PROFILE FMIC - the BIGGS Story

By Jean-Paul (JP )Damé, Communications Director

THE BIGGS STORY

Given the task to write a short article about Keith Biggs is by no means a small endeavor. How do you write a short essay about a man who has spent the last forty-one years in the logging insurance industry? The previous two decades as the current President of Forestry Mutual and an influential business and industry leader in one of the world's most dangerous professions? First, let's start peeling back the onion that is Keith Biggs.

Here are a few details I could extract (yes, it's like pulling teeth getting him to talk about himself) while we spent a day visiting clients in Virginia. Keith was raised in Williamston, North Carolina, and enjoys hunting and fishing. He's the oldest of three siblings and played football in High School, and had a scholarship to NC State until a leg injury ended his athletic career.

A teacher who knew Keith in High School, Bill Cale, gave Keith some direction and farm work. Little did they both know that their relationship as student-teacher-mentor would last a lifetime. After graduating High School, Keith attended East Carolina University and majored in Industrial Technology that focused on engineering principles, productivity improvement, operations management, cost, and project analysis. Skills that he has applied throughout his career.

During his time at college, his former high school teacher, Bill Cale, left teaching and took a position with Hewitt/Coleman as their loss control representative. He told Keith that they needed another loss control representative, and in 1980 Keith joined Bill and started his career in the logging insurance industry after graduating college.

In 1985 Bill became the Executive Director of the North Carolina Self-Insurers Fund. In 1986 Bill hired Keith and Coy Baker in loss control as it was more cost-effective than subbing out the insurance service to Hewitt/Coleman. In 1988 Keith left the field as a loss control representative and moved into the office full-time as he took on billings and underwriting. He says, "it was the best move I ever made," and prepared him for taking the helm as President at Forestry Mutual a decade later.

In the two decades with Keith at the helm, Forestry Mutual grew from providing workers' compensation insurance coverage in North Carolina to expanding services to South Carolina, Virginia, Tennessee, Georgia, and now Mississippi. To say there were no growing pains, obstructions, and hard times would be a lie. Forestry Mutual and its exceptional team tackled each obstacle that came along and turned them into opportunities.

Under his leadership, safety in the logging industry improved tremendously across the United States. His continued focus on personal relationships with regional forestry associations and the loggers set Forestry Mutual apart from other workers' compensation companies. In Keith's opinion having loss control representatives working with loggers on their job sites is crucial to keeping the logging industry safe and insurance rates low.

sometimes you must get out of your comfort zone to grow not only as a company but as an individual

His willingness to reach out to State DOT and Federal OSHA agencies helped pave the road for a better working relationship with those agencies and the logger. Being innovative in successfully expanding Forestry Mutual was done by those relationships he built and cultivated. Gaining trust and friendships in a very close-knit and protective industry.

Travis Myers, M. M. Wright Logging and Keith Biggs, Gasburg, Virginia

After spending time with Keith, he is in his natural element outside, on the road, on the logging site, talking with the logger. When visiting a logging site, Keith often knew the logger's father and watched them grow up and take over the family business. Being in the industry for forty+ years does have its advantages in building lifelong friendships.

Now we all know Keith did not do all of this by himself. He pulled together a world-class staff of managers and directors—Greg Plumley, Loss Control Director, has changed forever how loss control training and client engagement is implemented. Greg's safety training methodology sets an example for the entire industry to follow. Coy Baker, Director of underwriting, has spent thirty-five years working with Keith at Forestry Mutual and maintains our competitive edge. Nick Carter, Agency manager, runs the FMIC Agency $25+ million in annual sales and continued growth. Under her guidance and care, Amy Almond, CFO, the company's financial well-being is at its best footing. Speaking of best, we've gone from an AM Best C- to a B++ and should by Summer 2022 achieve an A- rating. This is a no small feat to accomplish and is due to the continued professionalism of the entire staff.

Relationship building has been Keith's secret to making Forestry Mutual successful over the years. Having spent a lifetime interacting, working with, and being willing to give financial support to the logging associations built a culture of mutual success. He says, "your success is our success."

"These are not just our clients. They are our friends, my friends, and I want them to be safe and go home the way they left in the morning."

Success is knowledge through experience. Keith has always been out there on the ground with the loggers and mill owners. He knows first-hand what goes on in the woods and the mills—getting dirty, muddy, dusty, and wet. When visiting a client, the elements do not phase him. (I think he actually enjoys it). Keith understands how hard and dangerous the work can be.

Working and cultivating close relationships with Forestry Mutual’s board and its past and present Chairmen. George Pace and Michael Walters. Their dedication and belief in the direction Keith wanted to take Forestry Mutual allowed the company and his unique leadership style to flourish.

His passion for the wood products industry, focusing on "safety first," brought attention to our training at the national level. Not long ago, our target was on the man on the ground with the saw. Training them how to prevent injuries while stumping. Injuries in the woods are at an all-time low.

Log truck accidents have risen sharply over the years due to highway congestion and distracted drivers. His focus has been on the log truck driver and bringing down accidents and claims. Keith believes our specialized training will successfully reduce these accidents. Our team's continued dedication to setting the standard in safety is what truly sets Forestry Mutual apart.

As Keith navigated the company to grow and expand its services across the Southeastern United States, there was some trepidation from staff and the board of directors. As George Pace and Michael Walters say, "Sometimes you must get out of your comfort zone to grow not only as a company but as an individual." And what you now see is a company that has gone from one state, North Carolina, to providing exceptional service in six states with the future looking bright. Our future success is due to the years of Keith's small one-on-one talks, steady leadership, embracing technology, and a dedicated passion for the logging family.

Keith is a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. In his spare time, you'll find him hunting, fishing, or boating on Lake Gaston with family and friends. He is quick with a handshake, telling stories and listening to rock & roll.

For years to come, we will continue to see the effect of the "Bigg" impact one man has had on our national logging industry. ~FMIC