Meet the Portage Avenue Gemstar Team

Blaine Parnell – Owner
Email – [email protected]
Phone – 204-889-1880

Blaine Parnell is an owner of Gemstar Insurance with locations on Portage Avenue and Ness Avenue in Winnipeg, Manitoba. He has been a registered Insurance Broker since 2009.

Blaine has over 20 years of business experience and obtained his Bachelor of Commerce degree at the University of Manitoba in 1999.

Blaine prides himself on winning the George E. Wilson award in 2011 for having the highest mark in his CAIB insurance accreditation courses in Manitoba.

Blaine is an avid sports fan and spends his evenings coaching hockey and being a dad to his two sons. Blaine also enjoys spending weekends at the family cabin in Grand Beach.

Amanda Little
Email – [email protected]

Amanda has been a licensed Insurance Broker since 2012.

Her focus at Gemstar is on the financial and accounting aspects of the business and is a key component of helping us meet our clients expectations.

Michael Dean – Autopac, Personal and Farm Insurance Specialist
Email – [email protected]
Phone – 204-889-1880

Mike has over 20 years experience in Home, Auto and Farm Insurance Lines. He also specializes in Marine, Travel & speciality market Insurance products. Feel free to contact him for any of your insurance needs.

Mikayla Smith – Auto and Personal Lines Insurance Broker
Email – [email protected]
Phone – 204-889-1880

Mikayla has worked with Gemstar Insurance since 2012. She specializes in Autopac, condo, tenant and travel insurance.

Chris Fenn – Personal Lines Insurance Broker

E-Mail – [email protected]

Phone – 204-889-1880

Chris has been in the insurance industry for 15+ years, joining Gemstar in February 2021. He specializes in Home and Condo insurance, but also covers Autopac and Tenants Insurance.

He’s also just an outright awesome guy!

Shannon Pearce – Personal Lines Insurance Broker

E-Mail – [email protected]
Phone – 204-889-1880

Shannon has been in the insurance industry for over 5 years, starting out in Autopac and personal lines before moving into commercial underwriting. She earned her Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree from the University of Manitoba in 2012 and has been translating “insurance jargon” into plain English ever since.

After taking time away from the office to raise her two kids, Shannon joined the Gemstar team in 2025. She’s passionate about helping people understand their policies, and is known for her approachable style, attention to detail, and excellent customer service.

Michelle – Autopac Fleet Specialist and Personal Lines Insurance Broker

E-Mail – [email protected]
Phone – 204-889-1880

Michelle has been in the insurance industry for almost 20 years & came to us with a wealth of Autopac knowledge.

Michelle specializes in Autopac Insurance and also provides Homeowners & Tenant Insurance.

Richard Pater – Commercial Account Executive

E-Mail – [email protected]
Phone – 204-889-1880

Richard has been in the insurance business for over 30 years and has experience in Auto, Home, and Commercial.  He specializes in helping Commercial and Trucking clients with all their insurance needs.

Richard is an avid Blue Bomber and Winnipeg Jets fan.  He enjoys fishing and spending time with his family and grandkids.