As the tariff war heats up, Atlantic Canadian consumers and B2B buyers are looking for local alternatives to international suppliers. Elbows up!

In Newfoundland and Labrador, weather can change in minutes, waves can rise without warning, and communities can feel like outposts at the edge of the world. That’s not just geography—it’s context. And for Wedgwood Insurance, it’s a way of life.

“We live here, we work here, and our job is to understand what that means for every client we serve,” says Kent Rowe, President and Chief Revenue Officer. “That’s why we don’t offer off-the-shelf products. We build relationships, then we build solutions.”

Founded and based entirely in Atlantic Canada, Wedgwood Insurance is one of Newfoundland and Labrador’s largest independent brokers. From St. John’s to Corner Brook, its 65-strong team helps individuals and businesses navigate risk with tailored coverage that reflects the realities of life in the region.

“Our independence is a huge asset,” says Rowe. “Because we don’t report to outside shareholders or investors, we’re free to advocate for our clients without bias. We have elite access to top-tier carriers, products and programs, and we use that flexibility to do what’s best for the people we represent.”

That people-first ethos extends well beyond the office. Wedgwood’s employees volunteer on local boards, coach community sports teams, and roll up their sleeves at service clubs. It’s the kind of grassroots engagement that can’t be outsourced.

“You’re just as likely to bump into one of our Account Managers at the grocery store or a charity event as you are in a client meeting,” says Rowe. “That’s how deeply connected we are to the places we serve.”

That commitment has made Wedgwood one of Atlantic Canada’s Best Places to Work and earned them Business of the Year 2024 from the St. John’s Board of Trade.

“Our people come first. This recognition reflects the culture we have built here,” said Wedgwood Insurance CEO Tom Hickey. “We’ve got four core values: We Lead, We Care, We Deliver, and We Improve. We live those values in everything we do, from client experience to team interactions.”

Wedgwood’s values aren’t just buzzwords. They shape everything from the way calls are answered to how policies are matched to risk. It’s an elbows-up approach to service that reflects the region it serves.

“The real value brokers bring is rooted in listening, understanding and standing with clients through uncertainty,” says Rowe. “That’s what advocacy, choice and advice are all about.”

From Bay Roberts to Gros Morne, Labrador City to Bonavista, clients know that commitment is more than a slogan. It’s showing up after a storm. It’s ensuring the right coverage before the unexpected hits. It’s a call answered by someone who knows the neighbourhood.

“Being local isn’t just a label—it’s a responsibility,” says Rowe. “When you live in the same communities you serve, trust becomes more than transactional. It becomes personal.”

That trust runs deep. Wedgwood is consistently ranked among the most trusted insurance brokers in Newfoundland and Labrador. Through its client-first approach, the company has returned millions in savings to Atlantic Canadians, helping protect everything from homes and vehicles to small businesses and fishing vessels.

In a world of faceless algorithms and offshore call centres, Wedgwood Insurance offers something different: local knowledge, human connection, and a steadfast commitment to doing right by Atlantic Canadians. Through customized risk and insurance solutions, they bring personal attention to every policy. Every claim. Every time.