The Buckner Company - 2023 Annual Report

2023 ANN UAL REPORT

20 ANNUAL 23 REPORT LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT 2023 has turned out to be a transformational year for The Buckner Company and our approximately 200 employees. We’ve seen many industries impacted in unique ways as the economy has allowed all of us to stretch and grow.

The insurance world has not been without its challenges, which is not unique to this last year. Previously, capacity was limited in various lines such as auto or liability. This year, however, was the first of my career to see property to be under such severe distress. This not only impacted owners of large commercial and residential properties, but has also affected personal insurance programs. I expect the pressures to fade as the market returns to equilibrium, particularly with the absence of a major hurricane hitting our country this past year.

On the employee benefits front, it has been a very painful fourth quarter. After a few fairly calm years, rate hikes returned with a vengeance. This forced many employers into making very difficult decisions. While demand for quality labor is always competitive, our sense is that the labor markets have slowed from the residuals of the previous years.

AS I REFLECT BACK ON 2023, IT HAS BEEN A TIME WHERE WE’VE WELCOMED NEW LEADERSHIP IN AREAS OF OUR COMPANY WITH FRESH IDEAS AND A WONDERFUL SENSE OF EXCITEMENT. My team has reminded me of the greatness of this generation. They are anxious to make their mark on our company and upon society. I am excited about what they will accomplish and look forward to being a part of it.

I continue to be highly enthusiastic about the industry we work in. Partnering with so many of our clients and insurance carriers to solve problems, protect dreams, and aspirations is what I love most. It is a privilege and honor to lead this wonderful organization.

TABLE OF CONTENTS 02 04 INDUSTRY FOCUS 05 CREATIVITY AND INNOVATION 06 SUMMER INTERNSHIP 08 BEHIND THE SCENES 09 LOSS CONTROL DEPARTMENT 10

CEO AND PRESIDENT TERRY H. BUCKNER

AWARDS AND RECOGNITION BUCKNER CARES

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AWARDS

AWARDS AND RECOGNITION TOP CUSTOMER SERVICE REP OF THE YEAR DYLAN JONES | CIC

Dylan, a valuable member of Buckner, has shown a dedication to professional growth over the years. This commitment was recently recognized when he received the prestigious

2023 Customer Service Rep (CSR) of the Year award from the Utah Independent Agents (UIA). The UIA is the premier association for independent agents in Utah, representing

agents and their dedicated teams across the state. Each year, UIA honors one CSR/Account

Manager in Utah who embodies the qualities of extraordinary professionalism and unwavering commitment to the insurance industry. Dylan consistently excels in his professional role

through a relentless pursuit of knowledge. He demonstrates his commitment to his team by fostering a collaborative work environment.

THE ELITE 50 INTERNSHIP 2023 AWARD

Our summer internship program was recognized and selected by Rising Insurance Star

Executives (RISE) Professionals as a recipient of the 2023 Elite 50 Internships award. RISE recognizes the need to invest in the next generation of young insurance professionals who are

entering the industry and need networking, resources, and a support system for a successful

career in the insurance industry. This national award highlights 50 internship programs considered by RISE to offer an "exceptional internship experience." The Elite 50 Internships award takes into account intern satisfaction, inclusivity, mentorship, and compensation.

BUCKNER’S BEST

KARIN AUSTIN - UT Claims Advocate

The Buckner’s Best award is presented every year to employees who have made exceptional contributions and have elevated our teams to become our best. Congratulations to our 2023 recipients!

MELISSA SIDDOWAY - ID Sr. Account Manager

CIRCLE OF

EXCELLENCE The Circle of Excellence award is presented to Client Advisors who have shown substantial advancements in book size, leadership skills, and have made pivotal contributions to the

TANNER WESTON - UT HAB Select Specialist

JANINE HILLYARD - CO Sr. Account Manager

DIAMOND TIER

JULIE MARTINDALE - UT Sr. Account Manager

GOLD TIER

BÉAT KOSZINOWSKI

JUSTIN ROBINSON

DUSTIN THOME

PROPERTY & CASUALTY SALT LAKE CITY, UT

PROPERTY & CASUALTY SALT LAKE CITY, UT

PROPERTY & CASUALTY DENVER, CO

SILVER TIER TERRY BUCKNER

DOUG BALL

CAMREN APPLEGATE

PROPERTY & CASUALTY SALT LAKE CITY, UT

PROPERTY & CASUALTY IDAHO FALLS, ID

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS OGDEN, UT

BRAD NIELSON

CRAIG HILTON

BLAKE NILSSON

PROPERTY & CASUALTY IDAHO FALLS, ID

PROPERTY & CASUALTY PLEASANT GROVE, UT

PROPERTY & CASUALTY OGDEN, UT

insurance industry.

ANNUAL REPORT 02

P LOCAL FOOTPRINT, GLOBAL REACH Buckner's mission is to provide outstanding service, technical expertise, and continuous

1936 FOUNDED IN OGDEN, UTAH

7 OFFICES ACROSS UTAH, IDAHO, & COLORADO

INCREASED ACCESS TO DO BUSINESS ACROSS THE GLOBE

innovation. As part of our commitment to continuous improvement and growth, we have recently entered into a strategic partnership with one of the largest insurance investors in the world. This alliance strengthens our financial standing and allows us to access a broader network of seasoned professionals and resources. The outcome of this collaboration is that we are better equipped to expand our services while maintaining our unwavering dedication to meeting our client’s unique needs on a local basis. Through this new partnership, we will be able to continue our aggressive growth strategy in expanding Buckner through

50%

OF OUR LEADERSHIP TEAM IS FEMALE

acquisitions of other firms and attracting top notch talent. We possess the resources of a global company while maintaining a local presence that better suits our clients’ needs.

ACCESS TO LEADING EXPERTS IN EACH INDUSTRY

$98K

FUNDING EMPLOYEE EDUCATION

CHECK US OUT ON SOCIAL MEDIA @thebucknerco @buckner.company the-buckner-company @TheBucknerCompany @Bucknerco

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48 PROFESSIONAL

DESIGNATIONS OBTAINED IN 2023

PHILANTHROPY BUCKNER CARES Throughout the years, we’ve been able to experience amazing growth in our company, and with that growth comes responsibility. Buckner Cares, a charitable division created by employees, is dedicated to giving back to the community through a variety of service contributions across all seven offices. We’re excited to spotlight some of the 2023 initiatives our team participated in.

AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION HEART WALK The American Heart Association (AHA) is a nonprofit organization in the United States dedicated to advancing cardiovascular health.

With a focus on cardiovascular medical research, educating the public on healthy living, and promoting appropriate cardiac care, they strive to mitigate the impact of cardiovascular disease and stroke. Our team participated in the 2023 Heart and Stroke Walk alongside peers, family members, and even our beloved Buckner pups. The significance of this year's event was heightened as our team walked in honor of a family member of one of our employees who suffered a heart attack while coaching his youth football team.

EARTH DAY CLEAN UP World Earth Day serves as an annual global tribute observed on the 22nd of April, recognizing the efforts of policymakers, activists, and representatives from diverse organizations. The day honors the importance of environmental conservation and highlights achievements in promoting sustainable goals. In the spirit of Earth Day, our Colorado office collected garbage, cleaning a quarter-mile stretch of the High Line Canal trail and Eisenhower Park.

SENIOR ASSISTED LIVING DAY We were privileged to engage in volunteer work at two assisted living centers in Utah, one of them being Carrington Court Assisted Living in West Jordan. The facility is dedicated to establishing a nurturing environment aimed at enhancing the overall quality of life for each resident. Our team provided an assortment of plants, pots, and ribbons, enabling each resident to create a custom arrangement for their room. During our time assisting residents, we gained valuable insights from our newfound friends and their life stories.

ANNUAL REPORT 04

INDUSTRY INDUSTRY FOCUS

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In June, we held our first Business Innovation Summit in Salt Lake City, Utah. This Summit was created to bring together visionary leaders, thought-provoking innovators, and industry experts to exchange cutting-edge ideas and strategies across all industries. We had one goal for the Summit: to inspire, educate, and connect professionals with the tools and insights needed to thrive in today’s evolving landscape.

18 INDUSTRY EXPERTS

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The Summit brought together experts from diverse industries, encompassing fields such as construction, health and wellness, HR, cybersecurity, and economics.

Save the Date: Utah: July 16th, 2024 Colorado: May 8th, 2024

CLASSES From panel discussions to keynote addresses, the Summit curated a range of classes tailored to meet the needs of a diverse audience of professionals, providing each attendee with a unique and refreshing perspective.

2023 SPEAKER LINE UP

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Thank you to our leading industry experts.

ROMAINE MARSHALL Cyber Security Attorney, Polsinelli

JAKE RODGERS VP, A-Core Concrete Cutting Inc.

TERRY BUCKNER CEO, Buckner

NATALIE GOCHNOUR Director, Kem C. Garner Policy Institute

GERG LARSON Managing Director, Ridgeview Capital

KEVIN PEARSON Data Analyst Cyber Task Force, FBI

CASEY BANGERTER VP Sales, ParetoHealth

EMILY STONE Director of Wellness, Buckner

JEFF COX Regional Manager, Business Strategist, ADP

CLAY OLSEN CEO, Impact Suite

LIANNA KINARD CMO, Buckner

SCOTT WELKER Attorney/Partner Miller Harrison LLC

PETER HARRISON Attorney/Partner Miller Harrison LLC

BÉAT KOSZINOWSKI Client Advisor, Buckner

KRISTEN RIVERS SVP, ParetoHealth

ANDREW BLONQUIST Attorney Miller Harrison LLC

BRYAN BOAM CEO, Azureity

AGNESA BAKHSHYAN Chief Growth Officer, Buckner

INVESTING IN INNOVATION & CREATIVITY It was a privilege to host Duncan Wardle, the former Head of Innovation and Creativity at The Walt Disney Company, as a speaker for our team and esteemed partners. Drawing from his extensive 25+ years of experience at Disney, Duncan shared his insights into Design Thinking, inspiring us to not only embrace a different way of thinking but also to integrate innovation into the very fabric of our organizational DNA. Duncan's presentation presented a golden opportunity for our teams to comprehend how creative methodologies can propel success throughout our organization and teams, fostering an innovative work culture.

"CREATIVITY IS LIKE A MUSCLE, THE MORE YOU USE IT, THE STRONGER IT GETS."

-Duncan Wardle

ANNUAL REPORT 06

E COMPANY VALUES PEOPLE + FOCUS TEAM + VALUE

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OPEN + FAIR

Act with transparency and integrity.

PERFORMANCE + DRIVE

Find solutions and make things happen.

Place people at the heart of every decision.

Collaborate and trust each other.

EDUCATION 2023 SUMMER INTERNSHIP Our 10-week summer internship program is specifically designed for business students in their third or fourth year of a bachelor’s degree program who would like to learn more about careers in insurance through a collaborative learning program. With over 170 applicants,

Know a college student looking for a paid summer internship?

Click here for more information.

5 outstanding students were selected from 4 universities.

At Buckner, summer interns work on real-world projects in collaboration with our teams across multiple insurance disciplines. Interns bring fresh perspectives as they work on active insurance projects led by department managers. They are empowered to build a community, explore their passions, and achieve their final summer project to present to the executive leadership team. Our mission with our internship program is to empower every employee to achieve more through the lens of a new perspective.

We are proud to be a founding partner of the UVU Enterprise Risk Management degree, assisting students for possible Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) credentials.

It focuses on risk management and insurance foundations, enterprise risk management, business law for insurance, commercial property risk management and more. Students who complete the ERM & Insurance courses are eligible for tuition reimbursement as well. To learn more about Utah’ only Risk Management Program, click here: https://www.uvu.edu/financeeconomics/risk-mgmt.html

ANNUAL REPORT 08

BEHIND THE SCENES PRESIDENT OF BUCKNER COLORADO LANCE BUTLER - DENVER Lance joined the insurance industry in 1990 and joined the Buckner team in 2017. He received his Bachelor of Business Administration from Southern Oklahoma State University. With his diverse wealth of knowledge, Lance has made a crucial impact as the President of Colorado for the Buckner Company. His team is an integral part of Buckner's success. In his free time, Lance enjoys golfing, traveling, attending sporting events, and spending time with his two children.

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE AMY LAFOND - SALT LAKE CITY Since joining Buckner in 2011, Amy has served as an Account Executive, working with our top Client Advisors and servicing hundreds of client accounts. Amy's passion for insurance is apparent, obtaining her Certified Insurance Counselor designation in 2019. In her current role, she oversees client servicing, retention, marketing, and assisting new client advisors. As an expert communicator, her planning and coordinating account activity has resulted in strong client relationships. Amy enjoys making stained glass and traveling as well as spending time with her family, especially her 5 year old son.

VP OF PRODUCER DEVELOPMENT CHRIS BOONE - PLEASANT GROVE Chris joined Buckner in 2018 and oversees the development of our new Client Advisors. He specializes in helping clients with their insurance needs in the construction, manufacturing, and agriculture industries. Chris holds a BA in Finance and an MBA with an emphasis in Finance from Utah Valley University. He holds a Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) designation as well as his B100 (General Contractors License). Beyond work, he enjoys family time with his wife and three children, hunting, fishing, horseback riding, and is actively involved in his church.

TRUCKING DEPARTMENT LEAD MERRILEE ROBBINS - OGDEN Merrilee is a highly accomplished insurance professional who embarked on her career in 1986 and currently serves as a Client Advisor and the Director of Trucking Carrier Relations. From owner/operators to fleets, her dedicated work encompasses clients of all sizes in over 40 states. Merrilee has long-lasting relationships with top transportation insurance markets. She received her Transportation Risk Specialist (TRS) award and holds a position on the board of directors for the Motor Carrier Insurance Education Foundation. She enjoys being a grandmother to seven, traveling, and the fall season as it welcomes the beginning of college football.

CHIEF GROWTH OFFICER - UTAH, P&C AGNESA BAKHSHYAN - SALT LAKE CITY Agnesa joined The Buckner Company in 2017 bringing with her over 20 years of insurance experience.

Since that time, she was named Chief Growth Officer and oversees all Property and Casualty Client Advisors in Utah. Prior to joining Buckner, Agnesa owned her own agency for 10 years. Her dedication to the insurance industry has allowed her to become a great leader. Her Armenian heritage has contributed to her passion and care towards those she mentors and partners with. Agnesa holds her CIC and TRS designations. She loves to travel and the most unique place she’s visited is Cuba.

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RESOURCES LOSS CONTROL DEPARTMENT Our Loss Control Department offers our clients reassurance amidst the uncertainties associated with the risks they undertake. Having a dedicated loss control department at your disposal instills confidence in your distinctive organization, empowering you to forge ahead with the growth of your company.

Using a proactive approach, our Loss Control Team works diligently to identify and mitigate hazards relevant to our clients organizations. To meet specific client needs, we provide hands-on instruction to explain the intricacies of risk management through comprehensive training to navigate complex challenges companies encounter.

LOSS CONTROL SERVICES

SITE INSPECTIONS

CREATION OF TRAINING PROGRAMS

INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE

FLEET SAFETY PROGRAMS

SAFETY/LOSS CONTROL CLASSES

ORGANIZATIONAL CONSULTING

OSHA COMPLIANCE

DIRECTOR OF LOSS CONTROL JOSH SCHULTZ With over 25 years of industry experience, Josh is well-versed in many industries including manufacturing, construction, trucking, and hospitality. He has extensive workers' compensation knowledge and is an authorized OSHA 10 and 30 hour trainer. He also specializes in property and fleet safety.

As Director of Loss Control, Josh provides risk management insight, programs and policies, and other resources. He forms relationships with Buckner clients in order to dive deeper into the “why” of insurance. With personalized services, he makes it easy to understand why insurance carriers and regulatory entities recommend or require specific risk management policies and programs.

ANNUAL REPORT 10

UNIQUE CARRIER Selective has supported businesses in our communities since 1926. We specialize in Contractors, Mercantile & Services, Community and Public Services, and Manufacturing & Wholesale.

© 2023 Selective Ins. Group, Inc., Branchville, NJ. Products vary by jurisdiction, terms, and conditions and are provided by Selective Ins. Co. of America and its insurer affiliates. Details at selective.com/about/affiliated-insurers.aspx. SI-23-730