b"Royal Insurance] and John Will came on board, and we all worked together well as a team. Our working relationships were always excellent. The Whittles staff integrated, John and Bill continued to bring all operations across the group under one umbrella. The company started to reap the benefits of a tight, centralised administrative core. John also kept a close watch on developments in the IT world, always looking for new ways to give the business a technological edge. Amidst the frantic pace of work life and long hours, personal and family lives continued. John, Allan and Brian were all keenly involved in their local communities and outside pursuits. All three livedbusy lives beyond the office.The business continued to add new employees to handle its growth and strengthen back-office functions. 42 After working with Colonial Mutual in Melbourne, Pat Warren joined in 1988. After a job opportunity fell through at NZI, a contact put her in touch with John. She soon became an indispensable member of the team, taking over from Bill Arnold as company secretary in 1991. She remains among the company's longest-serving employees.It was like a big family. Sometimes a little like a crazy family, too, she laughs. Definitely different to a place In 1988, two more offices opened: in the Limecoastlike Colonial Mutual. John, Allan and Brian quickly region town of Naracoorte, and in Portland, Victoria became like my older brothers, looking out for me. the companys first foray interstate. The business And I sometimes felt like a mother hen with them.was steadily growing. She says the three directors had established an Kym Bache recalls the company was developingequilibrium that worked for the company. Brian a collegial camaraderie, with the brokers meetingmanaged his portfolio of country clients, and Allan regularly to discuss new leads and business in general.had clients here in Adelaide. John also had clients,Grant Harris [an Adelaide-based broker formerly ofbut he was the mover and shaker and got things done. Above MGA Group corporate profile page, 1989."