Author Archives: EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants

Renee Crow of EPIC to Present on Litigation Impact Awareness at CLM Annual Conference in Houston

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that Vice President, Hospitality Practice Leader Renee Crow will present at the CLM Annual Conference on Thurs., March 15 at 10:10 a.m. at the Marriott Marquis in Houston, Texas.

In the claims handling process, insurers can often overlook the differing perspectives of the insured and the insured's insurance broker. In her presentation "Putting the Client First: Increasing Awareness of Litigation Impacts for Insureds," Crow will discuss the claims-related issues that keep the client awake at night, such as impact to an insured's reputation once a matter becomes public, eDiscovery that can be a monumental drain on an insured in both time and expense and distractions created by depositions that can cause loss of productivity.

Crow will present alongside Pam Colpoys of Ashford, Inc., Fredoon Mistry of Gallagher Bassett Services, Inc. and David Samuels of Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith, LLP with the goal to increase the awareness and sensitivity of the claims professional to the claims-related issues that have a direct impact on the insured's operations, employees and insurance profile.

CLM Annual Conference is the premier annual event for professionals in the claims and litigation management industries. The conference is a mix of interactive educational sessions and fun networking events. Participants can select from more than 80 collaborative educational sessions focused on all facets of the industry.

Click here to see the full agenda: https://www.theclm.org/Event/GeneratedScheduleAndCourses/7986#divevent9505

About Renee Crow, vice president, hospitality practice leader:

Renee Crow joined EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants in January 2016 as vice president and hospitality practice leader. Prior to joining EPIC, Crow held the position of vice president of risk management for Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants for nine years. In that role her responsibilities included oversight of all property, casualty, executive protection and employment related insurance, claims, insured litigation, compliance and employee training. She was responsible for coordination of all insurance programs for both owned and third-party managed hotels and restaurants through a Kimpton master program.

Previous to Kimpton, Crow worked for over 20 years as a licensed insurance broker with national insurance brokerage firms. Her brokerage experience included positions of outside risk management consultant and account executive for many hotel, restaurant, real estate and construction clients.

Crow holds the designations of Associate in Risk Management (ARM) and Construction Risk and Insurance Specialist (CRIS). In 2015, Crow was the chairperson for the AHLA Risk Management Committee and continues to be actively involved with the committee as a regular speaker. She is also a regularly invited speaker for hospitality related groups and panels.

About EPIC:

EPIC is a unique and innovative retail property and casualty and employee benefits insurance brokerage and consulting firm. EPIC has created a values-based, client-focused culture that attracts and retains top talent, fosters employee satisfaction and loyalty and sustains a high level of customer service excellence.

EPIC team members have consistently recognized their company as a "Best Place to Work" in multiple regions and as a "Best Place to Work in the Insurance Industry" nationally.

EPIC now has more than 1,400 team members operating from 50 offices across the U.S., providing Property and Casualty, Employee Benefits, Specialty Programs and Private Client solutions to more than 20,000 clients.

With run rate revenues greater than $400 million, EPIC ranks among the top 20 retail insurance brokers in the U.S. Backed by Oak Hill Capital Partners, the company continues to expand organically and through strategic acquisitions across the country. For additional information, please visit https://www.epicbrokers.com/.

EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that Vice President, Hospitality Practice Leader Renee Crow will present at the CLM Annual Conference on Thurs., March 15 at 10:10 a.m. at the Marriott Marquis in Houston, Texas.

Related link: http://www.epicbrokers.com/

Chuck Simpson of EPIC to Present on Hazard Recognition at Arklatex ASSE Chapter Meeting

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. /ScoopCloud/ -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that Senior Risk Control Consultant Chuck Simpson will present at the Arklatex American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) Bi-Monthly Chapter Meeting on Thurs., March 15 at 11:30 a.m. at Shane's Seafood and BBQ in Bossier City, La.

Simpson, a recognized expert in Hydrogen Sulfide safety practices and training and ASSE Hydrogen Sulfide Safety Training Committee Chairman, will present on hazard recognition. The chapter meeting will also include a chapter bylaws amendment vote, local employment opportunities and a round table discussion of recent incidents, upcoming initiative and events.

ASSE is a global association of occupational safety professionals representing more than 36,000 members worldwide. The Society is also a visible advocate for OSH professionals through proactive government affairs at the federal and state levels, and in member-led relationships with key federal safety and health agencies. Members create safer work environments by preventing workplace fatalities, injuries and illnesses. Besides recording less lost time and lower workers' compensation costs, organizations with strong safety performance enjoy increased productivity, a better reputation and higher employee satisfaction.

About Chuck Simpson, senior risk control consultant

Chuck Simpson is a health and safety professional with more than 30 years of experience helping companies develop and implement risk management systems in a variety of industries.

Prior to joining EPIC, Simpson served as president of Work Safe International, LLC where he worked on both on- and off-shore projects in the United States, Mexico, Canada, South America, Africa, Asia and the Middle East.

Simpson has experience in the sulfur operations, pipeline, fabrication, oil and gas drilling, vessel operations and food processing industries. He is a certified safety professional (CSP) and a widely recognized expert on Contractor Safety Management, OSHA Recordkeeping and Hydrogen Sulfide Safety.

Simpson has presented lectures at the ASSE Safety Professional Development Conference and Exposition, OSHA Oil and Gas Safety Conference, the International Conference on Offshore Safety, the Gulf Coast Safety and Training Group, and the Sulphur Institute's Sulphur World Symposium in the United Arab Emirates.

Simpson is an active participant in the American Society of Safety Engineers, Gulf Coast Safety Training Group and serves as Chairman for the ANSI Z390 Hydrogen Sulfide Training Committee. He earned his bachelor's degree in international studies from the University of South Alabama.

About EPIC:

EPIC is a unique and innovative retail property and casualty and employee benefits insurance brokerage and consulting firm. EPIC has created a values-based, client-focused culture that attracts and retains top talent, fosters employee satisfaction and loyalty and sustains a high level of customer service excellence.

EPIC team members have consistently recognized their company as a "Best Place to Work" in multiple regions and as a "Best Place to Work in the Insurance Industry" nationally.

EPIC now has more than 1,400 team members operating from 50 offices across the U.S., providing Property and Casualty, Employee Benefits, Specialty Programs and Private Client solutions to more than 20,000 clients.

With run rate revenues greater than $400 million, EPIC ranks among the top 20 retail insurance brokers in the U.S. Backed by Oak Hill Capital Partners, the company continues to expand organically and through strategic acquisitions across the country.

EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that Senior Risk Control Consultant Chuck Simpson will present at the Arklatex American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) Bi-Monthly Chapter Meeting on Thurs., March 15 at 11:30 a.m. at Shane's Seafood and BBQ in Bossier City, La.

Related link: http://www.epicbrokers.com/

Andrea Racanelli of EPIC to Present on Social Media Marketing in the Transportation Industry at International LCT Show

LAS VEGAS, Nev. /ScoopCloud/ -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that Marketing Communications Manager Andrea Racanelli of The Capacity Group - an EPIC Company will present at the International Luxury Coach and Transportation (LCT) Show on Tues., March 13 at 9 a.m. at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, Nev.

In her presentation "How to Build a Social Media Strategy," Racanelli will explain how to create a social media strategy for the transportation industry, the 70/30 rule on developing social media content, creating ads and boosting posts on Facebook, tools for scheduling social media posts for a month at a time and how to measure social media engagement.

Celebrating its 34th year in 2018, the International Luxury Coach and Transportation Show is the biggest convention in the world for the luxury charter transportation industry. Set in Las Vegas, the event is the ultimate destination for operators around the globe seeking education, product showcases and peer-to-peer networking.

Click here to see the full agenda: https://www.lctshow.com/schedule/schedule.

About Andrea Racanelli, marketing communications manager:

Andrea Racanelli is the marketing communications manager for The Capacity Group - an EPIC Company, leading a team to create niche marketing programs in the transportation industry. With more than 20 years of experience managing communications, Racanelli is an expert in direct marketing, social media, events and trade show marketing.

Racanelli serves on the Marketing Advisory Boards for Ramapo College and Tuxedo Park School. She has a passion for mentoring and leads the intern program at The Capacity Group - an EPIC Company.

About EPIC:

EPIC is a unique and innovative retail property and casualty and employee benefits insurance brokerage and consulting firm. EPIC has created a values-based, client-focused culture that attracts and retains top talent, fosters employee satisfaction and loyalty and sustains a high level of customer service excellence.

EPIC team members have consistently recognized their company as a "Best Place to Work" in multiple regions and as a "Best Place to Work in the Insurance Industry" nationally.

EPIC now has more than 1,400 team members operating from 50 offices across the U.S., providing Property and Casualty, Employee Benefits, Specialty Programs and Private Client solutions to more than 20,000 clients.

With run rate revenues greater than $400 million, EPIC ranks among the top 20 retail insurance brokers in the U.S. Backed by Oak Hill Capital Partners, the company continues to expand organically and through strategic acquisitions across the country.

For additional information, please visit: https://www.epicbrokers.com/.

EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that Marketing Communications Manager Andrea Racanelli of The Capacity Group - an EPIC Company will present at the International Luxury Coach and Transportation (LCT) Show on March 13 at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las VegaS.

Related link: http://www.epicbrokers.com/

Suzanne McGarey, Matias Ormaza and Louis Hefter of EPIC Honored as Risk & Insurance Magazine 2018 Power Brokers

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that Managing Principal Suzanne McGarey and Senior Vice President Matias Ormaza have been recognized as 2018 Power Brokers by Risk & Insurance Magazine. Principal Louis Hefter was named a finalist.

"We are honored that three of our team members have been recognized by Risk & Insurance among their 2018 Power Brokers," said Pete Garvey, CEO of EPIC. "Suzanne, Matias and Lou personify EPIC's core values of providing the highest quality of service while always putting people first. They are well-deserving of this prestigious industry recognition."

A Power Broker is an individual who stands out among their peers for the exceptional client work they delivered over the past year. While brokers play many key roles in the insurance industry and risk profession, a Power Broker award recognizes problem solving, customer service and industry knowledge, in particular.

Managing Principal Suzanne McGarey was selected in the Employee Benefits category for her work helping clients develop effective benefits strategies. She helped a private equity firm revamp its benefits offerings to recruit the best of the best by conducting a survey of employees to determine what benefits are found most valuable.

Senior Vice President Matias Ormaza was selected in the Construction category for his work in supporting a client's conversion from a public company to private, a credit facility refinancing and a large acquisition, in which the client credited Ormaza for years of work that culminated in these accomplishments. Ormaza made recommendations to another client that saved them over $1 million in premium this year.

Principal Louis Hefter was named a finalist in the Transportation category for his work in alternative risk insurance programs.

About Suzanne McGarey, Managing Principal at Ascende - a Division of EPIC:

Suzanne McGarey joined Ascende - A Division of EPIC in 2001. Today her primary focus is on the firm's delivery of health and welfare consulting and business analytic services. She also provides oversight and integration of services for the company's additional consulting practices. She guides the practice leaders and managing consultants in developing cohesive strategies to advance our clients' business objectives. In addition, she meets with industry leaders and participates on executive advisory councils for the major health insurance carriers to engage in developing trends and represent the issues our clients face.

Her experience at Ascende includes managing the design, funding, administration and communication of employer-sponsored health and welfare plans. She provides expertise on the technical requirements, financial impacts and administrative mandates associated with the Affordable Care Act, as well as its wide-ranging effects on the industry.

McGarey began her career with Towers Perrin, where she worked in both the health and welfare and communications practices and gained experience analyzing employer welfare plans, researching compliance issues and developing employee communications. She later joined Business Health Companies, Inc. to assist in the development of a Houston-based Preferred Provider Organization (PPO), the Houston Healthcare Purchasing Organization (HHPO). Her responsibilities entailed marketing the network and developing ancillary services to assist clients in reducing health care expenditures in self-funded medical plans. McGarey played a key role in the success of the HHPO, which is now a cornerstone of a national network.

McGarey graduated from The University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor of Arts degree. She earned the Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS) and Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) designations and actively served on the board of the Houston Chapter of the International Society of Certified Employee Benefit Specialists (ISCEBS), including as president.

About Matias Ormaza, Senior Vice President at Greyling - a Division of EPIC:

Matias Ormaza is a Senior Vice President with Greyling Insurance - a Division of EPIC. In his role, he negotiates and places coverage for large design firms and design-builders. He works closely with clients who have global exposures and revenue ranging from $25 million to more than $1 billion. He is experienced in the unique coverage needs of design firms and has negotiated a wide range of large and complex project-specific policies for professional liability, pollution liability and builders risk programs.

Ormaza joined Greyling in 2007. Prior to that, he was an administrative manager of underwriting with Insurance Specialists, Inc., where he focused on lawyers professional liability insurance. He was a professional tennis player on the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) tour from 1999 through 2001. Ormaza holds the Construction Risk and Insurance Specialist (CRIS) professional designation.

Ormaza earned his degree from University of Georgia, where he majored in risk management and insurance with an emphasis on finance. He is originally from Argentina and is fluent in Spanish.

About Louis Hefter, Principal at The Capacity Group - an EPIC Company:

Louis Hefter has been insuring Moving & Storage, Final Mile Home Delivery and Warehousing/Logistics companies for approximately 20 years. Since joining The Capacity Group - an EPIC Company, Hefter has been instrumental in launching several alternative risk insurance programs. With a strong background and expertise in the industry, Hefter has been published numerous times addressing risk and liability for moving and storage companies.

About Risk & Insurance Power Broker Awards:

A Risk & Insurance(r) Power Broker(r) is an individual who stands out among their peers for the exceptional client work they delivered over the past year. While brokers play many key roles in the insurance industry and risk profession, a Power Broker(r) award recognizes problem solving, customer service and industry knowledge.

Our goal is to broadly recognize and promote outstanding risk management and customer service among the brokerage community. Therefore, we don't select a single winner but instead recognize four to six winners in different industry categories.

About EPIC:

EPIC is a unique and innovative retail property and casualty and employee benefits insurance brokerage and consulting firm. EPIC has created a values-based, client-focused culture that attracts and retains top talent, fosters employee satisfaction and loyalty and sustains a high level of customer service excellence.

EPIC team members have consistently recognized their company as a "Best Place to Work" in multiple regions and as a "Best Place to Work in the Insurance Industry" nationally.

EPIC now has more than 1,400 team members operating from 50 offices across the U.S., providing Property and Casualty, Employee Benefits, Specialty Programs and Private Client solutions to more than 20,000 clients.

With run rate revenues greater than $400 million, EPIC ranks among the top 20 retail insurance brokers in the U.S. Backed by Oak Hill Capital Partners, the company continues to expand organically and through strategic acquisitions across the country.

For additional information, please visit https://www.epicbrokers.com/.

EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants ('EPIC'), a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that Managing Principal Suzanne McGarey and Senior Vice President Matias Ormaza have been recognized as 2018 Power Brokers by Risk & Insurance Magazine. Principal Louis Hefter was named a finalist.

Related link: http://www.epicbrokers.com/

Suzannah Gill of EPIC to Present on Millennial Brokers at Employee Benefit Adviser’s Workplace Benefits

ATLANTA, Ga. /ScoopCloud/ -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that EPIC Benefits Strategy Consultant Suzannah Gill will present at the Employee Benefit Adviser's Workplace Benefits Renaissance on March 1, 2018 at 10 a.m. at the Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa in Atlantic City, N.J.

Gill will present on a panel on "How Millennial Brokers are Reshaping the Business" alongside John Sbrocco, healthcare strategist and principal at Questige. The panel will be moderated by Employee Benefit Adviser's Editor-in-Chief and Conference Chair Elizabeth Galentine.

Workplace Benefits Renaissance provides attendees the opportunity to learn the latest trends and proven strategies from a peer-led program that includes some of the industry's top producers. Attendees will also make new connections with a valuable network and bring back innovative, actionable ideas that can be applied to their own practice. The event leverages its vast networks and expertise of Employee Benefit Adviser, Employee Benefit News and the Workplace Benefits Association, to bring an unparalleled learning opportunity.

Click here to see the full agenda: https://www.employeebenefitadviser.com/conference/renaissance-2018/agenda

About Suzannah Gill, benefits strategy consultant:

As part of EPIC's employee benefits consulting team in Atlanta, benefits strategy consultant Suzannah Gill brings a broad spectrum of experience to EPIC. She was previously a senior associate and benefits consultant for a large Atlanta benefits consulting firm with a focus on strategic management and business development. Prior to that, Gill provided strategic benefits expertise to her clients as an ERISA attorney at a prominent Atlanta law firm, representing clients in both Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation matters.

Gill is a responsive and results-oriented benefits advisor, helping her clients understand and navigate the complexities of employee benefits, so they can focus on managing and growing their businesses. Additionally, her skill set further expands EPIC's legal expertise in employee benefits.

She earned a Bachelor of Science in Management with Marketing Certification, highest honor, from Georgia Tech and a Juris Doctor, cum laude, from the University of Georgia School of Law.

About EPIC:

EPIC is a unique and innovative retail property and casualty and employee benefits insurance brokerage and consulting firm. EPIC has created a values-based, client-focused culture that attracts and retains top talent, fosters employee satisfaction and loyalty and sustains a high level of customer service excellence.

EPIC team members have consistently recognized their company as a "Best Place to Work" in multiple regions and as a "Best Place to Work in the Insurance Industry" nationally.

EPIC now has more than 1,400 team members operating from 50 offices across the U.S., providing Property and Casualty, Employee Benefits, Specialty Programs and Private Client solutions to more than 20,000 clients.

With run rate revenues greater than $400 million, EPIC ranks among the top 20 retail insurance brokers in the U.S. Backed by Oak Hill Capital Partners, the company continues to expand organically and through strategic acquisitions across the country.

For additional information, please visit https://www.epicbrokers.com/.

EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants ('EPIC'), a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that EPIC Benefits Strategy Consultant Suzannah Gill will present at the Employee Benefit Adviser's Workplace Benefits Renaissance on March 1, 2018 at 10 a.m. at the Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa in Atlantic City, N.J.

Related link: http://www.epicbrokers.com/

EPIC Insurance adds Maurice Edwards, Walter Palmer and their Risk Solutions Team

HOUSTON, Texas /ScoopCloud/ -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a leading retail property and casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today the addition of Enterprise Risk Management veteran Maurice (Moe) Edwards, retail Loss Prevention expert Walter Palmer, and their team of Risk Assurance and Asset Protection professionals.

This new national practice, based in Houston, Texas, will operate as EPIC Integrated Risk Solutions with EPIC's Southwest Region President, Jim Watt serving as the team's executive sponsor.

Edwards joins EPIC as Managing Principal and brings more than 20 years of experience in a wide range of risk management disciplines. He was most recently Senior Vice President of Enterprise Risk for Mattress Firm where he developed a holistic risk management philosophy and a practical, effective delivery system.

"We are delighted to join Jim Watt and the entire team at EPIC. The reaction to our new approach to risk introduced this past fall was so overwhelmingly positive that we knew we needed to find the right partner to bring it to market," said Edwards.

"With EPIC's deep knowledge and resources in P&C brokerage and Employee Benefits Consulting, as well as their strong existing risk management expertise nationally, this was unquestionably the right home for our integrated Risk Financing, Risk Assurance and Asset Protection approach," Edwards added.

"Our team has over 150 years of combined industry experience ranging from enterprise risk management, retail loss prevention, supply chain management, law enforcement, and internal/external audit. We provide a single, seamless experience that will help EPIC clients further protect their people, property and other assets," said Edwards.

Joining Edwards as part of EPIC Integrated Risk Solutions is Walter Palmer, the founder and President of PCG Solutions. Recognized as one of the leading experts in retail loss prevention, Palmer's 30 years of experience include 16 years as a practitioner in loss prevention, operations, inventory control, and supply chain management. At PCG, he worked with leading retail companies, both across the US and globally, delivering a strategic approach to mitigating loss and lowering total cost of risk. Palmer will join the organization as Practice Leader.

In addition to Palmer, retail loss prevention and supply chain veteran Kevin Ach will join as Vice President of Risk Assurance, retail loss prevention veteran John Schroeder as Vice President of Asset Protection, and finance executive Katie Tyrone as Vice President of Risk Financing.

"We are excited to add Moe and his team to the EPIC family and to introduce EPIC Integrated Risk Solutions to our current and future clients across the country," said Jim Watt. "While their business focus has historically been on large retail, distribution and manufacturing companies, including some of the leading brands in the world, our entire EPIC client base, from the Energy Industry to Construction and Design firms, will benefit from their deep risk management knowledge, experience and expertise."

Maurice Edwards can be reached at:
Email: maurice.edwards@EPICbrokers.com
Phone: 832-476-8399

About EPIC:

EPIC is a unique and innovative retail property and casualty and employee benefits insurance brokerage and consulting firm. EPIC has created a values-based, client-focused culture that attracts and retains top talent, fosters employee satisfaction and loyalty and sustains a high level of customer service excellence.

EPIC team members have consistently recognized their company as a "Best Place to Work" in multiple regions and as a "Best Place to Work in the Insurance Industry" nationally.

EPIC now has more than 1,400 team members operating from 50 offices across the U.S., providing Property and Casualty, Employee Benefits, Specialty Programs and Private Client solutions to more than 20,000 clients.

With run rate revenues greater than $400 million, EPIC ranks among the top 20 retail insurance brokers in the U.S. Backed by Oak Hill Capital Partners, the company continues to expand organically and through strategic acquisitions across the country.

For additional information, please visit https://www.epicbrokers.com/.

EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants ('EPIC'), a leading retail property and casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today the addition of Enterprise Risk Management veteran Maurice (Moe) Edwards, retail Loss Prevention expert Walter Palmer, and their team of Risk Assurance and Asset Protection professionals.

Related link: http://www.epicbrokers.com/

American Truck Dealers 20 Group Meeting: Frenkel & Company – an EPIC Company’s Michael Feinstein Presents on Cyber Liability

NEW YORK, N.Y. /ScoopCloud/ -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that Michael Feinstein, executive vice president of Frenkel & Company - an EPIC Company, will present at the American Truck Dealers (ATD) 20 Group Meeting on Monday, Feb. 19 at 7 a.m. at the Phoenician in Scottsdale, Ariz.

Feinstein will present on cyber liability as well as the state of the insurance market for truck dealers. Topics will include exposure identification, causes of data breaches, risk mitigation and transfer, insurance products, incident response and benchmarking limits.

NADA/ATD 20 Group programs equip dealers and managers with best practices, new ideas and financial comparisons to improve business performance and profitability. Programs encompass virtually all franchises and offer a variety of meeting formats with noncompeting dealers grouped by franchise, volume, geographic location, travel preferences and budget. Programs include Internet groups, all-make truck groups, fixed operations groups, custom and composite-only groups and the traditional franchise specific groups. Additionally, In-dealership Consulting (IDC) services are available to improve performance of employees, departments and the operation as a whole.

About Michael Feinstein, Executive Vice President, Frenkel & Company - an EPIC Company:

Michael Feinstein began his insurance career in New York in 1981 with the broker, Foa & Son Corp., after graduating from The Wharton School at The University of Pennsylvania with a degree in Economics. Feinstein has been with Frenkel since 1985. He is active in the firm's new business development area and also services a number of the firm's key accounts. Feinstein's area of expertise is Professional Liability, Directors & Officers Liability and other financial products. He attained the Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) designation in 1989.

About American Truck Dealers:

Established in 1970, American Truck Dealers (ATD), a division of the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA), provides programs and services to this highly specialized segment of its membership. ATD represents more than 1,800 franchised medium- and heavy-duty truck dealers holding nearly 3,000 separate franchises, domestic and import.

About Frenkel & Company - an EPIC Company:

Frenkel & Company - an EPIC Company is a full-service insurance brokerage established in 1878. Frenkel offers an expansive array of traditional and customized risk management, property and casualty and employee benefits consulting services to a broad spectrum of businesses, industries and individuals. Headquartered in New York, NY, the firm has grown organically since 1878 and through a series of acquisitions and strategic partnerships. In November 2017, Frenkel joined EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants. For additional information, please visit https://www.frenkel.com/.

About EPIC:

EPIC is a unique and innovative retail property and casualty and employee benefits insurance brokerage and consulting firm. EPIC has created a values-based, client-focused culture that attracts and retains top talent, fosters employee satisfaction and loyalty and sustains a high level of customer service excellence.

EPIC team members have consistently recognized their company as a "Best Place to Work" in multiple regions and as a "Best Place to Work in the Insurance Industry" nationally.

EPIC now has more than 1,400 team members operating from 50 offices across the U.S., providing Property and Casualty, Employee Benefits, Specialty Programs and Private Client solutions to more than 20,000 clients.

With run rate revenues greater than $400 million, EPIC ranks among the top 20 retail insurance brokers in the U.S. Backed by Oak Hill Capital Partners, the company continues to expand organically and through strategic acquisitions across the country.

For additional information, please visit https://www.epicbrokers.com/.

EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants (EPIC), a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that Michael Feinstein, executive vice president of Frenkel & Company - an EPIC Company, will present at the American Truck Dealers (ATD) 20 Group Meeting on Monday, Feb. 19, 2018 at 7 a.m. at the Phoenician in Scottsdale, Ariz.

Related link: http://www.epicbrokers.com/

EPIC Insurance’s Suzannah Gill Named a 2018 Rising Star in Advising by Employee Benefit Adviser

ATLANTA, Ga. /ScoopCloud/ -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that Benefits Strategy Consultant Suzannah Gill has been recognized as a 2018 Rising Star in Advising by Employee Benefit Adviser.

The 2018 Rising Stars in Advising, chosen by Employee Benefit Adviser's editorial team after a nationwide search, are compassionate leaders who practice what they preach. This year's group of standout advisers, ages 35 and younger, are taking charge of the employee benefit supply chain with a determination to reduce costs and improve client outcomes.

Although she was the firm's youngest producer when she joined EPIC, Gill quickly became known as a company and industry thought leader. She draws upon her background as an ERISA attorney to deliver unique expertise as a consultant, with a keen focus on driving down employers' costs and ensuring that their interests are aligned by offering to work on a fee basis. Gill's clients benefit from enhanced employee offerings, reduced costs, and increased EBITDA.

"We are pleased and proud that Suzannah has been named a 2018 Rising Star in Advising," said John Hahn, CEO of EPIC. "This well-deserved recognition is a reflection of her hard work and dedication to providing EPIC clients with the highest level of service excellence. Suzannah is a tremendous asset to our team and a stand-out, consultant, leader and adviser."

Click here the full list of Rising Stars: https://www.employeebenefitadviser.com/list/employee-benefit-advisers-2018-rising-stars-in-advising.

About Suzannah Gill, benefits strategy consultant:

As part of EPIC's employee benefits consulting team in Atlanta, Benefits Strategy Consultant Suzannah Gill brings a broad spectrum of experience to EPIC. She was previously a senior associate and benefits consultant for a large Atlanta benefits consulting firm with a focus on strategic management and business development. Prior to that, Gill provided strategic benefits expertise to her clients as an ERISA attorney at a prominent Atlanta law firm, representing clients in both Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation matters.

Gill is a responsive and results-oriented benefits advisor, helping her clients understand and navigate the complexities of employee benefits, so they can focus on managing and growing their businesses. Additionally, her skill set further expands EPIC's legal expertise in employee benefits.

Gill earned a Bachelor of Science in Management with Marketing Certification, highest honor, from Georgia Tech and a Juris Doctor, cum laude, from the University of Georgia School of Law.

About EPIC:

EPIC is a unique and innovative retail property and casualty and employee benefits insurance brokerage and consulting firm. EPIC has created a values-based, client-focused culture that attracts and retains top talent, fosters employee satisfaction and loyalty and sustains a high level of customer service excellence.

EPIC team members have consistently recognized their company as a "Best Place to Work" in multiple regions and as a "Best Place to Work in the Insurance Industry" nationally.

EPIC now has more than 1,400 team members operating from 50 offices across the U.S., providing Property and Casualty, Employee Benefits, Specialty Programs and Private Client solutions to more than 20,000 clients.

With run rate revenues greater than $400 million, EPIC ranks among the top 20 retail insurance brokers in the U.S. Backed by Oak Hill Capital Partners, the company continues to expand organically and through strategic acquisitions across the country. For additional information, please visit https://www.epicbrokers.com/.

EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that Benefits Strategy Consultant Suzannah Gill has been recognized as a 2018 Rising Star in Advising by Employee Benefit Adviser.

Related link: http://www.epicbrokers.com/

Lorrie Osterhage Joins Greyling – a Division of EPIC in St. Louis as a Vice President

ST. LOUIS, Mo. /ScoopCloud/ -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants announced today that risk management and insurance professional Lorrie Osterhage has joined the firm's Architects and Engineers Practice (Greyling - a Division of EPIC) in St. Louis, Mo. as a Vice President.

Osterhage joins from Marsh, Inc. where she spent the past 32 years leading a team responsible for serving and supporting participants in the Business Insurance Trust (BIT) Program of the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC).

The ACEC selected Greyling/EPIC as the new broker and program administrator for their BIT Program, effective January 1, 2018, replacing Marsh.

At Greyling/EPIC, Osterhage will be responsible for providing risk management and property & casualty insurances services to engineering firms who participate in the ACEC BIT Program now being administered by Greyling/EPIC.

"We are very excited to have Lorrie join our company to ensure that ACEC members who secure their risk management and commercial insurance protection through the Business Insurance Trust receive the highest possible level of service and support," said Jeff Connelly, Senior Vice President and BIT Program Manager at Greyling/EPIC.

"Lorrie has devoted most of her long, successful career to understanding and exceeding the risk management and insurance needs of engineering firms, particularly ACEC members, and she will be an incredible asset to these same companies and others, as we begin our management and enhancement of the BIT Program."

Lorrie Osterhage can be reached at:
Email: lorrie.osterhage[at]greyling.com
Phone: (770) 670-5335 (direct).

Jeff Connelly can be reached at:
Email: jeff.connelly[at]greyling.com
Phone: (770) 670-5334 (direct).

About EPIC:
EPIC is a unique and innovative retail property & casualty and employee benefits insurance brokerage and consulting firm. EPIC has created a values-based, client-focused culture that attracts and retains top talent, fosters employee satisfaction and loyalty and sustains a high level of customer service excellence.

EPIC team members have consistently recognized their company as a "Best Place to Work" in multiple regions and as a "Best Place to Work in the Insurance Industry" nationally.

EPIC now has more than 1,400 team members operating from 50 offices across the U.S., providing Property & Casualty, Employee Benefits, Specialty Programs and Private Client solutions to more than 20,000 clients.

With run rate revenues greater than $400 million, EPIC ranks among the top 20 retail insurance brokers in the United States. Backed by Oak Hill Capital Partners, the company continues to expand organically and through strategic acquisitions across the country.

For additional information, please visit https://www.epicbrokers.com/.

EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants (EPIC) announced today that risk management and insurance professional Lorrie Osterhage has joined the firm's Architects and Engineers Practice (Greyling - a Division of EPIC) in St. Louis, Mo. as a Vice President.

Related link: http://www.epicbrokers.com/

EPIC Insurance Adds Philip Westphal in Sacramento, Calif.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants announced today that risk management and insurance professional Philip Westphal has joined the firm's commercial property/casualty team in Sacramento, Calif. as a Risk Advisor/Broker in EPIC's Healthcare Practice. Westphal will report to Managing Principal and Healthcare Practice Co-leader, Tom McCready.

Westphal will be responsible for new business development and the design and management of risk management and property casualty insurance programs for clients in a range of industries. In particular, Westphal will specialize in developing creative, result-oriented risk management and insurance solutions within the healthcare sector, specializing in hospitals, healthcare clinics, dental offices and senior living facilities.

Prior to joining EPIC, Westphal was Director, Employee Safety for BETA Healthcare Group where he was responsible for leading the employee safety team's delivery of loss prevention and safety services to BETA Healthcare Group's worker's compensation clients.

Westphal began his insurance career at Fireman's Fund Insurance Company, where he held a number of positions providing loss control and marketing services to middle-market commercial insurance clients.

Westphal is a graduate of Pepperdine University where he earned a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Degree in Sports Medicine. Professionally, he holds a designation as a Certified Ergonomic Evaluation Specialist (CEES)

Said EPIC's Tom McCready, "We are excited to further expand and enhance EPIC's operations in the Sacramento Region and across the West with the addition of Philip Westphal. Philip is well known in healthcare circles and highly respected for building strong, positive relationships and providing exceptional service, as well as for his aggressive client advocacy."

Philip Westphal can be reached at:
Email: philip.westphal@epicbrokers.com
Phone: (916) 576-1503 (direct).

About EPIC:
EPIC is a unique and innovative retail property & casualty and employee benefits insurance brokerage and consulting firm. EPIC has created a values-based, client-focused culture that attracts and retains top talent, fosters employee satisfaction and loyalty and sustains a high level of customer service excellence.

EPIC team members have consistently recognized their company as a "Best Place to Work" in multiple regions and as a "Best Place to Work in the Insurance Industry" nationally.

EPIC now has more than 1,400 team members operating from 50 offices across the U.S., providing Property & Casualty, Employee Benefits, Specialty Programs and Private Client solutions to more than 20,000 clients.

With run rate revenues greater than $400 million, EPIC ranks among the top 20 retail insurance brokers in the United States. Backed by Oak Hill Capital Partners, the company continues to expand organically and through strategic acquisitions across the country.

For additional information, please visit: https://www.epicbrokers.com/.

EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants ('EPIC') announced today that risk management and insurance professional Philip Westphal has joined the firm's commercial property/casualty team in Sacramento, Calif. as a Risk Advisor/Broker in EPIC's Healthcare Practice. Westphal will report to Managing Principal and Healthcare Practice Co-leader, Tom McCready.

Related link: http://www.epicbrokers.com/

EPIC and Qualified Plan Advisors Announce Collaboration Agreement for the Benefit of Ascende Wealth Advisor Retirement Plan Consulting Clients

HOUSTON, Texas /ScoopCloud/ -- EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants, the retail property and casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consulting subsidiary of EPIC Holdings, announced today a collaboration agreement between EPIC's Houston-based Ascende Wealth Advisors, Inc. (AWAI) and Qualified Plan Advisors (QPA), a division of Prime Capital Investment Advisors. QPA is a federally regulated investment advisor with more than 30 years of specialized expertise in 401k planning advisory services and private wealth management advisory services.

Due to changing and ever evolving regulations, the provision of retirement planning and consulting services has become increasingly more complex and challenging. To respond to these challenges, EPIC investigated a number of options, and felt that aligning themselves with a highly qualified specialty firm would best serve expanding client needs.

The result is a collaboration agreement and partnership with QPA that expands the resources available to both current and future EPIC clients. Under this agreement the AWAI team will become employees of QPA, who will now be utilized as a third party investment advisory partner for EPIC clients requiring these services.

QPA manages a very large retirement practice with offices and specialized resources around the country that will now be available to the retirement consulting team that has been serving Ascende/EPIC clients.

Under the agreement QPA will assume existing AWAI investment advisory contracts, so that clients will have the same service team.

About EPIC:

EPIC is a unique and innovative retail property & casualty and employee benefits insurance brokerage and consulting firm. EPIC has created a values-based, client-focused culture that attracts and retains top talent, fosters employee satisfaction and loyalty and sustains a high level of customer service excellence.

EPIC team members have consistently recognized their company as a "Best Place to Work" in multiple regions and as a "Best Place to Work in the Insurance Industry" nationally.

EPIC now has more than 1,400 team members operating from 50 offices across the U.S., providing Property & Casualty, Employee Benefits, Specialty Programs and Private Client solutions to more than 20,000 clients.

With run rate revenues greater than $400 million, EPIC ranks among the top 20 retail insurance brokers in the United States. Backed by Oak Hill Capital Partners, the company continues to expand organically and through strategic acquisitions across the country. For additional information, please visit https://www.epicbrokers.com/.

About Qualified Plan Advisors:

Qualified Plan Advisors (QPA) is an independent, results driven advisory firm and fiduciary partner, comprised of a team of ERISA attorneys, over 70 advisors and more than 50 professional staff. QPA provides consulting services that are designed to deliver an à la carte experience to plan sponsors with either single or multiple needs. Please visit https://qualifiedplanadvisors.com/ to learn more.

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EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants (EPIC), the retail property and casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consulting subsidiary of EPIC Holdings, announced today a collaboration agreement between EPIC's Houston-based Ascende Wealth Advisors, Inc. (AWAI) and Qualified Plan Advisors (QPA), a division of Prime Capital Investment Advisors. QPA is a federally regulated investment advisor with more than 30 years of specialized expertise in 401k planning advisory services and private wealth management advisory services.

Related link: http://www.epicbrokers.com/

EPIC Insurance Brokers Adds Eric Hays in Pittsburgh, PA

PITTSBURGH, Pa. /ScoopCloud/ -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property and casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today the addition of Eric Hays as Regional Director, Employee Benefits.

Hays will be based in EPIC's newest location in Pittsburgh, Pa., launched with the hires of Sean Andreas, Al Dragotto, Kurt Karstens, Pete Kostorick, Sally Krauss, Zach Mendelson, Phil Wakim, Chuck Yorio, Jan Zewe and others from Wells Fargo Insurance Services in September 2017.

Hays joins EPIC following five years at Highmark, Inc. in Pittsburgh, where he was Vice President of Western Regional Markets. In that role, Hays oversaw Highmark's middle market, strategic, and hospital accounts.

Hays will be responsible for building and leading EPIC's Employee Benefits Consulting Team operating from Pittsburgh. In addition, he will have parallel new business development responsibilities, acquiring and providing innovative Benefits Consulting solutions to his own group of clients.

Said Thomas O'Neil, EPIC's Northeast Region President, "We are excited to further expand and enhance EPIC's operations in Western Pennsylvania and our Northeast Region with the addition of Eric Hays. He is well known to the Pittsburgh employee benefits marketplace and highly respected for building strong customer relationships, providing exceptional service, and aggressive client advocacy."

EPIC Pittsburgh provides Property & Casualty Insurance, Surety, Risk Management and Employee Benefits programs to clients in a wide range of industries, located across Western Pennsylvania and the country.

Specific areas of expertise include Group Captives, Professional and Management Liability, Risk Control, Claims Advocacy Workers' Compensation cost control and all aspects of Employee Benefits Consulting including Compliance, Wellness, HR and Benefits Technology, Retirement, Executive and Voluntary Benefits, Pharmacy Management, Global Benefits and Employee Communications and Engagement.

Eric Hays can be reached at:
Email: eric.hays[at]epicbrokers.com
Phone: 412-274-1714 (direct)

EPIC Pittsburgh Office:
Main phone 412-274-1750
301 Grant Street, Suite 4300
Pittsburgh, PA 15219

About EPIC:
EPIC is a unique and innovative retail property & casualty and employee benefits insurance brokerage and consulting firm. EPIC has created a values-based, client-focused culture that attracts and retains top talent, fosters employee satisfaction and loyalty and sustains a high level of customer service excellence.

EPIC team members have consistently recognized their company as a "Best Place to Work" in multiple regions and as a "Best Place to Work in the Insurance Industry" nationally.

EPIC now has more than 1,400 team members operating from 50 offices across the U.S., providing Property & Casualty, Employee Benefits, Specialty Programs and Private Client solutions to more than 20,000 clients.

With run rate revenues greater than $400 million, EPIC ranks among the top 20 retail insurance brokers in the United States. Backed by Oak Hill Capital Partners, the company continues to expand organically and through strategic acquisitions across the country.

More information: http://www.epicbrokers.com/.

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EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property and casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today the addition of Eric Hays as Regional Director, Employee Benefits. Hays will be based in EPIC's newest location in Pittsburgh, Pa.

Related link: http://www.epicbrokers.com/

Sam Elliott Joins EPIC as Executive VP of Business Development and National Sales and Marketing Leader

AUSTIN, Texas /ScoopCloud/ -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, the retail property and casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consulting subsidiary of EPIC Holdings, announced today that insurance brokerage industry veteran Sam Elliott has joined the firm to lead EPIC's new business development efforts nationally.

Elliott will be based in Austin, Texas, where he currently resides, and report directly to Peter Garvey, CEO of EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants.

Across a career spanning nearly 40 years, Elliott has held management and executive leadership position at both regional and national brokerage firms, including Jardine Insurance Brokers, Alexander & Alexander Insurance Brokers, ABD Insurance & Financial Services and, most recently, Wells Fargo Insurance Services.

At Wells Elliott served as Executive Vice President and Regional Managing Director, where he was responsible for managing and overseeing all of Wells Fargo's insurance operations in the Western U.S. including Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Colorado, Nevada, Arizona, Utah, Idaho, California, Oregon, Washington, Alaska and Hawaii.

Operations included risk management services, property-casualty brokerage, employee benefits consulting, management liability, and claims and risk control services. Elliot's responsibilities included financial performance, sales leadership, recruiting and training, service excellence, mergers & acquisitions, and quality assurance.

Said Peter Garvey, "We are fortunate and excited to add a seasoned, successful leader and professional of Sam's caliber. He has a track record of significant accomplishment at every organization he has been a part of and a reputation for providing exceptional service; strong client advocacy, creative and cost-effective risk management consulting solutions; and for driving strong organic growth. We have every belief and confidence that he will achieve similar results as part of EPIC."

Added Sam Elliott, "This is a very exciting time to be joining EPIC, particularly in a national business development leadership role. Pete Garvey and the EPIC Executive Team are keenly focused on further enhancing the rate of EPIC's organic growth, which already outpaces most other US retail brokers. With the strategic and financial support of Oakhill Capital Partners, we see this as highly achievable, and expect to again double revenues over the next 3-5 years."

Sam Elliott can be reached at:
Email: sam.elliott@EPICbrokers.com
Cell Phone: (310) 993-1428.

About EPIC:

EPIC is a unique and innovative retail property & casualty and employee benefits insurance brokerage and consulting firm. EPIC has created a values-based, client-focused culture that attracts and retains top talent, fosters employee satisfaction and loyalty and sustains a high level of customer service excellence.

EPIC team members have consistently recognized their company as a "Best Place to Work" in multiple regions and as a "Best Place to Work in the Insurance Industry" nationally.

EPIC now has more than 1,400 team members operating from 50 offices across the U.S., providing Property & Casualty, Employee Benefits, Specialty Programs and Private Client solutions to more than 20,000 clients.

With run rate revenues greater than $400 million, EPIC ranks among the top 20 retail insurance brokers in the United States. Backed by Oak Hill Capital Partners, the company continues to expand organically and through strategic acquisitions across the country.

For additional information, please visit http://www.epicbrokers.com/.

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EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants ('EPIC'), the retail property and casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consulting subsidiary of EPIC Holdings, announced today that insurance brokerage industry veteran Sam Elliott has joined the firm to lead EPIC's new business development efforts nationally.

Related link: http://www.epicbrokers.com/

EPIC Named to Best Places to Work in Insurance Nationally for Eighth Consecutive Year

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that it has again been recognized by its team members nationally as one of the Best Places to Work in Insurance in a survey conducted annually by Business Insurance Magazine and Best Companies Group.

Best Places to Work in Insurance is an annual feature of Business Insurance that recognizes the agents, brokers, insurers and other providers with the highest employee scores in response to a detailed employee engagement and satisfaction survey.

This year's report features 75 companies of varying sizes that share a strong commitment to attracting, developing and retaining great talent through a positive culture, comprehensive employee benefits and other programs that their employees value.

Based on employee feedback, EPIC was ranked #12 in the medium employer category (250-999 U.S. employees).

"It is an honor to be recognized by our EPIC team members as a Best Place to Work in Insurance for an eighth consecutive year," said John Hahn, CEO of EPIC. "This recognition validates our team's ongoing dedication to fostering a culture of respect, community, fun, and always putting people first. These beliefs and values are key to attracting and retaining our industry's top talent who skillfully and effectively serve the needs of our clients. Every year we acquire important information that helps us to further build and strengthen our culture of EPICness."

About EPIC:

EPIC is a unique and innovative retail property & casualty and employee benefits insurance brokerage and consulting firm. EPIC has created a values-based, client-focused culture that attracts and retains top talent, fosters employee satisfaction and loyalty and sustains a high level of customer service excellence. EPIC team members have consistently recognized their company as a "Best Place to Work" in multiple regions and as a "Best Place to Work in the Insurance Industry" nationally.

EPIC now has more than 1,300 team members operating from offices across the U.S., providing Property & Casualty insurance, Employee Benefits Consulting, Specialty Programs and Private Client solutions to more than 30,000 clients.

With run rate revenues of roughly $400 million, EPIC ranks among the top 20 retail insurance brokers in the United States. Backed by Oak Hill Capital Partners, the company continues to expand organically and through strategic acquisitions across the country.

For additional information, please visit http://www.epicbrokers.com/.

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EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that it has again been recognized by its team members nationally as one of the Best Places to Work in Insurance in a survey conducted annually by Business Insurance Magazine and Best Companies Group.

Related link: http://www.epicbrokers.com/

Mike Klaschka of EPIC to Present on Financial Risk at DC Alternative Investment Consortium Event

WASHINGTON, D.C. /ScoopCloud/ -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that Managing Principal Mike Klaschka will present at the DC Alternative Investment Consortium (DC-AIC) on Tues., Nov. 7 at 4:30 p.m. at The Army and Navy Club in Washington, D.C.

Klaschka will present alongside Sixth Man Research Founder Mark Lapolla as they discuss with the investor and manager community the topic of risk as it relates to portfolio risk, operational risk, market risk and personnel risk. Kirk Rostron, managing partner at Mt. Vernon Capital, LLC, will moderate the discussion.

DC-AIC is a new thought group created to provide knowledge sharing and interaction among Washington-area investment advisers and fund managers in the alternative investment arena. The group recognizes the unique characteristics and international emphasis of the alternative investment community in Washington, and aspires to be an organization for industry intelligence and meaningful networking.

Click here for more information: http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07eemjdxkn45c2a553&llr=hkcnovdab&showPage=true.

About Mike Klaschka, managing principal, EPIC:

Mike Klaschka is a managing principal based in EPIC's New York City office. He has over 26 years of industry experience and is a highly respected and skilled negotiator in the professional liability marketplace. Klaschka has extensive experience working with financial institution, technology, real estate, private equity and complex risks with strong technical knowledge of D&O, E&O, Cyber, Fidelity, Fiduciary, Media, Employment Practices Liability and Transactional Liability.

He joined EPIC in August 2016. Prior to EPIC, Klaschka was the national leader of Integro's Management Risk Practice where he spent 11 years. Prior to Integro, he spent 10 years at Marsh & McLennan where he held various positions including head of their E&O Center of Excellence Group based in New York as well as the West Coast FINPRO placement leader for financial services, technology and commercial accounts group based in San Francisco.

Klaschka earned Bachelor of Arts Degree from Drew University in 1991 and majored in Economics with a minor in Political Science.

About EPIC:

EPIC is a unique and innovative retail property & casualty and employee benefits insurance brokerage and consulting firm. EPIC has created a values-based, client-focused culture that attracts and retains top talent, fosters employee satisfaction and loyalty and sustains a high level of customer service excellence. EPIC team members have consistently recognized their company as a "Best Place to Work" in multiple regions and as a "Best Place to Work in the Insurance Industry" nationally.

EPIC now has more than 1,300 team members operating from offices across the U.S., providing Property & Casualty insurance, Employee Benefits Consulting, Specialty Programs and Private Client solutions to more than 30,000 clients.

With run rate revenues of roughly $400 million, EPIC ranks among the top 20 retail insurance brokers in the United States. Backed by Oak Hill Capital Partners, the company continues to expand organically and through strategic acquisitions across the country.

For additional information, please visit http://www.epicbrokers.com/.

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EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that Managing Principal Mike Klaschka will present at the DC Alternative Investment Consortium (DC-AIC) on Tues., Nov. 7 at 4:30 p.m. at The Army and Navy Club in Washington, D.C.

Related link: http://www.epicbrokers.com/

Michael Nischan of EPIC to Present on Hidden Risks for Motor Carriers at GMTA Leadership Conference

ATLANTA, Ga. /ScoopCloud/ -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that Transportation & Logistics Risk Control Vice President Michael Nischan will present at Georgia Motor Trucking Association's Leadership Conference on Wed., Nov. 8 at 4 p.m. at the Hilton Atlanta/Marietta Hotel and Conference Center in Marietta, Ga.

In his panel "What's at Risk - Areas That Deserve More Attention," Nischan will discuss hidden risks for motor carriers from the Risk Management & Insurance perspective.

GMTA's Leadership Conference is an event where industry leaders gather to learn practices that enhance their company's productivity. At the EPIC-sponsored event, attendees will have the opportunity to network with many of the transportation industry's most knowledgeable and influential leaders along with accessing strategic, actionable education that makes the Leadership Conference unlike any other in Georgia.

Click here for more information: http://www.gmta.org/?page=FallLeadership17.

About Michael Nischan, vice president of Transportation & Logistics Risk Control, EPIC:

Michael Nischan is vice president of the Transportation Risk Control Practice of EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, working out of the Southeast Region office in Atlanta. With more than 20 years of experience in law enforcement, private industry management and consulting, he has a genuine understanding of what it takes to operate a fleet safely and profitably. He helps motor carriers achieve and exceed regulatory requirements, develops management and training programs, implements operational controls to enhance efficiency and educates all members of an organization on compliance and security measures.

He is an instructor with the North American Transportation Management Institute (NATMI) and provides professional training courses on behalf of the Georgia Motor Trucking Association (GMTA). He is the only Certified Cargo Security Professional (CCSP) employed by an insurance or risk management firm in Georgia and is active in the battle against cargo and equipment theft.

Nischan is a member of numerous organizations, including the GMTA and the Southeastern Transportation Security Council (SETSC). He is a graduate of Lenoir-Rhyne College.

About EPIC:

EPIC is a unique and innovative retail property & casualty and employee benefits insurance brokerage and consulting firm. EPIC has created a values-based, client-focused culture that attracts and retains top talent, fosters employee satisfaction and loyalty and sustains a high level of customer service excellence. EPIC team members have consistently recognized their company as a "Best Place to Work" in multiple regions and as a "Best Place to Work in the Insurance Industry" nationally.

EPIC now has more than 1,300 team members operating from offices across the U.S., providing Property & Casualty insurance, Employee Benefits Consulting, Specialty Programs and Private Client solutions to more than 30,000 clients.

With run rate revenues of roughly $400 million, EPIC ranks among the top 20 retail insurance brokers in the United States. Backed by Oak Hill Capital Partners, the company continues to expand organically and through strategic acquisitions across the country. For additional information, please visit http://www.epicbrokers.com/.

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ATLANTA, Ga. and SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., Nov. 2, 2017 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that Transportation and Logistics Risk Control Vice President Michael Nischan will present at Georgia Motor Trucking Association's Leadership Conference on Wed., Nov. 8 at 4 p.m. at the Hilton Atlanta/Marietta Hotel and Conference Center in Marietta, Ga.

Related link: http://www.epicbrokers.com/

EPIC Attends Worldwide Broker Network Global Conference in Paris and Hosts WBN 2018 Spring Conference

HOUSTON, Texas /ScoopCloud/ -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that it is attending the 57th Worldwide Broker Network (WBN) Global Conference on Oct. 25-28, 2017 in Paris, France.

WBN members, clients, prospects and insurer partners meet in Global Conferences twice a year to collaborate, learn and maintain professional and personal relationships. The 57th WBN Global Conference will host 250 brokers from more than 100 countries for discussions on international insurance programs, plenary sessions, technical workshops, the sharing of experiences and business appointments.

Ascende - a division of EPIC is hosting the Spring conference on April 11-14, 2018. This comes from EPIC Southwest Region President Jim Watt's close ties to WBN. Formerly the WBN treasurer, WBN is announcing Jim's 2018 chairman of the board appointment at the conference in Paris this week.

As is customary at the Fall and Spring WBN conferences, the host city of the upcoming conference reveals the next conference location by presenting a video to promote the upcoming venue.

Here's a link to the video promoting the 58th annual WBN Global Conference in Texas: https://vimeo.com/238336204/7cf7a06134

Through EPIC's partnership with WBN - the largest fully integrated network of independent Property and Casualty and Employee Benefits brokers in the world - it is positioned to conduct business internationally with maximum flexibility, innovation and success. WBN brokers are located in over 100 countries and have offices in more than 500 cities around the globe. This partnership gives EPIC instant access to insurance experts from nearly every conceivable insurance specialty and current, reliable information on changes in their markets.

Click here for more information: https://wbnglobal.com/conferences/2017-october-paris.html

About Worldwide Broker Network:

Founded in 1989, WBN has grown from nine member firms in Western Europe to more than 100 firms spanning the globe and serving clients through 500+ offices in six continents. Today, as an important part of the insurance industry's distribution network, WBN generates over $5 billion in P&C and Employee Benefits revenue annually.

About EPIC:

EPIC is a unique and innovative retail property & casualty and employee benefits insurance brokerage and consulting firm. EPIC has created a values-based, client-focused culture that attracts and retains top talent, fosters employee satisfaction and loyalty and sustains a high level of customer service excellence. EPIC team members have consistently recognized their company as a "Best Place to Work" in multiple regions and as a "Best Place to Work in the Insurance Industry" nationally.

EPIC now has more than 1,300 team members operating from offices across the U.S., providing Property & Casualty insurance, Employee Benefits Consulting, Specialty Programs and Private Client solutions to more than 30,000 clients.

With run rate revenues of roughly $400 million, EPIC ranks among the top 20 retail insurance brokers in the United States. Backed by Oak Hill Capital Partners, the company continues to expand organically and through strategic acquisitions across the country.

For additional information, please visit http://www.epicbrokers.com/.

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TWITTER: @WBNGlobal @EPIC_Insurance

EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants (EPIC), a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that it is attending the 57th Worldwide Broker Network (WBN) Global Conference on Oct. 25-28, 2017 in Paris, France.

Related link: http://www.epicbrokers.com/

After 139 Years of Operations as Frenkel and Company, Venerable NY Insurance Broker Elects to Join EPIC

NEW YORK, N.Y. /ScoopCloud/ -- Frenkel & Company, one of the nation's most respected full-service independent insurance brokers and EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants, a unique and innovative national retail insurance brokerage and employee benefits consulting firm, announced today that they have joined forces.

Established in 1878 by Emil Frenkel, Frenkel & Company is one of the largest privately-held insurance brokers in the nation. With revenues approaching $80 million, Frenkel was most recently ranked #48 in Business Insurance Magazine's list of the 100 Largest Brokers of U.S. Business, published in July 2017.

EPIC, celebrating the firm's 10th anniversary in 2017, is already one of the 20 largest U.S. retail insurance brokers and, before the addition of Frenkel, ranked #26 among the top commercial insurance broker/consultants in the world. EPIC has built a strong, positive reputation for service excellence, innovation, community, collaboration and having fun - all in the interest of being a "people first" (clients and team members) organization.

"Frenkel & Company has been delivering strategic guidance and service around the risk management, insurance and benefit consulting needs of our clients for nearly 140 years," said John F. Kelly, President and Chief Executive Officer of Frenkel & Company. "We believe the decision to join EPIC will help us deliver an even broader and deeper set of capabilities and added value to our clients, with the same commitment to responsive, personalized service that has been a hallmark of our firm since 1878. We are thrilled to join forces with a unique and successful company like EPIC."

Upon joining EPIC, the firm will operate as Frenkel & Company - a Division of EPIC. Frenkel & Company's strong leadership team will play vital, active roles within the integrated EPIC organization.

Said EPIC CEO, John Hahn, "We found a strong cultural partner in Frenkel & Company, in an important and highly desirable region where we see tremendous opportunities for growth. In combination with our March 2017 acquisition of The Capacity Group and other growth, we have added roughly 450 new team members and now have revenue of more than $150 million in the Northeast Region. Frenkel locations and teams in New York City, Jersey City, Boston, and Los Angeles, will add significant value to our clients across the country and create further opportunities for our employees' long-term growth and career success."

EPIC's Northeast Region President Thomas O'Neil added, "In addition to the integration and expansion of our respective capabilities, Frenkel & Company provides a strong platform in the Northeast to extend our risk management, property & casualty insurance, international client services, employee benefits consulting, program solutions and private client services to companies across the region, nationally and internationally."

Weil, Gotshal & Manges, led by partner Christopher Machera, served as EPIC's legal advisor. KPMG LLP provided accounting and tax advice for EPIC. Morgan Stanley & Co LLC, led by Managing Director Robyn Maslynsky, acted as financial advisor to Frenkel & Company and Morrison Cohen LLP served as Frenkel's legal advisor.

About Frenkel & Company - a Division of EPIC:

Frenkel & Company - a Division of EPIC offers an expansive array of traditional and customized risk management, property & casualty insurance and employee benefits consulting products and services to a broad spectrum of businesses, industries and individuals. Headquartered in New York, NY, the firm has grown organically and through a series of acquisitions and strategic partnerships to become one of the 50 largest brokers of U.S. Business. For additional information, please visit http://www.frenkel.com/

About EPIC:

EPIC is a unique and innovative retail property & casualty and employee benefits insurance brokerage and consulting firm. EPIC has created a values-based, client-focused culture that attracts and retains top talent, fosters employee satisfaction and loyalty and sustains a high level of customer service excellence. EPIC team members have consistently recognized their company as a "Best Place to Work" in multiple regions and as a "Best Place to Work in the Insurance Industry" nationally.

EPIC now has more than 1,300 team members operating from offices across the U.S., providing Property & Casualty insurance, Employee Benefits Consulting, Specialty Programs and Private Client solutions to more than 30,000 clients.

With run rate revenues of roughly $400 million, EPIC ranks among the top 20 retail insurance brokers in the United States. Backed by Oak Hill Capital Partners, the company continues to expand organically and through strategic acquisitions across the country. For additional information, please visit http://www.epicbrokers.com/.

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Frenkel & Company, one of the nation's most respected full-service independent insurance brokers and EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants, a unique and innovative national retail insurance brokerage and employee benefits consulting firm, announced today that they have joined forces.

Related link: http://www.epicbrokers.com/

EPIC’s David McNeil to Present on Emerging Cyber Threats at American Association of Water Distribution and Management Thought Leadership Lab

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that Principal David McNeil will present at the American Association of Water Distribution and Management (AAWD&M) Ronald W. Seymour Memorial Thought Leadership Lab which will be hosted and live streamed from the Las Vegas Valley Water District on Thurs., Oct. 26 at 10 a.m.

With cyber threats growing in number, complexity and severity, criminals are inadvertently aided by an infrastructure focused on maximizing technological gains. This new normal is exacerbated by management's increasing reliance on internet connectivity that doesn't always have proper security precautions.

In his presentation "Emerging Cyber Threats to Critical Infrastructure Organizations," McNeil will identify salient threats to water utility operations as well as concerns and trends associated with social engineering, ransomware and insider employee threats.

The AAWD&M Ronald W. Seymour Memorial Thought Leadership Lab will facilitate networking of innovative and like-minded risk managers who seek to accentuate standards, set benchmarks and discuss emerging trends. The lab will share member data and perform relevant research via partnership with an accredited risk management university and will house AAWD&M's broker designation curriculum as well as advisory services for smaller public water systems.

About David McNeil, principal, EPIC:

David McNeil is a principal at EPIC specializing in custom tailoring Risk Management & Insurance programs for commercial business. His specialties include the fields of high tech, manufacturing, food industry, construction-related and U.S. infrastructure regarding the water industry. McNeil is a member of FBI InfraGard and a certified Infrastructure Liaison Officer (ILO). He is also a member of Orange County Sheriff/Coroner's Dept. Technology Advisory Council (TAC) and SAFEHOUSE Anti Terrorism/Force Protection.

About EPIC:

EPIC is a unique and innovative retail property and casualty and employee benefits insurance brokerage and consulting firm. EPIC has created a values-based, client-focused culture that attracts and retains top talent, fosters employee satisfaction and loyalty and sustains a high level of customer service excellence. EPIC team members have consistently recognized their company as a "Best Place to Work" in multiple regions and as a "Best Place to Work in the Insurance Industry" nationally.

EPIC now has 1,100 team members operating from offices across the U.S., providing Property Casualty, Employee Benefits, Specialty Programs and Private Client solutions to more than 20,000 clients.

With run rate revenues approaching $300 million, EPIC ranks among the top 20 retail insurance brokers in the United States. Backed by Oak Hill Capital Partners, the company continues to expand organically and through strategic acquisitions across the country.

For additional information, please visit http://www.epicbrokers.com/.

*PHOTO for Media: Send2Press.com/300dpi/17-1025s2p-David-McNeil-300dpi.jpg
*Photo Caption: David McNeil is a principal at EPIC specializing in custom tailoring Risk Management & Insurance programs.

EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that Principal David McNeil will present at the American Association of Water Distribution and Management (AAWD&M) Ronald W. Seymour Memorial Thought Leadership Lab which will be hosted and live streamed from the Las Vegas Valley Water District on Oct. 26 at 10 a.m. PT.

Related link: http://www.epicbrokers.com/

EPIC Insurance adds New Brokerage Team in Pittsburgh, PA

PITTSBURGH, Pa. /ScoopCloud/ -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property and casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today the opening of operations in Pittsburgh, Pa. with the hiring of Sean Andreas, Al Dragotto, Kurt Karstens, Pete Kostorick, Sally Krauss, Zach Mendelson, Phil Wakim, Chuck Yorio, Jan Zewe and others.

This group of seasoned insurance professionals joins EPIC from Wells Fargo Insurance Services in Pittsburgh, where they practiced together for more than 10 years. Their passion for helping customers combined with a team approach to service has enabled them to develop strong, long-term client relationships.

Andreas, Dragotto, Karstens, Kostorick, Krauss, Mendelson, Wakim, Yorio and Zewe will be responsible for new business development and the design, servicing and management of Property & Casualty Insurance, Surety, Risk Management and Employee Benefits programs for clients located across Western Pennsylvania and the country.

The expertise of the EPIC Pittsburgh branch office will also include Group Captives, Professional and Management Liability, Risk Control, Claims Advocacy and Workers' Compensation cost control.

The team will serve a wide range of industries, with a particular emphasis on the needs of Construction and Design Firms, Law Firms and the Healthcare, Hospitality, Manufacturing, Non-Profit, Service and Technology industries. They will also specialize in the unique needs of Private Equity Firms and their portfolio companies.

Said John Hahn, EPIC co-founder and CEO, "We are excited to launch EPIC's operations in Western Pennsylvania with the hiring of this team of top senior professionals. They have worked together as part of the Pittsburgh business community for many years and have established a strong reputation for providing exceptional service; creative and cost-effective insurance, surety and risk management solutions; and aggressive client advocacy."

EPIC Pittsburgh Office:
Phone 412-274-1750
301 Grant Street, Suite 4300
Pittsburgh, PA 15219

Sean Andreas can be reached at:
Email: sean.andreas@EPICbrokers.com
Cell Phone: 412-736-6260

Al Dragotto can be reached at:
Email: al.dragotto@EPICbrokers.com
Cell Phone: 412-218-4611

Kurt Karstens can be reached at:
Email: kurt.karstens@EPICbrokers.com
Cell Phone: 412-608-2946

Pete Kostorick can be reached at:
Email: Peter.Kostorick@EPICbrokers.com
Cell Phone: 412-651-1913

Sally Krauss can be reached at:
Email: sally.krauss@EPICbrokers.com
Cell Phone: 412-551-6204

Zach Mendelson can be reached at:
Email: zach.mendelson@EPICbrokers.com
Cell Phone: 412-841-5569

Phil Wakim can be reached at:
Email: phil.wakim@EPICbrokers.com
Cell Phone 412-337-6178

Chuck Yorio can be reached at:
Email: chuck.yorio@EPICbrokers.com
Cell Phone 412-337-2199

Jan Zewe can be reached at:
Email: jan.zewe@EPICbrokers.com
Cell Phone: 412-860-8370

ABOUT EPIC:
EPIC is a unique and innovative retail property & casualty and employee benefits insurance brokerage and consulting firm. EPIC has created a values-based, client-focused culture that attracts and retains top talent, fosters employee satisfaction and loyalty and sustains a high level of customer service excellence.

EPIC team members have consistently recognized their company as a "Best Place to Work" in multiple regions and as a "Best Place to Work in the Insurance Industry" nationally.

EPIC now has more than 1,100 team members operating from 46 offices across the U.S., providing Property & Casualty, Employee Benefits, Specialty Programs and Private Client solutions to more than 20,000 clients.

With run rate revenues greater than $300 million, EPIC ranks among the top 20 retail insurance brokers in the United States. Backed by Oak Hill Capital Partners, the company continues to expand organically and through strategic acquisitions across the country.

For more information, please visit: http://www.epicbrokers.com/.

*LOGO for Media: Send2Press.com/300dpi/16-0308-epic-insurance-300dpi.jpg

EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property and casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today the opening of operations in Pittsburgh, Pa. with the hiring of Sean Andreas, Al Dragotto, Kurt Karstens, Pete Kostorick, Sally Krauss, Zach Mendelson, Phil Wakim, Chuck Yorio, Jan Zewe and others.

Related link: http://www.epicbrokers.com/

Rich Eagar of EPIC to Present on Retirement Advisory Practice Team Structures at 2017 PLANADVISER National Conference

ORLANDO, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that Retirement Consultant Rich Eagar will present at the 2017 PLANADVISER National Conference (PANC) on Thurs., Oct. 12 at the JW Marriot, Grande Lakes in Orlando, Fla.

Eagar will present on a "Team Structures" panel alongside First Eagle Investment Management, LLC's Head of Retirement Platforms and Strategy Joseph P. Lee. Eagar will discuss how to divide the roles when an advisory practice grows into a team and whether or not to make certain advisers the lead adviser/customer relationship manager. He will also provide insight on whether it is beneficial in a multi-office team practice to centralize certain functions in the headquarter office to ensure consistent customer service or permit branch offices some autonomy.

Click here for more information: http://www.planadviser.com/newevents/agenda.aspx?id=10737431859.

About Rich Eagar, Retirement Consultant, EPIC:

Rich Eagar is a consultant on the EPIC Retirement Consulting Team. In this capacity, he is responsible for client and vendor management, plan design consulting, RFP vendor searches, implementations, mergers and acquisitions, compliance assistance and various other projects.

Eagar is also a co-CIO and adviser at Ascende Wealth Advisers, Inc. (AWAI). In this role he is responsible for oversight of the firm's strategic approach to analysis and due diligence on fund companies and investment strategies to be used in client retirement plans, delivery of quarterly investment reviews, and assisting committees manage and fulfill their fiduciary responsibilities.

Eagar has worked with the Retirement Team since October of 2008, and he currently holds his Chartered Retirement Plans Specialist (CRPS) and Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF) designations, as well as his Series 65 registered investment adviser's license.

Prior to joining the Retirement Team, Eagar began working at Ascende - a Division of EPIC as an associate in the Health & Welfare practice in July of 2007. His main role in this position was to provide support for the managing consultants and help clients' structure benefit packages that achieved various objectives.

Eagar is a graduate from Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas where he earned a B.S. degree in Business Administration concentrating in Finance and Marketing. He also obtained a minor in Communications Management.

About PLANADVISER National Conference:

The PLANADVISER National Conference (PANC) is the retirement plan industry's premier networking and business strategy event for specialist retirement plan advisers. Annually, the top tier of retirement plan advisers from across the U.S., including the PLANADVISER Top 100 and the PLANSPONSOR Retirement Plan Advisers of the Year gather for half a week of discussion and debate about the cutting edge of the retirement plan industry.

About Ascende Wealth Advisers, Inc.:

Ascende Wealth Advisers, Inc. (AWAI) is an SEC registered investment advisory firm dedicated to providing unbiased investment advice by acting as either an ERISA 3(21) co-fiduciary or an ERISA 3(38) investment fiduciary to corporate sponsored qualified and nonqualified plans, as well as international and offshore savings arrangements.

About EPIC:

EPIC is a unique and innovative retail property and casualty and employee benefits insurance brokerage and consulting firm. EPIC has created a values-based, client-focused culture that attracts and retains top talent, fosters employee satisfaction and loyalty and sustains a high level of customer service excellence. EPIC team members have consistently recognized their company as a "Best Place to Work" in multiple regions and as a "Best Place to Work in the Insurance Industry" nationally.

EPIC now has 1,100 team members operating from offices across the U.S., providing Property Casualty, Employee Benefits, Specialty Programs and Private Client solutions to more than 20,000 clients.

With run rate revenues approaching $300 million, EPIC ranks among the top 20 retail insurance brokers in the United States. Backed by Oak Hill Capital Partners, the company continues to expand organically and through strategic acquisitions across the country.

For additional information, please visit http://www.epicbrokers.com/.

*PHOTO for Media: Send2Press.com/300dpi/17-1009s2p-reagar-300dpi.jpg
*Photo Caption: Rich Eagar of EPIC Insurance Brokers.

EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that Retirement Consultant Rich Eagar will present at the 2017 PLANADVISER National Conference (PANC) on Thurs., Oct. 12 at the JW Marriot, Grande Lakes in Orlando, Fla.

Related link: http://www.epicbrokers.com/

EPIC adds Broker-Producer Tim House in Fresno, California Office

FRESNO, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that Tim House has joined the firm as a Property & Casualty Insurance Broker/Producer in EPIC's Fresno, California office.

House will be responsible for new business development and the design and management of property & casualty insurance and risk management programs for clients in a wide range of industries. He will report to Terri Parreira, Managing Principal of EPIC's Fresno operations.

Said Brian Quinn, President of EPIC's Pacific Central Region, "We are excited to add Tim to our growing operations serving Fresno and the Central Valley Region. His discipline, strong consulting skills and history of customer service excellence will be of great value to our EPIC clients."

A life-long Central Valley native, House attended Oakdale High School where he played football and earned multiple honors, including being recognized as an All State running back. He continued his athletic pursuits in college, first throwing discus at Modesto Junior College and then playing football at California State University, Fresno.

Tim House can be reached at:
EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants
tim.house [at] epicbrokers.com
559-451-3205 direct

About EPIC:
EPIC is a unique and innovative retail property & casualty and employee benefits insurance brokerage and consulting firm. EPIC has created a values-based, client-focused culture that attracts and retains top talent, fosters employee satisfaction and loyalty and sustains a high level of customer service excellence. EPIC team members have consistently recognized their company as a "Best Place to Work" in multiple regions and as a "Best Place to Work in the Insurance Industry" nationally.

EPIC now has more than 1,000 team members operating from offices across the U.S., providing Property Casualty, Employee Benefits, Specialty Programs and Private Client solutions to more than 20,000 clients.

With run rate revenues approaching $300 million, EPIC ranks among the top 20 retail insurance brokers in the United States. Backed by Oak Hill Capital Partners, the company continues to expand organically and through strategic acquisitions across the country. For additional information, please visit http://www.epicbrokers.com/.

*PHOTO for media: Send2Press.com/300dpi/17-1004s2p-tim-house-300dpi.jpg
*Photo Caption: Tim House has joined EPIC as a Property & Casualty Insurance Broker/Producer.

EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants (EPIC), a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that Tim House has joined the firm as a Property and Casualty Insurance Broker/Producer in EPIC's Fresno, California office.

Related link: http://www.epicbrokers.com/

EPIC’s Retirement Consulting Team Named to 2017 Financial Times 401 Top Retirement Plan Advisers List

HOUSTON, Texas /ScoopCloud/ -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that Director of Retirement Rob Massa and Ascende Wealth Advisers Inc., EPIC's Retirement Consulting Team, has been named to the 2017 Financial Times 401 Top Retirement Plan Advisers. This list recognizes the top financial advisers who specialize in serving Defined Contribution (DC) retirement plans.

This is the third annual FT 401 list, produced independently by the Financial Times in collaboration with Ignites Research, a subsidiary of the FT that provides business intelligence on asset management. Applicants were graded on seven criteria: DC assets under management (AUM), DC AUM growth rate, specialization in DC plans, years of experience, advanced industry credentials, compliance record and DC plan participation rate.

"It is an honor for Rob Massa and his team to be named a 401 Top Retirement Plan Adviser," said Jim Watt, EPIC Southwest Region President and National Employee Benefits Practice Leader. "This recognition validates our team's commitment to continue to deliver a higher standard of care to help our clients meet their retirement goals. Our team has earned a well-deserved place among the industry's most prominent retirement plan advisers."

The final FT 401 represents an impressive cohort of elite advisers: the "average" adviser in this year's FT 401 has 19 years of experience advising DC plans and manages $1.6 billion in DC plan assets. The FT 401 advisers hail from 38 states and Washington D.C., and DC plans on average account for 74% of their total assets under management.

The FT 401 is one of a series of rankings of top advisers developed by the FT in partnership with Ignites Research, including the FT 300 (independent RIA firms) and the FT 400 (broker-dealer advisers).

About Ascende Wealth Advisers, Inc.:

Ascende Wealth Advisers, Inc. (AWAI) is an SEC registered investment advisory firm dedicated to providing unbiased investment advice by acting as either an ERISA 3(21) co-fiduciary or an ERISA 3(38) investment fiduciary to corporate sponsored qualified and nonqualified plans, as well as international and offshore savings arrangements.

About EPIC:
EPIC is a unique and innovative retail property and casualty and employee benefits insurance brokerage and consulting firm. EPIC has created a values-based, client-focused culture that attracts and retains top talent, fosters employee satisfaction and loyalty and sustains a high level of customer service excellence. EPIC team members have consistently recognized their company as a "Best Place to Work" in multiple regions and as a "Best Place to Work in the Insurance Industry" nationally.

EPIC now has 1,100 team members operating from offices across the U.S., providing Property Casualty, Employee Benefits, Specialty Programs and Private Client solutions to more than 20,000 clients.

With run rate revenues approaching $300 million, EPIC ranks among the top 20 retail insurance brokers in the United States. Backed by Oak Hill Capital Partners, the company continues to expand organically and through strategic acquisitions across the country.

For additional information, please visit http://www.epicbrokers.com/.

*LOGO for media: Send2Press.com/300dpi/16-0308-epic-insurance-300dpi.jpg

EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that Director of Retirement Rob Massa and Ascende Wealth Advisers Inc., EPIC's Retirement Consulting Team, has been named to the 2017 Financial Times 401 Top Retirement Plan Advisers. This list recognizes the top financial advisers who specialize in serving Defined Contribution (DC) retirement plans.

Related link: http://www.epicbrokers.com/

EPIC’s Tom Mackey to Present on Protecting Operations from Cyber Security Threats at Next Generation Manufacturing Event

ATLANTA, Ga. /ScoopCloud/ -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that Risk Management Consultant Tom Mackey will present at the Seventh Annual Next Generation Manufacturing Signature Event on Thursday, Sept. 28 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Ga.

Mackey's presentation, titled "Manufacturer's Guide to Protecting your Operations from Increased Global Cyber Security Threats" will identify the key cyber risks threatening manufacturing operations, proactive risk management tactics for hedging cyber risk, and the insurance considerations for transferring and financing risk of financial loss due to cyber liability for manufacturing firms.

Next Generation Manufacturing provides a business forum for manufacturers and their resources to exchange best practices relating to innovation, people and processes to create the next generation of manufacturing. The EPIC-sponsored event will feature globally recognized manufacturers who are leading in innovation, expanding their company's access to global markets, preparing for 21st century workforce demands and developing and maintaining their company's culture.

Click here for more information: http://www.nextgenerationmfg.org/Events.aspx.

About Tom Mackey, Risk Management Consultant, EPIC:

As a Risk Management Consultant at EPIC, Mackey specializes in the design and implementation of complex risk management programs for clients, primarily focusing on Management Liability and Professional Liability coverages. This includes the identification and analysis of client exposures, insurance program benchmarking and design, negotiation of coverage terms and pricing and ongoing monitoring of risk evolution and marketplace changes.

Mackey is responsible for developing new business relationships and connecting current clients with strategic partners in various industry verticals. Mackey also advises EPIC's private equity and corporate clients on insurance-related matters from due diligence through deal close and post-merger integration of target companies.

About Next Generation Manufacturing:

Next Generation Manufacturing (NGM) provides a business forum for manufacturers and their resources to exchange best practices relating to innovation, people and processes to create the next generation of manufacturing. NGM does this through programming that encourages growth through competitive innovation and the building of relationships amongst manufacturers across all verticals. Next Generation Manufacturing is advised by a select group of Georgia-based manufacturers.

About EPIC:

EPIC is a unique and innovative retail property and casualty and employee benefits insurance brokerage and consulting firm. EPIC has created a values-based, client-focused culture that attracts and retains top talent, fosters employee satisfaction and loyalty and sustains a high level of customer service excellence. EPIC team members have consistently recognized their company as a "Best Place to Work" in multiple regions and as a "Best Place to Work in the Insurance Industry" nationally.

EPIC now has 1,100 team members operating from offices across the U.S., providing Property Casualty, Employee Benefits, Specialty Programs and Private Client solutions to more than 20,000 clients.

With run rate revenues approaching $300 million, EPIC ranks among the top 20 retail insurance brokers in the United States. Backed by Oak Hill Capital Partners, the company continues to expand organically and through strategic acquisitions across the country.

For additional information, please visit http://www.epicbrokers.com/.

*PHOTO for Media: Send2Press.com/300dpi/17-0926s2p-mackey-300dpi.jpg
*Photo Caption: Tom Mackey, Risk Management Consultant, EPIC.

EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that Risk Management Consultant Tom Mackey will present at the Seventh Annual Next Generation Manufacturing Signature Event on Sept. 28, 2017 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

Related link: http://www.epicbrokers.com/

EPIC adds Broker Anthony ‘Tony’ Gerrato in New York City

NEW YORK, N.Y. /ScoopCloud/ -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that Anthony (Tony) Gerrato has joined the firm as a Principal in EPIC's New York City office.

Gerrato will be responsible for new business development and the design and management of property & casualty insurance and risk management programs for clients in a wide range of industries. In particular, Gerrato has specialized in providing creative and cost effective risk management and insurance solutions to the portfolio companies of private equity firms. Gerrato joins from the Whitmore Group LTD in Garden City, New York.

Said John Hahn, EPIC co-founder and CEO, "We are excited to add Tony to our growing operations in New York and the North East. His considerable experience, strong consulting skills and customer service excellence will be of great value to our EPIC clients, particularly private equity portfolio companies and financial services firms. I have known Tony personally for many years, since we first worked together at Tri-City Brokers. He is an outstanding broker/consultant and a great person."

Tony Gerrato can be reached at:
EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants
tony.gerrato [at] epicbrokers.com
516-528-6363 - Mobile.

About EPIC:
EPIC is a unique and innovative retail property & casualty and employee benefits insurance brokerage and consulting firm. EPIC has created a values-based, client-focused culture that attracts and retains top talent, fosters employee satisfaction and loyalty and sustains a high level of customer service excellence. EPIC team members have consistently recognized their company as a "Best Place to Work" in multiple regions and as a "Best Place to Work in the Insurance Industry" nationally.

EPIC now has more than 1,000 team members operating from offices across the U.S., providing Property Casualty, Employee Benefits, Specialty Programs and Private Client solutions to more than 20,000 clients.

With run rate revenues approaching $300 million, EPIC ranks among the top 20 retail insurance brokers in the United States. Backed by Oak Hill Capital Partners, the company continues to expand organically and through strategic acquisitions across the country. For additional information, please visit http://www.epicbrokers.com/.

*PHOTO for media: Send2Press.com/300dpi/17-0920s2p-Tony-Gerrato-300dpi.jpg
*Photo Caption: Anthony (Tony) Gerrato has joined the firm as a Principal in EPIC's New York City office.

EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that Anthony (Tony) Gerrato has joined the firm as a Principal in EPIC's New York City office.

Related link: http://www.epicbrokers.com/

EPIC’s Duane Dennis and Jamie Chambers to Present Employee Communications & HR Technology Strategies at Cement Employers Association Annual Meeting

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that Principal and Senior Consultant Duane Dennis and Director of HR Technology Solutions Jamie Chambers will present at the Cement Employers Association Annual Meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 19 at 8:15 a.m. at South Point Hotel Casino Spa in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The Cement Employers Association aims to promote industrial relations and administration of the hydraulic cement manufacturing industry through research study and dissemination of these studies' results. Dennis and Chambers will present on "Optimizing Employee Communications and HR Technology Strategies."

About Duane Dennis, Principal and Senior Consultant:

Dennis works with clients to understand their culture, goals and objectives to create short and long term strategies to optimize business results in the US and internationally. He works with executive leadership teams, business leaders (HR, Finance, Legal and IT) and their teams to achieve their goals in all industries.

Dennis is a principal and senior advisor at EPIC. He previously held positions as the EVP of Business Development and Marketing at Hixme and was a partner at Mercer. At Mercer, he was a member of Mercer's global leadership team, US region leadership, Pacific Southwest leadership and the Health and Life Sciences Industry team.

About Jamie Chambers, director, HR Technology Solutions:

Jamie Chambers joined the firm in 2013 and now serves as a director, leading the HR Solutions Team. In this role, he manages a team of specialists that support clients by overseeing human resource projects involving systems, technology, processes and best practices, as well as implementations and integrations related to mergers and acquisitions. Chambers collaborates with other Ascende - a Division of EPIC teams to deliver coordinated and comprehensive services to clients.

Prior to joining the team, he served as vice president of human resources for First Continental Mortgage and Campus Living Villages, both national companies with multi-state operations. He also has extensive human resources experience in the health care industry, having served as the human resources director for Bayshore Medical Center and Houston Northwest Medical Center. Chamber's knowledge and experience spans all areas of human resource management, from recruiting to systems management to compliance. He has extensive experience with change management initiatives, mergers and acquisitions and start-ups.

Chambers received a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in marketing from Texas Tech University. In 2007, he earned the Senior Professional Human Resources (SPHR) certification from the HR Certification Institute(tm) (HRCI(r)).

He is an active member of HR Houston and the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM).

About EPIC:

EPIC is a unique and innovative retail property and casualty and employee benefits insurance brokerage and consulting firm. EPIC has created a values-based, client-focused culture that attracts and retains top talent, fosters employee satisfaction and loyalty and sustains a high level of customer service excellence. EPIC team members have consistently recognized their company as a "Best Place to Work" in multiple regions and as a "Best Place to Work in the Insurance Industry" nationally.

EPIC now has 1,100 team members operating from offices across the U.S., providing Property Casualty, Employee Benefits, Specialty Programs and Private Client solutions to more than 20,000 clients.

With run rate revenues approaching $300 million, EPIC ranks among the top 20 retail insurance brokers in the United States. Backed by Oak Hill Capital Partners, the company continues to expand organically and through strategic acquisitions across the country.

For additional information, please visit http://www.epicbrokers.com/.

IMAGES for Media:
* PHOTO 1: Send2Press.com/300dpi/17-0818s2p-jchambers-300dpi.jpg
* Photo 1 Caption: Jamie Chambers of EPIC.

* PHOTO 2: Send2Press.com/300dpi/17-0914s2p-ddennis-300dpi.jpg
* Photo 2 Caption: Duane Dennis of EPIC.

EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that Principal and Senior Consultant Duane Dennis and Director of HR Technology Solutions Jamie Chambers will present at the Cement Employers Association Annual Meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 19 at 8:15 a.m. at South Point Hotel Casino Spa in Las Vegas.

Related link: http://www.epicbrokers.com/

EPIC’s Clay Ma to Present at Texas Total Rewards Conference in Fort Worth

HOUSTON, Texas /ScoopCloud/ -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that Retirement Senior Associate Clay Ma will present at the Texas Total Rewards Conference on Friday, Sept. 15 at 8:30 a.m. at The Worthington Renaissance Fort Worth Hotel in Fort Worth, Texas.

The Texas Total Rewards Conference features two days of educational sessions presented by several of the top minds in total rewards. In his presentation, "Wait! How Did I Get on the Pension Committee? A Practical Guide to Understanding Defined Benefit Plans," Ma will provide a high-level overview of pension plans and translate complex actuarial speak to plain English for those looking for an easy-to-understand crash course on pension plans.

Click here to view the full agenda: http://txtotalrewards.starchapter.com/Schedule.

About Clay Ma, Senior Associate:

Clay Ma is a senior associate at Ascende Wealth Advisers, Inc. (AWAI), EPIC's Retirement Consulting Team. His responsibilities include, but are not limited to, investment research and analysis, vendor search and management, and ERISA compliance for AWAI clients. Ma graduated with honors from UT Austin with a concentration in Finance and Accounting. He currently holds the QPA and QKA designations from ASPPA and is a licensed enrolled retirement plan agent with the Internal Revenue Service.

About the Texas Total Rewards Conference:

The Texas Total Rewards Conference features two days of educational sessions presented by several of the top minds in total rewards. Attendees can earn HRCI, SHRM, and WorldatWork recertification credits. Anyone looking for new strategies, insights from industry thought leaders and the opportunity to grow their network, won't want to miss this year's conference.

About EPIC:

EPIC is a unique and innovative retail property and casualty and employee benefits insurance brokerage and consulting firm. EPIC has created a values-based, client-focused culture that attracts and retains top talent, fosters employee satisfaction and loyalty and sustains a high level of customer service excellence. EPIC team members have consistently recognized their company as a "Best Place to Work" in multiple regions and as a "Best Place to Work in the Insurance Industry" nationally.

EPIC now has 1,100 team members operating from offices across the U.S., providing Property Casualty, Employee Benefits, Specialty Programs and Private Client solutions to more than 20,000 clients.

With run rate revenues approaching $300 million, EPIC ranks among the top 20 retail insurance brokers in the United States. Soon to be backed by Oak Hill Capital Partners, the company continues to expand organically and through strategic acquisitions across the country.

For additional information, please visit http://www.epicbrokers.com/.

*PHOTO for media: Send2Press.com/300dpi/17-0911s2p-clay-ma-300dpi.jpg
*Photo Caption: Retirement Senior Associate Clay Ma will present at the Texas Total Rewards Conference.

EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that Retirement Senior Associate Clay Ma will present at the Texas Total Rewards Conference on Friday, Sept. 15 at 8:30 a.m. at The Worthington Renaissance Fort Worth Hotel in Fort Worth, Texas.

Related link: http://www.epicbrokers.com/

EPIC Insurance’s Chuck Simpson to Present at Gulf Coast Safety and Training Group Meeting

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. /ScoopCloud/ -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that Senior Risk Control Consultant Chuck Simpson will present at the Gulf Coast Safety & Training Group (GCS&TG) Meeting on Sept. 8 at 10 a.m. at the Lafayette Petroleum Club in Lafayette, Louisiana.

The Gulf Coast Safety and Training Group is a nonprofit corporation organized to promote the advancement of safety, health, environmental stewardship and safety training in the oil and/or gas exploration, production and transmission industry.

Simpson will present on "ANSI z390: Hydrogen Sulfide Training Requirements Update." A recognized expert in Hydrogen Sulfide safety practices and training, Simpson led the revision effort as the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) Hydrogen Sulfide Safety Training Committee's Chairman. Simpson served as Vice-Chairman of the committee from 1994 until his appointment as Chairman in 2015.

Click here for more information: http://www.gcstg.com/Home.html.

About Chuck Simpson, Senior Risk Control Consultant:

Chuck Simpson is a health and safety professional with more than 30 years of experience helping companies develop and implement risk management systems in various industries.

Prior to joining EPIC, Simpson served as president of Work Safe International, LLC where he worked on both on- and off-shore projects in the United States, Mexico, Canada, South America, Africa, Asia and the Middle East.

Simpson has experience in the sulfur operations, pipeline, fabrication, oil and gas drilling, vessel operations and food processing industries. He is a certified safety professional (CSP) and a widely recognized expert on Contractor Safety Management, OSHA Recordkeeping and Hydrogen Sulfide Safety. He has presented lectures at the ASSE Safety Professional Development Conference and Exposition, OSHA Oil and Gas Safety Conference, the International Conference on Offshore Safety, the Gulf Coast Safety and Training Group, and the Sulphur Institute's Sulphur World Symposium in the United Arab Emirates.

Simpson is an active participant in the American Society of Safety Engineers, Gulf Coast Safety Training Group and serves as Chairman for the ANSI Z390 Hydrogen Sulfide Training Committee. He earned his bachelor's degree in international studies from the University of South Alabama.

About Gulf Coast Safety & Training Group:

The Gulf Coast Safety and Training Group (GCS&TG) is a nonprofit corporation promoting safety, health, environmental stewardship and safety training in the oil and/or gas exploration, production and transmission industry. The group provides its membership with educational and networking opportunities to accomplish common goals, share ideas, discuss and seek solutions to identified safety, health, environmental and training needs.

About EPIC:

EPIC is a unique and innovative retail property and casualty and employee benefits insurance brokerage and consulting firm. EPIC has created a values-based, client-focused culture that attracts and retains top talent, fosters employee satisfaction and loyalty and sustains a high level of customer service excellence. EPIC team members have consistently recognized their company as a "Best Place to Work" in multiple regions and as a "Best Place to Work in the Insurance Industry" nationally.

EPIC now has 1,100 team members operating from offices across the U.S., providing Property Casualty, Employee Benefits, Specialty Programs and Private Client solutions to more than 20,000 clients.

With run-rate revenues approaching $300 million, EPIC ranks among the top 20 retail insurance brokers in the United States. Soon to be backed by Oak Hill Capital Partners, the company continues to expand organically and through strategic acquisitions.

More information: http://www.epicbrokers.com/.

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*Photo Caption: EPIC Senior Risk Control Consultant Chuck Simpson.

EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that Senior Risk Control Consultant Chuck Simpson will present at the Gulf Coast Safety and Training Group Meeting on Sept. 8, 2017 at the Lafayette Petroleum Club in Lafayette, Louisiana.

Related link: http://www.epicbrokers.com/

Trudi Barton Joins The Capacity Group – an EPIC Company in Mahwah, New Jersey

MAHWAH, N.J. /ScoopCloud/ -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property & casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that Trudi Barton has joined the firm in Mahwah, New Jersey as part of The Capacity Group - an EPIC Company.

A results-oriented leader with extensive business development, operations and client relationship management experience spanning more than 20 years, Barton joins as Vice President of Special Projects, reporting to Carl Gerson, Managing Principal.

Barton was most recently with Key Insurance and Benefits Services in Syracuse, N.Y. (formerly First Niagara Risk Management) where she served as Assistant Vice President, Commercial Lines Manager.

Said Carl Gerson, "I have had the pleasure of knowing and working with Trudi for many years. She is a committed and capable professional, whose experience and ability is extensive. I am excited to have her as an integral part of the Capacity/EPIC team. Trudi's expertise in operational process improvement will be of significant value in positioning our company and the clients we serve for future growth and success."

Barton attended Ithaca College in Ithaca, N.Y. where she earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Finance.

Trudi Barton can be reached at:
The Capacity Group - an EPIC Company
tbarton [at] capcoverage.com
201-831-2700 - Direct.

About EPIC:
EPIC is a unique and innovative retail property & casualty and employee benefits insurance brokerage and consulting firm. EPIC has created a values-based, client-focused culture that attracts and retains top talent, fosters employee satisfaction and loyalty and sustains a high level of customer service excellence. EPIC team members have consistently recognized their company as a "Best Place to Work" in multiple regions and as a "Best Place to Work in the Insurance Industry" nationally.

EPIC now has more than 1,000 team members operating from offices across the U.S., providing Property Casualty, Employee Benefits, Specialty Programs and Private Client solutions to more than 20,000 clients.

With run rate revenues approaching $300 million, EPIC ranks among the top 20 retail insurance brokers in the United States. Soon to be backed by Oak Hill Capital Partners, the company continues to expand organically and through strategic acquisitions across the country.

For additional information, please visit http://www.epicbrokers.com/.

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*Photo Caption: Trudi Barton Joins The Capacity Group - an EPIC Company.

EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property and casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that Trudi Barton has joined the firm in Mahwah, New Jersey as part of The Capacity Group - an EPIC Company.

Related link: http://www.epicbrokers.com/

Jamie Chambers of EPIC to Present at 2017 SHRM-Atlanta Symposium

DULUTH, Ga. /ScoopCloud/ -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that Director of HR Technology Solutions Jamie Chambers will present at the 2017 SHRM-Atlanta Symposium on Tuesday, Aug. 22 at 3 p.m. at the Infinite Energy Center in Duluth, Ga.

In his presentation "Impacting Employees and Executives Through HR Technology," Chambers will discuss how to navigate the maze of available HR technology options and how current technology tools can positively affect engagement at different levels across an organization. Chambers will also provide insight on the decision points to consider in creating and implementing a successful HR technology strategy and what HR information is important to both employees and executive decision makers.

Click here to view the full agenda: http://www.shrmatlanta.org/mpage/2017symposium

About Jamie Chambers, director, HR Technology Solutions:

Jamie Chambers joined the firm in 2013 and now serves as a director, leading the HR Solutions Team. In this role, he manages a team of specialists that support clients by overseeing human resource projects involving systems, technology, processes and best practices, as well as implementations and integrations related to mergers and acquisitions. Chambers collaborates with other EPIC teams to deliver coordinated and comprehensive services to clients.

Prior to joining the team, Chambers served as vice president of human resources for First Continental Mortgage and Campus Living Villages, both national companies with multi-state operations. He also has extensive human resources experience in the health care industry, having served as the human resources director for Bayshore Medical Center and Houston Northwest Medical Center. Chamber's knowledge and experience spans all areas of human resource management, from recruiting to systems management to compliance. He has extensive experience with change management initiatives, mergers and acquisitions and start-ups.

Chambers received a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in marketing from Texas Tech University. In 2007, he earned the Senior Professional Human Resources (SPHR) certification from the HR Certification Institute(tm) (HRCI(r)).

Chambers is an active member of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and a former member and Board member of HR Houston.

About SHRM-Atlanta:

SHRM-Atlanta, founded in 1965, is one of the largest single-city Chapter affiliates of the national Society for Human Resource Management, with a current membership of over 2,300 individuals representing more than 1,300 large and small organizations in the metro Atlanta area. SHRM-Atlanta empowers Atlanta's HR professionals to enhance their skills and knowledge, develop their business and leadership acumen, and create best-in-class workforces and workplaces. SHRM-Atlanta's mission is accomplished by fostering a strong community of peers with which to share best practices and knowledge, designing high-impact professional development initiatives and leadership development opportunities, celebrating excellence in HR, and advancing thought leadership in the field. Building exceptional Atlanta leaders is our business, one member at a time. More information is available at http://www.shrmatlanta.org/.

About EPIC:

EPIC is a unique and innovative retail property and casualty and employee benefits insurance brokerage and consulting firm. EPIC has created a values-based, client-focused culture that attracts and retains top talent, fosters employee satisfaction and loyalty and sustains a high level of customer service excellence. EPIC team members have consistently recognized their company as a "Best Place to Work" in multiple regions and as a "Best Place to Work in the Insurance Industry" nationally.

EPIC now has 1,100 team members operating from offices across the U.S., providing Property Casualty, Employee Benefits, Specialty Programs and Private Client solutions to more than 20,000 clients.

With run rate revenues approaching $300 million, EPIC ranks among the top 20 retail insurance brokers in the United States. Soon to be backed by Oak Hill Capital Partners, the company continues to expand organically and through strategic acquisitions across the country.

For additional information, please visit http://www.epicbrokers.com/.

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EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants (EPIC), a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that Director of HR Technology Solutions Jamie Chambers will present at the 2017 SHRM-Atlanta Symposium on Tuesday, Aug. 22, 2017 at 3 p.m. at the Infinite Energy Center in Duluth, Ga.

Related link: http://www.epicbrokers.com/

EPIC Insurance Plays Key Role in Launching New Employee Wellness Center for the City of Atlanta

ATLANTA, Ga. /ScoopCloud/ -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that EPIC client the City of Atlanta recently celebrated the grand opening of a new Wellness Center for city employees. This 12,000-square foot facility is located in the City Plaza building across from Atlanta's City Hall.

City of Atlanta workers now have a single place in which to exercise, eat nutritious snacks, and receive health care and employee assistance services while pursuing their personal health goals.

EPIC consultants Cloe Guidry and Chris Clark provided health management consulting services and guidance for the City of Atlanta throughout the design and development of the Wellness Center. Guidry and Clark anticipate that after 36 months the City of Atlanta will save $2 for every $1 it invests in the program.

The savings come from the combination of managing the rising cost of health care services and improving productivity. Having a health center at work saves time (patient wait times average only 5 minutes) so employees get back to work faster, minimizing downtime and improving productivity.

The new, approximately $3 million facility was funded entirely through insurance reserve funds generated through contracts with insurance vendors, pharmacy rebates and performance guarantees.

About EPIC:

EPIC is a unique and innovative retail property and casualty and employee benefits insurance brokerage and consulting firm. EPIC has created a values-based, client-focused culture that attracts and retains top talent, fosters employee satisfaction and loyalty and sustains a high level of customer service excellence. EPIC team members have consistently recognized their company as a "Best Place to Work" in multiple regions and as a "Best Place to Work in the Insurance Industry" nationally.

EPIC now has 1,100 team members operating from offices across the U.S., providing Property Casualty, Employee Benefits, Specialty Programs and Private Client solutions to more than 20,000 clients.

With run rate revenues approaching $300 million, EPIC ranks among the top 20 retail insurance brokers in the United States. Soon to be backed by Oak Hill Capital Partners, the company continues to expand organically and through strategic acquisitions across the country.

For additional information, please visit http://www.epicbrokers.com/.

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EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that EPIC client the City of Atlanta recently celebrated the grand opening of a new Wellness Center for city employees. This 12,000-square foot facility is located in the City Plaza building across from Atlanta's City Hall.

Related link: http://www.epicbrokers.com/

EPIC’s National Real Estate Practice Invests in Upgrading Computer Lab for Residents of Mercy Housing Lakefront’s Historic Pullman Wheelworks Apartments

DENVER, Colo. /ScoopCloud/ -- The National Real Estate Practice of EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants has contributed $32,000 to Mercy Housing Lakefront to upgrade the computer lab at the Pullman Wheelworks Apartments, offering residents state-of-the art online tools to advance their educational and career goals.

Comprised of 210 affordable rental units, the property serves low-to-moderate-income families in Chicago's historic Pullman neighborhood.

One of the largest non-profit affordable housing organizations in the country, Mercy Housing provides services that empower residents to achieve their full potential. The updated computer lab will enable children at Pullman Wheelworks to have greater access to tools to improve their academic performance. Adult residents will benefit from access to continuing education resources, as well as resources to enhance their financial literacy.

"We are grateful to EPIC for their generous support at Pullman Wheelworks," said Mercy Housing Lakefront President Mark Angelini. "In our digital world, having the right tools to connect with the online world is a vital imperative for success, and EPIC understood that and was eager to help. With their support, our residents are well-positioned to achieve their goals."

Since 2015, EPIC has raised more than $100,000 for Mercy Housing initiatives, consistent with the organization's commitment to increasing the national supply of high-quality affordable homes. In past years, EPIC's support has enabled the expansion of summer and after-school youth programming and security system upgrades at Mercy Housing properties in Colorado and California.

"During our three-year relationship with Mercy Housing, we have visited a number of their properties and seen the dramatic impact that a safe, happy, clean and caring environment can have on individuals and families," said Jonathan Griffiths, managing principal of EPIC's National Real Estate Practice. "As our country tries to address an acute shortage of affordable housing, Mercy Housing's operations should be applauded and we are very proud of our association with them."

About EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants:

EPIC is a unique and innovative retail property & casualty and employee benefits insurance brokerage and consulting firm. EPIC has created a values-based, client-focused culture that attracts and retains top talent, fosters employee satisfaction and loyalty, and sustains a high level of customer service excellence. EPIC team members have consistently recognized their company as a "Best Place to Work" in multiple regions and as a "Best Place to Work in the Insurance Industry" nationally.

EPIC now has more than 1,000 team members operating from offices across the U.S., providing Property Casualty, Employee Benefits, Specialty Programs, and Private Client solutions to more than 20,000 clients.

With run rate revenues approaching $300 million, EPIC ranks among the top 20 retail insurance brokers in the United States and is the 10th largest privately held broker in the nation. Soon to be backed by Oak Hill Capital Partners, the company continues to expand organically and through strategic acquisitions across the country.

For more information, visit: http://www.epicbrokers.com/.

About Mercy Housing Lakefront:

Mercy Housing Lakefront (MHL) is working to build a region where everyone has an affordable home to use as a springboard to achieve better health, economic security, and a brighter future for their kids. By the end of 2017, MHL will own and operate 52 properties in Illinois, Wisconsin and Indiana, enabling nearly 10,000 people to live in hope. MHL is a regional branch of Mercy Housing, Inc. (MHI), a leading national affordable housing nonprofit headquartered in Denver.

For more information, please visit: https://www.mercyhousing.org/lakefront.

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*PHOTO Caption: EPIC presents check to Mercy Housing Lakefront.

The National Real Estate Practice of EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants has contributed $32,000 to Mercy Housing Lakefront to upgrade the computer lab at the Pullman Wheelworks Apartments, offering residents state-of-the art online tools to advance their educational and career goals.

Related link: http://www.epicbrokers.com/

EPIC Insurance adds Denise Walsh as Assistant General Counsel

NEW YORK, N.Y. /ScoopCloud/ -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that Denise Walsh has joined the firm as Vice President and Assistant General Counsel.

Said EPIC Executive Vice President and General Counsel, Dan Crawford, "Denise is a strong negotiator with exceptional skills in buying and selling businesses; as well as drafting operating and shareholder agreements, business formation documents, corporate resolutions and complex contracts. Denise will use these skills to great advantage as she assumes responsibility for all legal work related to EPIC's future mergers and acquisitions. We are very fortunate to add a top professional of her caliber to our legal team."

Walsh will report to Crawford and will be based in EPIC's New York City office.

Walsh joins from Saiber, LLC in Florham Park, N.J. She was previous with Marcus, Brody, Ford & Kessler, LLC in Roseland, N.J., who merged with Saiber in January 2014. Walsh was a member of the Corporate Law and Business Counseling Practice Group and the Financial Services Practice Group at both firms. Walsh began her legal career with Lowenstein Sandler PC, in Roseland, N.J., an Associate in their Litigation Department.

Professionally, Walsh has been recognized as a New Jersey Rising Star(tm) in the area of Business/Corporate Law (2012 - 2016) as well as one of the New Jersey Law Journal's "New Leaders of the Bar" (2012).

Academically, Walsh attended Seton Hall University where she earned a Bachelor of Arts, magna cum laude, in Psychology. She went on to obtain her Juris Doctor, also magna cum laude, from the Seton Hall University School of Law.

Denise Walsh can be reached at:
EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants
denise.walsh@epicbrokers.com
201-661-2436 - Direct.

About EPIC:
EPIC is a unique and innovative retail property & casualty and employee benefits insurance brokerage and consulting firm. EPIC has created a values-based, client-focused culture that attracts and retains top talent, fosters employee satisfaction and loyalty and sustains a high level of customer service excellence. EPIC team members have consistently recognized their company as a "Best Place to Work" in multiple regions and as a "Best Place to Work in the Insurance Industry" nationally.

EPIC now has more than 1,000 team members operating from offices across the U.S., providing Property Casualty, Employee Benefits, Specialty Programs and Private Client solutions to more than 20,000 clients.

With run rate revenues approaching $300 million, EPIC ranks among the top 20 retail insurance brokers in the United States. Soon to be backed by Oak Hill Capital Partners, the company continues to expand organically and through strategic acquisitions across the country.

For additional information, please visit http://www.epicbrokers.com/.

*PHOTO: Send2Press.com/300dpi/17-0802s2p-denise-walsh-300dpi.jpg

EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that Denise Walsh has joined the firm as Vice President and Assistant General Counsel.

Related link: http://www.epicbrokers.com/

Oak Hill Capital Partners to Invest in EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants to Support EPIC’s Further Growth & Expansion

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage, and employee benefits consultant, announced today that private equity firm Oak Hill Capital Partners (Oak Hill) has agreed to acquire all of The Carlyle Group's stake, giving Oak Hill a controlling equity position in EPIC. Oak Hill's investment will enable EPIC to continue its aggressive organic growth strategy and will support strategic acquisitions of additional complementary insurance distribution platforms across the United States.

Founded in July 2007, EPIC has become a leading national insurance broker with annual revenues approaching $300 million. The company has developed a broad suite of capabilities related to risk management, commercial property & casualty insurance, and employee benefits consulting, as well as specialty programs for a wide range of industries nationally, including construction and design, real estate development and property management, transportation and logistics, energy, hospitality, financial and professional services, healthcare, and food and beverage.

Since Carlyle acquired a controlling stake in December 2013 with equity provided by Carlyle Global Financial Services Partners L.P. and Carlyle Global Financial Services Partners II L.P., EPIC has transformed itself from a California-centric insurance broker into one of the top 20 nationally recognized platforms while more than tripling its revenues.

John Hahn, co-founder and CEO of EPIC, said, "Over the past 10 years, we have built EPIC into a unique and successful firm that is focused on providing innovative solutions and significant value to our clients and EPIC team members by creating a culture of accountability and alignment through broad-based employee ownership. We are thankful for the robust support, guidance, and access to resources we have received from The Carlyle Group over the past three and a half years, and look forward to building further on the strengths of our organization across the country with the strategic and financial backing of Oak Hill Capital Partners."

Peter Garvey, President of EPIC, said, "We are proud of the unique 'people first' culture that we have built at EPIC. Our company will stay true to the guiding principles that were established when the business was launched 10 years ago. I am confident that with the support of Oak Hill, EPIC will continue to attract and retain the best talent in the industry and the clients who value them."

Scott Kauffman, Partner at Oak Hill said, "We are excited to partner with John Hahn, Pete Garvey, their executive team, and the entire EPIC organization, all proven industry leaders, to continue supporting EPIC's strong growth, innovation, and success in the insurance brokerage industry."

John Redett, Managing Director and Co-head of Carlyle's Global Financial Services team said, "We wish John Hahn and his team well as they continue to execute upon their strategic vision and buildout of EPIC. We believe in their business model and ability to capitalize upon the vast opportunity ahead of them, and are thankful to have played a part in their success over the past several years."

The investment is subject to customary regulatory approvals and is expected to close in the 3rd quarter of 2017. Total Enterprise Value of EPIC now approaches $1 billion, at $977 million.

Bank of America Merrill Lynch acted as lead financial advisor and SunTrust Robinson Humphrey acted as financial advisor to EPIC. Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz served as EPIC's legal advisor.

Barclays acted as financial advisor to Oak Hill and Weil, Gotshal & Manges served as Oak Hill's legal advisor.

About EPIC:
EPIC is a unique and innovative retail property & casualty and employee benefits insurance brokerage and consulting firm. EPIC has created a values-based, client-focused culture that attracts and retains top talent, fosters employee satisfaction and loyalty, and sustains a high level of customer service excellence. EPIC team members have consistently recognized their company as a "Best Place to Work" in multiple regions and as a "Best Place to Work in the Insurance Industry" nationally.

EPIC now has more than 1,000 team members operating from offices across the U.S., providing Property Casualty, Employee Benefits, Specialty Programs, and Private Client solutions to more than 20,000 clients.

With run rate revenues approaching $300 million, EPIC ranks among the top 20 retail insurance brokers in the United States and is the 10th largest privately held broker in the nation. Soon to be backed by Oak Hill Capital Partners, the company continues to expand organically and through strategic acquisitions across the country.

More information: http://www.epicbrokers.com/.

About Oak Hill Capital Partners:
Oak Hill is a private equity firm managing funds with more than $10 billion of initial capital commitments since inception from leading global endowments and foundations, public and corporate pension plans, sovereign wealth funds, insurance companies, financial institutions, consultants, and family offices. Over the past 30 years, the professionals at Oak Hill and its predecessors have invested in 84 significant private equity transactions across broad segments of the U.S. and global economies.

Oak Hill applies an industry-focused, theme-based approach to investing in the following sectors: Consumer, Retail & Distribution; Industrials; Media & Communications; and Services. Oak Hill works actively in partnership with management to implement strategic and operational initiatives to create franchise value.

More information: http://oakhillcapital.com/.

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EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage, and employee benefits consultant, announced today that private equity firm Oak Hill Capital Partners (Oak Hill) has agreed to acquire all of The Carlyle Group's stake, giving Oak Hill a controlling equity position in EPIC. Oak Hill's investment will enable EPIC to continue its aggressive organic growth strategy

Related link: http://www.epicbrokers.com/

EPIC Joins in Authoring Updated American National Standards Institute / American Society of Safety Engineers 2017 Hydrogen Sulfide Safety Training Standard

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, and a member of the American National Standards Institute / American Society of Safety Engineers (ANSI/ASSE) Z390 Hydrogen Sulfide Training Committee, announced today the approval and upcoming publication of a revised Hydrogen Sulfide Safety Training Standard (ANSI/ASSE Z390.1-2017).

EPIC Sr. Safety Consultant Charles (Chuck) Simpson, a recognized expert in Hydrogen Sulfide safety practices and training, led the revision effort as the ASSE Hydrogen Sulfide Safety Training Committee's Chairman. Simpson served as Vice-Chairman of the committee from 1994 until his appointment as Chairman in 2015.

The Committee was formed in 1994, and the ANSI/ASSE Z390.1 Standard has consistently been one of ANSI's most valued publications. A new edition of the document will soon be published by ASSE.

The guidelines in ANSI/ASSE Z390.1 establish content and instructional practices for training personnel with potential exposure to hydrogen sulfide (H2S). The Standard includes detailed training recommendations concerning H2S properties and characteristics, respiratory protection, gas detection, emergency response, and more. These guidelines are used extensively in the oil and gas industry, in petrochemical operations, and in a variety of other industries worldwide.

Said EPIC's Simpson, "Although exact numbers are not known, it is likely that worldwide tens of thousands of people have died from H2S poisoning since 1900. It is also difficult to determine how many lives the standard has helped to save, but I have no doubt that it is an equally impressive number. H2S has a unique set of properties and characteristics that make it particularly hazardous and I am proud to have played a role in leading this important, lifesaving effort."

For additional information about the latest edition of the ANSI/ASSE Z390.1 Standard or for assistance with your H2S safety program, please contact EPIC's Chuck Simpson at chuck.simpson@epicbrokers.com or 504-577-4743.

About EPIC:

EPIC is a unique and innovative retail property and casualty and employee benefits insurance brokerage and consulting firm. EPIC has created a values-based, client-focused culture that attracts and retains top talent, fosters employee satisfaction and loyalty and sustains a high level of customer service excellence. EPIC team members have consistently recognized their company as a "Best Place to Work" in multiple regions and as a "Best Place to Work in the Insurance Industry" nationally.

EPIC now has 1,100 team members operating from offices across the U.S., providing Property Casualty, Employee Benefits, Specialty Programs and Private Client solutions to more than 20,000 clients.

With run rate revenues approaching $300 million, EPIC ranks among the top 20 retail insurance brokers in the United States. Backed by the Carlyle Group, the company continues to expand organically and through strategic acquisitions across the country.

For additional information, please visit http://www.epicbrokers.com/.

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EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants (EPIC), a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, and a member of the American National Standards Institute / American Society of Safety Engineers (ANSI/ASSE) Z390 Hydrogen Sulfide Training Committee, announced today the approval and upcoming publication of a revised Hydrogen Sulfide Safety Training Standard (ANSI/ASSE Z390.1-2017).

Related link: http://www.epicbrokers.com/