

AODA – Accessibility Standards for Customer Service Plan

Howard Mutual’s full AODA – Accessibility Standards for Customer Service Plan is available upon request and in a format that takes into account the customer’s disability.

Feedback, Questions, or Concerns

Feedback, questions, or concerns regarding accessibility may be provided in person, by telephone, in writing, or by email or other electronic means. Feedback, questions, or concerns received by Howard Mutual will be responded to within fifteen (15) business days, documented, and tracked.

Please contact

President and CEO
Howard Mutual Insurance Company       
20 Ebenezer Street West, P.O. Box 398
Ridgetown, ON  N0P 2C0

Email: ceo@howardmutual.com  
Phone: 1-866-931-2809

This program is specifically designed for Realtors. We'd like to say Thank You for your referrals. For every qualified referral, you will earn referral rewards.