Leavitt Group News & Events

Leavitt Group Welcomes David Bridges, CIC

2012-01-25T08:41:00.000-08:00

The Leavitt Group, the nation’s 2nd largest privately-held insurance brokerage, is pleased to welcome David Bridges, CIC, as the President of the Leavitt Group’s Atlanta office. He will also serve as an Executive Vice President of the Leavitt Group’s affinity programs division.

Most recently with Wells Fargo Insurance Services as a Senior Vice President, Bridges has been in the insurance industry for over twenty years as a property and casualty specialist for large to mid-market accounts with an emphasis on commercial real estate, manufacturing, hospitality, and professional associations.

"This is a great opportunity to be a part of a privately-held organization," said Bridges. "As such, the Leavitt Group has the unique ability to be more connected to the needs of customers."

Prior to working in insurance, Bridges had ten years of business experience as the Chief Operating Officer of a major floor covering distributor and installation contractor. Bridges graduated from Georgia State University with a degree in Finance.

Leavitt Group of Atlanta has been in business since 1987 and has been affiliated with the Leavitt Group since 2003. The agency represents the top insurance companies in the country and are committed to building lasting relationships with clients and the insurance companies they represent.

Leavitt Group and Fireman's Fund Award Grant to Joplin Fire Department

2011-12-12T09:44:00.000-08:00

$10,000 Helps Replace Wildland Gear Destroyed by Tornado

JOPLIN, Mo. (Dec. 12, 2011) – The tornado that hit Joplin in May caused unimaginable devastation throughout the community. Not only were homes, schools and a major hospital damaged and destroyed, the fire department also suffered significant loss. Two fire stations including most of the equipment were destroyed and four fire trucks were lost.

The Leavitt Group is partnering with Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company to donate $10,000 to the Joplin Fire Department to purchase equipment for fighting wildland fires, including two heavy-duty electric winches, two backpack blowers, emergency scene lighting, and four sets of coats, pants and helmets. The owner of the local IHOP restaurant that was destroyed in the tornado was instrumental in letting Leavitt know about the needs of the department.

“This grant has helped us restore our wildland firefighting capabilities,” said Fire Chief Mitch Randles. “We’re so thankful for the support. It helps us achieve our main mission -- serving and protecting the Joplin community.”

On December 14th at noon fire department officials, firefighters, executives from the Leavitt Group and Fireman’s Fund, and the local IHOP will come together at the Joplin Fire Department for a special public event where the grant package will be presented.

The grant is part of a nationwide philanthropic program funded by Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company. The program is designed to provide needed equipment, training and educational tools to local fire department and burn prevention organizations. Since 2004, Fireman’s Fund has issued grants to nearly 1,800 different organizations totaling more than $28 million. Independent insurance agencies and brokers that sell Fireman’s Fund products, like the Leavitt Group, are able to direct these grants to support the fire service.

The Leavitt Group has directed more than $160,000 nationwide in grants supporting firefighters.

“We can’t think of a better way to support the firefighters in Joplin,” said Andy Pettise of the Leavitt Group. “The sooner the department can replace equipment lost in the tornado, the sooner they will be back to providing the high level of service to the community they did prior to the disaster.”

To visit Fireman’s Fund’s “Supporting Firefighters” Facebook page, go to http://www.facebook.com/SupportingFirefighters.

About Leavitt Group
The Leavitt Group, founded in 1952, is one of the largest insurance brokerages in the United States. It is an organization of affiliated independent insurance agencies with over 115 locations across the country and approximately $2 billion in annualized premiums. Leavitt Group affiliates are able to provide effective, sophisticated and creative risk management and risk transfer solutions to all types of businesses. For more information, visit http://www.leavitt.com/.

About Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company
Founded in 1863, Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company is a premier property and casualty insurance company providing personal and commercial insurance products backed by industry-leading claims and risk management solutions. Fireman’s Fund is a leader in high-net-worth, entertainment, and green insurance. Fireman’s Fund is a member of the Allianz Group, one of the world’s largest providers of property and casualty insurance, ranked 27th on Fortune’s Global 500 list of the world’s largest corporations. For additional information, visit http://www.firemansfund.com/.

Bradford Backlund Featured in Employee Benefit Adviser

2011-11-04T15:58:00.000-07:00

Bradford Backlund of Flanigan-Leavitt Insurance is featured on the cover of Employee Benefit Adviser magazine, November issue, as one of 10 young standouts in the benefits industry.

“Younger people bring a newer enthusiasm and a different way of looking at things in the insurance business,” says Backlund. As the industry as a whole sees many colleagues go into maintenance mode as they look ahead to retirement, Buckland is constantly looking for new business opportunities. “I have a young family I have to support 100 percent on my own,” he says. “I’m driven to put money on the books.”

Bradford is the president-elect of the National Association of Health Underwriters (NAHU) Nevada chapter and past-president of the NAHU Reno chapter. He has been recognized within the Leavitt Group as a top producer, and has received recognition within the Circles of Excellence award program.

To read the full article visit http://digital.employeebenefitadviser.com/employeebenefitadviser/201111_def#pg1.

Leavitt Group Welcomes Brett Borisoff

2011-10-24T12:45:00.000-07:00

Santa Ana, CA (October 24, 2011) – The Leavitt Group, the nation’s 2nd largest privately-held insurance brokerage, is pleased to welcome Brett Borisoff to their executive team. Borisoff is a known insurance leader in the Southern California region who most recently served as senior vice president for SullivanCurtisMonroe.

In Borisoff’s new role with the Leavitt Group as an executive vice president, he will help guide the sales management of the Leavitt Group’s Southern California offices, including Leavitt affiliates PrideMark-Everest (Angelo Maroutsos, managing principal), Valley Insurance Services (Dennis Monahan, managing principal), Leavitt Benefits Insurance Services (Kevin Garrett, managing principal), Leavitt Insurance Services of Los Angeles (Doug Fyfe, managing principal), and Leavitt Insurance Agency of San Diego (Tom James, managing principal).

Borisoff brings with him 30 years of insurance knowledge and innovation to the Leavitt Group’s Southern California offices. His breadth of experience ranges from account manager, to marketing manager, to president, to agency owner. His entire career has been in California working with middle and upper-middle market clients. He has also created and managed numerous national programs in property and casualty and workers compensation for the construction, paper, and metal finishing industries. Borisoff graduated from Occidental College with a degree in Biology, and attended Loyola Law School.

Borisoff will office in the Leavitt Group’s PrideMark-Everest agency, which is located in the heart of Orange County.

“We are very pleased to have someone of Brett's caliber join the firm. With the ever-changing market place, Brett’s strong insurance carrier relationships and his ability to recruit and mentor producers will prove valuable to our group and our clients. I’m looking forward to working with Brett,” said Maroutsos.

“The way the Leavitt Group has positioned itself in California to become the predominant middle market brokerage is very exciting,” said Borisoff. “It was an easy decision to join in and become part of the action.”

The Leavitt Group is an organization of independent insurance agencies with 115 offices across the United States. Ranked as the 12th largest brokerage in the nation, and the 2nd largest privately-held brokerage, Leavitt Group agencies provide their clients with greater insurance market access, specialty products, and insurance programs ranging from property and casualty risks to employee benefits solutions. Clients also benefit from the consultative approach to risk management found within the culture of each office and the unique flexibility that comes with local, on-the-ground agency principals.

Insurance Associates Names Officers

2011-10-13T14:02:00.001-07:00

The Insurance Associates of Billings recently elected two Taylor-Leavitt employees as officers for the July 2011-2012 year. Janet Zaccagnini, CISR, AINS, as president-elect and Pam Oberweiser, CISR, as treasurer.

The Insurance Associates of Billings is a local nonprofit organization made up of insurance professionals, providing education and professional development to members and employers as well as providing various opportunities and donations to the general public.

CIA-Leavitt Sponsor PALS Adventure

2011-10-10T10:47:00.000-07:00

This past summer Dan and Debbie Bowers of CIA-Leavitt Insurance Agency sponsored a white water adventure down the Arkansas River for the children of PALS, which stands for Positive Activities Lead to Success. Dan and Debbie, along with their staff, enjoyed a day of rafting with the children.

PALS is a licensed after-school and summer children’s program. The program provides a positive structure, offers an explorative learning environment, and builds trusting relationships for children who come from difficult or traumatic backgrounds.

Jenkins Named A Healthiest Employer

2011-10-06T12:03:00.001-07:00

Jenkins Insurance Group was recently named a Healthiest Employer of the Bay Area by the Silicon Valley/San Jose Business Journal in partnership with the San Francisco Business Times. Nominations were accepted for over 100 companies, and the agency was ranked seventh out of the 26 companies recognized in their category for inspiring healthy employee lifestyles.

Shana Lynch of the Business Journal writes, “Smart companies that want to keep their hard-working employees happy and healthy are making a serious investment in wellness programs.”

The employee benefits packages and corresponding wellness programs played a clear role in the selection process of nominees. Jenkins was therefore pleased to see that two of their clients were also recognized as Healthy Employers receiving first place and thirteenth place respectively.

Mike Taylor Inducted into UMW Hall of Fame

2011-10-04T08:38:00.000-07:00

Mike Taylor, managing co-owner of Taylor-Leavitt Insurance Agency, was inducted into the University of Montana Western (UMW) Hall of Fame on Saturday, October 1st during the 29th Annual UMW Hall of Fame brunch.

Taylor earned a degree in business from Montana Western in 1998 while playing football for the Bulldogs. He was a three-year team captain, a three-time All-Conference athlete, a two-time All-American, an academic All-American, and a recipient of the National Football Foundation Montana Chapter Scholar Athlete Award. Taylor is a member of the 1994 and 1995 Frontier Conference championship. He is also in the Hall of Fame as a member of the 1994 football team.

After graduating from Montana Western, Taylor played three seasons in the Indoor Football League for the Billings Thunderbolts with former members of the University of Montana Grizzlies, the Montana State University Bobcats, and NFL players.
Taylor has worked in the insurance industry as a commercial lines producer for Western States Insurance since 2003. In February 2010 he purchased his own agency, Taylor-Leavitt Insurance Agency, which is part of the 12th largest brokerage in the nation. He has excelled in this role where he manages the Billings, Bozeman, and Livingston, Montana, locations.

Becky Workman Earns CRM Designation

2011-10-04T08:29:00.001-07:00

Kellogg-Ewing-Leavitt Insurance Agency is pleased to announce that Becky Workman, personal lines manager, recently earned the Certified Risk Managers (CRM) designation. The CRM designation demonstrates knowledge in all areas of managing risks, hazards, and exposures.

“Becky has demonstrated professional competence by receiving this designation through a series of classes and examinations focusing on risk management,” said Douglas Stumpf, Kellogg-Ewing-Leavitt co-owner. “Becky is a wonderful asset to the Kellogg-Ewing-Leavitt team and her valuable experience in the insurance industry represents her commitment to servicing the agency clientele and to continuing education.”

Leavitt Group Insurance Professionals To Serve On PIA Board

2011-09-21T09:14:00.000-07:00

Pat Greany, CIC, of Northern Montana Insurance Services (NMIS), a Leavitt Group affiliate, has been named president elect for the Professional Insurance Agents (PIA) of Montana. Greany will assume the head leadership role at the annual PIA producer seminar this October in Bozeman, Montana.

Greany has 35 years of experience in the insurance business. He is the co-owner of NMIS, which was named agency of the year in 2009 by the Leavitt Group. He currently manages the agency of 21 employees.

Travis Clark, CIC, a commercial producer in the Shelby office of NMIS, will join the PIA of Montana board of directors at the upcoming meeting. “With five years in the business he will be a welcome addition to the PIA Board,” said Greany.

Mike Taylor, CRIS, managing co-owner of Taylor-Leavitt in Billings, Montana, will also join the board of directors. He brings ten years of insurance experience specializing in construction, workers compensation, and farm/ranch insurance. “Mike is a charismatic big time producer here in Montana and will be a great addition as well,” said Greany.

Neill and Smedsrud Earn AFIS Designation

2011-09-20T09:24:00.001-07:00

Northern Montana Insurance Services (NMIS), a Leavitt Group affiliate, is pleased to announce that Angie Neill and Gordon Smedsrud have both earned the Agribusiness & Farm Insurance Specialist (AFIS) designation. Both Angie and Gordon completed a three part series and exam to attain the AFIS designation.

The AFIS designation is North America’s premier Agribusiness and Farm Insurance designation program and was developed for insurance professionals who have shown extensive knowledge and experience in farm and agribusiness risks. “We appreciate the dedication to continued education to serve the needs of our agriculture clients,” said Pat Greany, NMIS co-owner.

Angie has worked in the agency for 20 years, handling crop insurance reporting for all NMIS agencies, and as the account manager for a large number of farm and ranch accounts. Gordon is a co-owner of NMIS and has been servicing Agricultural business for 25 plus years.

Renae Goodwin Earns CIC Designation

2011-09-14T13:29:00.000-07:00

Leavitt Group of Boise is pleased to announce that Renae Goodwin recently received her Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) designation from the National Alliance.

By earning this designation, Renae has demonstrated professional competence through a series of rigorous written examinations focusing on all major fields of insurance, agency operations, and insurance management. This achievement also signifies a commitment to continuing education.

“We want to take this opportunity to congratulate Renae on this accomplishment,” said Alyce Hillman, partner at the Leavitt Group of Boise. “Renae is a great asset to our team with her valuable private client and business insurance experience, and we value her continued dedication to our clients.”

Tom Brand Honored By CIC

2011-09-02T12:18:00.000-07:00

Grant Hatch & Associates, Inc. is pleased to announce that Tom Brand, CIC was recently honored by the Society of Certified Insurance Counselors (CIC) for ten years of successfully maintaining the CIC designation, denoting significant commitment to advanced knowledge and customer service.

“This honor is an acknowledgment of the priority Mr. Brand places on education and professional growth,” said the Society’s President, Dr. William T. Hold, CIC, CPCU, CLU. “Customers, associates, and the insurance professionals as a whole benefit from such dedication.”

Jannalee Kinsey Earns CIC Designation

2011-07-08T12:27:00.000-07:00

Leavitt Group Insurance Agency of Vernal is pleased to announce that Jannalee Kinsey recently earned her Certified Insurance Counselors (CIC) designation. Having earned this designation signifies a strong knowledge in five key areas: personal lines, commercial casualty, commercial property, life & health, and agency management.

“Jannalee’s knowledge and experience are a valuable resource to all of her clients,” said Mike Schaefermeyer, co-owner. “We are proud of her accomplishment.”

Kinsey began her insurance career over 20 years ago working part-time while attending Uintah High School. In addition to her insurance career, Kinsey is a full-time mom with two children, Chris and Kate. She is married to Jeff Kinsey.

John Roberts Recognized by CEO

2011-06-28T09:18:00.000-07:00

The Leavitt Group’s CEO, Dane Leavitt, recently recognized John Roberts at the Leavitt Group’s annual conference for his 30 years of service. Roberts also announced his retirement. Roberts was the Office Manager of Leavitt Group of St. George, prior to its merger into Hunt-Leavitt Insurance Agency.

“John has served well and faithfully across good economies and bad, and in smooth waters and storms,” said Leavitt. “His strong example of civility, kindness, and decorum are appreciated by many.”

Roberts was recruited to the Leavitt Group in 1981 after working for Allstate Insurance Company in the Salt Lake City area. In October 1984, he moved to St. George after a leadership need arose in the Leavitt Group’s St. George office.

“John guided Leavitt Group of St. George to many years of Agency Excellence awards,” said Leavitt.

Robert’s youth was spent in southern Utah. Roberts attended and graduated from the University of Utah, and served in the Navy as a surgeon’s assistant. He met his wife, Ann Roberts, at Milford High School. Together they have three sons: Travis, Matthew, and Tyler.

Hancock-Leavitt Partners With Local Fire Departments

2011-06-28T08:58:00.000-07:00

Hancock-Leavitt Insurance Agency recently partnered with two local fire departments, Vernon Fire and Heber Overgaard Fire Department, to complete a campaign to increase fire safety in their community.

Through a donation from Safeco Insurance, Hancock-Leavitt was able to give 60 smoke detectors to the two fire departments. The detectors were then distributed to homes in need along with fire safety information and a shot form to request a quote on personal insurance.

“It is our hope that this joint effort will boost safety awareness," said Hancock-Leavitt co-owner, Monti Hancock.

Kerri Archie Named Nevada Outstanding CSR of the Year

2011-06-27T16:24:00.001-07:00

Kerri Archie of Leavitt Insurance Agency was recently selected as the 2011 Nevada Outstanding CSR of the Year by the National Alliance. To be considered for this award, Archie was asked to submit an essay on how to maintain relationships with clients while utilizing current technologies.

“Technology cannot teach a person to care," said Archie. "When you care about your clients and care enough to protect their assets, they will understand the value and the service you provide.”

The National Alliance plans to present Archie with the award and submit her entry into a national competition for the National Outstanding CSR of the Year. She will also receive a diamond and gold lapel pin, a $2000 cash award, and a scholarship applicable to any program offered by The National Alliance for Insurance Education & Research.

CIA-Leavitt Welcomes Mike Jordan

2011-05-26T09:36:00.000-07:00

CIA-Leavitt Insurance is pleased to announce the hiring of Mike Jordan as a licensed insurance agent. Mike has been working in the insurance industry since 2007 and is licensed in property and casualty and life and health insurance.

Mike’s insurance expertise is in the field of property and casualty with special focus on farming and ranching. He also specializes in insurance products for contractors, excavators, and trucking.

Born and raised on the St. Charles Mesa farm community, Mike has always had a passion for agriculture and livestock. He is an avid outdoorsman and team roper. Mike is married to his wife Andrea and is a proud father of a beautiful daughter.

CIA-Leavitt Welcomes Carl DeSalvo

2011-05-25T10:39:00.001-07:00

CIA-Leavitt Insurance is pleased to announce the hiring of Carl DeSalvo as a licensed insurance agent. With over thirty years in the insurance industry, Carl has experience in commercial property and casualty insurance for construction, bonding, manufacturing, non-profits, and retail businesses.

Carl earned a business management degree from Colorado State University, is a graduate of the CNA Sales and Technical Training School, and is a Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC).

Starley-Leavitt Recognized by Auto Owners

2011-05-18T08:19:00.000-07:00

Allen Starley and Starley-Leavitt Insurance Agency were recently recognized as one of the top ten growth agencies for Auto Owners Insurance Company in the Draper region for 2010. A plaque commemorating their accomplishment was presented at a reception attended by regional associates and other recipients. This is the third year Starley-Leavitt has received this award. Starley-Leavitt has represented Auto Owners since 2007. Auto Owners is a Fortune 500 company and one of only ten carrier groups to receive A.M. Best’s highest rating, A++ (superior). Starley-Leavitt Agency was formed in 2002 when other agencies merged and joined the Leavitt Group. The agency has offices in Twin Falls and Burley, Idaho.

Dixie Leavitt Agency Purchases Nevada Insurance Center

2011-05-18T08:04:00.000-07:00

Dixie Leavitt Agency is pleased to announce that they recently purchased Nevada Insurance Center. Policies held with Nevada Insurance Center will now be serviced through Dixie Leavitt Agency. Jennifer Drew will continue serving customers at the same location. The office phone and fax numbers remain the same.

Dixie Leavitt Agency is proud to be part of the Leavitt Group, the 12th largest brokerage in the nation. Ely customers now have access to the products and resources of a national brokerage with the personalized touch of a locally-owned agency. Any policy holders with questions about this change are encouraged to call or visit the Ely office at 1141 East Altman or in Cedar City at 115 North Main.

Dixie Leavitt Agency provides all types of insurance, risk management, and financial services to individuals as well as businesses. More information can be found at www.leavitt.com.

Taylor-Leavitt Insurance Agency Welcomes Bryon Mayala

2011-05-17T09:39:00.000-07:00

Taylor-Leavitt Insurance Agency is pleased to announce the hiring of Bryon Mayala as a licensed insurance agent. Mayala specializes in commercial insurance products and risk management.

Most recently with Western States Insurance, Mayala specialized in servicing large commercial clients. Prior to Western States Insurance, he worked at SYSCO as a sales executive in the national accounts department for nine years. He attended Montana State University and was recently designated as an Accredited Advisor of Insurance (AAI) from the Insurance Institute of America.

“I am excited to offer our customers the personal touch of a locally-owned agency and also the insurance markets and resources of the Leavitt Group, one of the largest insurance brokers in the nation,” said Mayala.

Taylor-Leavitt Insurance Agency provides all types of insurance products to area residents and businesses, including life, health, commercial packages, financial services, personal auto, homeowners, and a special emphasis in workers compensation insurance.

Kellogg-Ewing-Leavitt Named a Farmers Alliance Advantage Agent

2011-04-29T13:53:00.000-07:00

The Farmers Alliance Companies in McPherson, Kansas, have named Kellogg-Ewing-Leavitt Insurance Agency a Farmers Alliance Advantage Agent for 2011. To qualify as an Advantage Agent, an agency must exhibit superior professionalism and profitability over five consecutive years. Advantage agents are recognized by Farmers Alliance as the “best of the best.” To reach this level of distinction is a reflection of the agency’s commitment to their customers and community.

Kellogg-Ewing-Leavitt writes all types of insurance for area residents and businesses, including life, health, commercial packages, and financial services. The Farmers Alliance Companies are represented by independent agents, and serve eight states. Farmers Alliance was established in 1888 and writes a full range of property and liability insurance for homes, farms, and commercial businesses.

PrideMark-Everest Welcomes Todd Sincock

2011-04-05T10:29:00.001-07:00

Todd Sincock joins PrideMark-Everest Insurance Services, a Leavitt Group Company, as Vice President. His insurance expertise is in the field of Property and Casualty with an emphasis on Manufacturing, Contractors, Real Estate, and Distribution risks.

Before joining PrideMark-Everest, Sincock served as Vice President at Sullivan Curtis Monroe Insurance Services. Prior to SCM, he was a consultant and co-founder of Insurance Consultants of CA.

Located in the heart of Orange County, PrideMark-Everest has served the insurance needs of its clients for over 75 years. As a member of the Leavitt Group, PrideMark-Everest is able to leverage national resources, expertise, and the top insurance markets to provide meaningful solutions to its clients.

Sincock has a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management, with an emphasis in Finance, from Brigham Young University. He holds the designation of Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC). Todd and his wife Nadine have three children and reside in North Tustin.

“We are extremely pleased to have someone of Todd’s character and talent join the group”, said Angelo Maroutsos, Managing Principal.

Barlocker Insurance Services Welcomes Chris Carino

2011-02-28T08:44:00.001-08:00

Barlocker Insurance Services, a Leavitt Group affiliate, is pleased to announce the hiring of Chris Carino as a licensed insurance professional. Carino has worked in the insurance industry for over eight years with experience in food service, hospitality, nursing homes, construction, light and high tech manufacturing, warehouse and agricultural industries. Carino will focus on workers compensation insurance.

Most recently, Carino was with the Accident and Loss Prevention (ALPS) division of the Leavitt Group as a loss control specialist. Prior to the Leavitt Group he worked as a workers compensation payroll auditor and later in the loss control department with the California State Compensation Insurance Fund.

Carino has also worked as a safety and health consultant, and a financial consultant, and a deputy for the Labor Commissioner’s office for the California Department of Industrial Relations. Carino is a member of the San Jose Chapter of the American Society of Safety Engineers. He earned a degree in economics from California State University, Long Beach.

“I am excited to be working more closely with the Barlocker-San Jose team to make sure their clients have the knowledge, resources, and tools to provide a safe business and workplace for everyone,” said Carino.

Barlocker Insurance Services was formed over 37 years ago to handle the insurance and risk management needs of companies who look to their outside professional service providers for a high level of expertise. Barlocker Insurance Services joined the Leavitt Group in 2006.