Independent Insurance Solutions Inc. - Experience
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History

Independent Insurance Solutions, 4 generations strong, is the longest standing insurance agency in Edmonton! Simply move your mouse along the time-line below to learn about some of our key milestones:
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"When you need a friend,
it's too late to make one."
 -Mark Twain
1879 -
 Our agency's founder (and Rod's Grandfather!), G.E. Heber Smith is born in Prince Edward Island.
1998 -
 Rod's son, Jared R. Smith joins Independent to learn from his father before founding his own marketing company and becomes the 4th generation of Smiths to work in Independent Insurance Ltd.
Today -
 Consistent with over 85 years of legacy, led by Graham and Rod, the agency continues to do what it does best - providing personal, "family style" service and advice to businesses and individuals throughout Alberta and Western Canada.
1985 -
 Graham Budd's agency, enjoying considerable growth, moves to the South Side of Edmonton and changes it's name to Insurance Solutions inc.
1999 -
 Graham Budd and Rod Smith join in an exciting partnership to form Independent Insurance Solutions Inc.
1959 -
 Independent moves to the Bonnie Doon Shopping Centre and is renamed Independent Insurance (1959) Ltd.
1979 -
 Meanwhile another Edmonton agency - Insurance Solutions Inc. is founded by Graham Budd under the name of Day Insurance Ltd.
1978 -
 Louise Skarsen, one of Independent's longest standing commercial agents begins her career with IISI - a career that would last to this day!
1972 -
 Rod Smith (current President) takes over the ownership of the business when Eric Smith retires at the ripe age of 53! To this day, clients are still experiencing the impact of Eric's long term dedication, innovation, and friendly approach.
1961 -
 G.E. Heber Smith passes away at his desk – with a big smile on his face (he had just helped out a customer with her claim). His son, Eric H. Smith decides to continue the legacy and takes over the agency.
1965 -
 Rodney E. Smith, the third generation of Smith's joins the agency to work with his father.
1945 -
 Heber is joined by his two sons, Joel K. Smith and Eric H. Smith.
1930 -
 The agency enters into a long-standing relationship with the YMCA of Edmonton, a partnership that continues to this day.
1905 -
 The former teacher, G.E. Heber Smith moves to St. Paul de Metis in Alberta where he homesteaded for several years.
1928 -
 Independent's office is moved to the second floor of the Canadian Bank of Commerce building on the corner of Jasper Avenue and 101 St.
1917 -
 G.E. Heber Smith founds the Independent Insurance Exchange Limited. The first office was opened to the public on Whyte Avenue before relocating to the Adams building on 101St and 102 Ave.
1920 -
 Heber is introduced to a Colonel Woodward, and is asked to arrange insurance for a new store that he was planning to build. Out of these humble beginnings rose the great Woodwards chain, and Heber continued to look after all the corporation's insurance needs for over 30 years.