Partners

The DOT team of Partners is comprised of some of the most experienced and informed insurance and investment consultants in the industry. Each delivers a wealth of product and market knowledge, a future-forward big picture orientation, and an innovative approach to solution-development to ensure that their clients’ needs, goals and interests deliver optimum results and the greatest possible value.

Gillian Johnston, HBA, RHU
Partner

Gillian Johnston specializes in designing Insurance and investment portfolios targeted at Medical and Dental students to provide advice from their first year in school right through to retirement and estate planning needs. Gillian brings close to 20 years of hands-on expertise in Life Insurance and Living Benefits (Disability Insurance, Critical Illness, and Long Term Care) Insurance.

Gillian and her team focus on acquiring the right affordable plans early in ones career and then ensuring the appropriate remixing and rebalancing of the portfolio of products at each stage of professional and personal development. Gillian works closely with her clients to define their needs by educating them on which Insurance and Financial products are critical for financing debt and maintaining sustainable wealth accumulation.

Gillian also volunteers her time, on a no obligation basis, for any professional in need of assistance with Insurance evaluations prior to filing a claim and Gillian is committed to personally handling any and all claims that would arise on a client’s policy.

Gillian’s depth of experience and personalized hands-on approach is at the heart of her concierge style of service and has earned her distinction as one of the Top 5% of Financial Advisors worldwide. In addition, Gillian has been a leading critical illness sales person for one of Canada’s top carriers for 4 consecutive years, has been a leading disability salesperson for other major carriers for 7 consecutive years, has qualified in the Top 38 Producers at Manulife’s Pinnacle Conference and is consistently one of the highest producers for Great West Life in the Toronto region.

A graduate of the University of Toronto, Gillian is the RBC designated representative for Medical students at her alma mater and is the annual “White Coat Ceremony” speaker on insurance at U of T’s and the University of Western Ontario’s Dental Schools. In addition, she’s a Havergal “Old Girl” of 15 years and is active in sponsoring events for women in medicine.

A former professional tennis player and creator of The Tennis Group (a tennis teaching school), she is also an accomplished tri-athlete and has successfully completed the Iron Man competition nine times.

Martin Firestone
Partner

A long standing partner and associate of Martin Shaw, Martin Firestone brings significant consulting expertise in the areas of Group Benefits, Life, Disability, Critical Illness and Investment strategies. As a partner of DOT Integrated Financial, Martin’s personal, creative approach has helped clients in a vast range of fields to identify and achieve their personal and business insurance and financial goals. Martin works closely with his clients to resolve all issues to their ultimate satisfaction. He prides himself in keeping clients abreast of product changes and innovations and ensuring that their solution continues to perform with maximum effectiveness.

Among Martin’s accomplishments during his time with DOT Integrated Financial has been the creation and development of TravelSecure, an organization with the ability to provide an innovative range of options for medical/dental care coverage for out-of-country travel as well as coverage for expatriates (Canadians working abroad) and foreign visitors and students in Canada. In addition, Martin has successfully developed and launched a number of unique programs for associations that have met with substantive client participation and satisfaction.

A graduate of York University, he is active in the community and is on the executive of the annual Strike Out Cancer charity event.

David Garard
Partner

During his 25+ years of innovative industry experience, David Garard has pioneered a unique approach to the funding of Employee and Executive Benefit Programs. He has earned an excellent reputation amongst clients and suppliers alike for his strategic, integrated advice and comprehensive range of service solutions in employee and pension benefits, deferred compensation, executive benefits and estate planning.

A graduate of Bishop’s University, David also holds his Chartered Life Underwriter designation from the University of Toronto. His partnership with DOT Integrated Financial enables David to continue the successful development of long standing, value-added corporate and individual relationships.

David is currently an active member of the board and co-founder of the Special Olympics Festival, a festival founded in 1983 to raise funds and awareness for Special Olympics in Canada. Beginning as a modest Breakfast and raising $4,300, the SOF has raised over $20 Million during its 25 year history and last year alone raised in excess of $1.5 million.

An avid Hockey Fan, David has coached the Havergal College Varsity Girls High School team NYHL’s York Mills Rangers over the last 10 years. While winning with his teams has been rewarding, the true measure of David’s involvement has been the shared memories that have been created between players and their families and the quality time he has been able to spend with his daughter, Lisa, and son, Michael.

Mary Beth Plumpton
Partner

Sharing DOT's client-first philosophy, Mary Beth brings significant consulting expertise in the areas of Group Benefits as well as Life and Living Benefits to her clients. She maintains a focus on the current and future goals of businesses and their owners, as well as individuals and their families. Her knowledge of the insurance industry allows her to provide insight into many different aspects of tax planning that have proven to be of great benefit to her clients.

Mary Beth has developed long standing relationships with an extensive clientele who trust and depend on her knowledge, counsel, and strategic advice. She maintains offices in Toronto and Bancroft, Ontario.

A graduate of Loyalist College, Mary Beth has been a dedicated insurance consultant since 1985 and has partnered with DOT since 1998. Mary Beth is a past board member of the Bancroft and District Chamber of Commerce and is a fundraiser and member of the Board for SEEDS of Hope; an organization in Bancroft that reaches out to people in need. She recently graduated from Wycliffe College as a Lay Minister and ministers with her husband at a local heritage church.