Greatway Financial Inc.

Embodying the philosophy of ‘business with a heart,’ Greatway Financial stands out in the insurance landscape as a premier Insurance Managing General Agency (MGA). The firm ensures that Canadians, both native-born and immigrants, have a fair opportunity to kickstart their careers and create a legacy for their families. Its business, encompassing a wide market and currently thriving in the middle market, fostering a family-oriented culture where everyone rises together.

Driven by the saying —practice what you preach— the firm guides clients toward a better financial future, considering the uncertainties and longevity of life. In an industry often characterized by sales pitches and product-focused approaches, Greatway focuses on customer-centric services, encompassing life insurance, critical illness protection and other financial tools.

Marlon Antonio, CEO, founder, and lead mentor of Greatway, brings over two decades of experience in the insurance industry. Reflecting on his journey, he recognized a prevailing trend where agents focused on selling products rather than genuinely understanding clients' needs. This experience fueled his determination to establish Greatway to provide personalized advice and ensure each customer receives a policy perfectly tailored to their unique circumstances.

"We spend one and a half to three hours explaining the policy in detail to the client," Marlon explains. “This ensures they fully understand their coverage, reducing confusion and increase retention of their policies."

At Greatway, the approach to service delivery is comprehensive and empathetic. The firm tackles the lack of ongoing support head-on by conducting annual policy reviews and maintaining a rigorous training program for its advisors. This ensures they are well-equipped to serve clients effectively, always adhering to the principle of fair treatment of customers.

Investing in Knowledge and Empathy

Greatway's success is largely attributed to its people, each with a distinct background and a shared commitment to making a difference. Antonio, who transitioned from a meat cutter and realtor career to insurance out of a desire to make a tangible difference, exemplifies the aspirations of the individuals served by Greatway.

One of the Executive Vice Chairman, Eunice Dator, a former nurse turned insurance agent, embodies a lesson she learned from her mom—if you have something good, you must share it, and if you genuinely desire to help others, money will follow. "I used to hold down two jobs. It was challenging and left me with little time for my family. Greatway changed my life, and I've seen it change the lives of thousands of others as well," shares Dator, highlighting the transformative power of Greatway and its focus on helping others. This culture of compassion permeates every aspect of Greatway's operations, creating a supportive environment where everyone can thrive.

Similarly, Carol Villarica, the first National Executive Vice Chairman of Greatway, with her background in dentistry, brings a philosophy of sharing blessings and making a difference. Villarica often emphasizes that in her 36 years of living in Canada, she has never encountered an opportunity that can transform lives as quickly as Greatway.

She articulates, "The transformation is real. That's why I'm delighted to belong in an organization where everyone is treated equally, with opportunities for all."

By prioritizing transparency and simplicity in financial education, these individuals demonstrate their commitment to addressing clients' needs rather than just selling products. This strategy reflects their long-term vision for creating lasting change in the industry.

Transformative Success Stories and Cultural Impact

Greatway's impact is not measured in terms of profits but by the lives it transforms. The firm takes a holistic approach to insurance, addressing the broader financial challenges clients face, including inflation and rising expenses.

Ike Affam, one of the Senior Vice Presidents, points out, "We understand these financial pressures, as well as the insurance they require. It’s well-known that 90 percent of those with life insurance are underinsured. We ensure that clients fully understand their existing coverage and options."

One of the most compelling aspects of Greatway's culture is its commitment to adding value rather than simply replacing existing policies. Its advisors share real-life experiences that have impacted lives, making it easier for people to relate and trust in the firm’s expertise.

Greatway has an impressive record of transformative success stories not only in agents but also with its clients. One resounding example involved a young man in his early 30s who suffered a heart attack. When his family checked his bank accounts, they found no ongoing insurance payments. However, upon investigation, Greatway found out that he was still covered, even though the premiums had not been paid for several years.

The firm contacted the provider and explained the situation. After confirming the situation, they informed that the policy had indeed been active despite the lapsed payments. Consequently, the family received a $500,000 payout, demonstrating the robustness and reliability of its services even in such challenging circumstances.

”I used to hold down two jobs. It was challenging and left me with little time for my family. Greatway changed my life, and I've seen it change the lives of thousands of others as well”
- Eunice Dator, Executive Vice Chairman

Greatway's dedication to offering simple and transparent services has led to significant achievements. Recently, it was certified as a Great Place to Work and also honored with Great Place to Work for Women for 2024. With women comprising 67 percent of leadership positions, Greatway leads by example in fostering positive change and inclusivity.

A Culture of Happiness and Excellence

Greatway places the utmost importance on the well-being and happiness of its employees. By adopting a four-day workweek early on, the firm has nurtured a supportive work environment where a culture of happiness permeates every aspect of its operations, fostering unity, loyalty and exceptional performance.

As the top performer for its main provider, the firm brings happiness to all while simplifying life insurance and its complexities. Its achievements stem from building strong relationships with vendors and knowledge providers. Greatway's motto, ‘think good, say good, do good all the time,’ is reiterated at the end of every meeting, reinstating the firm’s commitment to offer exceptional service and have protected an impressive number of lives. This dedication to positive impact is evident as the company was able to protect more than 30,000 lives annually.

Established as an MGA in December 2010, Greatway has experienced significant growth since its inception. Currently, it boasts a network of 4,300 licensed agents, with 250 advisors earning a six-figure income. The firm facilitates a smooth transition for agents rather than pressuring them to become full-time immediately. This has led to approximately 20 percent of its agents transitioning to full-time roles, finding fulfillment in their work and spending more time with their families.

The company's head office is strategically positioned in Calgary, serving as the central hub for its extensive operations across Canada. Beyond its head office, Greatway maintains a robust presence with offices spanning British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, Newfoundland & Labrador, and New Brunswick. This widespread network underscores its commitment to accessibility and regional market penetration.

As a testament to what is possible when business is driven by a genuine desire to make a difference, Greatway exemplifies a rare blend of compassion, expertise and innovation in the insurance and financial services industry. Through its heartfelt approach as well as an investment in a culture of happiness and excellence, Greatway continues to transform lives and help elevate the standards in the insurance industry.