The PMI Team

IRA J. KUCHINSKY, B.Sc., B.Eng., MBA
Chief Executive Officer/Partner

Ira joined the firm in 1973 and has worked in all facets of the Company. And, as Ira likes to quote Victor Kiam in the old television commercial for Remington Razor, “I liked the company so much, I bought it.” Ira’s duties at The Paisley-Manor Insurance Group are two-fold: 1) providing strategic and administrative direction and 2) servicing and monitoring a wide variety of clients’ insurance programs. Ira’s expertise lies in providing insurance solutions for PMI’s clients in the Real Estate Industry including Developers, Builders, Property Owners and Property Management firms. Ira’s other major clients include those operating large retail chains and several large manufacturing concerns. An active participant in community activities, Ira is involved in the Jewish National Fund, United Jewish Appeal of Toronto – Insurance Division, and Temple Sinai Congregation.

MICHAEL PAISLEY
President/Partner

After graduating from York University in 1979 with a degree in Sociology and Psychology. Michael embarked upon his career by working in South Africa. This was followed by travels throughout Africa, Europe and the Middle East followed by completion of his Insurance studies in London England. As President of PMI, Michael is actively involved in both the operations and in servicing his clients. An international and interdisciplinary training has allowed Michael to develop a unique perspective in providing Insurance solutions. Beyond traditional coverages, Michael has designed the largest Judaic Insurance program in Canada which specializes in providing coverage for synagogues, schools and other non-profit organizations in the Jewish community. Michael’s commitment to family values and community volunteer work includes many years association with Mt. Sinai Lodge Masonry, Temple Sinai Synagogue, a number of roles in fundraising for various charities, and executive and board representation at Leo Back Day School. Michael’s belief in principled and balanced commitment to staff and clients has allowed him to lead an organization that can boast both long-term employee retention and a significant number of multi-generational clients.

GERALD R. SPENCE, CIP
Chief Operating Officer

Since 1998 Gerry has been responsible for the day to day brokerage operations at PMI including Administration, Sales and Service, Human Resources, Marketing, and Operational Planning. Gerry’s role as Chief Operating Officer has transformed the operation from a small owner operated organization into the dynamic organization it is today. Starting 25 years ago at Royal Insurance, Gerry held progressive positions from Methods Analysis to Project Leader on accounting implementation systems. Gerry was appointed Regional Marketing Manager of Commercial Lines at Royal Insurance in 1993, a position he held until 1996 whereupon he was appointed the Manager of Western Assurance Co. (a subsidiary of Royal Insurance Company). Gerry held this position until joining Paisley-Manor Insurance Brokers in 1998. Gerry holds his CIP designation as well as a Canadian Securities Licence.

JEFF GOLDSTEIN
Vice-President

For over 25 years, Jeff has provided personal insurance solutions for affluent clients. Jeff believes that “customer relationships are paramount and business should always be conducted with integrity and respect.” Jeff's experience protecting fine properties, automobiles, watercraft, and unique collections have earned him a reputation of excellence and trust within the high net worth community. An extensive career dealing with high limits and unique coverage has given Jeff an intricate knowledge of the insurance requirements of affluent individuals. As a service to his clients, Jeff recently launched a website in conjunction with PMI providing insurance resources for high net-worth individuals (http://www.jeffgoldstein.ca/). In addition to personal insurance, Jeff also provides commercial coverage for his clients.

LEONARD R. EXTON, B.A., C.A.
Vice-President

After holding senior positions such as Controller and Chief Operating Officer in the other sectors of the financial services industry, Lennie decided to transfer his knowledge to the insurance industry in 1987. Lennie maintains professional membership in both the accounting and insurance worlds and is also a lecturer for the Ontario Mortgage Brokers Association. An avid community supporter, Lennie has served on an extensive number of Boards such as Canadian Friends of Boys Town Jerusalem, Jewish National Fund (Toronto and National), United Way, and B’Nai Brith Youth Organization. Lennie is also an active golfer and enjoys spending time with his wife and son.

ALAN D. MOTE, CIP, CCIB, CRM
Commercial Marketing Manager

Alan is celebrating his 39th year in General Corporate Insurance. After a 12 year tenure as an underwriter with a major insurer, he joined the brokerage side of the business in 1980. Alan has enjoyed success in all facets of the business from technical specialist, marketing manager, brokering, sales, to administration / management. Alan prides himself on building solid, professional relationships that have stood the test of time with clients, underwriters, and associated businesses. Alan’s current role is to manage the placement of all New Business (over $5,000 premium) originating from PMI’s various Producers/Account Executives. In addition, Alan helps manage the Commercial Lines service teams in their day to day service and renewal negotiation activities. Alan has done extensive tutoring in insurance subjects and instructed both industry courses and customized Insurance seminars.

FRANK SILLA, CAIB
Personal Lines Manager

Frank began his insurance career in 1991 as a life insurance agent and later changed his focus to property and casualty. During the past thirteen years Frank has served in many positions ranging from sales to office manager. Frank joined the Paisley-Manor Insurance Group in 2002 and is currently the Personal Lines Manager of the Richmond Hill Branch. Frank recently obtained the CAIB designation and continues his education by regularly attending industry seminars.

MICHAEL KLEINHANDLER
Account Executive

Michael has been selling insurance since 1994. Prior to the insurance business, Michael owned and operated four retail locations of a national giftware chain in the GTA. Being dually licensed allows Michael to implement property and casualty insurance as well as insurance for life, disability, critical illness, and group benefits plans. As Michael says “I feel that my prior hands-on business experience helps me understand and solve the specific insurance needs of my clients.”

DAVID SUSCHKOV
Account Executive

David has been in the insurance industry for 20 years and currently holds three licenses as well as a post-graduate diploma in Administrative Law. David’s focus is Commercial Specialty lines with a particular interest in Directors’ and Officers’ Insurance and General Liability protection for the Mining Industry. David’s success rests with his ability to provide companies with multi-line policies covering all risks and he believes that being familiar with the insurance needs of his clients ensures proper and necessary protection. According to David, “this is still a people business and clients appreciate professional help on a personal level.”

MICHAEL JACOBS
Account Executive

Michael Jacobs has thirty years of experience in the insurance business and believes in a hands-on approach giving every client his ongoing personal attention. Michael has developed a clientele of well established commercial businesses but is particularly active within the food industry. Michael is an avid traveler and arts lover while also enjoying family time with his wife and three children.

DOUG PHILIP
Account Executive

Doug has been in the insurance industry as a broker since 1982. Doug’s primary focus is in property and casualty commercial business but specializes in industries such as manufacturing, printers, food wholesalers, real estate, professional Errors and Omissions and commercial automobile. Doug is involved in several community organizations such as the Boy Scouts of Canada and a Toronto area Masonic lodge. In addition Doug is a music, photography and liberal arts enthusiast when he isn’t busy with his two children.

LEON KING
Account Executive/Broker Emeritus

Born and educated in London England came to Canada in 1956 and has been in the insurance business ever since. Was formerly president of KCA Insurance Brokers Ltd a successful multi-line brokerage with excellent markets and a varied client base.

Paisley Manor acquired KCA in 2003 in a virtually seamless dovetailing merger of insurers and clients. (PMI continues to occupy the former KCA office in Richmond Hill exclusively as a Personal Lines division). Leon was given the title of Broker Emeritus and continues to cultivate and build goodwill with clients and even gives friendly advice to his colleagues, (but only when asked).