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Today Janet Folk runs one of the largest independent insurance brokerages in Alberta and is
co-owner of the leading new home warranty company in Western Canada. The story of a small town girl from Saskatchewan who
became a successful entrepreneur is a story about following a dream and never giving up.
When Jan was growing up she
had to work to earn a little spending money for those little extras that weren’t available at home. Her first job – when she
was nine years old – instilled in her a work ethic that hasn’t diminished. Jan has used her burning desire to succeed and
her boundless energy to create and build her businesses. And more and more, as she has earned her success, she has turned
those energies to mentoring and helping others.
No ‘glass ceiling’ could hold her back! When she was in her final
year of high school, Jan was preparing to head off to university or college to continue her education. Her parents had a
different idea! Her father was a section foreman with the railroad and her mother cleaned houses. Jan’s older twin sisters
had trained as nurses. A surprised Jan discovered that not only was there no money for university – she was not expected to
go to go on in school. Jan was told: “A girl should find a job that doesn’t require more education!”
At 18, Jan
headed to Vancouver to make her fortune – ready to work hard and meet any challenge along the way. Well, along the way she
stopped in Edmonton and landed a job selling shoes at the Army & Navy store. Then it was off to ‘secretarial school’ just
like many other young women at the time. After a couple of secretarial positions, a friend recommended that Jan apply for a
receptionist position with a start-up insurance brokerage that Ken Burton wanted to get off the ground. Jan wasn’t sure that
being a receptionist was her life’s ambition, but she soon found that being in the insurance industry was for her. After
some difficulties with Ken’s partners at this agency, Ken and Jan went on to form their own agency. Jan obtained her
insurance license and J. Folk & Associates opened for business in March 1985.
This was the beginning of a working
partnership that, even though it got off to a rocky start, has lasted more than 30 years. All through a determined
commitment to success!
When Jan left Saskatchewan she had no idea she would eventually be running an insurance
brokerage. Today, J. Folk & Associates is the most successful insurance brokerage in the province. In 2006 she expanded her
reach with the acquisition of a brokerage in the lower mainland of British Columbia. Now her brokerage operations serve the
needs of clients in Alberta and British Columbia.
But Jan and Ken weren’t done when they established an insurance
brokerage operation. In fact they were just getting started.
In 1990 a new home builder and an insurance client
approached Jan and asked her if she and Ken would look into the new home warranty business. The builder was dissatisfied
with the service provided by the one warranty company in Alberta. Taking on a powerful monopoly seemed like an opportunity
and just the type of challenge Jan has come to enjoy. Ken and Jan started National Home Warranty Programs that year with
four builders and one employee.
From this modest beginning, National is now the largest warranty provider in Western
Canada, serving some 3,500 builders in four provinces. In 2007 they have 90 employees. Through acquisition and initiative,
Ken and Jan now oversee a group of companies with products and services ranging from warranty and insurance to programs of
building maintenance, monitoring for strata councils, and a mortgage broker operation, as well as a successful home
renovation and restoration company.
Passion, energy and an all-consuming drive to be the best have taken Jan from her
roots in small town Saskatchewan to her current profession as a successful business woman with a track record second to
none.
Jan also demands excellence from the people with whom she works. “In the beginning I did not always allow
people around me to be successful,” says Jan. “But I have learned a lot over the years. And the one piece of advice I can
offer any woman in business – never be afraid to allow someone to succeed or shine. Surround yourself with good people who
want to succeed. Then, be a good mentor and a good leader and you will be rewarded with excellence.”
Jan has always
had the drive to be successful. Today she spends much of her boundless energy giving back to her community. In 2005, Jan was
presented with the Paul Harris Award by the Rotary Foundation for her five years of commitment to providing an in-school
lunch program at Calder School in Edmonton. Jan is also a member of the Board of Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital Foundation
where she volunteers in organizing major fundraising events for enhanced patient care at the hospital. She has also raised
more than $100,000 for the Crohns & Colitis Foundation. J. Folk & Associates is the official teddy bear supplier for
children needing the services of the Zebra Child Protection Centre. Jan is an active member of Edmonton SPCA.
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