Scrivens has a diverse team of professionals: from industry influencers to musicians, from analysts to poets. The Employee Spotlight series aims to highlight the talented individuals who work here. Each month, we’ll be featuring one of our talented people.

Meet Ken Browness, Certified Financial Planner

Ken Browness grew up in Ottawa and graduated from Carleton University in 1982 with a Bachelor of Commerce degree. He later earned his Certified Financial Planner designation in 1999 and joined Scrivens a year later. His continued passion for learning is paramount to his (and his clients’) success over his 20+ years at Scrivens.

Anyone who has worked with Ken would tell you that he puts in 110% every time, no matter the task. He finds joy in sharing his knowledge with others to help them succeed.

When gatherings were permitted, Ken would host “Lunch and Learns” in the Scrivens office where he shared his expertise on a wide variety of topics. He continues to share his knowledge on the Scrivens Blog by writing articles about retirement planning, life insurance, and tips to help everyone be financially successful.

Let’s learn a little more about Ken.

What is your favourite thing about your role?

I really enjoy taking the time to understand my clients’ retirement and financial planning needs and helping them put together a plan to achieve their financial goals. It’s wonderful getting to meet people with different goals and it’s a rewarding career helping so many people achieve success.

What do you like most about working at Scrivens?

At Scrivens, everyone feels like a family. Although we have a few departments from home and auto insurance, business insurance, and retirement planning, we are all a close-knit team and work really well together.

The family-like atmosphere allows me to take initiative and be an expert in what I do. Each person has their own expertise in our “family” and it really helps everyone shine. We have an incredible team!

What has been your favourite project at Scrivens?

Like most families, the Scrivens team often has social events throughout the year. I’m one of the many people at Scrivens who loves to help plan these events for the team.

Canada Day is a big event here at Scrivens. Although we didn’t have an in-person celebration this year, we usually have a BBQ and slightly competitive games in the parking lot. One of my favourite Canada Day festivities at Scrivens was when I helped coordinate a scavenger hunt for the team to venture out and learn more about our community.

Hopefully next year we’ll be able to continue this tradition!!

Check out our Canada festivities from 2017

What is one career lesson you have learned so far?

I think Covid-19 is a reminder to everyone that things will continue to change and evolve. I learned this early on and have made it my mission to continue to grow professionally (and personally) by always learning. 

I’m always learning new things and love to share my findings with the Scrivens team, clients, and anyone who is willing to listen.

What is your favourite travel destination?

Do you know the furthest most eastern point in North America? Well, it’s in Newfoundland. It’s one of Canada’s most beautiful provinces; both in terms of its landscapes and its people.

Do you have any hidden talents?

I have a keen sense of direction. Professionally, that can help in identifying the proper direction for a financial plan. Personally, it helps in exploring geographically!  

What is your favourite hobby?

Prior to the pandemic, I always loved adventuring out to new places and travelling around the world. During the pandemic, I have had to resort to travelling locally and digitally.

I know that when it’s safe to do so again, I won’t take it for granted and will use my keen sense of direction to navigate to some new, amazing places.