K.J. (KARL) KROKOSINSKI

Karl has dedicated more than five decades to the financial services industry and is widely regarded as a leader, educator, and mentor within the profession. He is a Life and Qualifying Member of the Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT) with over 40 years of membership, earning 34 Court of the Table and 27 Top of the Table honours. He is also a past board member of the Canadian MDRT Foundation, where he achieved the distinguished Legion of Honour – Excalibur Knight recognition.

A sought-after and accomplished speaker, Karl has presented on five continents at both industry and non-industry symposiums. He was the longest-serving moderator of the Life Underwriters Association, now known as Advocis, and has addressed a wide range of audiences — from universities, charities, trust departments, and professional associations to classrooms of Grade 4 students — reflecting his exceptional ability to connect across generations and disciplines.

Professionally, Karl specializes in estate and succession planning strategies for businesses, individuals, and multi-generational family enterprises. He is deeply committed to the development of insurance professionals and financial advisors, serving as a trusted trainer, educator, and coach throughout his career.

Karl is the Founder and CEO of Customplan Financial Advisors Inc., the largest independent financial planning firm in the Greater Vancouver Regional District. Most recently, he completed his 100th associate transition plan — a milestone reflecting his long-standing commitment to continuity, mentorship, and sustainable practice building.

He is a founding member of the Canadian Association of Independent Life Brokerage Agencies and has been recognized annually with GAMA’s Global Canada Awards for National Management, National Agency Builder, and National Achievement.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Karl has served on numerous public and private company boards, charitable foundations, and financial institutions. He is a past President and Chairman of a credit union and a past President of the West Vancouver (Sunrise) Rotary Club, where he earned the prestigious Paul Harris Fellow Award. He also served for several years as a sessional instructor at Mount Royal University and, in his downtime, became a certified ski instructor.

Above all, Karl is known as a mentor and coach to many within and beyond the financial services profession. He lives by his enduring mantra of “Paying It Forward,” a philosophy that continues to shape his work, his relationships, and his legacy.