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Higginbotham Expands Its Reach in Alabama Through Strategic Partnership

Higginbotham, a prominent employee-owned firm specializing in insurance and financial services, has taken a significant step in expanding its presence in Alabama by forming an alliance with Harmon Dennis Bradshaw, Inc. (HDB), a well-known independent insurance and risk management agency located in Montgomery. Established in 1977, HDB operates additional offices in Birmingham and Troy, Alabama, and even extends its service area into Duluth, Georgia. The firm has built a robust reputation by offering comprehensive property and casualty insurance, employee benefit plans, and advisory support tailored to meet the unique demands of complex commercial organizations.

Higginbotham's Chairman and CEO, Rusty Reid, emphasized the importance of this collaboration, describing it as a continuation of the firm's dual-growth strategy. The strategy aims to align with organizations that share Higginbotham's values and commitment towards clients, team members, and the surrounding community. The partnership brings with it a wealth of benefits, including enhanced service delivery and an expanded client base for HDB. Reid stated, "This is an important move for Higginbotham in Alabama. HDB has established itself as one of the largest independent firms in the state, and they bring strong commercial capabilities, a rapidly growing employee benefits practice and a team culture that fits how we work."

HDB has gained recognition not only as a leader in the independent agency sector in Alabama but also for its ability to serve large commercial clients, including those with complex risk profiles. David J. Dennis, President of HDB, explained how the partnership will enable them to bolster their services by expanding their market access while providing a solid backing behind their operations. He noted, "Risk management, contract review, claims advocacy, guidance for clients operating in a heavy regulatory environment are services we already provide. The difference now is that we will have deeper resources available on demand, whenever a client needs them. With Higginbotham behind us, those services can be part of our core model."

The decision to join forces with Higginbotham was not taken lightly by HDB’s leadership team. They were keen on ensuring they were aligning with a firm that would continue close decision-making connected to the clients and communities they serve. HDB's leadership wanted to maintain the essence of their family-run culture while accessing the opportunities that come from being part of a larger entity. Dennis pointed out that "Our ten shareholders are used to making decisions as owners, and Higginbotham provides a structure where our leadership stays here, our people keep a stake in the business and we don't turn into someone else's branch office."

HDB’s Vice President and Operations Director, Jennifer Hill, highlighted how their partnership with Higginbotham creates a clearer pathway for future leaders within HDB to cultivate ownership as the company expands. She acknowledged that many long-standing employees of HDB currently do not have the opportunity to buy into the firm due to the limited shares available. Hill remarked, "We may be a big agency, but we have a real family culture. Our people are the reason for our growth and success, and they deserve to have a stake in our future."

The sense of community and family-like culture was a vital factor that influenced HDB’s decision to align with Higginbotham. The company’s involvement in charitable events and community support initiatives reinforces their commitment to social responsibility. HDB dedicates a workday each year for a companywide 9/11 day of service, and its employees actively engage in activities supporting various causes, from arts and culture to children's welfare and environmental efforts. Dennis expressed, "We’ve always believed this work is about helping people when it matters, and that holds true for both our clients and our communities. Joining forces with Higginbotham allows us to maintain that culture while enhancing our support for the work our team is already doing."

About Harmon Dennis Bradshaw, Inc.

Prior to this partnership, Harmon Dennis Bradshaw, Inc. (HDB) stood as an independent insurance agency that provided a complete suite of insurance solutions, addressing the complex needs of clients while ensuring comprehensive risk management services tailored for both businesses and individuals.

For more information about what HDB offers, visit hdbinsurance.com.

About Higginbotham

Founded in 1948, Higginbotham is an employee-owned leader in the insurance and financial services sectors. The firm has consistently been recognized for its national reach coupled with local expertise, ranking as the 18th largest independent insurance brokerage in the United States according to the Hales Report in 2025. Higginbotham's commitment extends towards delivering bespoke programs and ensuring that clients receive comprehensive support throughout their engagement.

Learn more at higginbotham.com.