Meet Our Team
Simplified is a financial services business, dedicated to sharing our truth with everyone, and with a caring heart, you can be assured that we will be with you every step of the way
Suzanne Durnan (Kania), CHS – Principal
I am the proud principal of Simplified Financial and committed to continuing the high level of service our founder, John McDermott, established in 1990. Taking care of our clients is our number one priority. The insurance/investment industries have experienced many changes over the past few years that have impacted all of us. We have made the necessary adjustments and learned the lessons to ensure we can provide the knowledge, expertise, experience, and professional advice our clients expect and deserve.
We expanded our service to cover Alberta some years ago and grew our Simplified team to provide the level of support on which our clients have come to rely. We are continually learning, which enables us to provide a comprehensive range of products and services for our diverse client base. From individuals and families to entrepreneurs, small business owners, and corporate clients, we have the resources to support your financial requirements now and in the future.
My interests are expansive. I enjoy travelling abroad or exploring our beautiful British Columbia destinations. I enjoy the arts and have become an avid painter in my art class studies. I also enjoy gardening (weather permitting) and listening to music. I am the mother of two daughters and have a wonderful husband,
We are experiencing unusual times with COVID-19, and I want to ensure all our clients that we are here to support you in whatever way we can. If we can help, please let us know.
Connect with us today to start simplifying your complex financial decisions.
Joseph ven der Buhs, CFP, CLU, CHS, CPCA, CEA – Senior Partner
Joe has dedicated 25+ years of his professional career to the life insurance industry. With multiple industry-recognized financial and insurance designations and consistent recognition for quality work, Joe brings a passion for helping his clients meet their personal and business financial goals.
He has experience working with:
- Individuals, families, and businesses
- All ages
- People just starting out or those who have an extensive portfolio.
- Hourly and salary wage earners, self-employed independents, business owners and corporate entities.
Joe’s expertise as a certified financial planner will help you develop a strategy to get where you want to go, both professionally and financially. He strongly believes in education as is evident by his many educational designations and hours spent educating himself to better serve his clients. Joe and his network of resources will be able to help you find the right solutions, to support you in fulfilling your financial goals.
Joe understands the value of giving back and volunteers with many different charities that serve the community and those less fortunate. He also enjoys fishing and spending time in nature with his family.
Shelley Chanut – Financial Advisor
Shelley has been in various roles over the past 20 plus years in the financial services industry. As a banker, a high-risk lender/collector, a mortgage lender, an investment advisor, and an insurance agent…just to name some. Being in the industry as an advisor and as a client for so many years, it is evident that the industry can be full of frustration and misdirection…very complicated. “Suzanne Kania and Simplified Financial Inc. have restored my faith in the financial services industry by focusing on great advice, exceptional customer service, and putting together a great team.” Shelley especially loves to connect with people and assist them in finding the right fit. When dealing with financial issues, working in the office, hiking, exploring various parts of Vancouver and the Lower Mainland, or just out for a walk…it makes sense to…Get Simplified.
Denise Durocher – Office Manager
Denise brings to Simplified Financial Inc. 30 plus years of administrative experience. Denise is typically your first point of contact when you call the office and is definitely first rate! She enjoys the dynamic of working with an office full of strong independent women. Denise is the pleasant voice on the phone when you call in, offers the kind and caring touch in answering your questions, handling your concerns and keeping you updated on your insurance and investments…and is always ready to help out. She can be found most evenings and weekends enjoying spending time with her family.
Brad Nicholl – Group Administrator
Brad joined the Simplified Financial team in 2016. Bringing 38 years in Group Benefit Administration experience to our office. Brad is a hard working individual who adds that long overdue masculine point of view to our strong independent team. Full of new ideas and a strong understanding of group benefits he will provide Simplified Financial with the ability to continue to serve our clients in the best way possible. He spends his weekends cycling, golfing and enjoying time with his family. Brad looks forward to assisting you and growing the Simplified family.