About Us
Portrait of the Van Helden family in the Van Helden Agencies office

Building tomorrow's legacy

We are an independently owned property and casualty insurance brokerage that has been operating in Calgary since 1950. As a fourth-generation family business, we have built a business out of treating people the way we would want to be treated.

Your insurance expectations are high, ours are higher

Dedicated, hands-on care

All our clients have an advisor dedicated to their account, providing tailored advice and services at every step. We value empathy in our relationships and strength in our work. We are proud to be the partner our clients can lean on.

Experienced and Intelligent advisors

Our advisors put quality service as the number one priority, a value that permeates throughout our culture. We love what we do and because of that, we stick around with most of our advisors having 20+ years of experience in the industry.

73-year-old family run business

As a fourth-generation family business, insurance is our family trait. Maintaining our legacy of exceptional quality and service drives us to be our very best each and every day.

Adaptable to changing client priorities

Life is unpredictable, you need a broker that can grow and adapt with you. We don’t simply focus on the current needs of our clients, we proactively look ahead to make sure that no matter what else changes, our commitment to quality never does.

insuring high-value and complex accounts

We provide best-in-class, high limits of umbrella liability for clients requiring specialized services. We provide premium coverage that’s crafted to be comprehensive for any client.

Our History

Our family knows what commitment means. We have devoted four generations to the insurance industry, and deeply understand what it takes to be a true client partner. We value empathy in our relationships and strength in our work—always there when you need us. Shouldering your risk for you to stand stronger, we are by your side.
– Doug Van helden, president

Meet our team

Throughout our 70-year history we have a rock-solid reputation as client partners

Our team

Debbie Taylor, CIP

Office Manager

With Van Helden since 1983, 39 years of industry experience

Lena Tityk, B.A., CRM, FCIP, CAPI

Private Client, Account Executive

With Van Helden since 2018, 24 years of industry experience

Sandra Harrison

Account Service Representative

With Van Helden since 1991, 31 years of industry experience

Judy MacDonald, CIP

Private Client, Account Executive

With Van Helden since 2016, 42 years of industry experience

Beverley Yarn, CIP

Private Client, Account Executive

With Van Helden since 2022, 38 years of industry experience

Cathy LeBlanc, FCIP

Account service Representative

With Van Helden since 2018, 42 years of industry experience

Ming Feng, M.A., CIP

Account service Representative

With Van Helden since 2022, 18 years of industry experience

Tara Palmer, B.A.

Private Client, Account Executive

With Van Helden since 2023, 15 years of industry experience

Cathy Wilson, CRM

Commercial Lines Manager

With Van Helden since 2023, 30 years of industry experience

Sandra St. Jules, CIP

Commercial Insurance, Account Executive

With Van Helden since 2023, 42 years of industry experience

Melanie Jones

Private Client, Account Executive

With Van Helden since 2023, 21 years of industry experience