COVER STORY / ELITE AGENCIES
HIGGINBOTHAM Home office: Fort Worth, Tx. Years in business: 66 Producers: 92 Website: www.higginbotham.net
What makes them elite Higginbotham has operated in Fort Worth, Tx., since 1948 and has grown to more than 600 employees and 22 offices across the state. As Higginbotham grows into new Texas markets, so too does its capacity to serve the community
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through added financial resources, a larger workforce and a longer geographic reach. In partnership with the Community Foundation of North Texas, the firm created the Higginbotham Community Fund in 2010 to provide monetary support to nonprofits operating in its markets throughout Texas. Grants from the donor-advised fund are distributed to nonprofits selected by an advisory committee comprised of Higginbotham employees. Since inception, the fund has amassed $400,183 in employee contributions and pledges, $232,239 of which has been granted to more than 100 nonprofits in Texas.
PARKER, SMITH & FEEK, INC.
MHBT
Home office: Bellevue, Wash. Years in business: 77 Producers: 28 Website: www.psfinc.com
Home office: Dallas Years in business: 17 Producers: 60 Website: www.mhbt.com
What makes them elite
What makes them elite
This fourth-generation insurance brokerage has grown into one of the 100 largest in the US, helping a wide variety of commercial clients secure everything from employee benefits to workers’ compensation. Parker, Smith & Feek sets itself apart by offering detailed and tailored insurance and risk management training, including “client specific” education courses. Parker, Smith & Feek also hosts regular webinars and seminars, in addition to maintaining a regular blog detailing movements within the insurance industry. Agency staff members have spoken at conferences held by local law firms, chambers of commerce and the CPCU Society.
MHBT is one of the largest independent insurance firms in Texas, serving clients from offices in Dallas, Austin and Fort Worth. The company sets itself apart through its ValuPlus services, which support clients beyond the call of simply sourcing risk. ValuPlus services include a customized return-towork program, an employee wellness program and access to MHBT’s team of financial analysts. MHBT was recognized as one of Fortune’s “Best Companies to Work For,” as well as a “Best Practices Agency” by the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America. The company has also received the Alfred P. Sloan Award for Business Excellence in Workplace Flexibility for its commitment to maintaining both employee satisfaction and organizational effectiveness.