HIN 2024-2025 2nd Edition

HIN

2024 - 2025 2ND EDITION

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EVENTS APR 17 th 33rd Annual Charity Benefit "Crawfish Boil" MAY 21st Spring Golf Classic

Citizens for Animal Protection (CAP) APR 29 th The Women's Home Graduation Host MAY 7 th

VOLUNTEER

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HIN

2024 - 2025

FEATURES

2ND EDITION

CONTENTS

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Salute to Exhibitors

17-19

Houston Insurance Day

21-97

YIP Rodeo Happy Hour

99-100

2 EVENTS & EDUCATION 4 COMMITTEE SPOTLIGHT 7 PRESIDENT & CEO MESSAGE 9 AFFILIATE SPOTLIGHT 12 CHAIRMAN MESSAGE 13 MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

16 IMPACT 103 IIAH GIVES BACK 105 IN MEMORIAM 108 HAVE YOU HEARD 108 RECOGNIZING GROWTH 109 WHO HAS THE LAST WORD

HOUSTON INSURANCE DAY COMMITTEE SPOTLIGHT

WHATPlan WE DO: Houston Insurance Day Select & Secure Keynote Speakers Secure Exhibitors & Sponsors for the event Provide a valuable experience for attendees

Our mission is to provide networking opportunities for agents and affiliate members through a one-day industry wide convention. Houston Insurance Day (HID) averages 2,000 industry professionals in attendance every year and up to 150 exhibiting companies.

Our committee is a team of individuals who have a common goal of producing the best one-day industry

wide convention in Texas! Want to join our committee to expand your network and contribute to this

industry event?

MEETING

DETAILS

Contact Co-Chairs,

Matt Romano Mromano@crcgroup.com

Nancy Eugenio Nancy.Eugenio@starrcompanies.com

for more information.

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COMMITTEES are what breaths life into our association. With 9 active committees there are at least 100 people actively serving the association with their unique skills. We are always looking to put your skills to use, to further drive the association’s mission forward. No matter what your skills are, or what you are passionate about, we likely have something of interest to you. The end result is to better the industry we all serve. Join a Committee today and become part of the mission.

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2024 - 2025 Charitable Projects/ Fire Poster Vice Chairman: Sarah Beck

Education, I.T., CE

Chairman: Michelle Dennis

Vice Chairman: Katrina Masek

Houston Insurance Day

Chairman: Ashley Giglio

Vice Chairman: Nancy Euginio

Vice Chairman: Matt Romano

Legislative

Chairman: Kyle Dean

Vice Chairman: Wes Kurtz

IMPACT

Chairman: Wes Kurtz

Recreation

Chairman: Amber Stevenson

Vice Chairman: Carisa Cole

Young Insurance Professionals

Chairman: Macy Bennett

Vice Chairman: Grant Pierce

PR/Media Matters

Chairman: Scott West

Social Media

Chairman: Daphne Clark

Vice Chairman: Cassie Shanks

Houston Insurance News

Chairman: Amy Weimer

Vice Chairman: Cassie Shanks

EXECUTIVE

COMMITTEE Jason Knecht

Chairman

ANNUAL SPONSORS Susan Zipperer Chairman Elect

Titanium Elite Sponsors Imperial PFS

Burns & Wilcox, Ltd.

CRC Group

Vintage Underwriters Platinum Partners for Excellence Brown & Riding

RT Specialty

Texas Mutual Insurance

WSG Specialty Underwriters Gold Patron Sponsors Chubb

Jencap

Travelers

UFG Insurance Company

WRIGHT Flood New Agency Member Easley Insurance Agency

Heitmann Insurance

True Insurance

Southern Roots Insurance Group

Tomchesson insurance Agency

S.O.S. Financial Solutions

Carrera Insurance Services

Burney Wood Insurance Agency New Affiliate Member WestCongress Insurance Services

John Collado

Ryan Beavers

David Wuthrich

Adam Harris

Chris Dowling

Tom Fitzpatrick

Vice Chairman

Treasurer

President & CEO

Past Chairman

Affiliate Liaison

Affiliate Liaison

BOARD OF

DIRECTORS

Faith Boren

Sam Houston

Matt Leicht

Kathryn Noser

Robert Oncken

William Peachey

Jesse Serna

Keaton Sumicek

Wes Weatherred

Renee Stager

Ayla Benavides

Deb McRae

Sr. Managing Director

Managing Director

Advertising/Membership

STAFF David Wuthrich President & CEO

Woodway #535, Houston, Texas 77063

www.iiah.org P: 832. 769.4666 F: 832.324.3503

7660

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March 31, 2025

David Wuthrich Dwuthrich@iiah.org

I can’t believe it is already March, where does the time go?

I hope that everyone is having a great start to the new year. We just finished another wonderfully successful Houston Insurance Day. Every year I say that it can’t get bigger and better than the previous year, but somehow it does. Thanks to our hard working HID committee, led by Matt Romano, who makes HID the biggest Insurance Trade Show in the Southwest United States! We couldn’t do it without your support!

Of course it goes without saying that Renee and Ayla are always there to lend a helping hand and make sure that everything goes off as planned! This was Renee’s 28th HID, wow!!! Next year’s theme is Super Hero’s, so get your thinking caps on and come up with great booth ideas like you always do!

I am looking forward to our Crawfish Boil coming up in April and our always popular golf tournament in May. Keep on the lookout for emails with details about how to sign up for these always fun events!

Remember, IIAH is all about our members, so if you have an idea about how to make our organization better or a new event that you would like to see, please let me know.

Hope to see you soon and thanks for all you do to make IIAH great,

David Wuthrich IIAH President & CEO 7

CHARITABLE BENEFACTOR B.I.G. Love Cancer Care’s core mission is to meet the most basic and urgent physical, emotional, and financial needs of pediatric oncology and hematology patients and their families.

Our lives changed forever when our three year old daughter Brooke was diagnosed with leukemia. After two years of fighting courageously through intense chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant, our sweet girl passed away at the age of five. However, she did not depart this life without first leaving behind a remarkable legacy of faith, hope and BIG Love.

Since our start in 2007, we have made it our mission to ease the childhood cancer journey for patients and their families through personalized care. Today, B.I.G. Love reaches more than 100,000 patients and their families annually, offering over 12 service-based programs at 10 Texas hospitals, 52 weeks a year.

AFFILIATE SPOTLIGHT WSR Insurance Services, one of the oldest and largest independently owned insurance agencies, has been providing top-tier insurance solutions since 1917. With a strong reputation for delivering customized commercial, personal, and agribusiness insurance, WSR represents a wide range of insurance carriers, ensuring clients receive superior protection at competitive rates.

Now serving the Houston, Texas area, WSR Insurance specializes in commercial property and casualty, farm and agribusiness insurance, crop protection, general liability, and commercial auto coverage. Whether insuring businesses, farms, or property portfolios, WSR tailors policies to fit clients' unique risk management needs.

Shanna O’Sullivan has 20 years of experience managing a family farm and five years in commercial property management. Her background in business and education makes her a strong advocate for clients seeking tailored commercial insurance solutions.

Chris O’Sullivan, with 27 seasons running a multi-crop farm and an agricultural transportation business, specializes in crop insurance, general liability, farm packages, and commercial auto coverage. His firsthand experience as a policyholder and business owner allows him to provide practical, effective coverage solutions.

Now residing in Magnolia, Texas, just north of Houston, the O’Sullivans are active in their community, supporting events like the Buffalo Stampede and Buffalo Pro Rodeo. They enjoy spending time with their family, three French bulldogs, and at their beach house in Galveston.

WSR Insurance remains committed to helping businesses and property owners protect their assets and financial security. With deep industry knowledge and a clientfocused approach, they are proud to expand their trusted services to Houston and Southeast Texas.

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Come celebrate with us at our 33rd Annual Charity Crawfish Boil—enjoy a day of fun, food, and fundraising!

Per Person 3 lbs Crawfish Platter includes potatoes, corn & mushrooms

OR

Alternative Meal

(Chick Fil a Nuggets, Bag of Chips + Fruit)

Both Meals include Drink Ticket & Event Koozie Events: Liquor Wagon Raffle, Raffle Items, Cornhole, Volleyball, Crawfish Racing

1300 Brittmoore Rd. Houston, TX 77043

CHAIRMAN’S

MESSAGE Jason R. Knecht

jason.knecht@carrollins.com In an industry built on trust, relationships are the foundation of everything we do.

Whether it’s the partnerships we forge with carriers, the trust we build with clients, or the collaboration within our own teams, success in insurance is never achieved alone.

As we navigate 2025, it’s more important than ever to prioritize strong relationships. The challenges we face—market fluctuations, evolving risks, and changing client needs—are best met when we work together. By strengthening our connections with one another, we create opportunities for shared success, innovative solutions, and long-term growth.

In business, relationships are not just about networking; they are about truly understanding the needs of those we serve. Our clients look to us not only for policies but for guidance, expertise, and reassurance in uncertain times. By fostering meaningful connections, we reinforce the trust that sets us apart in an increasingly competitive industry.

As we move forward, let’s take the time to invest in our relationships—within our agencies, with our carrier partners, and most importantly, with our clients. The future of insurance will be shaped not just by technology or market trends, but by the people who come together to build something greater.

Here’s to a year of collaboration, connection, and continued success.

Warm regards, IIAH Chairman 2024-2025

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MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

"Meet Southern Roots Insurance Group: Where Your Needs Come First"

We know that everyone has different needs, whether you’re an individual or a business. That’s why we don’t just offer one-size-fits-all solutions. We focus on finding the best coverage that works for you. Our family team is here to make sure you’ve got the right protection for whatever matters most—your home, your business, or your personal assets.

At Southern Roots Insurance Group, we’re all about bringing the personal touch back to insurance. Founded in 2024 by Jeremy Graham, along with his wife Emily, sister-in-law Mary Holzhauer, and partner, we’re a proud, family-owned business with deep Texas roots. Our goal is simple: to provide exceptional service and coverage that’s tailored just for you—because that’s what you deserve!

Insurance can be a lot to think about, but we’re here to make it feel easy and personal. From the first time we talk, we’ll take the time to understand exactly what you need. Then we create a plan that fits you perfectly, working with toprated carriers to ensure you’re getting the best options available. We want you to feel confident and comfortable with your coverage.

We promise to always provide the best service possible, with coverage plans that fit your needs perfectly. It’s not just about the technical side of things—we treat everyone with care, comfort and security every step of the way. Whether you're an individual or a business, we’re here to help you protect what’s important, grow your wealth, and enjoy peace of mind with coverage that’s made just for you.

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R

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STRAIGHT LISTING Name,

Address,

Phone,

Contact

Email

Contact

Email,

and

Email,

website

FULL LISTING Name,

Address,

Phone,

website

address

PLATINUM LISTING Name,

Address,

address,

and

Phone,

unlimited

Contact lines

of

business

PACKAGE LISTING Name,

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Address,

Phone,

address,

unlimited

logo

the

on

Members Only

lines

Calendar

Contact of

of

Email,

business,

Event

page

website and

of

company

IIAH

site

By: Regan Ellmer

IMPACT is the Political Action Committee of the Independent Insurance Agents of Texas. By contributing to IMPACT, you are supporting pro-business candidates who are looking out for agents’ interests in the Capitol. All of the money raised by IMPACT is contributed to candidates and campaigns that support the independent agent network

The Lone Star Economic Alliance (LSEA) is celebrating this week two major victories for Texas businesses across the state: a highly successful LSEA Day at the Texas State Capitol and the filing today of the LSEA-backed omnibus bill addressing nuclear verdicts (SB 30 by Sen. Charles Schwertner and HB 4806 by Rep. Greg Bonnen).

SB 30 and its companion HB 4806 are critical for Texas job creators and Texas families alike. Specifically, the legislation will help protect Texans from higher insurance costs; guarantee fair restitution for legitimate injuries; and create a legal environment that encourages medical providers to treat accident victims without fear of litigation abuse.

Critically, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick announced that SB 30 is among his top 40 priority bills for the 2025 Texas Legislative Session.

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On February 18, 2025, the Young Insurance Professionals (YIP) kicked off the largest trade show in Texas with an unforgettable evening at the Salute to Exhibitors Happy Hour. Over 150 attendees gathered to celebrate the start of the event, creating an atmosphere of excitement and anticipation for the days ahead.

The event took place at a lively venue, offering a perfect setting for networking, mingling, and connecting with industry peers. As guests arrived, they were greeted with a variety of drinks, setting the tone for a fun and relaxed evening. The combination of delicious pizza and refreshing beverages made for the perfect pairing, fueling conversations and giving everyone the chance to unwind before the big trade show.

The Salute to Exhibitors Happy Hour provided a unique opportunity for industry professionals to interact with exhibitors in a more casual, social setting. Attendees were able to build relationships, exchange ideas, and explore new partnerships in a laid-back yet engaging environment.

As the night unfolded, the energy was palpable. The connections made during the happy hour would set the stage for an even more successful and productive trade show. The YIP community came together to celebrate both the current moment and the opportunities that lay ahead, reaffirming the value of networking and collaboration within the insurance industry.

A big thank you to everyone who attended and made this event such a success! Your enthusiasm, energy, and contributions were integral to its success. We’re already looking forward to next year’s celebration, where we can continue to forge strong relationships and celebrate the achievements of our vibrant industry.

Stay tuned for more events from Young Insurance Professionals and see you next year!

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Houston

Insurance Day On February 19, 2025, Houston Insurance Day 2025 was held at the Houston Marriott Westchase, with over 1,200 insurance professionals visiting 130 exhibit booths. This year’s theme was “The Power of Storytelling,” and the exhibitors outdid themselves. Congratulations to XTP Specialty for being named Exhibitor of the Year. The People’s Choice Award winners are 1st Place, Vintage Underwriters; 2nd Place, Texas Security General Agency; and 3rd Place, gotoPremium Finance. Attendees had the opportunity to play Blackout Bingo for a chance to win $500 in cash - the winner was Shanecia Williams, Arlene Lollie and Associates! Special thanks to Marsh McLennan Agency for hosting The Next Chapter Expresso Coffee Bar during the morning exhibits and NSM for hosting The First Edition Frosty Bar during the afternoon.

In partnership with the National Alliance, it was exciting to host 40 Alief ISD students as the Future Insurance Professionals of Houston (FIPH) who had the opportunity to meet industry companies and agencies. These students are already taking accredited insurance courses in their high schools and are seeking internships and career opportunities upon graduation. If your agency or company is interested in joining forces with these students, don’t hesitate to contact David Wuthrich at IIAH.

IIAH is incredibly proud of its Past Presidents, and this year was exceptional, with 24 Past Presidents joining us for a reception and lunch compliments of Utica National Insurance Group. With a sold-out lunch, Jason Knecht, Chairman of Carroll Insurance Agency, welcomed all, thanking our gracious annual sponsors and Houston Insurance Day sponsors and giving special thanks to the dedication and hard work of the HID Committee.

This year, Susan Zipperer, IIAH Chairman-Elect of EFG Insurance Agency, proudly introduced the winner of the 2024 Volunteer of the Year Award. This award recognizes a person who consistently responds to the call for volunteers for various organizations supported by IIAH. This year’s winner was Meredith Lauer of Navigant Insurance Solutions, LLC. IIAH bestows its prestigious Outstanding Service Award to a member who has given their time and talent not only to IIAH but also to the insurance industry and the local community. This year, Jason Nybakken, IIAH Past President of IBC Insurance, presented this award to

Bob Havey of Vintage Underwriters.

RT Specialty was the proud sponsor of the Keynote speaker, Michael Hingson, who gave new meaning to “The Power of Storytelling” with his journey as a blind man operating in a sited world and the courage of being a survivor of the September 11 th attack on the World Trade Center with the ad of his companion, golden retriever, Roselle. Michael sold out of his books. If you would like to order, please reach out to IIAH for contact information.

Save the date for Houston Insurance Day 2026 - February 18, 2026 – Superhero’s!

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RT Speciality

Hagerty

AmWins Access

Prime Insurance Co.

MMA

NSM Insurance

Utica National Insurance Group

Univista Insurance

Hartford Steam Boiler

Cigna

CRC

Vintage Underwriters

Burns & Wilcox

TSLA

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Burns & Wilcox

CRC Group

Imperial PFS

Vintage Underwriters Brown & Riding

RT Specialty

Texas Mutual Ins Co

WSG Specialty Underwriters CHUBB

Jencap Group

Travelers

UFG

WRGHT Flood

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Aon Programs

Commonwealth Insurance

ePayPolicy

gotoPremium Finance

Great American Property Casualtly

Honor Capital

ICW

Independent Insurance Agents of Texas

InsBOSS

Insurance Journal - Texas

Liberate Innovations

NetServ

NSM Insurance Group

Philadelphia Insurance

Risk Transfer Partners

Texas Construction Safety Group

Texas Security General Agency

Treaty Oak General Agency

XPT Specialty

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Aon Edge

Applied Underwriters

Ascend

DOXA

First Connect Insurance

First Stop Health

Honeycomb Programs, Inc.

Insurance Funnels

Johnson & Johnson

LineUnderwriters

NCMIC Finance Corporation

Oyster Technologies

OYOapp.com

R.E. Chaix & Associates Insurance Brokers

Service Insurance Companies

South & Western General Agency

US Premium Finance

USG Insurance Services

Vertafore

Wholesure

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Allied Trust Insurance

AmWins Access

Applied Systems, Inc./EXLynx

Assuran

tBerkley Management -Berkley

Capital Premium Finance

ClassicPlan Premium Finance

Combined Group

EMG Brokerage

Frank Winston Crum Insurance

Gainsco Auto Insurance

Mercury Insurance

National Parterns Premium Finance

NFIB

One80 Intermediaries

People's Premium

PPCLOAN

RPS Houston

SageSure

Southwest Risk

Swyfft, LLC

Texas Specialty Underwriters

The Hartford

U.S. E.& O. Brokers

U.S. Risk LLC

Willits Technology

Woodlands Insurance Services

Zenith Insurance Company

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Thank You for Joining Us at the First Annual YIPs Rodeo Happy Hour!

We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us for the first annual YIPs Rodeo Happy Hour on March 21, 2025, at the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo. With over 60 attendees in our reserved tent in the wine garden, it was a fantastic evening filled with great drinks, engaging conversations, and valuable networking.

A special thank you to our incredible sponsors for making this event possible:

Presenting Sponsor:

Wine Sponsor:

Your support helped make this event a success, and we look forward to seeing you at future YIPs events!

Cheers to an amazing night and to many more!

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Worried About Cybersecurity? Start with Password Management!

Cybersecurity is complex with many hardware, software, and training solutions needed to make

your business secure. But all the best security solutions are useless without secure passwords.

Let’s consider the humble password: Boring? Annoying? Ok, yes, but good passwords are the

foundation of good security. Often, we work with businesses that have great security solutions,

but they’ve put little effort into ensuring their employees are using strong passwords.

What makes a good Password?



Length – Should be at least 12 characters but longer is better.  Complexity – Combine upper- and lower-case letters, numbers, and special characters.  Unique – Never use the same password with different apps.  Avoid Simple/Common Phrases - Especially if they relate to personal things about you.  No Sharing - Never share your password with other employees.

Length Beats Complexity!

A long password using common words is more secure than a shorter, more complex password.

For a strong password you can remember, we recommend using a passphrase with just a little

complexity. Ex: “house!ocean2Drivecat”

You should never write down or store passwords in a file on your computer. Excel spreadsheets

and Word documents simply are not secure enough for storing passwords.

Use a Password Manager!

There’s a simple truth that we all must accept: It’s impossible to follow all the requirements for

secure passwords without a Password Manager. While the built-in password managers on web

browsers are better than nothing, a business needs a centrally managed password manager.

Business grade password managers:



Help users create secure passwords.  Allows MFA/2FA codes to be stored which can lessens the need for authentication apps.  The system identifies bad passwords and they’re easy to change.  Users can share passwords as needed, and you can track access to shared passwords.  Management access to all passwords for all users.  Management can revoke employee access to passwords.  And much more!

Strong passwords are essential to quality cybersecurity, but too often they’re overlooked simply

because it’s hard or annoying to manage them properly. Neglecting passwords can undo all

your efforts to implement effective security.

The good news is proper password management is inexpensive and can drastically increase the

security of your business. Even better, your experience is improved by reducing the need to

create and remember complex and unique passwords once you’re familiar with the manager.

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A huge THANK YOU to our amazing volunteers who came out to help walk the pups at Citizens for Animal Protection (CAPS) on Thursday, January 16th, 2025! With 17 generous hearts, we had an incredible time making sure the dogs got some exercise and love. Your support means the world to us, and we can't wait to do it again later this year!

If you're looking to add a furry friend to your family, consider adopting from CAPS! There are so many sweet animals ready to find their forever homes.

Thank you again to everyone who participated, and we hope to see more of you at future volunteer events!

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Huge Thank You to Our Amazing Volunteers!

A heartfelt THANK YOU to everyone who came out on February 25th to help pack lunches at Kids' Meals, Inc. Because of your time, energy, and compassion, thousands of hungry children across Houston will have a nutritious meal to enjoy.

Your dedication is making a real difference in the fight against childhood hunger. Every sandwich made, every lunch packed, and every smile shared brings hope to families in need. We couldn’t do this without you!

Let’s keep the momentum going— together, we can end childhood hunger in Houston!

Looking to support a great cause? We’d love your charity recommendations! If you know of a worthy organization that could use some attention, please email Ayla Comuyog at ayla@iiah.org. Your suggestions could help make a real difference!

Richard Carter Meek Richard Carter Meek is in the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. He passed September 13, 2024 after a brief battle with cancer. Richard is most often described as a kind and generous man. Jesus Christ is his Lord and Savior, First Presbyterian Church Houston his Church, Insurance his business, Rotary Club of Houston & Lombardi Awards his care, HCU Basketball his pleasure and Family his passion.

In 2013 Richard and Paige Meek were married. He instantly gained a family that now numbers 18 souls +

extended family.

Richard is survived by his wife J. Paige (Talley) Meek; sons, wives~grand+great grandchildren.

Timothy D. Thomasson, Jr.~ Alex and David. Christopher A. and Joanna (Jordan) Thomasson - Jordan, Andy and Meghan (Thomasson) Barreras+ Eleanor, Ezra and James. Walter G. and Daphanie (Boyett) Thomasson - Hannah, Madeline, Jacob and Marianne. Nieces Shiloh R. (Venable) Modisett - Greer. Robin English - Antonio, Victor. April (English) Higgins - Lisa ~ Nathan, Ricky and Jazmine.

Cousins, their families and great extended families. Immediate family members preceding Richard to the heavenlies are his Dad and Mom, William (Bill) Russell, Betty (Knox) Meek and sister Rebecca (Venable) Meek.

Special thanks to Olivia Russell, PA and Dr. Dongwook Kristen for their dedication to and care of Richard. The Neurological and Emergency doctors and staff at Memorial Hermann Memorial City were fabulous.

In lieu of flowers, tax deductible gifts may be made to:

First Presbyterian Church Houston ~ for Chancel Choir Mission Trip or Houston Christian University Basketball Houston, Texas

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Willis Joshua Hargrave, Jr.

Willis Joshua Hargrave, Jr., son of Willis J. Hargrave, Sr. and Annie Belle (Gage) Hargrave, was born in Houston, TX on August 26, 1935 and passed away in Houston, TX on December 10, 2024. He was preceded in death by his parents, his precious infant daughter Dana Renee' Hargrave, and siblings: Helen Brumley, Jimmie Hargrave, Patricia Courson, Judy Parks, and David Joe Hargrave.

He is survived by his loving wife of 70 years, Dana G. (Aysien) Hargrave of Alto, TX, daughter Suzanne R. Hill (Christy Bizzell) of Spring, TX, and son Willis Joshua Hargrave, III (Catherine) of Houston, TX, 5 grandchildren (The Eagle 5): Renee' (Hill) Olsen (Erik) of Tallahassee, FL, Danton Joshua Hill of New York, NY, Tyler Hargrave of Ft. Worth, TX, William Grant Hargrave (Meaghan) of Katy, TX, Harrison Hargrave (Kelly) of Katy, TX, and 11 greatgrandchildren: Joshua, Bethany, Sofia, Archer and Abigail Olsen of Tallahassee, FL, Pierce Hargrave of Ft. Worth, TX, Gavin, Beckham, and Zoey Hargrave of Katy, TX, and George and Jack Hargrave of Katy, TX, sister-in-law Margaret Hargrave (Jimmie) of Alto, TX, brother-in-law and sister-in-law John J. and Delia (Dee) Felchak of Cedar Park, TX , and numerous nieces and nephews.

Willis Hargrave was a lifelong learner, a committed husband, father, grandfather, friend, and a community leader and visionary. Willis graduated from Humble High School in 1953, where he excelled in athletics. The path to the future would have not been possible without the love of his life, his high school sweetheart Dana whom he married in 1954. It was off to the races; they settled in Houston and started a family with Willis working as a draftsman for Tennessee Gas. Babies, ambition and an incredible work ethic drove Willis back to school. He graduated from the University of TexasAustin in Insurance studies. He was a proud Longhorn. Later his quest for knowledge and growth compelled him to complete a graduate degree from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania. With a sharp mind for business, an incredible work ethic and a strong belief in loyalty and service Willis built Harco Insurance Services. He and his loyal staff proudly served the insurance needs of his community. He was President of the Houston Professional Insurance Association, President of Professional Insurance Association of Texas, as well as, President of the National Professional Insurance Association. In 2000, Willis and Dana started their next chapter... Eagle 5 Cattle Company, on Sugar Hill Ranch, named for his 5 grandchildren. Willis loved all things ranching: cows, grass, land, tractors and fence lines. His drive to do things right steered him to Texas A&M where he received appropriate teasing for his longhorn class ring. The Sugar Hill Ranch grew and prospered under his mindful direction. Harco Insurance Services and Sugar Hill Ranch were his passion, however his wife Dana, his kids and grandkids were his legacy. He provided for them in so many ways. They will cherish his stories, wisdom and love.

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Celebrating Six Years of Leadership: David Wuthrich’s Anniversary with IIAH As we mark the 6th anniversary of David Wuthrich’s leadership as President & CEO of the Independent Insurance Agents of Houston (IIAH), it’s the perfect moment to reflect on the incredible journey we’ve had under his guidance.

David’s unwavering commitment, visionary leadership, and tireless efforts have propelled IIAH to new heights, fostering a stronger community for independent agents in Houston.

From day one, David has been a fearless leader, working diligently to advocate for the interests of our members and ensuring that IIAH remains a vital resource in an ever-evolving industry. His leadership has been marked by innovation, strategic growth, and a deep passion for supporting the independent insurance community.

David’s dedication extends beyond just the day-to-day operations of IIAH. He has worked tirelessly to build lasting relationships with industry stakeholders, always striving to create opportunities for education, collaboration, and growth. His ability to lead with integrity and vision has been a driving force behind IIAH’s continued success.

On this significant milestone, we want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to David for his years of exceptional leadership. His commitment to the IIAH mission, his dedication to the membership, and his relentless pursuit of excellence have truly made a difference. We look forward to many more years of continued success and growth under his leadership.

Thank you, David, for your dedication and hard work. Your leadership is a true inspiration to us all!

Recognizing Growth: Congratulations to Our Newly Designated Professionals!

Donte Barlow – CISR Designation

Jayme Hildebrand – CLCS Designation

Sr. Account Associate, Hotchkiss Insurance

Account Associate, Hotchkiss Insurance

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THE LAST WORD

WHO HAS...

Kathryn Noser Weirdest thing you have ever eaten?

Where do you work?

Vintage Underwriters What sound do you love?

Laughter, and the sound of wind through the trees

A PB&J Burger. It was oddly delicious.

What is your pet peeve in traffic?

Other drivers. =) Do you have any hidden talents?

I sing and I act.

If you could paint a picture of any scenery,

What is your favorite flavor of jellybeans?

you’ve seen before, what would you paint?

Orange

The Cliffs of Moher in Ireland

What is your LEAST favorite electronic

What was the first thing you bought with your

device?

own money?

Michael Jackson’s Thriller album

I have a love/hate relationship with my cell phone.

If you could choose to stay a certain age

What is the longest car trip you have ever

forever, what age would it be?

taken?

I wouldn’t. Each passing year brings new adventures!

What did you do growing up that got you into

I took an 8-day trip through Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, and back with some friends on summer break in college.

trouble?

Can vegetarians eat animal crackers?

“Cleaning” my room by shoving everything

They can, and they should. They are tasty!

under the bed. My mom actually hid my birthday presents under my bed once. She put them under the bed and told me to go clean my room.

It was brilliant. I shoved everything under the bed and concealed my own gifts.

What is something you learned in the last

Ninjas or pirates?

Pirates!

What was your favorite childhood television program?

Growing Pains Are you a collector of anything?

week?

Not really.

How to shovel snow!

At a movie theater, which arm rest is yours?

109

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