RECREATION WHAT WE DO:
COMMITTEE SPOTLIGHT
Se ect fun event for our member
Se ect venue to ho t event
Organize down to the very a t detai
Make a p an of action execut
Bring you fun in a recreationa enviroment
The Recreation Committee is the embodiment of FUN! Each year, we organize, host, and promote fun events giving our current and prospective members opportunities to fellowship and network. Our events include the Spring Golf Classic and Texas Hold’em Pickleball Tournament. What are you waiting for, get recreational with us!
EVENTS
JUL 13 th OCT 3rd NOV 7 th AUG 2024
Out of this World Charity Bowl
2nd Annual Pickleball Tournament ELITExas-IIAH YIP's "Not your Grandmother's" BINGO Event
5th Annual ELITExas-IIAH YIP's Charity Cornhole Tournament
Centennial Happy Hour
Centennial Golf Tournament
Centennial Celebration
OCT 19 AUG 1
SEP 29 - 30
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
I can’t believe that half of the year is already over, and it is already July! Where does the time go?
Thanks for all who attended our Annual Golf Tournament! Even though it was a hot one, I think that everyone stayed hydrated and had a great time. Thanks to all of our sponsors for making it such a success. I had lots of folks say that they would like to go back to two golf events a year, a big one in the Spring and a barebones one in the fall. We are looking into options right now and will let you know if we can make that happen! Again, our best events come from suggestions from our membership!!
I can’t wait for our Annual Charity Bowling event in July. Not only is it a great event for the whole family, but it is held in air-conditioned comfort!!! Which in the middle of July in Houston is a bonus!! Please sign up a team and come and join the fun!! This is also an event where our charity partners participate, so we would like to have a sold-out event!
Our Industry lost one of our “Giants” a few weeks ago with the passing of Tim Brady. He was a legend in our business and one of the first people to reach out to me when I accepted this position over five years ago! He always was eager to visit with me and had lots of ideas about how to make our industry better. I wish that he could have attended this September’s Centennial Golf event honoring the Brady family and BCH. He was so excited that it was going to be held at The Big Easy Ranch and was looking forward to being there. Please consider attending this event and honoring Tim. I’m sure that we will raise a glass in his honor during the evening! Tim, I will miss you!
Life is precious, so I hope that everyone will time to spend this summer with their families and loved ones! Enjoy every minute and continue to make Houston and the Insurance Industry a better place to live and work!
ANNUAL SPONSORS
Titanium Elite Sponsors
Imperial PFS
Burns & Wilcox, Ltd.
CRC Group
Vintage Underwriters
Brown & Riding
Platinum Partners for Excellence
RT Specialty
Texas Mutual Insurance
WSG Specialty Underwriters
Gold Patron Sponsors
Chubb
CNA Insurance Companies
Jencap
Travelers
UFG Insurance Company
WRIGHT Flood
NEW MEMBERS
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Adam Harris
Jason Knecht
Susan Zipperer
Jesse Sanchez
John Collado
David Wuthrich
Jason Nybakken
Tom Fitzpatrick
Ryan Beavers
Kevin Comiskey
Laurie Dempsey
Matt Leicht
William Peachey
Wes Weatherred
Chairman
Chairman Elect
Vice Chairman
Treasurer
Treasurer Elect
President & CEO
Past Chairman
Affiliate Liaison
BOARD OF DIRECTORS STAFF
David Wuthrich
Renee Stager
Ayla Benavides
Deb McRae
Sarah Beck
Tom Fitzpatrick
Robert Oncken
Dalton Humphries
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
GigEasy is revolutionizing commercial insurance with its unique pay-as-you-go solutions, designed specifically for contractors & 1099s. Our cutting-edge platform allows agents to effortlessly provide customized insurance packages tailored to clients’ specific requirements, whether by the day, hour, or gig.
We’re committed to supporting commercial insurance agents in our hometown of Houston and across the United States. By partnering with us, agents can offer their clients innovative, cost-effective insurance solutions that cater to the modern gig economy.
With GigEasy you get
● Flexible Insurance Options: GigEasy offers a range of insurance types including General Liability, Workers Comp, Professional Liability, and more. Our pay-as-you-go model ensures clients only pay for what they need, significantly reducing their expenses.
● Streamlined Quoting Process: Our user-friendly Agent Portal simplifies the quoting process from start to finish. Agents can quickly submit client information, review quotes from leading carriers, and select the best options, saving valuable time and enhancing client satisfaction.
● Exceptional Customer Service: At GigEasy, we pride ourselves on our fast and friendly customer service. Our dedicated team is always ready to assist, ensuring a smooth and efficient experience for our agent partners.
● Customized Solutions: We understand that every client is unique. GigEasy’s flexible approach allows agents to craft personalized insurance solutions that perfectly match their clients’ needs and budgets, providing them with the best coverage at the right price.
For more information, visit GigEasy’s Agent Program Or email us at hello@gigeasy.com
CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE
To the members of IIAH,
I hope this message finds you well. It is a pleasure to connect with you once again as we navigate 2024 into the lovely summer here in Houston!
I think we found a new spot for future happy hours with Ducky McShweeney’s and I’m glad our members could hunker down there a bit to wait out the storms that came through in May. I’m sure many of us are still dealing with some of the fallout from those storms as we assist our clients with the fallout from such an event.
The annual golf tournament was a hot one this year, but it was great to see our members tough it out and have a good time! Can’t wait to see everyone at the upcoming Charity Bowl event and you know I’ll have my bingo card ready for the YIPs “Not your Grandmother’s Bingo Event coming up on July 18th!
I want to take a moment to express my gratitude for your continued dedication and contributions to our association. Your commitment to excellence and professionalism truly sets the standard in our industry. As we navigate the evolving landscape of our industry, your insights and expertise are more valuable than ever. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me or our board with any ideas or suggestions you may have. Your input is crucial as we continue to shape the future of our association!
Thank you to everyone who came out for the ELITExas-IIAH YIP's Happy Hour on May 16th. We enjoyed great company, delicious food and drinks in the speakeasy at Ducky McShweeney's Pub.
Thank you to all our sponsors that help make this event possible. Exclusive Drink Sponsor
On June 6, 2024, Blackhorse Golf Club was buzzing with the excitement of our annual Spring Golf Classic, thanks to the 30 teams and numerous sponsors from the insurance industry who participated. Despite the heat, the day was a success, filled with camaraderie and competitive spirit. We extend our heartfelt thanks to our insurance partners for their enthusiastic support, which made the event possible. Your participation showcased our industry's commitment to community and collaboration. Special appreciation goes to our sponsors, whose generosity helped us make a meaningful impact.
As the day concluded, we celebrated not only a successful event but also the bonds strengthened within our industry. We look forward to future collaborations and continued positive change. Thank you for your outstanding support and dedication.
Hotchkiss is so proud of Karen Jones for being named volunteer of the month with the Houston Astros Foundation! Karen Jones is always giving her time, whether it be with the Houston Rodeo, Houston Events or the Astros! Karen can usually be seen with camera in hand too at the many downtown events. Make sure you say hi if you see her!
Way to go Karen and Go STROS!
USI Hurricane Emergency Bags
XPT Specialty Names Suzette Torres As
Vice President, Personal Lines
XPT Specialty, a leading wholesale broker for commercial and personal insurance, today announced the newest member of its senior management team with the appointment of Suzette Torres as Vice President of Personal Lines. With her wealth of insurance experience and knowledge in personal lines insurance products, Torres joins the business to spearhead the growth for this line of products.
With a career spanning more than 15 years in the industry at top-tier wholesale insurance firms, Torres’ addition to XPT Specialty will help expand the company’s set of offerings for retail agencies selling specialty products like personal lines property, umbrellas, and other specific coverage needs. Torres has held prior leadership positions, including Managing Director at Burns & Wilcox, and Vice President, Underwriting Leader, and Senior Vice President at AmWINS Group.
Glen Pomeroy, EVP of Personal Lines, expressed his enthusiasm for Torres’ appointment, recognizing her immense value to the team. He remarked, “The personal lines sector is facing more market challenges than ever. The addition of Suzette marks a significant win for XPT, enriching our capabilities and enhancing our team’s ability to deliver exceptional service and solutions. Her dedication to excellence and proven track record of success enable XPT to expand our offerings and tailor solutions to meet the evolving needs of our clients.”
By: Regan Ellmer
I’m thrilled to tell you that the 2023 legislati e session was a success! We stopped se eral harmful bills and helped pass beneficial ones
We helped pre ent bills that would ha e
Required OEM parts for certain ehicle repairs
Required insurance for peace officers' potential misconduct
Mandated medical lea e for specific family/medical obligations
Required disclosure of policy info to 3rd party claimants
Created a statewide fund for ehicle claim deductibles
Made businesses liable for certain damages if they prohibit handguns
We also helped pass bills that Aid TWIA in processing commercial renewals
Pre ent seasonal cancellation of TWIA policies
Create a specialized court for certain ci il cases
Limit business liability for COVID-19 cases
Allow contracts with pri ate adjusters
Extend non-renewal notice from 30 to 60 days
These achie ements are thanks to our strong relationships with Texas legislators Your support through IMPACT donations is crucial for maintaining these connections and ad ocating for our industry's interests Your donation is a direct in estment in the future of our industry
If you’ e already contributed, thank you! If not, please consider donating today to support our ad ocacy efforts
MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD
What an honor it was to host The Women's Home graduation May 1st at the Mabee Wholelife Service Center. It was such a rewarding experience celebrating the incredible achievements and milestones the women have accomplished. Thank you so much to the members that volunteered and helped us make this a night to remember. We look forward to partnering with this amazing organization again soon.
A huge thank you to all the volunteers that came out this afternoon to support Kids' Meals, Inc.. We had so much fun in the kitchen packing lunches. Summer can be one of their busiest times and the number of kids that rely on them doubles so if you have the chance please take the opportunity to volunteer. This organization is near and dear to us and we look forward to partnering with them again soon to help support their incredible mission to help end childhood hunger!
IIAH had a wonderful time partnering with Literacy Now for another Group Storytime! Our volunteers helped made a positive impact on the Baker Ripley scholars. We really enjoyed reading to the kids and then completing an activity with them before sending them off to lunch with their take home s’mores. This is always such a rewarding experience; we look forward to doing it again soon when school starts back up.
IN MEMORIAM Timothy James Brady
September 23, 1937 - June 2, 2024
It is with a heavy heart that I share the news of the passing of our beloved friend, colleague, and my father, Timothy J. Brady. As one of the founders of our company, his vision and leadership have left an indelible mark on Brady, Chapman, Holland & Associates, Inc., and on all of us who had the privilege of knowing and working with him.
Tim began his illustrious career at Liberty Mutual Insurance Co. in 1962, where he developed the foundational skills that would propel him into a lifetime of accomplishments. From 1972 to 1982, he served at the Nordstrom Agency, Inc., further honing his expertise and establishing himself as a leader in the insurance industry.
In 1983, Tim met Ed Chapman and Lonnie Holland, and together they formed Brady, Chapman, Holland & Associates, Inc. (BCH). His vision and dedication to excellence were unmistakable, and he took on the role of President and CEO, guiding the company to new heights. Under his leadership, BCH flourished, and in 1996, he transitioned to the role of Chairman, continuing to provide strategic direction and mentorship until he became Chairman Emeritus in 2017.
Throughout his career, Tim earned numerous professional licenses, including General Lines Agent Property & Casualty, General Lines Agent Life, Accident, Health and HMO, and Risk Manager. His commitment to professional development was further evidenced by his certifications as a Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) in 1987 and a Professional Workers Compensation Advisor (PWCA) in 2010.
Tim was a pillar in the insurance community, serving as President of the Independent Insurance Agents of Houston and the Independent Insurance Agents of Texas. He was also a respected member of the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America, The Society of Certified Insurance Counselors, and a founding partner of both RiskProNet International (RPNI) and Sitkins International. In addition, he served as the Finance Chair of the University of Houston Insurance and Risk Management Council, the President of the Board of Trustees of the Texas Insurance Education Foundation (a 501(c)(3)) supporting the undergraduate university degree programs in Insurance and Risk Management and as the Development Chair of the Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation in Houston, another 501(c)(3) organization.
His dedication to our industry was recognized through prestigious awards, including the 1999 Outstanding Service Award from the Independent Insurance Agents of Houston and the 2011 Drex Foreman Award from the Independent Insurance Agents of Texas.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Tim was known for his hugely warm heart, unwavering integrity, and genuine care for others. He was a mentor, a visionary, and a caring, generous friend to many. His leadership was not just about making business decisions but rooted in his passion for building strong relationships. He believed that the service BCH provided went beyond being insurance agents, but being truly passionate about the people we touch and supporting their needs. He was a vocal champion for fostering growth and success for all.
As we mourn his loss, we also celebrate his life and the remarkable legacy he leaves behind. Tim’s contributions have shaped our company and our industry, and his spirit will continue to inspire us in the years to come.
IN MEMORIAM Joe Eason
October 10, 1929 - May 17, 2024
Joseph Oliver Eason, a long-time Houston business pillar, civic leader, artist, and award winning amateur golfer, passed away May 17 at the age of 94.
Born October 9, 1929 in Independence, Kansas to Winnie B. Fleming and Joseph Clarence Eason, Joe Eason moved with his family to Houston in 1938.
A graduate of Lamar High School, he spent his college years at the University of Texas and University of Houston where he played varsity baseball. During the Korean War he served in the Texas National Guard. His career as a Houston area insurance professional included a decades-long tenure as a senior partner at the well-known firm of Danvers Eason & Gentle Insurance.
Outside his business activities, family, sports, community service, art, and his church, St. Luke's United Methodist, where he was a member since 1952- were all major parts of Joe Eason's life.
Married to Barbara Greengrass in 1953 (she pre-deceased him in 2022), Joe and Barbara had three children. He was a longtime referee for Southwest Conference basketball. A renowned amateur golfer, Eason was a seven-time Braeburn Country Club champion, and multiple medal winner in National Senior Olympics' golf tournaments-where he shot his age (or under) right up until his final tournament at age 88.
A highly praised silversmith, Joe Eason taught classes at St. Luke's, Houston's Glassel School, as well as out at Laity Lodge in Leakey, Texas. At one time he was the foremost authority on American Indian cradle boards, he was one of America's leading American Indian artifact collectors, a licensed American Indian art appraiser, and a member of both the Texas and Louisiana Indian Historical Associations.
Joe served as Chairman of the Board of Big Brothers of Houston, Braeburn C.C., The Good Samaritan Foundation, The Bluebonnet Bowl, Independent Insurance Agents of Houston and St. Luke's United Methodist Church. The owner of a ranch in Bellville, Texas, where he raised cattle for many years, Joe was also a Past President of the Bellville Historical Society and served on the town's Jail Restoration Committee.
Joe was also a member of the Santa Fe Neighborhood Association and enjoyed entertaining his many friends and family for many years at his beloved Martinez Hacienda.
Last but not least, along with wife Barbara, Joe's membership at St. Luke's was deep and wide. He served the church in many capacities, including as a member of the Missions Committee, and as a skilled woodworker in the church's volunteer wood-shop where he and his friends crafted toys for children and restored antique furniture for friends and family. Joe Eason is survived by daughter Ann Alicia (Eason) Seelen and her husband Barry Seelen, sons Joseph Charles "Chuck" Eason and Michael Alan Eason, grandchildren Joseph Paul Eason, Melissa Kathryn Eason, Marcus V. Eason and his wife, Kelly Kingston, Lucas V. Eason, and Colton Taylor Eason, great-granddaughter Sierra Jean Eason, as well as Nancy Espinoza, a beloved family member, who loved and cared for both Barbara and Joe.
Joe had the ability to make and maintain enduring friendships that were incredibly important to him. He will always be remembered by the many people who loved him.
COVERAGE SPOTLIGHT
In today’s fast-paced business environment, there is a common theme whether you are a retail agency, wholesaler, or MGA: You are continually seeking ways to streamline operations, improve efficiency, and enhance customer satisfaction. By outsourcing non-core functions to specialized service providers, agencies can focus in-house staff time on critical customer-facing and revenue-generating activities while ensuring that lower-profile but still important functions are handled appropriately and efficiently. This results in cost savings while simultaneously providing scalability that comes from access to trained and readily deployable professional resources. In this blog post, we’ll explore how insurance outsourcing can optimize the operations of an agency, leading to improved performance and sustained growth. Streamlining Administrative Processes
Agencies often grapple with many administrative tasks, from data entry and policy processing to claims management and customer support. These tasks, while essential, can be time-consuming and resource-intensive, diverting valuable attention away from core business activities. By outsourcing these administrative functions to a partner with expertise in insurance operations, agencies can free up internal resources, reduce operational costs, and accelerate processing times. Whether it’s handling policy renewals, managing documentation, or responding to customer inquiries, outsourcing allows agencies to optimize their workflows and focus on delivering exceptional service to policyholders. Leveraging Specialized Expertise
The insurance industry is complex, with evolving regulations, changing market dynamics, and emerging technologies shaping the landscape. Keeping abreast of these developments while managing day-to-day operations can be daunting for agencies. Outsourcing providers specializing in insurance services bring deep domain expertise and industry best practices to the table. Whether it’s underwriting support, workflow management, or ad hoc project work, outsourcing allows agencies to tap into specialized talent pools without the burden of hiring and training in-house staff. By leveraging the knowledge and experience of a partner, agencies can make informed decisions, mitigate risks, and adapt swiftly to market changes.
Achieving Scalability and Flexibility
The insurance industry is subject to fluctuations in demand, seasonal variations, and unforeseen events that can impact workload and resource requirements. Outsourcing offers agencies the flexibility to scale their operations up or down in response to changing market conditions without the constraints of fixed overheads. Whether it’s ramping up capacity during peak periods or adjusting staffing levels based on workload forecasts, outsourcing enables agencies to optimize resource allocation and maintain agility. Additionally, outsourcing partners often invest in technology infrastructure and innovation, allowing agencies to access cutting-edge solutions and stay ahead of the curve without significant upfront investments.
Insurance outsourcing presents a compelling opportunity for agencies to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and drive growth. By entrusting non-core functions to specialized service providers, agencies can focus on strategic initiatives, innovation, and delivering value to their clients. Whether it’s streamlining administrative processes, leveraging specialized expertise, enhancing customer experience, or achieving scalability, outsourcing enables insurance agencies to navigate the complexities of the industry with agility and resilience. As the insurance landscape continues to evolve, embracing outsourcing as a strategic imperative can position agencies for long-term success in a competitive marketplace.
WHO HAS... THE LAST WORD
William Peachey
Where do you work?
Imperial Premium Finance
What sound do you love?
Waves crashing against the beach
If you could paint a picture of any scenery, you’ve seen before, what would you paint?
Cape Eleuthera Bahamas sunset.
What was the first thing you bought with your own money?
New baseball bat as a kid
If you could choose to stay a certain age forever, what age would it be?
22
What did you do growing up that got you into trouble?
Listening to my three older brothers
What is something you learned in the last week?
Life can come at you fast
Weirdest thing you have ever eaten?
Octopus
What is your pet peeve in traffic?
People not paying attention when the light changes.
Do you have any hidden talents?
None that I am aware of
What is your favorite flavor of jellybeans?
None, they are all gross
What is your LEAST favorite electronic device?
Austin TX to Pittsburg PA My phone
What is the longest car trip you have ever taken?
Can vegetarians eat animal crackers?
You probably should call PETA if they do.
What was your favorite childhood television program?
King of the Hill
Are you a collector of anything?
Old Sports Memorabilia Left
At a movie theater, which arm rest is yours?
