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Welcome to the Construction & Bonding Practice Division. It is our belief that the more you learn about us, the more convinced you will be that we are an industry leader in providing risk management, insurance, and bonding services to contractors.
“If you only want to buy insurance, go somewhere else. If you want a business partner, call on TIS. We view TIS as a key advisor to our business and can say with certainty that TIS has significantly contributed to our success.”
– Raja Jubran, Denark Construction, Inc.
“We selected TIS as our agent because they are very capable, serve us well, and have always protected our interests.”
– Patrick McMullen, Phillips & Jordan, Inc.
Our Business is Construction
Deal with an agent who knows your industry. The President of our Construction Division, Bunny Oakes, is recognized as one of the most knowledgeable construction agents in the country and for good reason. He has been an active participant in the construction community since 1983. Continuous study of coverage issues, along with continuous participation in various construction related organization, ensures that our agents are up to date on all issues facing the industry. We are active in the following organizations:
Risk Strategies
Trust our Construction Division to design, implement, and monitor a risk management program which is unique to your Company.
Risk Control Services
Contractors have
unique safety concerns. We have on staff risk control professionals to meet the unique needs of your Company.
A sampling of our services includes:
- Jobsite OSHA preparation inspections and consulting;
- Advanced OSHA and Safety Training;
- Drug Free Workplace implementation and updates;
- Early promulgation of experience modifications.
24 Hour Claims Services
Our contractor clients provide services all over the country, but they need us to be there when claims occur. In the event of a fatality or other serious claim situation, our claims response team will be there ASAP to help manage the claim.
On occasion, we may disagree with an insurance carrier about whether a claim is covered. Thanks to our commitment to expertise, we know when a denied claim should be covered and fight to get it paid.
Bonding
We deliver more than just bonds. We provide comprehensive financial advice to our construction clients in order to guide them in the development and maintenance of surety programs.
Our financial expertise gives us an advantage over our competitors. Our strategy is not simply to forward your financial statements to the various surety companies. The truth is, anyone can do that. Instead, we invest significant time and resources to understand your company and its financial condition. Why? Because we know the concerns of surety underwriters and what they view as important when underwriting your bonding program. The result? We deliver to our clients the most attractive bond programs available in the marketplace and guide them in the direction they want to take their company.
Value added services? You bet. We provide a host of consulting services to our clients including:
- Indemnity, Contract and Form Analysis;
- Succession planning;
- Subcontractor risk program evaluation;
- Banking relationship consultation;
- Review and comment on financial structure.
Click here for a Surety Announcement
The Construction Practice Division:
R.L. “Bunny” Oakes, III – President, TIS Insurance Services, Inc. - Construction Division
Bunny established the TIS Construction Division in 1991. Prior to this time, he was Vice President - Construction Division at Sedgwick James of Tennessee - 1983 to 1991; an Account Executive with Corroon & Black of Knoxville - 1980 to 1983; and as a Loan Officer with First American Bank - 1976 to 1980.
He received his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. He is married with three sons. Bunny is very active in the community where he has served as Chairman of Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Knoxville's Corporate Board and Co-Chairman of their $5 million Capital Funds Drive. He also serves on the Board for the Associated General Contractors of TN and is the Chairman of the Social Committee. He is the Past President for the Insurors of TN & Insurors of Knoxville. He is Past President of the Knoxville Civitan Club. He has served as Board Member for Knoxville Builders Exchange. He is currently a Board Member of Tennessee Association of Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors and is the State Membership Chairperson.
James F. Oakes, CIC – Bond Manager
Jim joined TIS in 1991 and prior to that served as a Bond Producer at Sedgwick James of TN - 1985 to 1991. He attended the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. He is a Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) and currently serves as a Board Member for the Associated Builders & Contractors (ABC) of East TN and as Vice Chairman on the Board of the East TN Special Olympics. He has previously served as the ABC of East TN's Vice President and AGC Safety Committee, and is a Past Knoxville Chamber of Commerce Diplomat.
John Fritts – Agent
John joined TIS in 2003, and prior to that was the Head Tennis Professional at the Knoxville Racquet Club. After competing in many Southern, National and International events, he tried his hand in the teaching industry, and was quickly promoted from Associate Professional to Head Professional in just three years. He attended the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (1994-1999), where he was on a tennis scholarship and lettered four years on nationally ranked teams. He received his degree in Sports Management with a minor in Business. His accomplishments include being a five-time Tennessee State Champion, a Bronze Medalist at the National Amateur Championships, and a member of the Southern United States Junior Davis Cup Team. John also has done community service work at the Harriet Tubman Park, as well as fundraisers for the Baptist Health Foundation and the Tennessee Tennis Patrons Foundation.
Stuart F. Oakes – Agent
Stuart joined TIS in 2007. He graduated from the University of Tennessee after spending one year at the University of Georgia. He received his degree in Finance/Logistics with a minor in Chemistry in 2006. During his colllegiate career he coached high school basketball at Knoxville’s West High School. He is an active member in the local community through the Boys and Girls Club of the Tennessee Valley and Knox Youth Sports.
Chad Martin – Contract Bond Producer
Chad joined the TIS Construction Division in October of 2006 as a bond producer. Prior to joining TIS, Chad worked with Morgan Stanley as a Financial Adviser and most recently with Wachovia Bank in Destin, Florida where he served as a private banker to large commercial clients. Chad graduated from the University of Tennessee in 2003 with a degree in Economics and a minor in Business.
Tom Rhyne – Claims Coordinator
Tom joined TIS in March 2001. Prior to this he was Office Manager and Producer for J.E. Lutz & Company, Knoxville - 1979 to 2001; Account Executive with City & County Insurance Agency, Knoxville - 1978 to 1979; he served as a Bodily Injury Field Adjuster, Casualty Claims Supervisor, District Sales Manager with Allstate Insurance Company in the Carolina's and Tennessee - 1964 to 1978. He received his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Western Carolina University - Cullowhee, North Carolina. He is married with two daughters. He is Past President of the Knoxville Civitan Club, Past President of Gulf Park Homeowners Association, has served on the Board of Directors of Junior Achievement of Knoxville, West Knox Homeowners Association, the Insurors of Knoxville, and Civitan International & Appalachian District, both as a Lt. Governor and Regional Director on the board.
Leonard Loveday – Manager of Loss Control
Leonard joined TIS in 1985. Prior to this, he was a Senior Loss Control Specialist with Bituminous Insurance Companies - 1979 to 1985; and he served as a State of Virginia Health Department Environmentalist - 1973 to 1979. He received both his Bachelor of Science and J.S.E.H. Degrees from East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, Tennessee. He is married with one child. Leonard currently serves on the Board of Directors of Tennessee's Safety & Health Council.
John Jeffries – Safety & Loss Control Representative
John joined TIS in 2005. Prior to this Tennessee OSHA employed him for 7 years as a Safety Compliance Officer and then as the Safety Compliance Supervisor of the Knoxville, TN field office. John attended Roane State Community College earning a degree in Environmental Health and Industrial Hygiene. He has attended numerous training classes from the OSHA Training Institute as well a variety of other training courses. John is an approved instructor for the OSHA 1926 Construction Standard for the 10 and 30-hour classes and is active in several safety organizations.
Shaun Mullins – Safety & Loss Control Representative
Shaun joined TIS in 2007. Prior to this, he served as Associate Director of Safety & Training with Powell Construction Company – 1998 to 2007; Safety Specialist for The United Company/United Coal Company – 1996 to 1998; and Vocational Instructor of Carpentry and Electronics at Buchanan County Vocational School – 1995 to 1996. He received his Bachelor of Science from Virginia Tech and will complete his M.B.A. from King College in May 2008. He is an OSHA Authorized Outreach Trainer, an MSHA Authorized Instructor, and a First-Aid/CPR instructor through National Safety Council. He serves on the Board of Directors of the Kingsport Area Safety Council, and is active in A.S.S.E., and other professional associations. He is also an Eagle Scout.
Lavonne Sherrod – Account Executive
Lavonne joined TIS in 1991. Prior to this she was the Bond Department Supervisor at Sedgwick James of TN - 1982 to 1991; Construction Bond Underwriter with Crump Associates and Broadus, Anderson & Associates - 1974 to 1982. She has attended the National Association of Surety Bond Producers Surety Course. Lavonne is married with two children and is actively involved in the March of Dimes and the American Heart Association.
Brandy Holland – Construction Division Operations Manager and Marketing Representative
Brandy began her insurance career in 1991, working for an independent insurance agency in commercial lines. She joined TIS in May of 2002. Brandy has experience in commercial lines customer service and has worked at all levels in managing commercial accounts throughout her career. She has an educational background in accounting and business administration. She obtained the CIC designation in 2006 and is currently pursuing the CRIS and CRM designations.
Becky Henson – Account Manager
Becky graduated from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Accounting and completed the requirements for an Arts & Science degree in Spanish. She also attended the University of Wales in the United Kingdom and Estudio Sampere in Salamanca, Spain. While at the University of Tennessee, she was a member of Alpha Kappa Psi, Tennessee Intercollegiate State Legislature (TISL), and Gamma Beta Phi Honor and Service Society. Becky is currently working toward her CIC and CRM designations. She has been with TIS since April 2002.
Pat Herron – Account Manager
Pat joined TIS in 2007. Prior to joining TIS, she held account manager positions with Shafer Insurance Agency as well as Palmer Cay of Tennessee-she has been employed in the industry for several years working with other large independent agencies as well as a commercial lines underwriter for a regional insurance company while living in Alabama. She has obtained both the AIS and CPIW designations having completed the necessary education courses. She has worked at all levels in managing commercial accounts throughout her career. She has actively participated locally in the Insurance Professionals of Greater Knoxville serving as past president and awarded Insurance Woman of the Year in 1998. She has also afiliated with a local chapter of the American Business Women's Association and is still a member of the National Association. She is also active in the community and her church.
Jamie Shores – Account Manager
Jamie joined the TIS team in December of 2003. Prior to this, she worked as a sales representative for health and fitness clubs. She graduated from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. Jamie is originally from Germantown, TN but has now found a home in Knoxville.
Stephanie Soppet – Marketing Assistant
Stephanie joined the TIS team in April of 2004. Prior to this, she worked at Capital City Insurance Company, Inc. for five years as an Administrative Assistant/Underwriting Assistant dealing with Workers’ Compensation accounts. She was born in Atlanta, Georgia, but moved here shortly after. She is happily married with one son (Kaiden) who was born September 25, 2003.
Cathy Wardrep – Service Management Department Manager
Cathy joined TIS in 1986. Prior to this, Cathy served in Computer Data Entry – 1984 to 1986; Miller's, Knoxville, Tennessee – 1980 to 1984; and Proffitt's, Knoxville, Tennessee – 1976 to 1980. She received her Bachelor of Science from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Cathy currently serves as Treasurer, Lennox Court Homeowners Association and as an Elder – First Presbyterian Church of Knoxville.
Carol Coulter – Service Manager
Carol has been married for 38 years to her husband, Larry, and they have two children and grandchildren (the love of their lives). She has 20 plus years of experience in insurance. She has been licensed in P&C since 1987, and has been an employee of TIS since 1989. First, as a full-time employee and now part-time. She is active in her community, especially through her church, and enjoys the times she can be of service to others at home, in her community and to the Customers of TIS.
Karen Hutson – Assistant Account Manager
Karen Hutson began her career at TIS in April 2001, working in Administration. Prior to coming to TIS, she worked in the printing industry. She attended Walters State Community College where she focused on graphic arts. She also has been licensed in Property and Casualty since 2001. Karen serves on the board of Safe Haven, a sexual assault crisis center. She is a proud mother of three growing boys and resides in Knoxville, TN.
Lori A. Evans – Construction Claims Technical Assistant
Lori joined TIS after relocating from Tampa, Florida. She comes to us with over 15 years of personal lines experience including seven years of claims handling. Lori held a 220 - Personal Lines Agent license, and a 620 - Multiline Adjusters license in the State of Florida. Currently she holds the State of Tennessee Agent / Producer License. Lori attended Nova Southeastern University where she studied Business Management. She and her daughter enjoy riding their hunter jumper ponies.
Ginger Williams – Bond Assistant
Ginger joined TIS in April of 2007, coming from 15 years service in Local Government as Staff Trainer and IS Manager. Other areas of work include Insurance Auditor in the health care industry and General Manager in the private sector manufacturing industry. Ginger is a Certified Public Administrator through the University of Tennessee, and has served Roane County Habitat for Humanity in the applicant review process. She enjoys antiquing, wood carving and singing.