Author Archives: Paragon Insurance Holdings LLC

Paragon Insurance Holdings Announces Acquisition of Reel Media, Further Expanding Firm’s Reach into Global Specialty Marketplace

AVON, Conn. /ScoopCloud/ -- Paragon Insurance Holdings, LLC, in its continuing bid to diversify and expand into the global specialty markets, today announces the acquisition of Reel Media, LLC, a leading provider of insurance solutions for the broader entertainment and sports industries.

"We're excited about the opportunity to partner with Reel Media and their key trading relationships," Ron Ganiats, CEO, and co-founder of Paragon, said. "Marc Idelson and his team have built the market leading MGA in the film/TV and studio niche by attracting great talent and partnering with Allianz (AGCS), the leading carrier in global entertainment markets. Moreover, by harnessing their underwriting expertise, distribution network, and carrier and reinsurance relationships, to write E&S excess casualty, shell and touring, contingency, and motorsports business, Reel Media has done a great job of diversifying their business."

Reel Media is strategically aligned with deep and longstanding carrier and reinsurance relationships that includes Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty (AGCS), Munich Re, HDI Global Specialty SE and Sutton National, among others. These markets have supported Reel Media for many years and bring stability to the entertainment industry, which was validated during the loss cycle attributed to the pandemic.

"This is a great moment for Reel Media, our staff and our partners" Marc Idelson, CEO, and founder of Reel Media, said. "Paragon's business strategy and commitments to attracting and partnering with great talent, distribution, and carrier and reinsurance partners resonated with us. Their operational and analytic capabilities will also drive business efficiencies and improvements for Reel Media and deliver value to our clients and partners."

About Reel Media:

Reel Media LLC is an entertainment, film, television, sports, motorsports, and leisure Managing General Agent with offices located in California, Massachusetts, and Toronto. Reel Media offers innovative and competitive commercial insurance products representing strategic alliances with both admitted and surplus lines markets.

About Paragon:

Paragon Insurance Holdings, LLC, a Galway Holdings company formed in 2014, writes all commercial lines of insurance across more than 20 programs. Paragon's industry-specific and general underwriting facilities offer insureds, retail agents, carriers, reinsurers and service providers unique product, service, capability, and results.

Learn more: https://www.paragoninsgroup.com/.

Paragon Insurance Holdings, LLC, in its continuing bid to diversify and expand into the global specialty markets, today announces the acquisition of Reel Media, LLC, a leading provider of insurance solutions for the broader entertainment and sports industries.

Related link: https://www.paragoninsgroup.com/

New Energy Risk Announces Milestone as Clients Raise $3B in Capital, Also Announce Senior Promotions

AVON, Conn. /ScoopCloud/ -- New Energy Risk (NER), a wholly-owned division of Paragon Insurance Group, on June 30 surpassed $3 billion in capital raised by clients since inception, a pivotal marker as the company continues to support the deployment of innovative technology solutions to address climate change and other global challenges.

Learn more about this achievement in NER's announcement, https://newenergyrisk.com/clients-surpass-3-billion/, and more about some of NER's clients via its case studies, https://newenergyrisk.com/case-studies/.

"This $3 billion milestone demonstrates the success of our products and underscores our commitment to 'Underwriting a Greener Future,'" NER Chief Executive Officer Tom Dickson said. "We are at the forefront of providing insurance solutions to the innovators who are accelerating the green energy transition. The capital they raise is an indication of rapidly increasing investor demand for positive impact."

Building on this momentum, NER is announcing that Chief Actuary Sherry Huang, a seven-year veteran of the company, is expanding her role to also support transaction approval and execution as chief actuary and managing director of underwriting development. Brad Price is being promoted from principal engineer to managing director of technical due diligence. Brentan Alexander has stepped down as president of NER and will be joining an emerging technology firm in the coming weeks. He has been a key leader in the success of NER since joining in 2012 and will remain involved as a consultant to NER for an extended period of time.

"Congratulations to the NER team and to Brad and Sherry on their additional responsibilities and to Brentan on his new endeavor," said Andy Borst, Paragon's president of E&S and International. "The $3 billion in capital raised is a major achievement that confirms NER as a leader in providing innovative solutions and underscores Paragon's commitment to investing in and supporting businesses that help address climate change and other global challenges."

About New Energy Risk:

New Energy Risk is a pioneer of large-scale, breakthrough technology performance insurance solutions. The company provides complex risk assessment and serves as a bridge between technology innovators, financiers, and insurers. Insurance policies are administered through New Energy Risk affiliate Complex Risk and Insurance Associates, LLC, CA License #0I24307. Visit: https://newenergyrisk.com/.

About Paragon:

Paragon Insurance Holdings, LLC, formed in 2014, writes all commercial lines of insurance across more than 20 programs. Paragon's industry-specific and general underwriting facilities offer insureds, retail agents, carriers, reinsurers and service providers unique product, service, capability, and results. Visit: https://www.paragoninsgroup.com/.

New Energy Risk (NER), a wholly-owned division of Paragon Insurance Group, on June 30 surpassed $3 billion in capital raised by clients since inception, a pivotal marker as the company continues to support the deployment of innovative technology solutions to address climate change and other global challenges.

Related link: https://www.paragoninsgroup.com/

Paragon Welcomes Andy Borst who Joins as President, E&S Lines and International Programs

AVON, Conn. /ScoopCloud/ -- Paragon Insurance Holdings LLC, a nationwide multiline specialty managing general agent (MGA), is pleased to announce the hire of Andrew "Andy" Borst as President-Excess & Surplus (E&S) Lines and International Programs.

Borst, previously the interim president of international operations at Argo Group, brings decades of broad experience in the insurance industry with roles at Travelers, OneBeacon, and most recently Argo Group. He helped establish and lead Argo's U.S. Specialty Programs business from 2014 to 2018, serving as Chief Administrative Officer. He most recently led Argo's international business back to profitability in 2021 after his assignment in London, which commenced in 2019.

Borst became familiar with the early days of Paragon in 2015 and 2017 when Argo Group sold parts of Argo's Alteris MGA to the company, including its timber and landscape programs. In his new position, Borst will play a pivotal role in building on the current growth trajectory of Paragon's E&S and international business.

"I'm excited to return to the Program space," commented Borst. "My experience and familiarity with reinsurers, carriers, underwriters and other MGAs in the specialty insurance market should allow me to add to Paragon's value proposition very quickly."

Borst will report to Paragon CEO and co-founder Ron Ganiats.

"Interacting extensively with Andy in the past, we're thrilled to add him to the team. We know the value he can bring at a time when the company is focusing on expansion both in the United States and globally," Ganiats said.

About Paragon:

Paragon, a broadly diversified MGA launched in 2014, supplies distinctive coverage alternatives and options to retail brokers, insurance carriers, reinsurers, and vendor companions. The agency, owned by Galway Holdings, writes comprehensive coverages throughout greater than 20 programs.

Visit https://www.paragoninsgroup.com/ for additional information.

Paragon Insurance Holdings LLC, a nationwide multiline specialty managing general agent (MGA), is pleased to announce the hire of Andrew "Andy" Borst as President-Excess & Surplus (E&S) Lines and International Programs.

Related link: https://www.paragoninsgroup.com/

Paragon Acquires Greener Future and ESG-focused New Energy Risk

AVON, Conn. /ScoopCloud/ -- Paragon Insurance Holdings, LLC, a national MGA based in Avon, Connecticut, announces today the acquisition of New Energy Risk (NER), an insurance solutions provider to a wide range of energy technologies and related infrastructure projects and technologies that accelerate the energy transition.

The deal represents Paragon's latest expansion into the global specialty Excess & Surplus lines market and brings additional high-rated reinsurance capacity providers supporting the ongoing build out of its portfolio.

"We're excited to welcome NER to Paragon," Ron Ganiats, CEO and co-founder of Paragon said. "With NER's talent, carrier and reinsurance following, we will now be at the forefront of providing insurance solutions to the technology and project leaders that continue to move into the energy space."

The announcement comes amid a strong period of growth for NER on the back of rising demand for its unique risk assessment and underwriting services. NER, in a push toward Underwriting a Greener Future(tm), continues to develop new products to meet shifts in the economy as energy sources transition toward sustainability and industries decarbonize. The company has also implemented its own Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) client framework during this critical period to better respond to these market trends.

"We understand the needs of energy technology companies, project developers and investors in this space. We translate the 'arcane' insurance market on their behalf and deliver what they need to secure cost-effective project finance and expedite customer adoption," Tom Dickson, CEO of NER, said.

NER was founded in 2010 by Tom Hutton, former CEO of RMS and White Mountains Re, in partnership with then XL Group. In 2015, XL Innovate (XLI), an insurtech venture fund, was formed. NER became XLI's first portfolio company. NER had been operating as a majority-owned subsidiary of AXA under its AXA XL brand.

"NER is at an inflection point," said Hutton, who will remain involved as an advisor after the acquisition. "We are all committed to investing in its continued growth and to see the impactful results of its products and services, especially given the transformative support of Paragon."

About New Energy Risk

New Energy Risk is a pioneer of large-scale, breakthrough technology performance insurance solutions. The company provides complex risk assessment and serves as a bridge between technology innovators, financiers, and insurers. Insurance policies are administered through New Energy Risk affiliate Complex Risk and Insurance Associates, LLC, CA License #0I24307. Visit: https://newenergyrisk.com/.

About Paragon

Paragon Insurance Holdings, LLC, formed in 2014, writes all commercial lines of insurance across more than 20 programs. Paragon's industry-specific and general underwriting facilities offer insureds, retail agents, carriers, reinsurers and service providers unique product, service, capability, and results. Visit: https://www.paragoninsgroup.com/.

Paragon Insurance Holdings, LLC, a national MGA based in Avon, Connecticut, announces today the acquisition of New Energy Risk (NER), an insurance solutions provider to a wide range of energy technologies and related infrastructure projects and technologies that accelerate the energy transition.

Related link: https://www.paragoninsgroup.com/

Paragon Hires Industry Vet for East Coast Expansion

AVON, Conn. /ScoopCloud/ -- Paragon Insurance Holdings LLC, a nationwide multiline specialty managing general agent (MGA), is pleased to announce the hire of Patrick Carroll as senior vice president - Eastern Region, effective January 31.

"Pat will be in instrumental in helping expand our footprint, particularly on the East Coast," Paragon President Ron Mairano said. "He has deep rooted relationships in the insurance industry focusing much of that time in the workers' comp marketplace. We're all excited to have him join the team."

Carroll brings more than 38 years of property & casualty and workers' compensation experience to his role at Paragon. He has held leadership positions on both the carrier and MGA side and will be working with new and existing partners in the Eastern United States.

Carroll will report to Andrew Petersen, executive vice president.

"I'm excited to be back in the MGA space with people I have known for over 20 years and who have an incredible track record of success," Carroll said.

About Paragon:

Paragon, a broadly diversified MGA launched in 2014, supplies distinctive alternatives and options to retail brokers, insurance coverage carriers, reinsurers and vendor companions. The agency, which is owned Galway Holdings, writes all business strains of coverage throughout greater than 20 packages.

Please visit https://www.paragoninsgroup.com/ for additional information.

Paragon Insurance Holdings LLC, a nationwide multiline specialty managing general agent (MGA), is pleased to announce the hire of Patrick Carroll as senior vice president - Eastern Region, effective January 31, 2022. Carroll brings more than 38 years of property and casualty and workers' compensation experience to his role at Paragon.

Related link: https://www.paragoninsgroup.com/

Paragon Insurance Names Christian Phillips as President of Contingency Practice

AVON, Conn. /ScoopCloud/ -- Paragon Insurance Holdings LLC, a national multiline specialty managing general agent (MGA), has named Christian Phillips as President of its newly created Paragon Contingency Practices.

Phillips joins Paragon following many years at London-based specialty insurer, Beazley. With experience spanning three decades, he is a tremendous asset to Paragon clients, particularly given the global upheaval in the marketplace in 2020.

Phillips will play a pivotal role in this dynamic market environment, as event cancellations related to COVID-19 have severely impacted established contingency business underwriters. "As we continue through the balance of 2021, we expect to see the contingency market rebound," noted Paragon CEO and Co-founder, Ron Ganiats. "We are excited to welcome Christian to the Paragon team to help our clients navigate these improving market conditions."

The Paragon platform will enable Phillips to bring capacity and coverage solutions to a contingency insurance market that has experienced a large amount of contraction over the past 12 months. These solutions will help venues recover in the wake of losses incurred from the closure, rescheduling and cancellation of local, national and international sporting, entertainment and industry events.

About Paragon

Paragon, a broadly diversified MGA launched in 2014, provides unique opportunities and solutions to retail agents, insurance carriers, reinsurers and vendor partners. The firm writes all commercial lines of insurance across more than 20 insurance programs.

Visit https://www.paragoninsgroup.com/ for additional information.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Betsy Van Alstyne
Betsy.vanalstyne@epicgroup.com

*PHOTO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/21-0426s2p-Christian-Phillips-300dpi.jpg

Paragon Insurance Holdings LLC, a national multiline specialty managing general agent (MGA), has named Christian Phillips as President of its newly created Paragon Contingency Practices.

Related link: https://www.paragoninsgroup.com/

Paragon Insurance Holdings Acquires Trident Public Risk Solutions from Argo Group

NEW YORK, N.Y. /ScoopCloud/ -- Paragon Insurance Holdings, LLC, headquartered in Avon, Connecticut, a national MGA, announced today that it has closed on the purchase of Trident Public Risk Solutions (TPRS). Acquired from Argo Group (Argo), the transaction positions Paragon as one of the largest providers of commercial insurance coverage for public entities in the U.S. As part of the transaction agreement, Trident's business will continue to benefit from Argo policy and claims services.

"I am excited to work with the Paragon team, growing this great business and delivering tremendous value to our public entity customers," said Timothy Carter, Executive Vice President.

"We are excited to have Trident as part of our portfolio of companies and to be growing our business with Argo Group. Their collective expertise in public entity insurance and risk management will create a great partnership as we continue to grow together," said Ron Ganiats, CEO and co-founder of Paragon.

The business will continue to report to Sue Coates, President of TPRS - Guaranteed Cost Division and John Atherton, President of TPRS - Retained Limits.

ABOUT ARGO GROUP INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS, LTD.

Argo Group International Holdings, Ltd. (NYSE: ARGO), is an underwriter of specialty insurance and reinsurance products in the property and casualty market. Argo Group offers a full line of products and services designed to meet the unique coverage and claims-handling needs of businesses in two primary segments: U.S. Operations and International Operations. Argo Group's insurance subsidiaries are A.M. Best-rated "A-" (Excellent), and Argo Group's U.S. insurance subsidiaries are Standard and Poor's-rated "A-" (Strong). More information on Argo Group and its subsidiaries is available at https://www.argolimited.com/.

ABOUT PARAGON

Paragon Insurance Holdings, LLC, is headquartered in Avon, Connecticut, and operates as a national MGA. Formed in 2014, the company writes all commercial lines of insurance across more than twenty insurance programs. Paragon's industry-specific and general underwriting facilities offer insureds, retail agents, carriers, reinsurers and service providers unique product, service, capability, and results. Please visit https://www.paragoninsgroup.com/ for additional information.

*LOGO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/18-0123s2p-paragon-ih-300dpi.jpg

Tickers: NYSE:ARGO / NY: ARGO

Paragon Insurance Holdings, LLC, headquartered in Avon, Connecticut, a national MGA, announced today that it has closed on the purchase of Trident Public Risk Solutions (TPRS). Acquired from Argo Group (Argo), the transaction positions Paragon as one of the largest providers of commercial insurance coverage for public entities in the U.S.

Related link: https://www.paragoninsgroup.com/

Managing General Agency Paragon Insurance Launches Nationwide Workers’ Compensation Insurance Program

SAN DIEGO, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Paragon Insurance Holdings LLC ("Paragon"), a national multi-line specialty MGA (Managing General Agency) based in Avon, Conn., today announced the addition of a new nationwide Workers' Compensation Insurance Program.

Available to their eligible retail agency partners, the new program is underwritten by Paragon in its San Diego operation on behalf of Clear Spring Property and Casualty Company (AM Best rated A- VIII).

Benefits and advantages of the Paragon/Clear Spring program include:
* No X-Mod or Territory restrictions
* All States written on one policy
* Multiple pay plans (including monthly reporting)
* Fast turnaround times
* Extensive in-house underwriting authority
* Superior claims, loss control and safety services
* Broad underwriting appetite

Eligible industries include: Construction & Artisan Contractors, Landscaping, Transportation, Janitorial, Agriculture, Wholesalers & Dealers, Healthcare, Waste Management, Manufacturing, and Rental Equipment Dealers.

Submissions can be sent to: WCsubmissions@paragoninsgroup.com

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Ken Kaufmann, Business Development Manager
Phone: 858.689.3827
Email: kkaufmann@paragoninsgroup.com
Web: https://www.paragoninsgroup.com/

About Paragon:
A broadly diversified MGA, Paragon provides unique opportunities and solutions to retail agents, insurance carriers, reinsurers and vendor partners. Please visit https://www.paragoninsgroup.com/ for additional information.

Paragon Insurance Holdings LLC ("Paragon"), a national multi-line specialty MGA (Managing General Agency) based in Avon, Conn., today announced the addition of a new nationwide Workers' Compensation Insurance Program.

Related link: https://www.paragoninsgroup.com/

Paragon Strengthens Winery and Brewery Programs with the Promotion of Brendan Wright and addition of Nick Faragasso

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Paragon Insurance Holdings LLC ("Paragon"), a national multi-line specialty MGA (Managing General Agency) based in Avon, Conn., today announced the addition of insurance professional Nick Faragasso and the promotion of Brendan Wright.

Faragasso will be based in Sacramento, Calif. and Wright, who has been a key part of Paragon's wine team for the past 5 years, will remain in San Francisco. Both report to Paragon Regional President, Erik Kriens.

Faragasso joins as Vice President, bringing over 20 years of underwriting experience and expertise to Paragon. He will work across the WineryPlus and BreweryPlus programs. Faragasso has served as an underwriter to the wine industry for the past three decades and will add significant depth, experience and knowledge to the Paragon Winery team, in particular.

Wright is broadening his role and responsibilities as Program Manager of Paragon's Winery Programs. Paragon underwrites and manages insurance programs serving over 700 wineries across the nation and Wright will continue to bring his unique and valuable skill set to these clients and the retail brokers who serve them. Wright has over 10 years of industry experience, with the past 5 at Paragon focused on the wine industry from an underwriting perspective.

Said Paragon's Erik Kriens, "We have known and respected Nick for many years and we are excited to add another top professional to the Paragon team. Brendan has been an outstanding performer and we are pleased and excited to recognize this with his promotion to Program Manager. Both Nick and Brendan have tremendous skill sets that are of significant value to our clients, insurance company partners, and other stakeholders."

About Paragon:

A broadly diversified MGA, Paragon provides unique opportunities and solutions to retail agents, insurance carriers, reinsurers and vendor partners. Please visit https://www.paragoninsgroup.com/ for additional information.

Paragon Insurance Holdings LLC ("Paragon"), a national multi-line specialty MGA (Managing General Agency) based in Avon, Conn., today announced the addition of insurance professional Nick Faragasso and the promotion of Brendan Wright.

Related link: https://www.paragoninsgroup.com/

Paragon Further Strengthens Operations with its Promotion of Erik Kriens to Regional President in the West

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Paragon Insurance Holdings LLC ("Paragon"), a national multi-line specialty MGA (Managing General Agency) based in Avon, Conn., today announced the promotion of Erik Kriens to Regional President. Kriens is based in Paragon's San Francisco office and reports directly to Paragon CEO and Co-founder Ron Ganiats. Kriens has served as Senior Vice President of Business Development since joining Paragon in September 2015.

In his expanded role, Kriens will assume all P&L responsibility for Paragon's WineRe, WineryPlus and BreweryPlus programs. Working closely with the teams dedicated to both programs, Kriens will create and lead strategic growth plans for these important business segments. He will also continue to work directly with the Insurance Boards of Paragon's Pest Control and Rental Equipment Programs.

Said Paragon's Ron Ganiats, "Erik has been a top performer since joining Paragon, and has played a key role in the success we have achieved to date and in positioning Paragon to fully capitalize on the significant market opportunities we see ahead in both the winery and brewery industries. His leadership as Regional President will be critically important to driving further value to our clients, insurance company partners, and other stakeholders."

Erik Kriens can be reached at ekriens@paragoninsgroup.com or at 415-300-6820

About Paragon:

A broadly diversified MGA, Paragon provides unique opportunities and solutions to retail agents, insurance carriers, reinsurers and vendor partners. Please visit https://www.paragoninsgroup.com for additional information.

Paragon Insurance Holdings LLC ("Paragon"), a national multi-line specialty MGA (Managing General Agency) based in Avon, Conn., today announced the promotion of Erik Kriens to Regional President. Kriens is based in Paragon's San Francisco office and reports directly to Paragon CEO and Co-founder Ron Ganiats.

Related link: https://www.paragoninsgroup.com/

Paragon Insurance Holdings Improves and Enhances Public Entity Program with Transition to a New Underwriter / Insurance Carrier

AVON, Conn. /ScoopCloud/ -- Paragon Insurance Holdings LLC ("Paragon"), a national multi-line specialty Program Manager based in Avon, Conn., today announced a definitive agreement to move their public entity program to a new A+ XV insurance carrier.

All existing Paragon insureds will be rolled into the new facility at renewal.

"We are excited to partner with this new carrier to continue to deliver and enhance the quality coverage and client service our partner agents and insureds have come to expect," said Ron Mairano, president and co-founder of Paragon Insurance Holdings LLC.

"This new relationship will bring some exciting coverage enhancements and structures that we could not previously offer. We fully expect this to be a smooth, seamless and positive transition for both our retail broker partners and the public entity clients they serve," Mairano concluded.

About Paragon:

A broadly diverse Program Administrator, managing 16 programs for various A rated insurance companies, Paragon provides unique opportunities and solutions to retail agents, insurance carriers, reinsurers and vendor partners.

Please visit https://www.paragoninsgroup.com/ for additional information.

Paragon Insurance Holdings LLC ("Paragon"), a national multi-line specialty Program Manager based in Avon, Conn., today announced a definitive agreement to move their public entity program to a new A+ XV insurance carrier.

Related link: https://www.paragoninsgroup.com/

Paragon Insurance Holdings, LLC Acquires Argo Landscapers Program

AVON, Conn. /ScoopCloud/ -- Paragon Insurance Holdings, LLC, a national multi-line specialty program manager, today announced it has contracted with Argo Group International Holdings, Ltd. to assume MGA responsibilities for Argo's Landscape Contracting program, effective January 1, 2019.

"The Landscapers program aligns well with our other growth businesses," said Ron Ganiats, CEO of Paragon Insurance. "We look forward to expanding the program through additional resources and investment."

Steve Hartman ran the program at Argo and with the sale, he has joined Paragon. Hartman is located in Fresno, California. The business will be managed as part of Paragon's western states operations reporting into San Diego. The addition of the program and Hartman are part of a larger strategy that will see Paragon launch new programs and underwriting facilities from the company's expanding San Diego operations.

The sale of the program enables Argo to simplify operations and focus efforts on other strategic growth opportunities within its U.S. business.

Any inquiries can be directed to Andrew Petersen at Paragon Insurance Holdings in San Diego: Email apetersen@paragoninsgroup.com or Cell 415-317-4978

About Paragon:

A broadly diversified MGA and Specialty Program Manager, Paragon provides unique opportunities and solutions to retail agents, insurance carriers, reinsurers and vendor partners. Please visit https://www.paragoninsgroup.com/ for additional information.

About Argo Group International Holdings, Ltd.:

Argo Group International Holdings, Ltd. (NYSE: ARGO) is an international underwriter of specialty insurance and reinsurance products in the property and casualty market. Argo Group offers a full line of products and services designed to meet the unique coverage and claims handling needs of businesses in two primary segments: U.S. Operations and International Operations. Argo Group's insurance subsidiaries are A.M. Best-rated 'A' (Excellent) (third highest rating out of 16 rating classifications) with a stable outlook, and Argo Group's U.S. insurance subsidiaries are Standard and Poor's-rated 'A-' (Strong) with a positive outlook. More information on Argo Group and its subsidiaries is available at https://www.argolimited.com/.

REF: ( NYSE:ARGO )

Paragon Insurance Holdings, LLC, a national multi-line specialty program manager, today announced it has contracted with Argo Group International Holdings, Ltd. to assume MGA responsibilities for Argo's Landscape Contracting program, effective January 1, 2019.

Related link: https://www.paragoninsgroup.com/

Paragon Insurance Holdings to Sell its Direct Retail Wine Industry Business

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Paragon Insurance Holdings LLC today announced the sale of the firm's direct retail wine industry business to retail insurance broker EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants. The accounts in question came to Paragon in the fall of 2017 when they purchased wine industry specialist John Sutak Insurance Brokers, along with two winery programs from the Argo Group.

Effective January 1, 2019, Paragon will transition its portfolio of direct retail winery clients to EPIC, one of the nation's ten largest privately held retail insurance brokers. The purchase will expand and strengthen EPIC's own commitment to their existing and future wine industry clients.

Paragon will continue to underwrite and broadly provide insurance services to the wine industry on a national basis, and the transaction allows Paragon to maintain a clear strategic focus on the firm's core program management and underwriting expertise, centered on serving the needs of their partners in the retail insurance brokerage community.

"We are excited about the transaction and eliminating any possible ambiguity about the strength of our commitment to serving and supporting our retail insurance brokerage partners," said Erik Kriens, SVP Business Development at Paragon.

"We know EPIC Wine Industry Practice Leader Mike McNulty and the EPIC team well from many years of working with them on the specialty programs and MGA front. We are confident that they will provide outstanding service, strong advocacy, and effective representation to the wine industry clients they are acquiring from us," Kriens added.

Any inquiries can be directed to Erik Kriens at Paragon Insurance Holdings in San Francisco: ekriens@paragonisngroup.com or (860) 629-0849.

About Paragon:

A broadly diversified MGA, Paragon provides unique opportunities and solutions to retail agents, insurance carriers, reinsurers and vendor partners.

Please visit https://www.paragoninsgroup.com/ for additional information.

Paragon Insurance Holdings LLC today announced the sale of the firm's direct retail wine industry business to retail insurance broker EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants. The accounts in question came to Paragon in the fall of 2017 when they purchased wine industry specialist John Sutak Insurance Brokers, along with two winery programs from the Argo Group.

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

Paragon Insurance Holdings Expands Operations in San Diego with addition of Robert Etzler and opening of new offices

SAN DIEGO, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Paragon Insurance Holdings LLC ("Paragon"), a national multi-line specialty MGA (Managing General Agency) based in Avon, Conn., today announced its expansion in San Diego, Calif. with the opening of new offices at 401 B Street in downtown San Diego and the hiring of top local insurance professional Robert Etzler, under the leadership of Paragon regional president, Andrew Petersen.

Etzler joins Paragon as senior vice president and director of workers' compensation.

Prior to joining Paragon, Etzler held leadership roles at Cypress Point - Arrowhead General Insurance Agency (now Arrowhead General Insurance Agency), Atlas General Insurance Services, and most recently, Midwestern Insurance Alliance (a K2 company) in San Diego.

Said Paragon's Andrew Petersen, "I have known Robert for a number of years and we are excited to have him join the Paragon team in San Diego. He has a tremendous skill set that will be of significant value to our clients, insurance and reinsurance company partners, and other stakeholders.

"We are in negotiations with other top local professionals, planning to further expand and enhance our operations and profile in the San Diego area."

Ron Ganiats, managing partner at Paragon, added, "Like Hartford in the east, San Diego has long been recognized as a unique insurance center and as a hub for insurance and general agency talent. We are excited to expand our operations in the region through the addition of Robert and the opening of our new offices in downtown San Diego. We will be aggressively looking to add more unique local talent in the months ahead."

About Paragon:

A broadly diversified MGA, Paragon provides unique opportunities and solutions to retail agents, insurance carriers, reinsurers and vendor partners.

Please visit https://www.paragoninsgroup.com/ for additional information.

Paragon Insurance Holdings LLC ("Paragon"), a national multi-line specialty MGA (Managing General Agency) based in Avon, Conn., today announced its expansion in San Diego, Calif. with the opening of new offices at 401 B Street in downtown San Diego and the hiring of top local insurance professional Robert Etzler, under the leadership of Paragon regional president, Andrew Petersen.

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

Paragon Insurance Holdings LLC Adds Tonya Fuller and Ashley Forslund to Winery and Brewery Team

NAPA, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Paragon Insurance Holdings LLC ("Paragon"), a national multi-line specialty MGA (Managing General Agency) based in Avon, Conn., today announced that Tonya Fuller has joined the firm as Vice President, Winery and Brewery. Additionally, Ashley Forslund has become a member of the Paragon team in the role of Senior Underwriter, Winery and Brewery, working in close collaboration with Fuller.

In their new roles, Fuller and Forslund will focus on underwriting Paragon's successful "Winery Plus Program" as well as bringing extensive knowledge of the wine and brewing business to Paragon's robust Winery Group and expanding Brewery Program.

Fuller, whose career in the insurance industry spans more than 25 years, has extensive experience with national insurance program development, implementation, and oversite. She has focused on designing and managing specialty risk management and insurance programs for the wine industry since 2005.

Forslund began her insurance career 17 years ago, moving into MGA underwriting in 2004. She began working with Fuller in 2008, developing particular expertise in crafting strong insurance programs for the winery and brewery business while maintaining long standing broker relationships.

Prior to joining Paragon, Fuller was the Managing Director of Prime Vintage Insurance Services, LLC, a General Agency located in Napa, CA focused on developing and managing specialized Insurance Programs for wineries and cideries. Forslund served as Senior Underwriter at Prime Vintage, also focusing on the wine industry, and brings a strong background in the brewing business as well.

Said Ron Ganiats, "The Paragon team has known and respected Tonya and Ashley for quite some time, and we are excited to have them join our firm in Napa and Colorado respectively to expand and deepen our commitment to serving the unique needs of wineries, cideries and breweries, both in the West and across the country."

About Paragon:

A broadly diversified MGA, Paragon provides unique opportunities and solutions to retail agents, insurance carriers, reinsurers and vendor partners.

Please visit http://www.paragoninsgroup.com/ for additional information.

Paragon Insurance Holdings LLC, a national multi-line specialty Managing General Agency (MGA) based in Avon, Conn., today announced that Tonya Fuller has joined the firm as Vice President, Winery and Brewery. Additionally, Ashley Forslund has become a member of the Paragon team in the role of Senior Underwriter, Winery and Brewery, working in close collaboration with Fuller.

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

Paragon Insurance Holdings Invests in Cloud Business Intelligence (BI) to Enhance Analytics Capabilities

AVON, Conn. /ScoopCloud/ -- Paragon Insurance Holdings, LLC ("Paragon"), a national multi-line specialty MGA, has selected LeapFrogBI, LLC, an agile business intelligence provider, and Sisense, Inc., to develop an advanced data warehouse and enable enhanced reporting capabilities.

Since being formed in 2014 Paragon has grown rapidly to fifteen programs, with controlled premiums exceeding $125M, and offices in Avon, CT, San Francisco, and Seattle. By strengthening the data capture and analytics capabilities on the strong systems that already exist, Paragon increases its differentiation and commitment to success.

"Adopting agile business intelligence ensures our analytics capabilities will continually fulfill their full potential," said Enrico Ferrante, COO of Paragon. "We're excited to be working with LeapFrogBI and Sisense to develop a solution that delivers key insights and supports strategic decision making."

LeapFrogBI, based in Austin, Texas, enables enterprise and mid-sized customers to manage and optimize business by the numbers. Its unique BI as a Service offering is a complete cloud business intelligence solution that enables companies to achieve success with analytics without developing complex solutions in house.

"The addition of Paragon to our customer community underscores the preference modern market leaders have for cloud business intelligence, and their trust in LeapFrogBI to deliver a solution that can perform and grow along with their business over time," said Paul Felix, partner, LeapFrogBI.

Sisense, headquartered in New York, NY, enables thousands of companies worldwide to turn data into insight. Its unique In-Chip(tm) and Single Stack(tm) technologies simplify every step of the BI process - from data preparation to discovery of insights.

About Paragon:

A broadly diversified MGA, Paragon provides unique opportunities and solutions to retail agents, insurance carriers, reinsurers and vendor partners. Please visit http://www.paragoninsgroup.com/ for additional information.

About LeapFrogBI:

LeapFrogBI provides business intelligence as a service, consulting and data warehouse automation software to help leading companies leverage their data for analytics purposes. Please visit www.leapfrogbi.com for additional information.

About Sisense:

Sisense takes a radically different approach to business analytics. The company's obsessive commitment to consistent product innovation and customer success enable organizations to instantly reveal insights from complex data. It's BI for everyone, everywhere regardless of technical expertise. Sisense's agility allows business users with no technical background to get the accurate intelligence at the very moment it is needed without waiting hours, days or even weeks for answers. Sisense provides a complete business platform to prepare, analyze and visualize large, volumes and variety of data. Its unique In-Chip(r) and Single Stack(r) technologies simplify every step of the BI process - from data preparation to discovery of insights. From innovative startups to global brands like GE, Wix, Nasdaq and Philips, thousands of organizations worldwide embed Sisense in their everyday business to reveal instant insights.

Paragon Insurance Holdings, LLC, a national multi-line specialty MGA, has selected LeapFrogBI, LLC, an agile business intelligence provider, and Sisense, Inc., to develop an advanced data warehouse and enable enhanced reporting capabilities.

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

Paragon Insurance Holdings Announces Equity Investment from Edgewood Partners Insurance Center and Oak Hill Capital Partners

AVON, Conn. /ScoopCloud/ -- Paragon Insurance Holdings, LLC ("Paragon"), a national multi-line specialty MGA, announced today that Edgewood Partners Insurance Center (EPIC) and Oak Hill Capital Partners have taken an equity stake in the company. The investment from EPIC and Oak Hill will further propel Paragon's organic and M&A growth strategies and create greater opportunity for Paragon's agency, carrier and reinsurance trading partners.

Paragon was formed in 2014 by Ron Ganiats and Ron Mairano and is one of the industry's fastest growing managing general agencies. With fifteen programs, controlled premiums exceeding $125M, and offices in Avon, CT, San Francisco, and Seattle, Paragon has established deep trading relationships with specialty carriers and reinsurers that provide unique solutions in a market that is quickly evolving.

Paragon's specialty carrier and reinsurance relationships, systems and operational capabilities, and data capture and analytics, have quickly made the company a stand out among their competitors.

"Winning in this environment is a function of talent, capability, vision and commitment," said Ron Ganiats, CEO of Paragon. "We are delighted to have strong new partners like EPIC and Oak Hill, who will help us to further build on this foundation of beliefs and values, for the benefit of all Paragon trading partners and our own team members."

About Paragon:
A broadly diversified MGA, Paragon provides unique opportunities and solutions to retail agents, insurance carriers, reinsurers and vendor partners.

Please visit http://www.paragoninsgroup.com/ for additional information.

Paragon Insurance Holdings, LLC, a national multi-line specialty MGA, announced today that Edgewood Partners Insurance Center (EPIC) and Oak Hill Capital Partners have taken an equity stake in the company. The investment from EPIC and Oak Hill will further propel Paragon's organic and M&A growth strategies and create greater opportunity for Paragon's agency, carrier and reinsurance trading partners.

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

Paragon Insurance Holdings LLC Names Andrew Petersen as Regional President and EVP of Reinsurance Operations

AVON, Conn. /ScoopCloud/ -- Paragon Insurance Holdings, LLC ("Paragon"), a national multi-line specialty MGA, today announced the addition of Andrew Petersen to the Paragon executive management team as Regional President and EVP of Reinsurance Operations. Petersen will report to Ron Ganiats, Paragon's CEO.

Prior to joining Paragon, Petersen was Chief Corporate Development Officer of Atlas General Holdings, LLC, a San Diego based general agency.

Earlier in his career, Petersen has also held senior positions at reinsurance intermediaries Guy Carpenter & Company, LLC, and Collins, where he focused on workers' compensation and general agency-based reinsurance placements.

Andrew Petersen can be reached at Paragon via email at apetersen[at]paragoninsgroup.com.

About Paragon:
Formed in 2014 to be a broadly diversified MGA, Paragon provides unique opportunities and solutions to retail agents, insurance carriers, reinsurers and vendor partners.

Please visit http://www.paragoninsgroup.com/ for additional information.

Paragon Insurance Holdings, LLC ("Paragon"), a national multi-line specialty MGA, today announced the addition of Andrew Petersen to the Paragon executive management team as Regional President and EVP of Reinsurance Operations. Petersen will report to Ron Ganiats, Paragon's CEO.

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