We are who we insure

    McNeil & Company Acquires Wilson Gregory Agency, Inc.

    McNeil & Company (McNeil), a leader in specialized risk assessment and insurance, has acquired Wilson Gregory Agency, Inc. (WGA), a firm providing accident and surety insurance products in the Newspaper industry.

    “We have long admired WGA for being a leader in the Independent Contractor Accident Insurance business. Their wealth of experience in the Newspaper sector is industry defining,” said Daniel F. McNeil, Chairman & CEO of McNeil & Company. “Our companies share similar values. We have both been family-owned for many years and we both take pride in putting the customer first. This acquisition will have mutual benefits. It allows McNeil to expand its program offerings while providing more resources to WGA.”

    “Wilson Gregory is proud to join the McNeil family.  Dan and the entire McNeil team are consummate professionals who understand niche insurance,” said Mark Gregory, VP of Operations at Wilson Gregory Agency, Inc. “Together, we look forward to expanding our platform and becoming the preeminent leaders of innovative insurance products and solutions to independent contractors throughout the gig economy.”

    About McNeil & Company

    McNeil & Co. is a nationwide leader in specialized insurance programs. They help customers grow their businesses by offering coverage alongside risk management services. McNeil & Co. was established in 1989 to answer a need for more comprehensive, tailored policies in the emergency services market. They developed a model for specialty insurance programs based on deep industry knowledge. McNeil & Co. differentiates itself by taking an instructive approach to loss control and risk management. Acclaimed products include AdvenSure, AnimalKeepers, ASIP, Car Wash, ESIP (and Benefits), FireWatch, HOMed (O&P Plus), WildPRO, Bar, Tavern, Club program, and BISA. McNeil & Company is owned by Arch Capital Group Ltd., a Bermuda-based company with approximately $12.80 billion in capital at December 31, 2020, that provides insurance, reinsurance and mortgage insurance on a worldwide basis through its wholly owned subsidiaries. For more information, visit: www.mcneilandcompany.com

    About Wilson Gregory Agency, Inc.

    For 98 years Wilson Gregory Agency, Inc. (WGA) has provided the Newspaper Industry with innovative accident insurance and surety bond solutions for independent contractors. WGA has partnered with over 1,200 daily Newspapers in the United States to protect the needs of Independent Contractors and Newspapers alike. They provide the Newspaper Industry with affordable insurance programs and unparalleled service. They are the industry leader in the Independent Contractor Accident Insurance business. Wilson Gregory Agency, Inc. currently insures over 125,000 Newspaper Carriers nationwide. For more information, visit: www.wilsongregory.com  

    Contact:

    Derek Davis,

    Chief Marketing Officer, McNeil & Company

    ddavis@mcneilandcompany.com

    Maintaining Client Relationships From Home

    We’ve previously preached the importance of meeting with your customers face-to-face as often as possible to establish a strong relationship. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, insurance agents must be able to develop and maintain client relationships via other mediums.

    So, while we all wait for a return to “business as usual” here are a few tips to attract new business to your agency from the safety of your home office.

    Balance Your Marketing Content with Personal Communication

    Marketing is the lifeblood of an insurance agent’s sales pipeline. You have a product that will benefit your client or prospect and you want to get your message in front of them as often as possible. But oversaturation can cause you to come across as disingenuous and do more harm than good.

    Balance is key for effective communication. Make sure that you send personalized messages to your clients when it’s applicable and you touch on information specific to their organization. Don’t be afraid to show your personality and charisma as you aim to develop a rapport with clients and prospects alike.

    Contact Customers with a Purpose

    Consistently reaching your customers with messaging is key to maintaining your client relationships and it’s good to establish a regular communication schedule. However, if you don’t have relevant and valuable content to provide your clients, these messages can do more harm than good. Customers can become disillusioned with your agency if you are sending them the same spam marketing messages that every other insurance provider does.

    The same goes for personalized messages. Checking in on a client isn’t a bad thing, but consistently reaching out without any purpose to your message can weaken your relationship. Think about your own interactions with marketers and salespeople. When they reach out to you frequently without providing anything of value, how do you react?

    In the end, having a schedule to consistently touch your contacts is important to maintaining client relationships, but only if you keep providing content that is valuable to your customers.

    Embracing Video

    With social distancing in place, the closest thing to face-to-face interactions is video conferencing. But how do you leverage this medium effectively?

    Offering webinars to address hot button issues during these times is a great way to maintain contact with your clients and prospects and leverage your agency as a thought leader in the industry. Whether you’re addressing coverage, lines of business, risk management or another topic of interest, offering your clients learning opportunities is a great way to differentiate your agency from competitors.

    Proposals are another way to effectively utilize video to maintain relationships and drive business. Sending a PDF or recapping a proposal over the phone feels disingenuous and lacks the emotional component of the sales process. Video conferencing gives you the ability to offer a visual to the client as you walk them through the coverage and provides an opportunity to meet “face-to-face” and maintain a personal connection as best you can.

    Nothing can build and maintain a client relationship better that face-to-face interactions. But with these tips, you can leverage available mediums to stay connected and drive business during these trying times.

    By: Tim Woitach

    ESIP: A Message From Dave Denniston

    Fire Departments across the country need to realize that this is not business as usual. Please view this video from Director of Risk Management, Dave Denniston, discussing the importance of social distancing and best practices for preventing the spread of COVID-19 within your fire department. Remember, before you can protect your community, you must protect yourselves.

    Call our Risk Management team at 1-800-822-3747 ext. 176 if you have an questions regarding best practices or need help getting set up with our online training.

    CoronaVirus (COVID-19) Information & Resources

    By now everyone is aware of the COVID-19 illness, commonly referred to as “CoronaVirus”, outbreaks worldwide. While there has been a great deal of news and information regarding this epidemic, not everything we are hearing or reading is completely factual. To assist you in being informed, we suggest you utilize the following resources for information.

    – For general facts and updates to the current situation regarding the COVID-19 outbreaks, visit the CDC Coronavirus Disease 2019 webpage: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

    – For Responders and Healthcare Workers, additional information is available here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/guidance-for-ems.html

    – For additional resources and training, we have developed two flyers: a safety bulletin for basic prevention best practices and a flyer detailing our two E-Learning courses available at training.mcneilandcompany.com

    Please do your best to educate yourselves and avoid getting trapped by the media hype. Stick to official sources for information and guidance. Remember that information is changing daily and should be checked often for updates.

    The best protection to contain the spread of this virus is for everyone to adhere to the basics. Wash yours hands, cover your cough and stay home if you don’t feel well.

    Should you or your organization have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our risk management department at 800-822-3747 ext. 176. We are doing our best to keep our clients informed as this develops.

    McNeil & Company Acquires Penflex, Inc.

    Cortland, NY—McNeil & Company (McNeil), a leader in specialized risk assessment and insurance, announced today that it has acquired Penflex, Inc. (Penflex), a firm specializing in the actuarial and administrative services of Length of Service Award Programs (LOSAP) for emergency service organizations.

    As part of the agreement, Penflex, Inc. will become Penflex Actuarial Services, LLC. The company will remain a stand-alone affiliate of McNeil & Company in its place of business in Latham, NY.

    Penflex’s commitment to its community and the fire service provides confidence in a good cultural match between the two firms. Penflex will continue to operate, now with additional resources and a broader set of expertise to draw from. The acquisition will broaden McNeil’s Emergency Service Insurance Program (ESIP) footprint, and further reinforce and expand its industry knowledge to serve the greater needs of the fire service.

    “We have tremendous respect for Penflex’s dedication to providing customized plans that fit the needs of individual fire and EMS departments. This acquisition represents an important investment in deepening McNeil’s dedication to the fire service,” said Daniel F. McNeil, Founder and CEO of McNeil & Company. “We look forward to building on Penflex’s success and we’re committed to Penflex’s products, which we will be able to offer on a larger scale. Both companies will continue to deliver high-value service and offer exceptional products based on genuine industry expertise.”

    “Penflex’s mission has always been to design customized, properly maintained and independently monitored LOSAP plans in order to provide fire and EMS departments with valuable tools to recruit, retain and recognize their members,” said Penflex Founder, Owner and President, Edward Holohan. “The acquisition by McNeil & Company won’t change this but will give Penflex the opportunity to further its mission. McNeil’s excellent reputation in the industry will greatly enhance our ability to distribute top-quality specialized products and programs.”

    About McNeil & Company

    McNeil & Co. is a nationwide leader in specialized insurance programs, drawing on deep industry expertise to develop and deliver policies and risk management services that meet the unique needs of clients. McNeil & Co. offers the best possible specialized coverage, along with a full array of risk management services, to help customers maximize preparedness and grow their businesses. Established in 1989 to answer a need for more comprehensive, tailored policies in the emergency services market, McNeil & Co. has developed and expanded a model for specialty insurance programs based on genuine industry knowledge and a consultative approach to loss control and risk management. Acclaimed products include AdvenSure, AnimalKeepers, ASIP, Car Wash, ESIP (and Benefits), FireWatch, HOMed (O&P Plus), WildPRO and the Bar, Tavern, Club program. McNeil & Company is owned by Arch Capital Group Ltd., a Bermuda-based company with approximately $12.89 billion in capital at September 30, 2019, that provides insurance, reinsurance and mortgage insurance on a worldwide basis through its wholly owned subsidiaries. For more information, visit: mcneilandcompany.com.

    About Penflex, Inc.

    Penflex is a company specializing in the actuarial and administrative services of Length of Service Award Programs (LOSAP), pension-like programs to assist communities predominantly in the New York region in recruiting, retaining and rewarding volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers. For more information, visit: penflexinc.com.

    Contact:

    Derek Davis
    Chief Marketing Officer, McNeil & Company
    ddavis@mcneilandcompany.com

    McNeil & Co. Promotes Mary McNeil to President & COO

    McNeil & Co. is pleased to announce the promotion of Mary McNeil to the position of President & Chief Operating Office.  Serving as COO for the better part of fifteen years, Mary has been responsible for directing each of the company’s departmental disciplines while providing direct oversight to the Finance and Legal teams.  Through her leadership and insight, Mary has spearheaded numerous key growth projects and implemented the evolving business plans of the McNeil & Co. operation.

    Joining McNeil & Co. in 1990, Mary began her insurance career in sales and quickly grew to become an integral part of the company. In this senior executive outward facing position, Mary’s new role will assume greater responsibility for the direction of McNeil & Co. as we continue to expand our reach into new markets.

    Dan McNeil remains the Chairman & Chief Executive Officer of McNeil & Co. and is committed to leading the organization as we work together with Arch Insurance Group to fulfill our mission.

    $25,000 Advancement for the Village of Middleville Volunteer Fire Department to Begin the Recovery Process

    Residents in Herkimer County are still feeling the impact of the severe flooding from last week’s storms. Firefighters in the area have been working around the clock to help evacuate effected neighborhoods and protect their communities, all while facing the wrath of the flooding themselves. Some departments in the area, like the Village of Middleville Volunteer Fire Department, have suffered significant property damage and are facing an extensive recovery process.

    In an effort to help our policyholder bounce back quickly, in conjunction with Bill VanGorder and NBT Insurance, ESIP has provided Middleville Volunteer Fire Department with a $25,000 advancement check for the damage to their fire station. Bill has worked tirelessly with our in-house claims department to provide the advancement as the claims process remains ongoing.

    In addition to property damage coverage for fire departments, should a fire department member sustain loss or damage to their primary residence, our policy provides up to $1,000 to reimburse them for reasonable and necessary living expenses due to loss of use of their residence for up to 3 days following the loss. We will also pay up to $1,000 to reimburse the property damage deductible from the member’s personal insurance policy. Coverage applies if the loss or damage is sustained while the member is in route to an emergency scene, at an emergency scene, and returning directly from an emergency scene to the member’s permanent residence, place of employment or the fire department.

    McNeil & Company To Acquire Bonding & Insurance Specialists Agency, Inc.

    Cortland, NY—McNeil & Company (McNeil), a leader in specialized risk assessment and insurance, announced today that it has acquired Bonding & Insurance Specialists Agency, Inc. (BISA), a firm providing insurance products in the environmental and restoration industries.

    As part of the agreement, BISA has become a program of McNeil. The company will remain in its place of business in Orland Park, IL.

    Over the years, McNeil and BISA have sold their respective products through some of the same network of agents, which has created strong synergies between the two companies and provides confidence in a strong cultural match.

    “We have long admired BISA for being the nation’s longest continual environmental insurance program manager with a wealth of experience in the environmental and restoration sectors,” said Daniel F. McNeil, Founder and President of McNeil & Company. “Our companies share similar values: we have been family-owned and operated businesses for many years and we both take pride in putting the customer first. We are confident this acquisition will have mutual benefits, allowing McNeil to expand its program offerings while providing more resources to BISA programs.”

    “For over 30 years, BISA has been an environmental insurance program manager providing the best service and products in the environmental and restoration industries,” said William A. Ballay, co-founder of BISA. “Being acquired by McNeil will give us the opportunity to access more resources so we can deliver even better products and services and broaden our customer base. McNeil’s excellent reputation in the industry will greatly enhance our ability to distribute top-quality specialized programs.”

    About McNeil & Company

    McNeil & Co. is a nationwide leader in specialized insurance programs, drawing on deep industry expertise to develop and deliver policies and risk management services that meet the unique needs of clients. McNeil & Co. offers the best possible specialized coverage, along with a full array of risk management services, to help customers maximize preparedness and grow their businesses. Established in 1989 to answer a need for more comprehensive, tailored policies in the emergency services market, McNeil & Co. has developed and expanded a model for specialty insurance programs based on genuine industry knowledge and a consultative approach to loss control and risk management. Acclaimed products include AdvenSure, AnimalKeepers, ASIP, Car Wash, ESIP (and Benefits), FireWatch, HOMed (O&P Plus), WildPRO and the Bar, Tavern, Club program. McNeil & Company is owned by Arch Capital Group Ltd., a Bermuda-based company with approximately $12.49 billion in capital at June 30, 2019, that provides insurance, reinsurance and mortgage insurance on a worldwide basis through its wholly owned subsidiaries. For more information, visit: mcneilandcompany.com.

    About Bonding & Insurance Specialists Agency, Inc.

    Bonding & Insurance Specialists Agency, Inc. (BISA) is the nation’s longest running environmental program administrator with over 30 years of experience in the environmental and restoration industries. The firm specializes in asbestos abatement and water restoration contractors insurance. For more information, visit: bisa-inc.net.

    Contact:
    Derek Davis
    Chief Marketing Officer, McNeil & Company
    ddavis@mcneilandcompany.com

    View source version on Business Wire

    Customer Appreciation Events

    Often times the focus for insurance agents is on acquiring new business. So much so, that you may lose sight of how important your existing client base is. It’s crucial that you convey your gratitude for the loyalty your clients have shown over the years to help maintain your current book of business.

    One way to show your existing client base that you cherish your relationship is to host a client appreciation event. But where do you get started? Here are a few tips to help you kick off your next outing.

    Identify Scope & Scale

    Depending on the size of your agency and the geographic location of your client base, the ideal event for you can vary greatly. Is most of your business local? Do you service multiple market segments or is your book primarily focused on one industry? These questions can help you determine the appropriate size of the event, who to invite, and the type of activities to make available.

    Integrate Other Events

    Coordinating an outing around your client’s fluid schedules can be difficult, especially if your agency has a regional or national book of business. Plan ahead and search for potential events that your insureds would already be congregating at, such as industry trade shows or association conferences. Hosting a dinner or cocktail hour during one of these events can help eliminate travel constraints and ensure that you get the most “bang for your buck” without breaking the bank.

    Use Multiple Contact Methods

    You’ve planned the size and scope of your event and now it’s time to invite your guests! Do you send an e-vite or a direct mailing piece? Do you just call your clients to invite them? How about all three? Reach out to your clients across multiple mediums and continue to update them on details of the event from the initial invite to the final agenda and travel confirmations. Keeping your invitees informed and engaged throughout can help ensure that your event is well attended and RSVPs are timely (allowing for additional invites if needed). It also helps convey your desire to have them at the event and that you truly do appreciate their business.

    Promote Conversation

    Whether you have 10 attendees or 100, creating a conversational atmosphere is key. Make sure that you have built-in activities that promote conversation among your clients and your staff. Whether it’s a cocktail hour, an intimate dinner, or another group activity, it’s important to set create comfortable environments for your attendees to mingle. This is an opportunity to reach your customers on a personal level, finding out more about their families, interests and aspirations rather than just talking business. It also opens the floor for some of your longest tenured clients to discuss their working relationship with your agency and provide a customer testimonial in a non-business atmosphere.

    Commemorate With A Gift

    Whether large or small, a gift thanking your guests for attending is a gesture that won’t go unnoticed. Even something as simple as a promotional pen and notepad can show your clients that you care. However, to take it a step further, providing gifts that feel personalized and commemorate the event can convey an appreciative statement to your attendees. For example, at a golf event consider giving away custom tees and golf balls. For a more intimate cocktail hour, consider giving away personalized glasses. If your clients are traveling to you, a gift basket with local goods could be effective. Think outside the box and find something original that still fits within your budget and shows thought and effort to your customers.

    Follow Up

    A customer appreciation event helps your agency show your clients that you care about their business and their well-being. Don’t let all that good will go to waste by disappearing in the following weeks or months. Sending a hand-written note to those who attended, while tedious, can help convey how thankful you are for their attendance and their continued loyalty to your agency. Keep in contact with the attendees and nurture the relationships you developed throughout the event.

    These events are just part of making customer appreciation a consistent theme in your insurance agency’s work. Showing clients that you care about their business every single day through your actions will further promote loyalty and help your business grow while maintaining your existing client base.

    By: Tim Woitach

    Find more information on customer appreciation events in this article from Travis Robertson.

    Want more information on becoming an appointed agent with McNeil & Co.? Visit our contact page and submit a request to speak with a representative today!

    Identifying & Addressing Employee Training Needs

    A lot of time and energy is put into the hiring process to help ensure that your agency finds the right people to join your team. But even the most experienced candidates need training and continuous learning to maintain success. It’s essential that you identify the training needs of your employees and implement a strategy to help your staff grow. Here are a few steps to get you started.

    Define Job Characteristics

    The insurance industry is interesting in that no matter how different two positions may seem on the surface, there is a lot of crossover in the skills and knowledge needed to perform the jobs effectively. However, there are still unique aspects of each role in your agency that need to be defined before you can accurately determine the specific training needs of each of your employees.

    Your original job posting likely includes position requirements like product knowledge and software expertise. These are important aspects of the job role but aren’t the only skills to consider. Take a deep dive into the soft skills that could help your employee excel. For example, sales representatives and claims adjusters are both client-facing and require general customer service skills. However, where a sales person would focus on strategic prospecting and asking open ended questions, a claims adjuster may utilize conflict management techniques. Taking the time to create an in-depth job description for each role in your agency will allow you to accurately develop training programs for everyone.

    Determine Training Needs

    Once you’ve defined the characteristics and requirements of each job role within your agency, it’s time to determine the training needs of your employees. It’s easy to identify and develop trainings to cover the general insurance knowledge and agency processes every employee needs to learn. But how do you discover specific needs and new opportunities when they arise?

    Look to your agency’s goals and aspirations to determine potential new training opportunities. Are you exploring new markets or products in your office? You may want to investigate industry specific seminars and forums that your employees can attend. Will your marketing efforts focus on digital mediums? Providing social media and email marketing training to your sales team can help fill potential skill gaps and set your campaigns up for success. Matching training opportunities with your strategic goals will give your employees the tools they need to succeed and help your agency grow.

    Keep Your Employees Involved

    Each position in your agency was created to provide value to your organization. No one understands the day-to-day needs of these jobs more than the employees themselves. Giving your employees a platform to provide input into their own learning and development enforces that you are invested in their success and their future. In turn, your staff can grow within their roles and provide even greater value to your clients.

    Evaluate & Improve

    Just as you evaluate your sales and marketing plans throughout the year, it’s important to analyze the progress and success of your employee training program. Include your employees in the discussion and determine what’s working and what needs to be changed or updated. Training is an investment in time and capital, so it’s important to make sure that your staff is benefiting from what is provided.

    For more information on employee training, check out articles from Breathe and American Agents Alliance.

    By: Tim Woitach

    • E-Learning

       

      E-Learning Copy

      Our E-Learning platform is available 24/7 to meet the needs of the student. These online courses are offered free of charge to our insureds. Additional classes are being developed on a regular basis, so check back often to see new opportunities.
       Login Demo Register

    • Our Programs

       

      Our Programs

      We offer some of the most comprehensive insurance coverages in the industry. Let us propose a customized insurance package for your organization.

    • Questions?

       

      Questions

      Have questions about your policy, want more info on our programs or need to be put in touch with a local agent? Contact us today and we'll be glad to assist you!

    • Contact Us

       

      Contact Us

      800.822.3747

      info@mcneilandcompany.com

      67 Main St
      Cortland, NY13045