Young Professional of the Year: Scott Sleightholm’s Passion for Insurance and Community At the Impact Awards in April, Scott Sleightholm, Vice President at Kenny Insurance Brokers, was named Young Professional of the Year, a recognition which he says reflects both his passion for the insurance industry and his deep commitment to the local community. Scott’s journey into insurance began with a family connection. “My father started Kenny Insurance Brokers,” he explains. “I was doing my degree in marketing in Ottawa and a week after turning 18, just to help out around the office, I got my licence. It was just supposed to be a summer thing.” That summer job turned into a career after Scott found his footing in a brokerage while still in Ottawa. He returned to St. Thomas in 2016, ready to build on his experience and engage with the community he grew up in. While insurance may not be the most glamorous profession, Scott is passionate about changing the narrative. “Sure, it’s not something most people dream of doing, he concedes, “But it’s pandemic-proof, recession-proof, and there are so many roles, from actuarial work to claims to brokering. It’s a financially solid career with lots of options.” As a broker, Scott perceives his role as more than just selling insurance. “It’s the little things like calling people back, treating them like human beings, helping them through a claim,” he points out. “You’re often dealing with people at their lowest, and they need someone to advocate for them, be honest with them, and walk them through the process.”
One of the key advantages of working with a broker, Scott emphasizes, is choice. “We work with multiple companies, so we can find the best solution for the client, not just the pricing, but the coverage too. And when things go wrong, we step in and advocate.” Scott is equally committed to giving back to the community. “I’ve always been involved, he says. “In high school, it was student council and sports. In Ottawa, I joined the local brokers association.” Since moving home, he’s dedicated himself to everything from the Chamber of Commerce to the Railworks Coalition, the St. Thomas Home Builders’ Association, and coaching his son’s soccer and baseball teams. “I just love being part of this community. We’ve got some great people here, and it’s amazing to be able to support local sports, events, and causes. Whether I’m sponsoring a team or volunteering, I want to help make St. Thomas a great place to live and work.”
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2025 St. Thomas & District Impact Award Winner
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