HOUSTON INSURANCE NEWS
WHAT WE DO:
�Organize and collect content for our bi-monthly digital magazin�
�Keep our membership up to date on current events and information in the industry�
�Spotlight and promote our members�
� Seek advertisers and support from the industry
MEETING
A committee who loves to share news, the HIN Committee publishes our bi-monthly digital newsletter with rich content aimed at informing our members of upcoming & past events, educational & legislative information, industry updates, acknowledgment of achievements of people in the industry along with articles relevant to current topics. Make plans to join us at our next meeting. See you soon!
Monthly meetings @ 4:00 PM via ZOOM For more info contact, ayla@iiah.org
5th Annual ELITExas-IIAH YIP's Charity Cornhole Tournament
Community Volunteer Project | Fall Festival
COMMITTEES 2023 - 2024
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.
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
Wow, I can’t believe that the kids are already back in school, and that summer is over! Where did the time go?
We had a wonderful summer at IIAH with our Charity Bowling event, which is always a wonderful time. Always nice to add a new event to the calendar and I hope that we will have more new events in the future.
Speaking of the future, August 31st is the end of our fiscal year at IIAH. So a great time to reflect on last year. Thanks to all our member for another wonderful year. I would like to especially thank the HID committee for another record-breaking Houston Insurance Day! I can’t wait to see what you have in store for next year.
I would be remiss if I didn’t thank Past Chairman, Jason Nybakken for his 7 years of service to IIAH. As you roll off the board, I would like to personally thank you for all that you have done to make IIAH a better organization. We are not letting you get too far away though, as you have agreed to serve on the HAIA board and continue to do wonderful work for the benefit of our charity partners.
Adam Harris, our outgoing Chairman, has done a great job this year of getting us to think outside the box. Many of the new events and activities are a result of Adam’s ideas. Thank you for your years of service as Chairman and hope it was as fun for you as it was for us!
We are always looking for new volunteers, so don’t hesitate to reach out or be bashful and hesitant to reach out. This is YOUR Association and we are here to help you make it the best it can be.
Hope to see you this fall at one of our many events.
ANNUAL SPONSORS
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
CNA Insurance Companies
Jencap
Travelers
UFG Insurance Company
WRIGHT Flood
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Jason Knecht
Susan Zipperer
Jesse Sanchez
John Collado
Ryan Beavers
David Wuthrich
Adam Harris
Chris Dowling
Tom Fitzpatrick
Chairman
Chairman Elect
Vice Chairman
Treasurer
Treasurer Elect
President & CEO
Past Chairman
Affiliate Liaison
Affiliate Liaison
Faith Boren
John Collado
Sam Houston
Dalton Humphries
Matt Leicht
Kathryn Noser
BOARD OF DIRECTORS STAFF
David Wuthrich
Renee Stager
Ayla Benavides
Deb McRae
Robert Oncken
William Peachey
Jesse Serna
Keaton Sumicek
Wes Weatherred
CHARITABLE BENEFACTOR
“To provide a place in perpetuity where people with disabilities can be successful, equal, and capable, growing to their maximum life’s potential through interaction with horses in a positive environment.”
We accomplish our mission by providing educational, recreational, and sport, programming, including vocational/prevocational opportunities, to youth at risk and youth and adults with disabilities. Individuals are accepted without regard to race, religion, ethnicity, or socio-economic background. Our funding comes from individuals, corporations, and foundations.
Participation in horsemanship invites family involvement and can enhance family relationships. Community awareness and volunteerism are generated. For our athletes, new possibilities and capabilities are being realized due to improved motor skills, heightened self-esteem, real accomplishment, and inclusion in the main stream of life.
Dream Catcher Stables is the outgrowth of several pilot projects spanning 13 years. In terms of finances and assets, we have gone from a program with one horse and $5,000 of debt to a program with 9 horses on 22+ leased acres with assets exceeding $350,000. Serving just 4 athletes in the beginning, today 48 youth and adults with disabilities are part of our program. Our funding comes from individuals, corporations, foundations, and an annual fundraiser. Since being granted a permanent public charity ruling from the IRS in July 2003, we have made steady progress toward our ultimate goal. While Covid-19 created challenges we completed our horses all weather shelter, returned to programming and piloted weekday programming.
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
Weston Risk Management, LLC: A Leader in Personalized Insurance Solutions in Houston
Located in Houston, Texas, Weston Risk Management, LLC has been a beacon of exceptional service and community commitment since its founding in 2017. The agency specializes in a wide range of insurance solutions and distinguishes itself through a personalized approach tailored to meet the unique needs of each client.
Under the leadership of founder Jesse Serna, who brings almost 20 years of industry experience attended UNT for Insurance & risk management, training from AIG PCG & AIG PCGU advanced school of sales, and was nominated as 2015 Rising Star. Weston Risk Management and its staff excels in navigating today’s complex insurance market and with extensive knowledge and hands-on approach guide both his team and clients, ensuring expert advice for the most effective solutions.
The agency’s commitment to personalized service means clients receive tailored advice and solutions that align with their specific needs. Weston Risk Management prioritizes clear communication and responsive support, creating a seamless and satisfying client experience.
Weston Risk Management is dedicated to giving back to the Houston community. The agency actively supports local initiatives and charities, reflecting its core values and strengthening its community ties which helps us build our referral only client base. For those seeking reliable and personalized insurance solutions in Houston, Weston Risk Management, LLC stands out as a trusted partner. With its expert leadership, comprehensive offerings, and strong community focus, our agency is well-equipped to address diverse insurance needs with excellence.
CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE
To the members of IIAH,
As I conclude my term as Chairman, I want to express my deepest gratitude to each of you for the opportunity to serve this exceptional association over the past year. It has been an honor to work alongside such dedicated and talented individuals.
Together, we’ve entered into the 100th year of this association and it’s been an incredible opportunity to assist in paving the way for another 100 years and beyond. Reflecting on the year, I am immensely proud of what we have accomplished.
Reflecting even further, the years serving this association on the board has been an incredible chance for me to grow and learn with all of you. Meeting our members and seeing a new perspective on the way our different organizations operate has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my time with the association. We all do it a bit differently, but at the end of the day, we all serve our clients and make sure they have someone to turn to while going through a whirlwind of a market.
Thank you for your trust, your commitment, and the many ways you’ve contributed to our shared vision. I look forward to seeing the continued progress of our association and am excited about the future under new leadership. Thank you to David, Renee and Ayla who make this association what it is. I know that our board and future Chairman, Jason Knecht, are in great hands with these three who continue to find new ways to make this organization a foundational piece in the Houston insurance industry.
Wishing you all the very best,
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
IMPACT Goal�
�Propose legislation that is in the best interest of our members and the independent agency system�
�Support legislation that provides consumer protection and preserves consumer choice�
�Oppose legislation that is harmful to our members�
�Increase awareness of IIAT issues among legislators�
�Support key legislators and candidates who align with our objectives�
�Provide important legislative information to our member�
�Raise sufficient funds to promote IIAT’s agenda in the Texas Legislature�
�Encourage our members’ engagement in the political proces
STRAIGHT LISTING
Name, Address, Phone, Contact Email
FULL LISTING
Name, Address, Phone, Contact Email, and website address
PLATINUM LISTING
Name, Address, Phone, Contact Email, website address, and unlimited lines of business
PACKAGE LISTING
Name, Address, Phone, Contact Email, website address, unlimited lines of business, and company logo on the Calendar of Event page of IIAH site
Thank You for a Fantastic Charity Bowl!
A huge thanks to the 34 teams that came out to Copperfield Bowl for our annual charity bowling event! Your support made a huge difference. Special thanks to our charity partners—BIG Love Cancer Care, Dreamcatchers Stables, and Literacy Now—for all the incredible work you do.
To all the bowlers, volunteers, and sponsors—your generosity was truly appreciated. We couldn’t have done it without you! Here’s to making a positive impact together. See you next year!
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�Highest Team Score RPS
�Most Strikes Rashid
�Best Company Theme Awar�
�1st Place: XPT Specialt�
�2nd Place: Bowen, Miclette & Britt, Insurance Agency, LLC
�Most Spirited Company Awar�
�1st Place: Vintage Underwriter�
�2nd Place: Hotchkiss
�Highest Individual Fundraise�
�1st Place: Ingrid D’Anna
�Highest Team Fundraise�
�1st Place: XPT Specialty
AFFILIATE SPOTLIGHT
Willits Technologies was founded in 1998 to provide IT services and tech support to Independent Insurance Agents in the Houston area. Over the years we have grown to support other businesses as well, but Independent Agents are still the core of our business. We are a local business, familyowned with two generations of the Willits family working in the business.
Our process for providing IT support, The Willits Way, has been developed over with 25 years of experience providing quality, affordable IT solutions that are optimized for the needs of Insurance Agencies and other small businesses. The Willits Way includes documented procedures combined with quality products and solutions to provide the best combination of security, reliability, and support. All of this is delivered by our technical experts with decades of IT experience. Our solutions are built to provide flexibility and are tailored to the needs of your business.
While many things have changed in technology since we started, our goal is the same today as it was then: Provide high-quality IT Services for Independent Insurance Agencies at affordable rates. We are your partner in success and provide a complete outsourced IT solution including remote and on-site support, strategic planning, cybersecurity, backups and disaster recovery, VoIP phone systems, Microsoft 365 and Azure management, and much more!
Willits Technologies is committed to serving Independent Insurance Agencies. Currently we work with more than 10 insurance agencies and the IIAH, across the Houston area and beyond. We hope to add you to our family!
Thank you so much to the members that came out to volunteer with Citizens for Animal Protection. We had so much fun walking the dogs and getting to know how fun and lovable each of them are. Such a great experience! If you're looking for a fur-ever friend look no further.
We'll definitely be setting up another project again soon!
IIAH Anniversary
Congratulations, Ayla Comuyog, on reaching the incredible milestone of six years of service as Managing Director of IIAH! Your leadership, dedication, and unwavering commitment have been instrumental in the continued success and growth of the organization. Your vision and hard work are truly inspiring, and we look forward to many more years of your impactful leadership. Wishing you continued success and many more milestones ahead!
CRC promotes executives
Specialty intermediary CRC Group Monday named Brent Tredway as the sole president of its brokerage division, Brennan Paris as president of its binding division, and Chris Carlson as chief operating officer of its commercial solutions division.
Houston-based Mr. Tredway and Garret Koehn were named co-president of the brokerage division in 2020. Mr. Koehn was named chief innovation officer earlier this year. Nashville-based Mr. Paris, who was most recently chief operating officer of the binding division, joined the company from Markel Group Inc. in 2019.
Atlanta-based Mr. Carlson, who will retain his current national property practice leader role, joined CRC from Aspen Insurance in 2021.
XPT Specialty Names Gina Marquez as Associate Vice President of Personal Lines
XPT Specialty Names Gina Marquez as Associate Vice President of Personal Lines Seasoned operations director to join Suzette Torres in expanding the company’s personal lines division July 15, 2024 — XPT Specialty, a leading wholesale broker for commercial and personal insurance, today announced the newest addition to its leadership team, with Gina Marquez as Associate Vice President of Personal Lines. With more than 16 years of insurance underwriting experience, Marquez brings a wealth of industry expertise to XPT in strategic management and personal lines.
Marquez’s addition to XPT Specialty will help improve upon and expand the company’s commitment to delivering highquality services. Marquez has held prior leadership positions, including Assistant Vice President at AmWINS Group, and Operations Director at Burns & Wilcox. In both former roles, she worked alongside Suzette Torres, VP of Personal Lines at XPT Specialty. Given Marquez’s reputation as a highly sought-after industry professional, this marks a significant win for XPT in growing its leadership team.
Suzette Torres, recently appointed Vice President of Personal Lines at XPT, welcomes her former colleague with enthusiasm, stating, “Gina and I worked together for more than 14 years, and have been recognized as a dynamic and strategic pair in the industry. She is a meticulous and detailoriented leader with a deep understanding of underwriting guidelines and I’m eager to collaborate again to deliver superior service and solutions from XPT.”
“After some time off to focus on family and volunteer work, I’m ready to help grow XPT’s personal lines and operational sectors alongside Suzette and the rest of XPT’s esteemed leadership team,” added Gina Marquez, Associate VP of Personal Lines. “I am confident that my expertise in coordinating and optimizing outsourcing activities for clients, paired with my deep understanding of the industry, will enable XPT to provide unmatched solutions to its clients.”
Glen Pomeroy, Executive Vice President of Personal Lines, warmly welcomes Marquez to the team. He shared, “Gina is an excellent addition to XPT and will play an important role as we further our personal lines capabilities. Her experience, enthusiasm, and comprehensive skills will be a great asset to XPT.” To learn more about XPT’s Personal Lines offerings, visit https://xptspecialty.com/products-personal/. About XPT Specialty XPT is your eXpert Partner Team for wholesale insurance. A team of specialist experts collaborating to efficiently bring the greatest value. Listening to client partners enables the service culture that anticipates needs and leads to true partnership. The unique win-win approach multiplies the value XPT brings to its clients and market partners.
IN MEMORIAM
Ronnie Luster
December
6, 1942 - July 27, 2024
The “outdoors” always called Ronnie. He loved hunting and fishing with family and friends, and he worked to preserve the beauty around him as a passionate conservationist.
He was born in Houston on the 6th of December 1942, to Ronnie Luster and Leila Tarkington Luster. When he was three his family moved to Port O’Connor where his father owned a marina, and Ronnie fell in love with Port O’Connor life.When he was in the third grade his family moved to Acapulco, and his father worked as a professional photographer for the El Mirador Hotel. He captured many photographs of “the rich and famous,” including the marriage of Elizabeth Taylor and Mike Todd. Young Ronnie became fluent in Spanish, developed a flair for dancing, and became the only American to dive off the cliffs of El Mirador.
Ronnie attended St. Edwards Boys Boarding School for his junior and senior years of high school and his freshman year of college. He completed his college education at the University of Texas. He graduated in 1966 with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. He concentrated on Marketing, and he was a born salesman. He was a member of Kappa Alpha Order and ran track for St. Edwards and the University of Texas.
Ronnie had a long career in the Commercial Property and Casualty Insurance business. His first job was with Liberty Mutual where he received excellent training. He enjoyed great relationships with many other insurance companies while combining selling insurance and “making friends.” His mantra was “Tell people what they need to know not what they want to hear.” His passion for hunting and fishing guided his commitment to conservation. He wanted future hunters and fishermen to have the same joys he had experienced. The Coastal Conservation Association, CCA, was his primary interest. He was active in its founding and was a lifelong supporter. He was the first person to suggest and get adopted the Crab Trap Removal program for the Texas coast. He started a movement through CCA that has mobilized 1600 volunteers to remove over 20,000 abandoned crab traps. Other coastal states followed his lead. He became known as “the Crab Man,” and he won the first national award given by Field and Stream magazine for Conservation Hero of the Year. The program of Abandoned Crab Trap Removal continues every February. Ronnie’s involvement with CCA included positions on the CCA Texas Management committee and the National Insurance committee; he served as chairman of the CCA Texas Parks and Wildlife committee. He has also been associated with the Friends of the Port O’Connor Library and has served as a board member of the Guadalupe Blanco River Trust (GBRT.)
Ronnie is survived by his wife of fifty-five years, Lynn Cunningham Luster; and his sons, Ron (Tammy) Luster, and Preston Luster both of Houston. He and Lynn also have four wonderful granddaughters, Samantha, Sloane, Stella, and Caroline Luster. He loved hosting fishing gatherings in Port O’Connor on his airboat, and he taught his granddaughters how to cast after they saw the fish swimming. The family made great memories at Port O’Connor and in Nordheim at the Runge Ranch. Ronnie and Lynn enjoyed cruises with their travel group, and Ronnie’s favorite cruise was the Lewis and Clark on the Columbia River. Two years ago Ronnie was diagnosed with MDS - Myelodysysplastic Syndrome. He was under the care of the wonderful professionals at Oncology Consultants in Memorial City. The family wants to thank Dr. Alex Nguyen and staff Vicki and Gracie for their excellent care.
Sandra K. Schumacher
September 11, 1949 - July 13, 2024
It is with heavy hearts and much sadness that we announce the passing of long-time Securance Corporation Agency employee, Sandra Schumacher, on July 13, 2024, after a brief battle with cancer. Sandra joined Securance in 1977 and was a dedicated, loyal employee for 47 years. For the majority of that time, she was the only Account Manager in our Personal Lines Department, and was committed to taking care of “her” clients. Sandra witnessed the many immense changes in our industry over the years, mostly technological. It was hard for her to give up her typewriter years ago! She was quick to tell our producers how things needed to be done, but had a big heart. She was an integral part of the Securance family and will be truly missed.
Sandra is survived by her daughter, Stephanie Wood, and grandchildren, Sutton and Slade Wood. Sandra grew up in Rosenberg, where she was an accomplished barrel racer. She was especially proud of her grandchildren’s rodeo accomplishments. Her grandson, Slade, is currently ranked No. 2 in the world for Steer Roping, and her granddaughter, Sutton, has placed in Junior Breakaway Roping in the Junior Rodeo World Championship.
Homer Borgstedte
February 4, 1935 - July 10, 2024
Homer Borgstedte passed away peacefully on July 10, 2024, at the age of 89, with his beloved wife Joan by his side. He was born at home on February 4, 1935, in Washington, Texas, to Lillian and Fred Borgstedte.
Homer attended Brown & Prairie School and graduated from Brenham High School, where he excelled both academically and athletically in football and track. He was a member of the Brenham High School Football Hall of Fame.
He went on to graduate from Rice Institute, attending on a football and track scholarship, and was a member of Lovett College. He earned his bachelor’s degree in 1957. That same year, he married his high school sweetheart, Joan Marie Martin. They enjoyed a beautiful life together, building a home, enjoying friends, and traveling extensively.
Homer dedicated his professional life to the insurance industry as an Independent Insurance Agent. He began selling insurance while at Rice, working for the William Cordes agency on Washington Avenue in Houston. He joined Norman Gaurke in Bellaire in 1961, where they formed Gaurke-Borgstedte Insurance, which later became GBS Insurance Agency Inc., as we know it today.
He was an esteemed member and president of several organizations, including the Bellaire Chamber of Commerce, Bellaire Rotary Club, The Independent Insurance Agents of Houston, the Board of the Independent Insurance Agents of Texas, as well as the Rice R Club. He was also a member of the Mid America Technical Conference for many years. His leadership and commitment to his profession and community were exemplary. In addition to his professional achievements, Homer served his country with honor in the Army Reserves as a medic.
Homer is survived by his devoted wife, Joan Marie Martin Borgstedte, his son Brent, daughter-in-law Leila, and their children Drew, Nicholas, and William and his wife Sarah. He is also survived by his brother Donald, sister-in-law Helen, and their children; brother-in-law Julian Martin and his wife Geneva; brother-in-law JB Bitner and his wife Patsy; brother-in-law Donald Draehn; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Homer was preceded in death by his parents, Fred Henry Borgstedte and Lillian Anna Klara Krueger Borgstedte; sister-in-law Jeannie Draehn; and niece Meghan Leigh Johnston.
WHO HAS... THE LAST WORD
Jesse Serna
Where do you work?
Weston Risk Management
What sound do you love?
My little girls laughing
If you could paint a picture of any scenery, you’ve seen before, what would you paint?
Haleakala, HI Volcano summit at sunrise
What was the first thing you bought with your own money?
Remote Control Car
If you could choose to stay a certain age forever, what age would it be?
28
What did you do growing up that got you into trouble?
Took left over wood from construction sites to build forts in the woods
What is something you learned in the last week?
Even in this hard market there is plenty of opportunity to grow if done right.
Weirdest thing you have ever eaten?
Shushmi from freshly caught Tuna
- Kind of rubbery
What is your pet peeve in traffic?
People driving slow in the fast lane
Do you have any hidden talents?
I’m ambidextrous
What is your favorite flavor of jellybeans?
Lemon
What is your LEAST favorite electronic device?
Phone
What is the longest car trip you have ever taken? Can vegetarians eat animal crackers?
Albuquerque, NM to King of Prussia, PA (1,910 Miles)
Absolutely
Ninjas or pirates?
Ninjas
What was your favorite childhood television program?
Charlie Brown
Are you a collector of anything?
Ball Markers from courses I’ve played around the world
At a movie theater, which arm rest is yours?
Right
