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
Léony deGraaf Hastings, CFP, is a well-regarded financial planner based in her hometown of Burlington, Ontario. With a commitment to helping women and seniors achieve their financial goals, Léony has earned a reputation for her expertise, professionalism, and dedication to her clients’ success.
Many clients come to Léony during a life transition, such as divorce, retirement, or after a spouse’s death to seek guidance and reassurance. She combines her financial acumen with a compassionate approach, making her clients feel comfortable discussing their financial concerns. Léony’s focus is to break down complicated financial matters into relatable terms for her clients, so they feel empowered to make good financial decisions. She coined the tag line “simplify the seasons of life” to relay this message.
Over the past 25 years, Léony has grown her practice, achieved designations, and volunteered for various organizations in her community. In a male-dominated industry, Léony is passionate about leading a female financial advisers’ group that has met monthly for the past 12 years. The group members discuss timely industry topics, collaborate on new ideas, share experiences, and most importantly, support one another.
769 Old York Rd, Burlington, ON L7P 4X8
905 632 9900
hello@dgfs.ca
linkedin.com/in/leonydegraaf
dgfs.ca
Léony deGraaf Hastings
Certified Financial Planner
deGraaf Financial Strategies
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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
1995
1999
2004
2011
2014–2017
Entered the industry and family business
1995
Became an independent financial advisor
1999
Obtained Elder Planning Counsellor designation
2004
Received MVP Leadership award – Gryphin Advantage MGA
Readers’ Choice community award since 2009
2011
2014: Obtained CFP designation
2014: No. 2 on Wealth Professional’s Top 50 Advisors list
2017: Included in Women of Influence list
2014-
2017
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.”
