Monday, September 11, 2017 TIS Insurance Services, Inc. Ranks Among Top 100 Nationally General, Industry News Insurance journal names top insurance agencies in the United States Knoxville, TN – TIS Insurance Services, Inc. has once again ranked among the best of the best in the Insurance Journal’s list of the Top 100 Independent Insurance Agencies in America; ranking 74th in the Top 100 selected from over 30,000 agencies in the United States. The Top 100 list is ranked by total property and casualty (P&C) agency revenue for 2016 and comprises only those agencies that are privately-owned firms whose business is primarily retail; not wholesale. Agencies making the Top 100 are known to attract the best insurance partners, customers and prospective employees. The Insurance Journal reported, “Those who make the list are the agencies others look up to and everyone wants to do business with or even merge with because they are among the best and most successful.” All the Top 100 agencies included in the report cooperated in the process. About TIS Insurance Services, Inc. TIS Insurance Services, Inc., an independent, privately owned insurance agency, has been helping clients find the right insurance policies since 1945. Headquartered in Knoxville, TN, TIS proudly serves more than 6,000 individuals and businesses across 48 states. Recognized nationally as a Top 100 Agency by Insurance Journal Magazine, TIS has the expertise and resources required to deliver tailored and effective insurance solutions.
United Heartland Agency of the Territory 2016 award presented to TIS CEO Ed Sims (left) by UH Charlotte Regional Director of Business Development Mike McKeon. Tuesday, July 25, 2017 United Heartland Recognizes Top Territory Agencies For 2016 General, Healthcare Services, Industry News New Berlin, Wis. – United Heartland, a leading national workers’ compensation insurance company, proudly announces three 2016 Agency of the Territory winners. The top agencies are: TIS Insurance Services, Inc. – Knoxville, Tenn. MJ Insurance, Inc. – Indianapolis, Ind. Holmes Murphy & Associates (HMA) – Kansas City, Mo. “These agencies support United Heartland’s high-touch customer service approach to workers’ compensation and are valued partners with our organization,” said Steve Cooper, president of United Heartland. “We truly value the strong relationship we have had with these key agency partners and are honored to recognize them as United Heartland’s top regional agencies in 2016.” “We are honored to receive the recognition of United Heartland’s Agency of the Territory award. It is very important to us as agents to place our clients with a carrier that shares the same strong values and beliefs as do we at TIS Insurance Services,” said TIS Chief Executive Officer Ed Sims. Leading agency partners exhibit outstanding written premium, strong customer retention and a healthy cumulative loss ratio. These agencies join M3 Insurance of Madison, Wis., who was earlier named United Heartland’s Agency of the Year. United Heartland offers a comprehensive, results-oriented approach to delivering responsive and valued workers’ compensation solutions directed toward: Sustainable safety improvements to reduce and eliminate injuries Innovative claims management centered on quality outcomes and effective expense management An aggressive and comprehensive return-to-work approach About United Heartland United Heartland is the marketing name for United Wisconsin Insurance Company, a member of AF Group. Insurance policies may be issued by any of the following companies within AF Group: Accident Fund Insurance Company of America, Accident Fund National Insurance Company, Accident Fund General Insurance Company, United Wisconsin Insurance Company, Third Coast Insurance Company or CompWest Insurance Company. About TIS Insurance Services, Inc. TIS Insurance Services, Inc., an independent, privately owned insurance agency, has been helping clients find the right insurance policies since 1945. Headquartered in Knoxville, TN, TIS proudly serves more than 6,000 individuals and businesses across 48 states. Recognized nationally as a Top 100 Agency by Insurance Journal Magazine, TIS has the expertise and resources required to deliver tailored and effective insurance solutions.
Thursday, TIS Insurance Services Appointed to The Hanover’s President’s Club Commercial Insurance Division, General, Industry News TIS Insurance Services, Inc. (TIS) was recently appointed to The Hanover Insurance Group’s President’s Club, an elite group of independent insurance agencies from across the country. Agencies named to the company’s President’s Club are recognized for delivering outstanding value to their customers through insurance expertise and responsive service. TIS Insurance Services, Inc. was one of only 125 independent agencies recognized with this distinction across the country. The Hanover partners with a select group of 2,200 independent agents nationwide. This is the third consecutive year TIS has been recognized with this selection. “The team at TIS Insurance Services, Inc. truly understands the needs of its customers and delivers a top-of-the-line customer experience, providing expert insurance counsel and high-quality service,” said John C. Roche, president, Hanover Agency Markets. “We’re proud to partner with TIS and appreciate its commitment to going above and beyond to serve its customers.” The agency was formally recognized for its inclusion in the company’s President’s Club at a national business conference in Laguna Beach, Calif. TIS Chief Financial Officer Kim Wilson was in attendance. “This is a recognition of the value we place on providing specialized and innovative insurance solutions that meet the unique needs of our customers,” said Donald B. Wake, President at TIS Insurance Services, Inc. “We are proud to be recognized with this honor for the 3 consecutive years.” About TIS Insurance Services, Inc. TIS Insurance Services, Inc., an independent, privately owned insurance agency, has been helping clients find the right insurance policies since 1945. Headquartered in Knoxville, TN, TIS proudly serves more than 6,000 individuals and businesses across 48 states. Recognized nationally as a Top 100 Agency by Insurance Journal Magazine, TIS has the expertise and resources required to deliver tailored and effective insurance solutions.
Monday, March 27, 2017 Insuring Your Multifamily Investment Property Podcast General, Uncategorized With Kelly Thomas Kelly Thomas is a Client Executive with TIS Insurance Services, Inc and became the fourth generation Thomas to work for TIS. Kelly has maintained several roles at TIS starting at the age of 12. Today, he specializes in Commercial Insurance, Personal Insurance, and Life Insurance and provides tailor-made risk management solutions to many individuals and businesses across the Eastern United States. In this episode you will discover: How Kelly worked his way up from the mail room to Account Executive Multifamily insurance Value vs. cost How to value a multifamily policy Secret benefits of renters insurance Tips on insuring for actual replacement costs Kelly’s insurance tips Hard markets Soft markets And much more! About TIS Insurance Services, Inc. TIS Insurance Services, Inc., an independent, privately owned insurance agency, has been helping clients find the right insurance policies since 1945. Headquartered in Knoxville, TN, TIS proudly serves more than 6,000 individuals and businesses across 48 states. Recognized nationally as a Top 100 Agency by Insurance Journal Magazine, TIS has the expertise and resources required to deliver tailored and effective insurance solutions.
R.L. ‘Bunny’ Oakes, III Friday, March 10, 2017 The Power of 212°: The R.L. “Bunny” Oakes, III Recognition Program Construction Division, General That Extra Degree Makes All The Difference TIS Insurance Services Construction Division President R.L. “Bunny” Oakes III, a 30-year member of the Corporate Board and long-time supporter of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley, is being honored by the Club through the naming of their new staff recognition program entitled, “The Power of 212°: The R.L. “Bunny” Oakes, III Recognition Program.” The Power of 212° title is based on the best-selling book 212°: The Extra Degree by Sam Parker. That extra degree makes all the difference. The inaugural program is designed to recognize local Club staff members in their pursuit for professional and program excellence. Each category within the program promotes how extra effort in the field of youth development has the power to redefine the opportunity equation and make a positive difference in the lives of the young people served by the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley. The clubs help youth and teens in grades K-12. In 1980, while a member of the local Civitan Club, Bunny Oakes became a part of this wonderful organization when he was asked to chair the ‘Fun Day’ for the club. “Fun Day was just a great program for local kids. There were carnival type games, food, and fun; just a good, safe place for kids to go,” said Oakes. Fast-forward 37 years and Bunny Oakes is still working for the children in his community. Ernie Brooks. Major Gifts Officer at the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley said “Bunny Oakes is a very passionate volunteer and generous supporter. His involvement with Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley began with the Fun Day event that directly involved our Club members. The impact for Bunny was deep and he has continued to support our kids and provide leadership through a variety of avenues including Club Programs, Mentoring, Special Events, Capital Campaigns, Board Leadership, and statewide Boys & Girls Club organizations. He is a great role model for our Club members as well as young professionals looking to get involved in our community. We are proud to have Bunny as a champion of our boys and girls!” Oakes said, “The Boys & Girls Clubs are located throughout the city wherever there is a need. We are in the Inner City areas. We help single parent households and households where grandparents are raising children. The Clubs have evolved to represent and promote three priority outcomes for young people: 1) Academic Success 2) Healthy Lifestyle and 3) Good Character and Leadership.” The Power of 212°: The R.L. “Bunny” Oakes, III Recognition Program is based on the Sam Parker book that teaches us that 212° is when water boils and that extra degree makes all the difference. Giving the extra degree in life can make all the difference too. “The program recognizes those staff members at the clubs that are motivated, committed, work 50-60 hours per week, and just love kids,” said Oakes. “Over half the staff have actually been members of the Boys & Girls Club themselves so helping to positively change the lives of young people by giving back is wonderful.” Presently there are just under 100 full time and countless part time staff members in the greater Knoxville area. Bunny Oakes shared the story of the ‘Chicken and the Pig’ with regard to the generosity of talent, time, and treasure that exists among the staff. “The chicken donated eggs to make breakfast, but the pig said, ‘I will donate the bacon’ meaning he was all in; fully committed to breakfast by giving all of himself.” Oakes believes it does take a village to raise a child and that it is better to build a healthy child than to fix a broken adult. Consistent dedication, excellent example, and by always giving ‘that extra degree’ are all reasons the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley named their staff recognition program after one of the very best – Bunny Oakes. If you know of a child in the community that could benefit from the Boys & Girls Club program, you may call 865-232-1200 or email info@bgctnv.org for more information. About TIS Insurance Services, Inc. TIS Insurance Services, Inc., an independent, privately owned insurance agency, has been helping clients find the right insurance policies since 1945. Headquartered in Knoxville, TN, TIS proudly serves more than 6,000 individuals and businesses across 48 states. Recognized nationally as a Top 100 Agency by Insurance Journal Magazine, TIS has the expertise and resources required to deliver tailored and effective insurance solutions.
Christy Ball and Alexis Psihogios Friday, March 3, 2017 Certified Insurance Counselors Honored Christy Ball and Alexis Psihogios for Ten Years of Dedication General, Healthcare Services, Industry News Knoxville, TN – A leading insurance professional organizational recently recognized Christy Ball, CIC and Alexis Psihogios, CIC of TIS Insurance Services, Inc. for their dedication and ongoing leadership in the insurance industry. The Society of Certified Insurance Counselors (CIC) honored Ball and Psihogios, both Knoxville natives, for ten years of successfully maintaining the Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) designation, denoting significant commitment to advanced knowledge and customer services. “This honor is an acknowledgement of the priority TIS Insurance Services places on education and professional growth,” cited the Society’s President, Dr. William T. Hold, CIC, CPCU, CLU. “Customers, associates, and the insurance professional as a whole benefit from such a strong commitment to continuing education.” The CIC Program is nationally recognized as the premier continuing education program for insurance professionals, with programs offered in all 50 state and Puerto Rico. Headquartered in Austin, Texas, the Society of CIC is a not-for-profit organization and the founding program of The National Alliance for Insurance Education & Research. About TIS Insurance Services, Inc. TIS Insurance Services, Inc., an independent, privately owned insurance agency, has been helping clients find the right insurance policies since 1945. Headquartered in Knoxville, TN, TIS proudly serves more than 6,000 individuals and businesses across 48 states. Recognized nationally as a Top 100 Agency by Insurance Journal Magazine, TIS has the expertise and resources required to deliver tailored and effective insurance solutions.
Wednesday, December 28, 2016 Do I Have an Automobile Liability Exposure if My Company Does Not Own Any Vehicles? Commercial Insurance Division, General Jared Smith, Broker | TIS Insurance Services, Inc. Emphatically, the answer is yes! It is certainly common for tech, allied healthcare, and social service organizations to have employees routinely drive their personal autos for company business, and this exposure is usually much higher than anyone realizes. I know of organizations that have 100s of vehicles on the road every day supporting their client base with very little oversight, and each of these vehicles is a catastrophic claim waiting to happen. Every organization is responsible for the actions of their employees while driving on behalf of the company, and if that employee is involved in an at-fault accident, then you can bet your bottom dollar that the organization will be sued. Many organizations assume that they are protected either by their commercial general liability policy or with the employee’s personal auto insurance, however that is often not the case. It is true that Hired and Non-owned Auto Liability can be added to a commercial general liability policy, however it is often left off the policy to save a couple hundred dollars. Likewise, it is also true that employees have their own insurance that acts as the first layer of defense, but what are their limits? Most states have minimum limits that are absurdly low, and how do you know if the insurance is even in effect or will pay out if the personal vehicle is being used for business purposes? Either way both of these are reactive positions. The key to proactively protecting your organization from catastrophic automobile liability claims is to institute a Drivers Safety/Fleet Safety policy. Also, to conduct periodic drivers safety training classes in order to reduce the likelihood that a catastrophic accident will occur and to make sure you are doing your best to protect your clients and the public. The following are five keys to a quality Drivers Safety Program: The Policy needs to be simple to understand; it needs to be read and signed off on by every employee; it needs to be enforced. The policy must address what is an acceptable driver motor vehicle record (MVR), and, at a minimum, MVRs should be checked annually by the organization. The policy must address minimum standards for personal autos used on company business, especially when transporting clients. We recommend that the organization have a “manager’s checklist” to inspect each personal auto used for company business on a quarterly or semi-annual basis. We understand that you are not mechanics, and the point of the checklist is to make sure that the vehicle is in safe operating condition (the headlights work, the break lights work, the blinkers work, the windshield wipers work, the horn works, tires have proper tread depth, there is proof of insurance in the vehicle, etc.). Essentially, the basics to make sure that you are reasonably protecting your clients and the public. A vehicle maintenance plan for owned vehicles. Instructions for the authorized and proper use of the vehicle (seat belts, cell phones, speeding, etc.) Don’t be overwhelmed by the creation of a good and effective Drivers Safety Policy. Your insurance agent should be able to both help you craft a drivers safety policy to meet your organization’s specific needs and provide you drivers training courses. If not, I would be happy to help! About TIS Insurance Services, Inc. TIS Insurance Services, Inc., an independent, privately owned insurance agency, has been helping clients find the right insurance policies since 1945. Headquartered in Knoxville, TN, TIS proudly serves more than 6,000 individuals and businesses across 48 states. Recognized nationally as a Top 100 Agency by Insurance Journal Magazine, TIS has the expertise and resources required to deliver tailored and effective insurance solutions.
Monday, August 29, 2016 TIS Insurance Services, Inc. Retains Top 100 Status Commercial Insurance Division, Construction Division, Employee Benefits, General, Healthcare Services, Industry News Insurance journal ranks top agencies nationwide Knoxville, TN – TIS Insurance Services, Inc., TIS Insurance Services, Inc. has once again been listed in the Insurance Journal’s Top 100 Independent Insurance Agencies in America listing. The Top 100 list is ranked by total property and casualty (P&C) agency revenue for 2015 and comprises only those agencies that are privately-owned firms whose business is primarily retail, not wholesale. All the Top 100 agencies included report and cooperated in the process. The result is a glimpse at some of the nation’s most successful privately-held independent insurance agencies and brokerages. TIS Insurance Services ranked 75th overall in the Top 100 selected from over 30,000 insurance agencies in the United States. About TIS Insurance Services, Inc. TIS Insurance Services, Inc., an independent, privately owned insurance agency, has been helping clients find the right insurance policies since 1945. Headquartered in Knoxville, TN, TIS proudly serves more than 6,000 individuals and businesses across 48 states. Recognized nationally as a Top 100 Agency by Insurance Journal Magazine, TIS has the expertise and resources required to deliver tailored and effective insurance solutions.
Friday, August 19, 2016 TIS Insurance Services Names Two New Shareholders Commercial Insurance Division, Construction Division, Employee Benefits, General, Healthcare Services, Industry News Rob McMillin and John Sims join the ownership team Knoxville, TN – TIS Insurance Services, Inc., a Top 100 independent insurance agency, recently named Rob McMillin and John Sims as its newest shareholders. “Rob and John have earned ownership in the agency through their hard work, determination, and through the embodiment of the TIS Promise of putting our clients first. I know they will be great leaders going forward,” said TIS Chairman Bill Thomas. McMillin joined the TIS team in 2001 as a broker and further trained at The National Alliance/Chubb Insurance Group Broker Training School in Somerset, NJ. Within the HealthCare Services Division, McMillin has been both sales producer and new account developer. He holds a Business Administration degree in Finance from The University of Tennessee. Sims joined the TIS HealthCare Services Division in 2007 as a sales producer and has focused on acquiring new healthcare business throughout the country. Sims has a vast amount of experience with workers’ compensation self-insured business. He is currently working toward his Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) designation. Sims also holds a Business Administration degree in Finance from The University of Tennessee Knoxville. “The addition of Rob and John to our shareholder group is exciting news especially as TIS continues to experience significant growth and expansion in both the local and national markets, said CEO Ed Sims. “Their extensive industry knowledge and experience within one of the larger TIS divisions is invaluable to our success.” Both McMillin and Sims are vice presidents within the HealthCare Services Division at TIS. They join the current shareholder group that includes Bill Thomas, Chairman; Ed Sims, CEO; Morgan Thomas, President/Commercial; Taylor Preston, President/HealthCare Services; and Ben Kelly, President/Employee Benefits. About TIS Insurance Services, Inc. TIS Insurance Services, Inc., an independent, privately owned insurance agency, has been helping clients find the right insurance policies since 1945. Headquartered in Knoxville, TN, TIS proudly serves more than 6,000 individuals and businesses across 48 states. Recognized nationally as a Top 100 Agency by Insurance Journal Magazine, TIS has the expertise and resources required to deliver tailored and effective insurance solutions.