SOUND UNWAVERING DIRECTION
VALUE REPORT 2020-21
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Welcome.
In January of 2018, we launched the “One TrueNorth” movement to signal a shared commitment to clients, colleagues and communities. An internal venture, One TrueNorth was created with the intention to center the firm and unify around a common focus. If 2019 was the year to put it to practice, 2020 has made it a rallying cry and tested just how strong our commitment to each other truly is! As we can all attest, 2020 has challenged us in many ways – not just to persevere, but to rise up and meet the occasion. In uncertain and difficult times, we are often reminded that the human spirit is powerful; that we are often more capable than we realize; and that connection generates power. So many of you have contacted me personally to express gratitude, and in return, I want you to know how humbled and grateful we are to serve you. TrueNorth consists of over 400 brilliant, caring, and driven individuals – each charged with finding solutions and delivering value. That value is ultimately
Jason D. Smith what is for sale at TrueNorth. It funds and fuels our mission to assist you in protecting and maximizing assets, resources and opportunities – in short, the things that matter. Thank you for the trust and confidence you place in TrueNorth. While challenging, it has been our privilege to navigate the year with you. Rise up!
Jason D. Smith President & CEO
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I don’t run away from a challenge because I’m afraid.
Instead, I run towards it
because the only way to escape fear is to trample it beneath your feet.” – Nadia Comăneci
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THE POWER OF
PURPOSE & DIRECTION // OUR CLIENTS
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segway Clients Page
THE POWER OF CREATING VALUE.
People will determine who WINS” is a mindset that has been woven into the fabric of TrueNorth by our founders from day one. In times of challenge, we must go to what we know is true. Taking care of our colleagues so they could do their best for our clients and communities quickly became our centering point in 2020.
Even so, the health and safety of our workforce is vital to our purpose and value proposition. In a matter of days and with the support of many, TrueNorth colleagues were operating remotely and the firm had plans and strategies in place to preserve resources, manage risk and maintain health amid the global pandemic.
On the morning of March 16, TrueNorth leadership implemented a work-from-home policy. While unprecedented, the firm’s leadership understood that taking a proactive approach to support colleague health would also contribute to national efforts to “flatten the curve” and slow the spread of COVID-19. While unanimous, the decision certainly was not easy and building and maintaining a virtual environment to support hundreds of colleagues would be a massive undertaking.
Scan this QR code with your mobile device to watch a video on how we care for our Clients.
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DID YOU KNOW?
According to a survey by the U.S. Census Bureau, in some of America’s major cities, approximately
50% of workforce
is still working remotely more than ten months into the coronavirus pandemic.
THE POWER TO
PROPAGATE SOLUTIONS
& SUCCESS.
2020 has challenged businesses to confront a strange paradox: expecting them to hold a workforce together while keeping everyone separate, and shuttering storefronts while continuing to remain open for business. Prior to 2020, these would seem like impossible scenarios – and yet, the pandemic has required nearly every business owner to confront them. In the days following the first U.S. reported cases, TrueNorth organized a task force consisting of 40 colleagues across the firm to understand the nuanced risks of COVID-19. This was essential for two reasons: •
First, to inform TrueNorth’s next steps and protect our workforce;
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And secondly and just as important, to support your business and ensure your team was informed when faced with making the same critical decisions.
TrueNorth’s Coronavirus Resource Center offers a wealth of information, including industry updates on key legislation and tools to support business continuity and workforce resilience. Since its launch in March, our site has been viewed by tens of thousands of visitors looking to make informed decisions based on trustworthy information.
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Looking forward: If connection generates power, then knowledge is what fuels it.
Like you, 2020 has shown TrueNorth the value of efficiency, innovation and collaboration as keys to grow, improve and overcome. We believe a well-designed benefits program can support your employees and their families, while also providing insight on how to propel your business forward. In that spirit, we designed TrueConvergenceSM to leverage and restore alignment between workforce investments and long-term business plans. TrueConvergence leverages data to capture the interplay between workers’ compensation, retirement plans and employee benefit offerings to identify areas of disconnect that often occur when these plans are purchased and managed in silos. Retirement readiness can make or break your business – both in how you prepare the workforce to enter retirement, and in how financiallyof employees are stressed about their equipped the business is to hire talent financial situation. in the future. TrueConvergence aligns 13 hours/month (average) current offerings with long-term Amount of time financially strategic plans to help organizations stressed employees spend worrying at work. like yours make decisions to meet the rising cost of healthcare, invest in future talent and prepare today’s workforce to retire with financial stability and freedom.
54%
Enovu, 2020
FROM OUR CLIENT:
When selecting an insurance broker, our expectations were clear: we wanted to find a business partner that operates from a place of accountability, sincerity, and transparency. In short, we wanted a broker that shares our “seek-to-understand” mentality and reflects Thrasher’s values. TrueNorth was the only broker to present us with a holistic - and proactive – solution backed by a team of specialists. This will be a valuable partnership for years to come.”
Kari Yost
Director of HR
&
VALUE CREATION DIRECTION • Regular client communication on Coronavirus Resource Center Updates
• 1000+ registrants attending TrueNorth’s COVID-19 educational webinars
• Featuring industry-specific, legal and legislative insight from strategic partners on topics ranging from: • Life After Covid | A three-part series preparing employers on how to facilitate workforce reentry. • Social Media | Guidance for employers on the critical legal implications that arise from employee activity on social media. • The Diversity Demand | Taking a proactive approach to equity, diversity, inclusion and engagement in the workplace. • Industry Updates | Sharing information and updates for industries deemed critical to the pandemic response. • Mental Health in the Workplace | Promoting awareness of mental health and sharing best practices to support your workforce and their efforts to handle a year of hardship. • Engage From Anywhere | Best practices for facilitating open enrollment and access remotely.
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DID YOU KNOW?
The Iowa governor’s office has estimated derecho storm damage at roughly $4 billion, with $3.8 billion tied to agricultural losses. As of November 2020, Iowa’s Insurance Division reports that more than claims have been filed. Of them approximately 79% have been paid, amounting to more than
200,000
THE POWER TO
STAY ROOTED
& RESILIENT.
On the afternoon of August 10, Iowa experienced a widespread derecho, a powerful storm system aptly described as a “land hurricane” with sustained winds and damage closely resembling a Category 4 hurricane. In its wake, the storm left 20 Iowa counties in a state of disaster and Cedar Rapids, home to TrueNorth headquarters, at the epicenter experiencing winds in excess of 140 mph. The storm left Iowa’s second largest city without power for weeks and decimated two-thirds of the tree canopy. Nearly every resident and business in the Cedar Rapids area sustained property damage – ranging from minimal to catastrophic. In just three days, TrueNorth colleagues across the country, placed 3,000 calls to Iowa clients affected by the storm to confirm their safety and offer support. In Cedar Rapids, colleagues operated off generator power to coordinate relief efforts with carriers and compile claims guidance – all while adhering to the pandemic’s restrictions and reconciling with their own personal property damage. A catastrophic event like Iowa’s derecho storm is impossible to predict or prepare for – and yet, with very little warning, many Iowans stepped outside that afternoon to confront unprecedented circumstances. Even in the storm’s direct path, TrueNorth was uniquely positioned to advise and support our clients in moments when it can – and often does – make all the difference.
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$1.6 billion.
Looking Forward: Solutions beyond the insurance policy. As businesses grow, complexities inevitably evolve with them. No matter the industry, an organization’s success often depends on how well it can adapt and perform to meet industry demands – while often being challenged to “do more with less.” TrueNorth offers integrated solutions with industry specialists. With specialty practices in agriculture, construction and healthcare, TrueNorth delivers risk solutions that cater to industry needs, while strengthening your business capabilities and providing value beyond the placement of insurance. In 2021, TrueNorth will continue to expand our risk solutions capabilities to help clients to improve their overall risk profile. The insurance marketplace has experienced significant negative effects from outside forces such as the pandemic and severe weather. In order to effectively take control of costs, businesses and individuals will benefit greatly from TrueNorth’s investment in resources and strategic partnerships to manage risk factors that drive insurance premiums.
Scan this QR code with your mobile device to watch a video from Nationwide on our collaborative Derecho response.
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In total, TrueNorth clients filed an estimated 2,260 derecho-related claims, amounting to nearly $75 million of incurred loss (aggregate data reported from Nationwide, United Fire Group (UFG), Travelers, Cincinnati Insurance and EMC). TrueNorth’s claims team compiled storm-related guidance and resources to help clients navigate the claims process with key points to consider at each step, including: • Questions Every Homeowner Should Ask Their Adjustor • Steps To Avoid Contractor Fraud • What To Expect When Filing An Insurance Claim.
FROM OUR CLIENT:
VALUE CREATION DIRECTION
TrueNorth has been outstanding in working with Cooperative Farmers Elevator (CFE) during our transition. Lane and team work hard to understand our business, our risk and how to effectively cover our needs. They advocate with our insurance companies on CFE’s behalf and bring feedback to our team on areas of potential improvement or development.”
Rob Jacobs
Chief Executive Officer
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“Through it all, the trucking industry has survived, and in limited instances thrived as a foundational component of both the U.S. economy and consumer demand. As a leading indicator, recent trends in truck activity suggest that the U.S. has turned the corner on the COVID recession, but it is still not clear what and when a ‘return to normalcy’ will occur – if ever.” – American Transportation Research Institute 2020 Report of Top Industry Issues
THE POWER TO
FUEL AN ESSENTIAL INDUSTRY. As the country collectively braced for a worldwide pandemic, America’s transportation companies and truck drivers were tasked with preserving the nation’s supply chain, keeping shelves stocked, and ensuring resources continued to meet their destination safely and efficiently.
world prepares to administer a vaccine, trucking companies are once again called to deliver. The transportation industry can trust in TrueNorth for direction and guidance to keep their trucking enterprise safe, healthy, profitable, and moving forward.
2020 ushered in unprecedented challenges for logistics companies as seemingly overnight, transportation leaders were tasked with responsibilities deemed critical and essential to America’s pandemic response. This, all compounded by economic and political pressures of an election year, a driver shortage and the hardest trucking insurance market in recent history.
In 2021, TrueNorth is committed to helping transportation companies and drivers manage risk and identify opportunities to meet and exceed demands. As TrueNorth’s transportation division grows, so will our client capabilities:
The year’s events and obstacles challenged our team to rally behind the industry like never before, creating tools and solutions to overcome complexity and navigate change. Throughout the year, we have partnered closely with national associations, including the American Trucking Association (ATA), various state associations, our insurance market partners, and other prominent industry providers to advise and advocate for issues that help transportation companies and their drivers manage risk, build morale, ensure compliance, and maintain profitability.
•
A s we all know, the repercussions of this pandemic are far from over, leaving responsibilities and core functions of this industry at the forefront in our fight against COVID-19. As the
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Looking Forward: With you every mile.
•
• • • •
Strategic expansion to serve regional transportation companies across the US, beginning with regional focus in the Mid-Atlantic. Enhanced capabilities to serve the small motor carriers throughout the US with the launch of our Select Primary Practice. Formal launch of the TrueNorth Alternative Risk Solutions protected cell agency captive facility, allowing our clients ease of access to captive solutions. Expansion of recovery and subrogation capabilities to help clients more effectively recoup claims costs. Expansion of M&A risk-based due diligence platform to fully support clients in acquisition mode. New client facing technologies, including the TN Truck App created exclusively for owner-operators by TrueNorth’s Independent Advantage team.
FROM OUR CLIENT:
TrueNorth has been AMAZING! They are very knowledgeable, courteous, and timely in their responses. They work diligently to understand our needs and go above and beyond to provide excellent recommendations to ensure our needs are consistently met. We have worked with other brokers in the past but have never experienced the kind of relationship we have with TrueNorth; they are like an actual extension of our own company and deliver world class customer service each day. We are abundantly blessed to have this partnership and to feel as though we are their only client!”
Troy Douglass
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VALUE CREATION DIRECTION In 2020, TrueNorth protected and served:
• 43k Drivers • 50k Trucks • 45k Contractors ...in 49 states across the country. Dedicated Service to the Trucking Industry:
• Sponsored TransportTopics “Trucking Heroes” campaign, • Proudly serving as Board Members for various Industry Associations and Committees including: • American Trucking Association (ATA) • Chair of ATA’s Tort Reform Initiative • National Home Delivery Association (NHDA) • Intermodal Association of North America (IANA) • Iowa Motor Truck Association (IMTA)
TrueNorth offered industry insight and guidance by sponsoring and participating in numerous educational webinars on topics regarding: • COVID-19 safety communications, offering CDC guidance and 15k hand sanitizer bottles to drivers • Safety • Navigating the hardened insurance market
Scan this QR code with your mobile device to learn about our collaboration with Forward Air.
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We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit
the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty.� – Maya Angelou
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THE POWER TO
MAKE AN IMPACT
// OUR COLLEAGUES
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THE POWER TO
PURSUE YOUR BEST SELF & CONTRIBUTE TO SOMETHING GREATER. One TrueNorth is not a fleeting thought or a short-term campaign. It is a movement. It is a shift in thinking that impacts how we do business with our clients, how we interact with each other as colleagues, and how we achieve our goals. While the initial decision to join TrueNorth is likely made at an individual level, when you join One TrueNorth, you are challenged to think outside yourself and align to something bigger. Something far bigger than any one of us at an individual – or even one team – could accomplish alone. One TrueNorth is a commitment to fostering the individual’s sense of purpose, fueling their performance and creating an environment where colleagues feel welcomed and valued. Colleagues working across the country sent in leaves with messages for our Gratitude Tree.
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THE POWER
OF PREPARATION. With all its complexity, 2020 has challenged us to step back and consider the data —even as it continues to change by the day— and ask ourselves, “What can we control? How do current circumstances affect the way we conduct business? How can we continue to identify risk and pursue opportunity?” Diligent financial stewardship has provided us the means to answer these questions by forging strategic partnerships, inspiring our workforce, and injecting a healthy dose of resiliency into TrueNorth’s formula for success. Long-term financial planning had always pinned 2020 as a milestone year for TrueNorth; we expected to eclipse $100 million in revenue and $1 billion in sales. And yet, despite the year’s unprecedented challenges, it was still a very strong year for our firm— with no layoffs, a renewed commitment to professional development and a mid-year advance in colleague performance compensation. Like many businesses, the pandemic has required us to reevaluate our financial forecast, but it has also affirmed our role as industry experts, specialists and advocates. In short, it has strengthened our commitment to the client and our promise to protect and maximize their assets, resources and opportunities.
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Bill Teubel TrueNorth offers much more than the placement of insurance. We are counted on to provide professional services, extended resources, and industry insight that enable organizations to overcome complexity and prepare for the future. We are proud to serve as an extension of your team and support aspirations that live beyond the policy.”
Bill Teubel, Chief Financial Officer
“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.”
- Benjamin Franklin
Scan this QR code with your mobile device to learn more about TrueNorth being honored as Coolest Places to Work!
THE KEYS TO
ENRICHED PERFORMANCE. BUILDING INTELLECTUAL CAPITAL THROUGH LEARNING & DEVELOPMENT
At TrueNorth, we work to create an environment of growth-minded learning. Currently, there are more than 10 book clubs happening at TrueNorth. Collectively, these groups have read more than 30 books that both inform and support their strategic goals and processes. The following books have been game-changers for us, and we hope by sharing them that they can serve you, too.
BOOKS RANKED AT THE TOP OF OUR “MUST-READ” LIST: 1. Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol Dweck
2. The Effortless Experience: Conquering the New Battleground for Customer Loyalty
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT:
TrueNorth offers an array of professional development opportunities to support colleague advancement. From writing etiquette to communication training, we are proud to offer our colleagues access to mentors, leaders and experts in their craft.
by Matthew Dixon, Nick Toman and Rick DeLisi
HERE ARE A FEW PROFESSIONALS THAT WE HIGHLY RECOMMEND: 1. Writing for Impact with Lauren Cannon
by Yves Morieux and Peter Tollman
2. Grit and Gratitude with Heather Woody 3. Voice Coaching with Tracy Goodwin,
3. Six Simple Rules: How to Manage Complexity without Getting Complicated 4. Building a StoryBrand: Clarify Your Message so Customers will Listen by Donald Miller 5. Permission to Feel: Unlocking the Power of Emotions to Help our Kids, Ourselves and Our Society Thrive by Marc Brackett, Ph.D. 6. How to Be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi
Captivate the Room
4. Mindfulness Coaching Lindsay Leahy, The Restoration Project
5. Strategic Thinking & Leadership Training, Randy Richards, Ph.D
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THE POWER OF
COMMITMENT. A COMMITMENT TO EQUITY, DIVERSITY, INCLUSION AND ENGAGEMENT Although conversations had begun in 2020, George Floyd’s murder and the resulting unrest compelled TrueNorth leaders to engage diversity and inclusion experts and advance equity, diversity, inclusion and engagement – infusing each into the fabric of One TrueNorth. Equity: Ensure firm policies provide equal opportunity for advancement and success. Diversity: Seek to recruit underrepresented groups. Inclusivity: Contribute to a culture wherein underrepresented colleagues feel heard and valued. Engagement: Make opportunities and resources available to TrueNorth colleagues to support their contributions and commitments to change. In 2021, TrueNorth’s EDI&E leadership team and committee will work together to identify, evaluate and advance these initiatives to ensure TrueNorth continues to acknowledge, welcome and celebrate our many differences and unique abilities.
A COMMITMENT TO STABILIZING OUR WORKFORCE This year has been fraught with economic hardship for so many. Leaders were tuned into the notion that if our colleagues weren’t supported through this difficult time, our clients wouldn’t be well-served either. In gratitude and support of our colleague commitment and resiliency, leaders made an executive decision to advance half of colleague end-of-year bonuses in June, as a means to extend some financial support to colleagues and their families. Reassurance of job security, financial stability and leader transparency created an environment where colleagues felt supported and informed so they could do their best work. Without knowing what the year would bring, our leadership is proud to have avoided furlough’s, downsizing and harder decisions that would’ve impacted the lives of many. We have been, and will continue to be, in this together.
How We Stayed Connected & Healthy:
• 23 Firm Meetings & Leader Updates • 46 Colleague Spotlights Mental & Physical Health:
• 1.31M Steps in ONE DAY • 100+ Virtual Exercise Classes 18
My main takeaway from this internship was to learn about a company’s culture before working for them. TrueNorth opened my eyes to what a company’s culture should be. Additionally, the technologies I had the opportunity to work with helped me learn valuable skills that I can take with me moving forward.”
Noah, 2020 Intern
THE POWER OF THE NEXT GENERATION. In spite of a pandemic that forced a mostly virtual work experience, this past summer TrueNorth hosted 15 talented interns as part of our team. On the first day of the 2020 intern program, we asked the incoming class if they knew anyone who lost their internship due to the pandemic. Every intern raised their hand. Although a virtual experience wasn’t ideal, they were so grateful for the opportunity. While we are committed to building a strong intern program and want each year to be memorable, it was acutely apparent that this summer would be unlike any other. Aside from their corporate project work, interns were engaged, responsible for their work and virtually integrated into teams across the firm. This generation is discovering their resilience, determination and desire to make an impact! As a result of the program, we find it especially rewarding when an intern is offered a full time position, and chooses to start their career with us.
Scan this QR code with your mobile device to learn more about the program directly from our interns.
CORPORATE INTERN PROJECT: THE VIRTUAL EXPERIENCE
TrueNorth’s internship program not only offers valuable work experience for the next generation — their time with us also impacts and inspires our organization. As their corporate project, interns honed in on our efforts to make the virtual work experience positive, productive and connected. They facilitated 57 focus groups, polling 127 colleagues regarding their reception to the firm’s pandemic response, asking what could be done differently to support colleagues in this virtual environment. Here’s a glimpse into their findings:
Top 3: What Colleagues Miss Most Working Virtually • • •
Seeing colleagues in person Social interactions and building relationships Ease of connecting with others
73%
of polled employees were comfortable returning to the office with new health & safety measures in place.
“Leadership kept us informed and communicated very openly.” “Our Leadership and Technology Team couldn’t have done anything more to make the transition easier.” “Leadership has put employees in a good position to succeed.” With this data and other findings in mind, TrueNorth’s facility reentry committee continues to meet weekly to discuss facility reentry timelines and updates.
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AWARD WINNING WORK
REGIONAL & NATIONAL ACCOLADES
BEST BUSINESS INSURANCE | CORRIDOR BUSINESS JOURNAL COOLEST PLACES TO WORK | CORRIDOR BUSINESS JOURNAL #44 TOP 100 LARGEST BROKERS IN U.S. | BUSINESS INSURANCE #31 TOP 100 INDEPENDENT AGENCY | INSURANCE JOURNAL #24 TOP 50 COMMERCIAL LINES AGENCY | INSURANCE JOURNAL 2020 BUSINESS ACCELERATOR OF THE YEAR | NSCA
INDIVIDUAL ACCOLADES
Jason Smith Duane Smith
Angie Kvach
Mallory Mohwinkle
Kayla Carlson
Linsey Eiben
Jason Smith, #14 Most Influential Person in the Corridor | Corridor Business Journal Duane Smith, #13 Most Influential Person in the Corridor | Corridor Business Journal Angie Kvach, 2020 TrueBlue Award Winner of the Year | TrueNorth Companies Mallory Mohwinkle, Forty Under 40 Honoree, Corridor Business Journal Kayla Carlson, 2020 Scholarship Recipient | The Council of Insurance Agents & Brokers Association Linsey Eiben, Women of Achievement in Personal Life Honoree | WayPoint
Internal Executive Advancement
In September, TrueNorth proudly announced that Kyle Mertz would assume the role of Executive Vice President of the Benefits division. “I am humbled and energized to join the executive leadership team,” said Mertz. “I am so proud of the progress we’ve made as a division and am committed to encouraging and furthering what we’ve established for our clients and colleagues.”
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Kyle Mertz
THE POWER OF LEGACY In loving memory of Peter Layden August 25, 1941 – November 6, 2020 On November 6, we lost our dear friend and TrueNorth founder, Peter Layden, to complications of the novel coronavirus. Pete was a wonderful man, one of TrueNorth’s six founding members and a community leader – as well as a beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend to many. We are grateful to Pete and his role in charting the course for TrueNorth. His fingerprints are and will forever be on this great organization.
Scan this QR code with your mobile device to learn more about Pete’s legacy.
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Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world.
Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.� – Margaret Mead
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THE POWER TO
DO MORE.
// OUR COMMUNITIES
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THE POWER TO
FORGE RELATIONSHIPS. One of TrueNorth’s core tenants is to provide and create value for clients and partners, while being a good community steward. As TrueNorth’s West Des Moines office prepared to relocate to a new location, Leisa Fox the CEO of YESS, was one of the first people we called. With a mission to change lives by protecting children and empowering families, Youth Emergency Services & Shelter (YESS) shelters and protects Central Iowa youth with nowhere else to turn. YESS offers their clients a haven to receive care and support. The nonprofit’s role has become even more vital during the pandemic, expanding their services to accommodate the community’s needs, and addressing complexities along the way. We are proud to partner with an organization in the community that has needs, that works tirelessly to develop their funds and revenues strictly from donations and grants. Being able to assist with something as seemingly simple as furnishing their office
The desk of Leisa Fox, CEO of Youth Emergency Services & Shelter was truly rewarding for us. They’ve given that furniture a renewed, meaningful life and we hope it serves them for years to come. It’s not just words. It is a passion within TrueNorth to provide solutions. TrueNorth has the means to develop a strategy, sit down with the business leader to understand their needs and then deliver on them is at the soul of what we do.” – Brad Bengtson, TrueNorth Risk Management Specialist The folks at TrueNorth have kind hearts and they want to do what’s right – not only for YESS, but for our clients.” - Leisa Fox, Chief Executive Officer
Scan this QR code with your mobile device to learn more about our partnership with YESS.
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THE POWER TO
BAND TOGETHER.
In the aftermath of the Derecho storm, TrueNorth colleagues began asking how they could support each other and members of the Cedar Rapids community. TrueNorth coordinated a resource for colleagues to coordinate help by either volunteering to help or requesting support. From there, colleagues could use volunteer time off to help each other and the community rebound and rebuild. In the storm’s wake, many of our carrier partners also contacted TrueNorth to offer support. After careful research, we decided to funnel donations through the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation. The Foundation’s disaster fund provides rapid-response grants to meet the needs of underserved populations and adapts to meet the community’s evolving needs – particularly those not met by existing nonprofit, local, state and federal relief programs. With generous financial support from TrueNorth's carrier partners, we coordinated a massive donation to the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation amounting to $150,000.
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Matt Evans, Max Smith, Loren Coppock of TrueNorth stand proudly with Corinne Ramler of the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation.
RALLYING BEHIND OUR COMMUNITIES. In February 2020, colleagues participated in Wear Red Day for the American Heart Association.
In February 2020, colleagues had fun teaming up for Bowl for Kid’s Sake with Big Brothers Big Sisters!
Graduation celebrations looked different in May, so we proudly congratulated grads with signs at their homes and TN headquarters.
Many TrueNorth Colleagues rallied behind our own Justin Futrell, to support his “Tanzania Water Fund,” which raised $50k to provide access to clean water in Tanzania.
After the Derecho, colleagues donated goods and products to the Iowa Derecho Relief Center to help those most in need.
TrueNorth proudly partnered with “Kicks for Kids” this fall, providing new Nike shoes to children.
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THE POWER OF
COMMUNITY.
In April, we partnered with Thrive Restaurant Group to deliver 600 Carlos O’Kelly’s take-and-bake meals to healthcare workers and facilities around Eastern Iowa. Each meal was packaged to feed a family of four. Starting with deliveries to WCHC Family Medicine, Washington County Hospital and WCHC Beans Pharmacy in Washington, Iowa, we continued deliveries at UnityPoint and Mercy Hospitals in Cedar Rapids, IA. After these initial deliveries, we expanded our efforts in other communities where our offices reside. This was possible because TrueNorth colleagues collectively raised $12,000 to fund this initiative, exceeding our internal goal by $4,000. We are proud and humbled to employ so many individuals that willingly take part in supporting our local communities. While COVID-19 continues to take its toll, we are grateful to health care workers and all the other leaders serving on the front lines. With their support and guidance, we will persevere, stay safe and emerge from this pandemic stronger and more resilient than ever before.”
Duane Smith, Executive Chairman
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Scan this QR code with your mobile device to learn about the Frontline Donations.
FIND US HERE NATIONAL GROWTH
8 Formal Office
Locations in 4 States: • Iowa • Illinois • Texas • Colorado With more than 400 colleagues working across 20 states!
PHYSICALLY APART AND SAFELY TOGETHER.
New office location in West Des Moines, IA.
We are fueled by our mission to assist companies and people by protecting and maximizing assets, resources and opportunities - and have intentionally grown our team and capabilities to serve clients across the nation. In 2020, in spite of many colleagues shifting to remote work, our team has worked hard to make thoughtful improvements for health and sanitation protocols, coordinated moving our West Des Moines office to a larger location, and reconstructed areas of our headquarters to accommodate team needs and growth. Although many of our colleagues are still working remotely, those working within our offices have enjoyed improved work environments and new spaces to ensure productivity and health. Construction to expand and reconfigure space for growth.
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OUR FOUNDERS
Dave Verhille
Pete Layden, Past Chariman
Steve Lounsberry
While 2020 has been a milestone year in many ways, 2021 also has significant meaning for TrueNorth. While this year marks
our executive transition into formal roles as Chairman and Executive Chairman, 2021 will mark the 20th anniversary of TrueNorth’s initial merger between Davis Jones Lamb Insurance, Insurance Service Corporation, and Verhille and Associates. When we came together to form TrueNorth, the six of us saw such incredible potential for what we could build and offer the client. By bringing these companies together, we could help individuals and businesses manage risk in a holistic manner, leveraging our respective skills and specialties to place the client in the center of the compass and build a plan to suit their needs. In the early days, we would often remind each other that change is the only true constant. As the firm grew and found success, we continued to plan and prepare for new challenges while bracing for new ceilings of complexity. From day one,
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Loren Coppock, Chairman
Duane Smith Executive Chairman
Larry Bergdale
our purpose and vision has delivered sound unwavering direction. We set out to build a legacy company founded on the desire to grant future generations the ability to experience the joy of work, remain locally-owned, make a difference in our communities and provide exceptional value to clients. Over the past 20 years, TrueNorth has grown, both in size and in sophistication, yet our purpose is unwavering. The client remains in the center of the compass. It is remarkable to see how this company has grown to become what it is today – and yet, we have every confidence that the best is yet to come as we continue to grow and follow our own “TrueNorth.”
Duane Smith Executive Chairman
Loren Coppock Chairman
POWER OF A VISION
When we came together, we knew it was the right thing to do, – but I never envisioned that we would be where we are today.
Success breeds success - and we continue to grow. I am so proud of what we’ve accomplished because we really have become a leader in this industry.”
– Pete Layden, Founding Principal
Scan this QR code with your mobile device to learn more from TrueNorth’s Founders.
Š 2021 TrueNorth Companies, L.C. All rights reserved.