By: Joshua Finley

When Herb and Tim planned to take their insurance business from Michigan to Texas, which they had been successfully operating, they were not just scouting for a new market to tap into; they were on a mission to revolutionize insurance policies that condo associations needed. Through an understanding of the company’s history, organization, and strategy, it is clear that they are a prominent player in the insurance industry in Michigan with a fresh and innovative approach to a dynamically growing market. They now focus on Texas, which seems to be full of potential.

From Michigan Success to Texas Ambition

Herb and Tim’s business started in Michigan, where they focused their practice on condominium and apartment insurance. What led them to expand and establish their own agency is that they wanted to bring something new to the table of insurance companies—professional help that is focused on condo associations. “Hey, we wanted to go beyond the state of Michigan,’ they say. “We wanted to expand outside of Michigan. Texas is a huge market, and we have connections there that made it a natural next step for our business.”

They also had excellent moments throughout their stay in Michigan. In the past year, Herb and Tim were able to expand their business by using the experience and contacts they had developed in the 15 years. Michigan recognized them as preeminent insurance agents based on the company vision that would offer a distinct standpoint as insurance agents and real estate investors. These two realizations enabled them to provide their clients with a service that is exclusive to them.

Navigating the Challenges of a Changing Industry

However, it is important to note that the insurance industry is not one that stands still. Herb and Tim have personally experienced that the market is constantly evolving and that aspects, including the age of the buildings and infrastructures, are now receiving so much focus from insurers. “The industry is in constant flux,” they note. “What was easy to insure a few years ago has become much more challenging, and that’s where our expertise comes in.”

The fact that they only offer insurance to condo associations, townhomes, hoa’s and apartments is their strength, particularly in a state like Texas, where competition is stiff. It also suggests that they only offer specialized services so that they are recognized as the experts who know the details of the insurance policies that other agents who offer a wide range of services may ignore. This specialized knowledge is beneficial, especially today when insurers are indeed coming up with more stringent requirements to insure property.

“Herb has been doing condominium insurance for nearly 20 years,” they highlight. “He’s involved with the legislative action committees both in Michigan and Texas, working to make insurance codes more beneficial for condo associations. This experience is invaluable as we enter the Texas market, where we believe we can make a significant impact.”

Building a Foundation for Future Growth

Herb and Tim are not ending their journey in Texas alone. It is interesting that while they are focused on building their power there, they are also thinking about further development. They are an agency currently licensed in 14 states, which gives them the advantage of branching into other new states once they have established themselves in Texas.

Since Texas has a large market and has the potential to expand even further, it will be the right environment for Herb and Tim to carry out the strategies that made them successful in Michigan. “We’re putting our marketing dollars and time into Texas because we believe it’s the next big step for our agency,” they explain. “We’re looking to replicate our success in Michigan, continue to take business from less knowledgeable agents, and grow our agency into one of the largest in the state.”

Their approach in Texas will mirror what worked in Michigan: increasing their focus on certain fields instead of offering services in all areas of insurance, identifying the needs and expectations of their clients, and delivering much more than standard insurance products.  “Michigan taught us that we can’t be generalists,” they assert. “We need to be able to read and dissect a policy, understand insurance language from a legal standpoint, and know exactly what it means for our clients.”

Creating Lasting Success Through Education and Relationships

Herb and Tim have emphasized the importance of education for themselves and their clients, equipping property managers with the necessary information to make informed decisions. This approach has helped them build lasting relationships that go beyond selling insurance policies. People have been known to say that client successes always involve education. “Client successes always seem to revolve around education,” they say. “When we empower managers with the information they need to educate their boards, we’re not just winning business—we’re adding value to their operations.”

Looking Ahead

The story of Herb and Tim highlights the benefits of focusing on a specific sector and successfully navigating a rapidly growing market. When they move to Texas, their experience and personalized, high-quality service is their key to success. Herb and Tim plan to become a dominant market force in Texas and are on the verge of redesigning how condo associations approach insurance throughout the state and perhaps America.

To learn more about Herb and Tim’s innovative approach to condo insurance in Texas, visit their website at Condo Insurance Pros | America’s Leading Condo Insurance (condoinspros.com).

Published By: Aize Perez