This month, we meet Chamber members Jen and Doug O’Connor of Option Insurance Brokers—a new Whitsundays-based business offering personalised insurance solutions for businesses and individuals across Australia.
Established in 2024, Option Insurance Brokers provides tailored cover across all major insurance types, including business packages, liability, commercial motor, professional indemnity, cyber, home and contents, landlord and more. Drawing on over a decade of industry experience in both corporate and boutique brokerages, Jen and Doug set out to create a brokerage that reflects their core values: authenticity, transparency, and genuine service.
“Our motivation was to simplify insurance and make it accessible – cutting through the jargon to give clients peace of mind,” said Jen. “We take the time to understand each client’s circumstances and match them with the right protection.”
As the broader insurance market shifts toward digital convenience, Option Insurance Brokers is embracing a different trend—personalised, human-centred service. With rising premiums, more frequent natural disasters, and increasing policy complexity, the demand for trusted guidance and advocacy is stronger than ever.
Launching a new brand in a competitive industry has been their biggest challenge, but Jen and Doug are rising to it by building strong community relationships, maintaining a strong online presence, and ensuring every client experience leads to word-of-mouth referrals. They also remain agile, constantly reviewing the market to keep cover options competitive and relevant.
Their top tips for fellow business owners include:
Build relationships, not just a client list – Trust drives referrals.
Don’t wait for perfect – Start something, then improve it.
Know your numbers – Financial clarity enables growth.
Jen and Doug value being active Chamber members, saying, “"Being part of the Chamber connects us with supportive local businesses, providing community, collaboration, and resources that have helped us grow. We love the sense of community and the shared drive to see small businesses succeed in our region.”
Jen and Doug O’Connor of Option Insurance Brokers. Photos supplied
Publishers Indemnity. Any individual or entity that places advertising, supplies copy material, or submits editorial content to Core Life Publishing agrees and undertakes to ensure that all such material:- Does not infringe upon any copyright, trademark, or other intellectual property rights;- Is free from any content that could be considered defamatory, libelous, or slanderous;- Does not infringe upon any rights related to privacy or breach of confidence;- Contains no obscene, indecent, or otherwise unlawful material;- Complies fully with the Trade Practices Act and all other applicable laws, regulations, or statutes.Furthermore, by submitting or placing such material, these individuals or entities agree to indemnify and hold harmless the publisher, Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd, and/or its agents from and against any and all investigations, claims, demands, liabilities, damages, costs, or judgments arising out of or in connection with the material provided. All material is believed to be accurate at the time of printing and remains the copyright of Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd.
© 2024 Mackay and Whitsunday Life Pty Ltd.
