Profile
“I will continue to empower and encourage my staff to perform at their best as I have done for the last decade. I will continue to advocate for my clients, embracing new technology and being open to business and industry changes”
Ken Dixon,
Dixon Insurance Services
François-Julien Duffaud is a personal financial planner (PFP) with the Dorval branch of Manulife Securities in Montreal. He has been quite successful across Canada.
Duffaud has been involved in money management since his youth. When he was still in school, he exhibited entrepreneurial talent while taking small jobs and living in the US as an au pair during his teenage years. Then, he went to university and acquired his PFP designation.
“I felt like the sector was a good fit, I have been doing well in the wealth management space since my first year in the business,” he says. “By December of that year, I had hit my exact goal and was already managing significant assets. I am thankful for all the resources that were at my disposal at the time, including great books and generous mentors.”
Duffaud has remained persistent. When facing one of the biggest challenges of his career – to gain the knowledge to take on some million-dollar-plus files in his early years – he persevered and put together a talented team to support his efforts.
Ultimately, he loves a challenge and the responsibility that comes with it.
“I thank my clients by being proactive and methodical when it comes to staying in contact,” he says. “I also chose my team well – our values are aligned on a win-win philosophy.”
In addition, he manages to live a balanced life.
“I think that a professional can stay grounded by spending time with his family, enjoying physical activities, and learning,” he says. “I am at my best when I feel relaxed, both emotionally and intellectually, and can better listen to other people’s stories.“
1405 Trans-Canada Highway, #200 Dorval H9P 2V9
4385013075
fj.duffaud@manulifesecurities.ca
ca.linkedin.com/in/fran%C3%A7ois-julien-duffaud/en
francoisjulienduffaud.com
François-Julien Duffaud
Investment Advisor and Personal Financial Planner
Manulife Securities
Read on
Special Report
Home
Bio
Milestones
Profile
Read on
Special Report
Home
Bio
Milestones
Read on
Special Report
Home
Bio
Milestones
“To be able to give back to the community is rewarding and fulfilling. I am honoured to be in a position where I can raise funds for those less fortunate and in need”
Ken Dixon,
Dixon Insurance Services
2017
2018
2020
2021–2022
2023
Started mentoring with Manulife Securities’ No. 1 advisor in Quebec
2017
Received Rising Star award from Manulife Securities
2018
Received Best Work Ethic award for the Dorval branch
2020
Received Outstanding Growth award
2021–
2022
Obtained the Personal Financial Planner designation
Brought in $170 million in assets under management in the past five years
2023
Assistant Vice President and Senior Broker at MJ Hall & Company since 2018
Present
Milestones
Aug 2022
Milestones
Sept 2021
Feb 2022
Apr 2022
Jul 2022
Aug
2022
Suncorp Bank introduces Solar Home Bonus offer for customers who are choosing renewable energy for their homes
Sept 2021
Month-on-month market share growth commences
Feb 2022
Suncorp Bank wins the Canstar award for most outstanding value in investment loans
Apr 2022
Suncorp Bank wins Money Magazine’s Bank of the Year and Business Bank of the Year awards for the fifth year in a row
Jul 2022
Suncorp Bank’s turnaround times are the lowest they have ever been. The lender becomes Australia’s first certified carbon neutral bank for both its operation and transaction services
Aug 2022
Milestones
How does he distinguish himself among fellow brokers?
“I believe all brokers are working very hard in a difficult market,” he says. “However, I have demonstrated continued growth, advocacy and performance on my client’s behalf, which is now recognised [for 10 consecutive years] in the Elite Broker awards.”
In 1990, Dixon got started with FAI, working in claims and as a team leader. From the late 1990s up until 2003, he worked at FAI and Suncorp in underwriting and as an area manager at VACC, CGU (South East Queensland). From 2003 to 2012, he got into broking and eventually started Dixon Insurance in 2013. Since then, he’s accumulated numerous acccolades, including Elite Broker, Diversity and Equity, and Fast Broker awards.
During the pandemic, Dixon challenged insurers over the Quarantine Act application to insurance wordings. His argument was that the Quarantine Act does not apply as an exclusion, as the Biosecurity Act was invoked by the Morrison Government, and this was not a subsequent amendment to the Quarantine Act. The test case in the Appeals court was won for Dixon’s client with a unanimous five-judge verdict.
He remains focused on transport, manufacturing, motor trade, engineering and large farm clients.
What are his plans for the future?
On a business level, “more of the same. I will continue to empower and encourage my staff to perform at their best as I have done for the last decade. I will continue to advocate for my clients, embracing new technology and being open to business and industry changes.”
On a personal level, Dixon invests significant time, effort and funds, along with his GT3, to support many charities through his passion for motorsport. From participating in and sponsoring the Thunderbolt Run (which provides tens of thousands of dollars in support for Beyond Blue and Prostate Cancer), to organising and running the Track Knights for Amira charity night where 28 Exotic Supercars raised funds through passenger laps in wet conditions, Dixon states “this is our time to give back to the community and those in need. My friendships and association with those seeking to do the same, allows us to contribute to those less fortunate and raise funds and awareness”.
He adds: “To be able to give back to the community is rewarding and fulfilling. I am honoured to be in a position where I can raise funds for those less fortunate and in need.”