The History of TIS

On May 19, 1945, L.F. Hurley and Norman Thomas formed Tennessee Insurance Service, Inc. in Knoxville, Tennessee to, in their own words, “conduct general insurance agency business.”

Over the years, our name has changed to TIS Insurance Services, Inc. and risk management in today's world is far more sophisticated than it was in 1945. As a result, our strategies have evolved, and we have continually expanded our areas of expertise. However, we still believe today what we believed then: that we succeed by helping our clients succeed.

Click here to download TIS: As I Remember, 1945-1990, a history of TIS written by longtime employee Edna Gammon.

Key Events in TIS History

1945

TIS founded in Knoxville, Tennessee

1956

Provide coverage for Elvis Presley’s Cadillacs

1959

Death of Norman Thomas; Ann B. Thomas becomes President and is subsequently recognized as one of the most admired businesswomen in East Tennessee

1969

New office on Magnolia Avenue in Knoxville

1979

William M. Thomas becomes President

1980

New office on Troy Circle in Knoxville

1990

New office on Winston Road in Knoxville

1994

Merger with Robert M. Sims Company; Edward B. Sims forms Healthcare Services Division

1999

Name change to TIS Insurance Services, Inc. in recognition of continued geographic growth.

2002

TIS named Cariten Health Agency of the Year
Recognized as “Preferred Agent” by Philadelphia Insurance Company

2003

Personal Insurance Division and Employee Benefits Division occupy new Onyx Pointe facility due to continued growth

2004

Named 58th Largest Insurance Agency by Insurance Journal magazine
Selected as “Best Practices” Agency by Independent Insurance Agents and agents of America
Chubb Cornerstone Agency (Highest Personal Lines Sales Growth)

2005

Named Pinnacle Agency by Columbia Insurance Group
Named Elite Franchise Agency by St. Paul Travelers
Recognized as Elite Member of Wausau Total Performance Program
Blue Cross Blue Shield 2005 Top Persistency Knoxville Region Award
William M. Thomas inducted into East Tennessee Business Hall of Fame