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 – Contract Bond Agent
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 Agent
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.
Shaun Mullins – Agent
Shaun joined TIS in 2007. Prior to this, he served as Associate Director of Safety & Training with Powell Companies/Powell Construction Company - 1998 to 2007; and Safety Specialist for The United Company/United Coal Company - 1995 to 1998. He received a B.S. from Virginia Tech in 1995 and an M.B.A. from King College in 2008. Shaun has attained the Construction Risk Insurance Specialist (CRIS) designation through IRMI. He is an OSHA Authorized Outreach Trainer, an MSHA Authorized Instructor, and a First-Aid/CPR instructor through National Safety Council. He is also an Eagle Scout and currently serves on the risk management committee of the Sequoyah Council Boy Scouts of America. He is also a member of the Kingsport Area Safety Council, A.S.S.E., and other professional associations.