#United States #Texas #Higginbotham #Program Insurance Group #EZ CERT

Higginbotham Partners with Program Insurance Group

Higginbotham, recognized as the largest independent insurance and financial services firm in Texas, has made headlines by forming a strategic alliance with Program Insurance Group (PIG) based in Georgetown, Texas. This partnership will facilitate a significant enhancement in services, particularly with the acquisition of the EZ CERT franchise certificate tracking service—a nationwide solution designed for both franchisors and franchisees.

A Vision for Growth

Founded in 1948, Higginbotham has established itself as a powerhouse in the insurance industry, ranking as the 20th largest independent brokerage in the nation. Under the leadership of Chairman and CEO Rusty Reid, Higginbotham has been relentlessly focused on expanding its influence through partnerships that align with its core values of customer service, team support, and community involvement.

The association with PIG is a prime example of this strategy. Reid underscores the importance of finding companies that share a common culture, which he found in Program Insurance Group—a family-owned business that mirrors Higginbotham's commitment to client care and community support. PIG excels in servicing a diverse clientele that includes business, personal, and nonprofit sectors, along with a special focus on supporting the homebuilding industry in Texas. This unique combination of expertise makes PIG a valuable addition to the Higginbotham family.

The Power of EZ CERT

EZ CERT, the flagship service of Program Insurance Group, simplifies the often-complicated process of tracking insurance certificates for franchises. Doug Groves, Principal at PIG, explains that while both homebuilding and franchising share the need for stringent insurance compliance, the dynamics differ significantly. In homebuilding, the contractor is generally paid directly by the builder, facilitating easier enforcement of compliance. In contrast, franchising operates on an inverted flow of funds, complicating the compliance landscape.

EZ CERT addresses these challenges by offering a streamlined solution that ensures franchisors can efficiently monitor and manage the insurance policies across multiple franchisees. Groves emphasizes that with Higginbotham's extensive resources and service capabilities, EZ CERT has the potential to flourish and deliver greater benefits to clients nationwide.

A Commitment to Service

This partnership comes at a time when both firms are aiming to innovate how they deliver insurance solutions to their clients. Andrea Denton, a producer at PIG and one of Groves’ children involved in the business, praises Higginbotham for its commitment to transparency and employee support. Their employee ownership model, Denton states, is particularly appealing as it ensures that staff members are valued and well-supported, which in turn enhances service delivery to clients.

Groves reflects on the synergies between the two companies, stating, "After our first meeting, we all walked away feeling that Higginbotham was the right partner for us—someone who truly understands and enhances our family values, our team, and importantly, our clients."

Looking Ahead

As Higginbotham and Program Insurance Group embark on this new venture together, both leadership teams express excitement for the future. The collaboration signifies a strategic union of two firms dedicated to pushing the boundaries of client service, industry expertise, and community investment. By leveraging their combined strengths, they aim to reshape the landscape of insurance services, particularly for the franchise sector, turning challenges into opportunities for growth and success.

For more information about Higginbotham and its innovative service offerings, visit higginbotham.com. To learn more about Program Insurance Group and its robust franchise support services, check out pigbcs.com.