Hi, I'm
Ralph Gardner.

My Story

Why I started Sterling Benefits

I grew up pretty blue collar, doing renovations with my dad around my school schedule, and that's where I learned to work hard. In my late teens I operated equipment for a development company, and in my late twenties I covered a large territory for Brandt Tractor, selling equipment.

Then two things changed my direction: economic pressure across the industrial sector, and a severe accident that left my brother totally disabled. Together they led me to explore the insurance industry, a place I never thought I would be.

I opened Sterling Benefits in Kelowna in 2018 with a simple idea: small businesses deserve the same quality of advice that big companies get. Most brokers chase large groups. I chose to focus on the two-person shop and the forty-person company, because that's where good advice makes the biggest difference and is hardest to find.

How I work

A benefits plan should support your business goals, not just be the lowest quote this year. So I start with structure before price. First, which renewal type fits your business: fully pooled, pooled flex, claims-rated or ASO, or a mix. Then carrier selection, based on service, stability and fit. Then classes and plan design, so owners and employees each get coverage that makes sense for them.

Hunting for a lower premium every couple of years rarely fixes the real problem. Understanding how your plan is rated usually does.

And the work doesn't stop once the plan is in place. When a claim gets stuck or an employee has a question, my clients call me, and I help sort it out with the insurer.

Where Sterling Benefits is today

Today I work with more than 75 local businesses. My clients' plan administrators have their own online portal for their plan details, employee records and forms. I also help business owners with their own protection, including disability, critical illness and life insurance, for themselves and their families.

Outside of work

Outside of work, I love spending time with my four children and my partner. Growing up on the prairies gave me a real appreciation for the Okanagan Valley and everything it offers year-round: hiking, summer evenings on the beach, dirt biking local trails with my son, catching up with friends on a patio, or heading up to Big White. I'll always feel blessed to call this valley home.