#United States #Fort Worth #West Texas #Higginbotham #Stephens Insurance Services

Higginbotham and Stephens Insurance Services Join Forces in West Texas

In an exciting development for the insurance industry in West Texas, Higginbotham, an employee-owned firm based in Fort Worth, has officially partnered with Stephens Insurance Services, a local company specializing in employee benefits. This strategic union combines local expertise with extensive company resources, aiming to bolster service offerings across not just West Texas, but also into eastern New Mexico.

Founded in 1948, Higginbotham has grown to become the 18th largest independent insurance brokerage in the United States. Their mission is to provide tailored solutions in insurance, financial services, and HR benefits to businesses and individuals alike. The firm's CEO, Rusty Reid, emphasized the importance of selecting partners who align with Higginbotham’s core values, making Stephens Insurance an ideal match given its strong reputation since its establishment in 1997 by Ed Stephens.

“For us, it’s all about relationships,” Reid noted. “Stephens Insurance is deeply rooted in West Texas and is committed to serving its community. Merging their local leadership with our extensive resources will create an unmatched team capable of delivering comprehensive solutions to clients, regardless of the complexity of their needs.”

A Local Focus with Enhanced Capabilities

Stephens Insurance Services has carved out a niche specializing in three main areas: group benefits, individual health and life benefits, and Medicare advisory services. With the backing of Higginbotham’s robust infrastructure, the firm anticipates expanding its service range without compromising its specialized areas of expertise.

“Sticking to what we do best has always been our approach,” commented Zach Stephens, who currently leads the firm. “This partnership with Higginbotham helps us maintain our focus while also ensuring our clients can access a broader suite of services under one roof.”

Boosting Local Client Support

The partnership is poised to benefit clients significantly. Enhanced resources allow for a refined level of service, especially for public sector clients such as schools that require specialized knowledge and support. Dana Teague, Director of Operations at Stephens, indicated, “Our conversations with local school districts revealed a desire for comprehensive service offerings without losing the personal touch of local relationships. With Higginbotham’s support, we can deliver both.”

Reid echoed these sentiments, stating that this collaboration will empower Stephens to offer larger firm capabilities while preserving their intimate local approach. “Clients want to know they are not just a number; they want personal relationships in their service providers, especially when it comes to something as important as their insurance and benefits.”

A Culture of Care

A major reason for the partnership lies in the cultural alignment between the two firms. Stephens highlighted the appeal of Higginbotham's employee ownership model, which resonates deeply with their internal values. Teague pointed out, “Just as we believe in treating our employees like family, Higginbotham embodies that value every day. The benefits they offer our team and the career paths available align perfectly with what we seek for our employees.”

Conclusion

With this merger, Higginbotham is not just looking to broaden its market presence but is genuinely interested in elevating the standard of local service and support within the insurance industry in West Texas. This new partnership symbolizes a commitment to community-driven service that honors long-standing client relationships while also leveraging broader resources for increased capability.

For more information about Higginbotham, visit higginbotham.com, and for details regarding Stephens Insurance Services, check out stephensinsservices.com.