WHO WE ARE

Corporate History

Stanley J. Kernaghan (1921 – 2001) was the Founder and first Chairman of Kernaghan Adjusters.

He entered the independent adjusting field in November 1946, a year after his discharge from the Royal Air Force where he served with great distinction as a fighter pilot for five years in Canada, Europe and North Africa. He was decorated for his accomplishments with the Air Force Cross (AFC) and the Distinguished Flying Medal (DFM).

In May 1953, after several years in the industry, he founded S.J. Kernaghan Adjusters Ltd. In Winnipeg, Manitoba. Within months the volume of business increased dramatically, and Mr. Kernaghan began hiring additional staff. Between May and Christmas 1953, he added two more adjusters, one of whom, Ronald E. Newcomb, would become President and General Manager in 1980.

Kernaghan Adjusters opened its first Branch Office in 1956 in Kenora, Ontario, which was followed by the Dryden Branch in 1958, and then Branch Offices were opened in Brandon, Flin Flon, Thompson, Regina, Calgary, and Thunder Bay in rapid succession. By 1969 the company had offices across Canada stretching from Vancouver to Halifax. Kernaghan Adjusters had now become Canada’s first privately owned, national independent adjusting firm.

In 1970, accurately anticipating the growth of Western Canada, Mr. Kernaghan moved the Head Office (and his family) from Winnipeg to Vancouver. Mr. Newcomb followed in 1974.

In May 1992, after 40 years in business, Mr. Kernaghan instituted some major organizational changes. He announced Mr. Newcomb’s retirement as President and his appointment to the firm’s Corporate Executive Council. He also announced the appointment of Patti M. Kernaghan as President and Chief Operating Officer, while he himself would continue as Chairman and a member of the Corporate Executive Council.

Under Patti Kernaghan’s leadership, Kernaghan Adjusters’ strategy is to reinforce the national character of the company and to take advantage of modern techniques and technologies, to innovate. She also continues the Kernaghan Adjusters corporate tradition: to be a flexible, client-driven team of professional adjusters who collaborate internally between branches and externally with all clients. Kernaghan Adjusters has never felt the need to have the largest offices in any location. Quality has always been its number one priority. The firm has a reputation for integrity and fairness. Management and staff are proud of the fact that, over 50 years later, many of its original clients remain with the company today.

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