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Iridium Welcomes Four New Partners

We are very pleased to announce that Andrew Barker, Brent Blasetti, Hristo Minkov and Shelly Swartout have been appointed Partners of Iridium Risk Services.

“Each of these individuals has made an outstanding contribution to the success of our clients and to the success of our firm overall,” said Roger Swierstra, President. “I welcome each of them into the Iridium partnership and wish them the very best in this important next step in their careers.”

Andy joined the Iridium team in 2010 upon graduating from the University of Calgary and works with a broad base of energy clients. Andy is also the Team Lead for a group of Risk Advisors, Risk Consultants and Risk Technicians at Iridium.

Brent has been with Iridium since its infancy in 2006. He manages a number of junior to senior energy clients and is active in Business Development planning and execution.

Hristo joined the Iridium team in the role of Risk Technician in 2010. Hristo works closely with an array of energy and technology clients. Hristo is also an active member of our Insurance and Client Service group.

Shelly started with Iridium in 2008 and is involved in both leadership and operational excellence roles. Shelly is the Team Lead for a group of Risk Advisors, Risk Consultants and Risk Technicians and is Iridium’s Training Coordinator. She also leads a number of account teams and is focused on oilfield service and exploration & production companies.

Please join us in congratulating Andy, Brent, Hristo and Shelly on this exciting milestone in their careers.

Since partnering with Iridium Risk Services, we have benefited greatly from their knowledge and enthusiasm to build an insurance program that addresses the unique exposures in our industry. The team at Iridium has been incredibly responsive and meticulous in providing advice and reviewing contracts. The attention to detail they have shown through the risk workshop process and on an ongoing basis is exactly what has made them stand out as a risk management partner to Fresnel (Vitruvi). As our company expands, we know we can rely on Iridium to provide continuous support and help our company achieve its goals.

—Allan Schaefer, Director of Finance, Vitruvi Software

From day one the team at Iridium has shown a commitment to researching and implementing the best possible solution for Pacesetter’s insurance needs which has met both our unique corporate and operational objectives. Iridium has demonstrated their knowledge of the different products and carriers and has demonstrated their commitment to privacy, confidentiality and discretion concerning the corporate information discussed in transacting with Pacesetter. Further, the Iridium team is committed to providing efficient, accurate support and service on all matters concerning our insurance and risk items as they come up.

—Chad Robinson
Chief Financial Officer,
Pacesetter Directional Drilling Ltd.

Iridium’s unique approach and in depth understanding for our business made for a thorough and seamless insurance placement. We can always rely on their guidance and exceptionally prompt responses. Iridium’s knowledge and strong service focus gives us confidence in knowing the job will get done right!

—Dave Hawkins, CA
Chief Executive Officer,
Groundforce geoDrilling Solutions Inc.

The Iridium team is very enthusiastic, knowledgeable and professional, and consistently provides timely and relevant advice regarding insurance and risk management issues that are of importance to Propak. Iridium generated underwriter interest in our account through a strategic marketing exercise that resulted in policy coverage improvements alongside a reduction in premium. Iridium analyzed our insurance program and policies, identifying gaps in coverage and wording improvements and proposing and placing new policies, ultimately optimizing our insurance program. Propak is pleased to be working with such a talented and committed team at Iridium. I wish we had made the change years ago!

—Barry C. Taylor, CA
VP Finance and Administration,
Propak Systems Ltd.

We had previously dealt with larger brokers exclusively, but in the past few years we were unhappy with the level of service we were receiving. Iridium routinely takes the time to meet with us to carefully review and address our evolving exposures. Iridium’s employees are very experienced and are well versed at explaining coverage nuances at an operational, executive and board level, which gives us confidence that we have appropriate insurance protection. Their knowledge of the marketplace is impressive, ensuring that we receive the most competitive terms available. With Iridium we believe that we receive excellent value and great service.

—Max Lof, MBA, CFA
Chief Financial Officer,
Surge Energy Inc.

Pure is a company that has grown significantly both in size and complexity over the last 10 years and required a new perspective on its overall risk management approach. Through a detailed and in-depth review of our Company and our business, Iridium was quickly able to immediately add value to Pure by helping us develop and implement a comprehensive insurance program that ensured appropriate coverage on a cost effective basis. Our senior management has been very impressed with both the professionalism and responsiveness of the Iridium team as we have made the transition from our previous provider. We look forward to a strong and long term business partnership between Pure and Iridium as our business continues to grow.

—Geoffrey D. Krause, CA, CPA
Vice President and CFO,
Pure Technologies

When TransCanada Turbines aligned our business with Iridium, you were dealing with a group of TCT people with very limited exposure to the Risk/Insurance industry. Your ability to articulate insurance matters and jargon into clear terms enabled us to feel comfortable with all of our insurance and contractual decisions. Your team’s willingness to support our business for everything from education and transformational activities to our frequent questions regarding our transactional business dealing has been over the top. We will tell you that TransCanada Turbines would not hesitate to recommend Iridium to anyone. Your team service is excellent, your approach is transparent and your willingness to help is tireless. We look forward to a long and symbiotic relationship with the entire Iridium Team. Well done!

—Tim Wilcox
Vice President,
TransCanada Turbines

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