Category Archives: Insurance

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/

RoundPoint and Matic Automate Homeowner’s Insurance for Homebuyers, Mortgage Servicing Customers and RoundPoint Employees

SHERMAN OAKS, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Matic, a digital insurance agency whose technology enables borrowers to purchase homeowner's insurance during the mortgage transaction, today announced a wide-ranging integration with RoundPoint Mortgage Servicing Corporation (RoundPoint), a mortgage loan originator and one of the nation's largest non-bank mortgage servicing companies. The integration will make Matic's one-click "get quote" button available to both customers and employees of RoundPoint.

RoundPoint services over $75 billion worth of mortgage assets as a fully licensed subservicer for commercial banks, credit unions, mortgage companies and hedge funds.

Now, homeowners whose mortgages are serviced by RoundPoint will be notified by Matic when they could save money by switching to a different A-rated homeowner's insurance carrier. Homeowners will also be alerted if there's an opportunity to get more coverage without an increase in premium.

"Mortgage servicers rarely get to call their customers and offer a lower escrow payment or more comprehensive insurance coverage without a premium increase - yet these are exactly the kinds of opportunities Matic will bring to RoundPoint customers every day," said Matic COO Benjamin Madick.

RoundPoint will also make Matic available to homebuyers applying for a mortgage loan through the company's retail mortgage lending division. In addition, Matic will be available to RoundPoint employees via a private-labeled web portal.

"The fact that RoundPoint is making Matic available not only to our mortgage origination and servicing customers, but also to our employees, is a testament to our enthusiasm for Matic's innovative homeowner's insurance experience," said RoundPoint CEO Kevin Brungardt.

"Matic is a key component of our Homeownership Marketplace initiative, which provides products and services that provide value, save money and enhance the overall experience for borrowers," added Brungardt. "Our long-term goal is for every customer to custom-tailor his or her own Personal Household Economy(TM) within this Marketplace. The timing is perfect as we just officially launched this effort with an overhaul of our website, customer portals and overall customer experience."

About Matic:

Matic is a technology-driven insurance agency focused on helping lenders and loan officers better integrate homeowner's insurance into the lending process. By using loan application information and first-of-its-kind technology, Matic provides homebuyers multiple policy options within seconds, helping loan officers close their loans faster.

Matic delivers the most trusted, affordable insurance policies available thanks to its partnerships with a diverse network of insurance carriers. Today's borrowers expect a digital home-buying experience, and Matic gives them the digital insurance experience to match. For more information, visit https://matic.com/ or follow Matic on LinkedIn.

About RoundPoint Mortgage Servicing Corporation:

Founded in 2007, RoundPoint is an agency and non-agency lender and servicer and a subservicer for commercial banks, credit unions, mortgage companies and hedge funds. The Charlotte, NC-based company currently services over $75 billion worth of mortgage assets, which are comprised of its own assets and loans subserviced for others. RoundPoint is licensed to service loans in all fifty states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands and is publicly rated by Fitch Ratings (RPS3+, RSS3+), Standard & Poor's (Average) and Kroll Bond Rating Agency (BB).

RoundPoint is a seller and servicer for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. It is an approved single family Issuer and servicer for Ginnie Mae, and maintains current MBS issuer eligibility. RoundPoint is also an approved servicer for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Lenders and investors can learn more about RoundPoint's servicing offerings by visiting roundpointexchange.com. Borrowers may visit RoundPoint's consumer website at https://www.rpmservicing.com.

Matic, a digital insurance agency whose technology enables borrowers to purchase homeowner's insurance during the mortgage transaction, today announced a wide-ranging integration with RoundPoint Mortgage Servicing Corporation, a mortgage loan originator and one of the nation's largest non-bank mortgage servicing companies. The integration will make Matic's one-click "get quote" button available to both customers and employees of RoundPoint.

Related link: https://maticinsurance.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/

Matic Challenges U.S. Mortgage Lenders, Insurers to Help Families Achieve Affordable Housing

SHERMAN OAKS, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Matic, a digital insurance agency whose technology enables borrowers to purchase homeowner's insurance during the mortgage transaction, is calling on mortgage lenders, realtors and insurance providers nationwide to support Housed & Hopeful, a public/private partnership with non-profit Mortgage Professionals Providing Hope (MPPH) that aims to house America's homeless families.

"Every year, thousands of U.S. families experience homelessness. In fact, more than 50 percent of homeless shelters nationwide are occupied by families - despite nearly a third of homeless parents having a full-time job," said Jake Vermillion, director of operations for MPPH. "That means every day, an estimated 200,000 children in the United States have no place to call home."

"Matic's corporate mission is to find a homeowner's insurance policy for every home. Now, it is our honor to partner with MPPH to help find a home for every family," said Matic CEO Aaron Schiff. "We are proud to kick off the challenge by pledging to house four families in need, and we're calling on our friends in the industry help families on the path to affordable homeownership."

For every $1,000 raised as part of the Housed & Hopeful challenge, MPPH helps one U.S. family get off the streets and into permanent housing.

To give to the Housed & Hopeful challenge, visit https://matic.causevox.com. For information about individual and corporate partnerships with MPPH, visit https://www.mpph.org.

About Matic:

Matic is a technology-driven insurance agency focused on helping lenders and loan officers better integrate homeowner's insurance into the lending process. By using loan application information and first-of-its-kind technology, Matic provides homebuyers multiple policy options within seconds, helping loan officers close their loans faster. Matic delivers the most trusted, affordable insurance policies available thanks to its partnerships with a diverse network of insurance carriers. Today's borrowers expect a digital home-buying experience, and Matic gives them the digital insurance experience to match. For more information, visit https://matic.com/ or follow Matic on LinkedIn.

About Mortgage Professionals Providing Hope:

Mortgage Professionals Providing Hope (MPPH) exists to provide mortgage companies and professionals with opportunities to help people and communities in need through sustainable aid and service projects. For more information, visit https://www.mpph.org.

@maticinsurance @mpphusa #HousedandHopeful

Matic Insurance, a digital insurance agency whose technology enables borrowers to purchase homeowner's insurance during the mortgage transaction, is calling on mortgage lenders, realtors and insurance providers nationwide to support Housed & Hopeful, a public / private partnership with non-profit Mortgage Professionals Providing Hope (MPPH) that aims to house America's homeless families.

Related link: https://maticinsurance.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/

Will Victims of Irma Also Be Subject to Insurance Policy Renewal Surcharges?

BRADENTON, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- Nearly 500,000 residential property owners across the State of Florida have already incurred substantial out-of-pocket expenses due Irma losses because of high hurricane claim deductibles, according to Consumer Insurance Trust LLC (ClaimForward.com). The standard hurricane deductible across most insurers is usually 2 percent of the dwelling value.

Some of these same consumers will also be subject to a likely unexpected policy surcharge due their Hurricane Irma claim at their next policy renewal.

As consumers who have been subject to steadily rising insurance premiums are aware, authorized property insurance companies in Florida are required to annually submit their premium changes to the Department of Financial Services for approval. In addition to those likely premium increases post Irma, some insurers already have built into their existing pricing structure an automatic surcharge for specified claims, including hurricane claims.

"Florida insurance consumers need to know that Florida Statute does not protect them from hurricane claim surcharges and our review indicates approximately 15 percent of insurers have established surcharges," commented Joseph DiMartino, Ph.D., CEO of Consumer Insurance Trust LLC, and a former President/CEO in the insurance industry. Hurricane claim surcharges range from approximately 2 to 7 percent of policy premium.

Homeowner policy premium increases approved by the Department of Financial Services during the nine months preceding Irma averaged 6.6 percent. But those consumers also impacted by a hurricane claim surcharge, which averages 5.3 percent, will be subject to a total premium increase of approximately 12 percent.

Florida insurance consumers who want to determine if their policy renewal will be subject to a hurricane claim surcharge can visit http://www.claimforward.com/.

Claim Forward is a free service that identifies how each insurer surcharges and underwrites for claims by sorting through hundreds of thousands of pages of insurance company regulatory filings required by the State of Florida.

This information is analyzed relative to each user submitted inquiry to provide:
- an estimate of the expected claim surcharge,
- a determination if the insurer offers claim "forgiveness",
- a comparison to other insurance company surcharges,
- and an assessment of non-renewal risk and personalized service offerings.

ClaimForward.com provides consumers a necessary resource in assessing the financial impact associated with their decision to file not only a hurricane claim, but any home, auto, condo or motorcycle claim.

Claim Forward is the only automated tool empowering consumers to make better financial decisions in the event of a personal property/casualty insurance loss.

Interested consumers can easily complete an inquiry in five simple steps at: http://www.claimforward.com/.

About Consumer Insurance Trust LLC:

Consumer Insurance Trust LLC, a company dedicated to building consumer trust in insurance through improved transparency and service, was founded by Joseph DiMartino, Ph.D., a former insurance industry executive. Dr. DiMartino held the position of President and/or CEO of three insurance groups over his career that spans nearly twenty years of professional experience in financial services. Consumer Insurance Trust develops tools and services, like Claim Forward, to provide consumers practical knowledge about their insurance to enable better financial decisions.

For more information, please visit Claim Forward at http://www.claimforward.com/.

Nearly 500,000 residential property owners across the State of Florida have already incurred substantial out-of-pocket expenses due Irma losses because of high hurricane claim deductibles, according to Consumer Insurance Trust LLC (Claim Forward). The standard hurricane deductible across most insurers is usually 2 percent of the dwelling value.

Related link: http://www.claimforward.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/

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/

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/

Smaller Originators Will Follow Top Lenders’ Lead in Making Homeowner’s Insurance Part of the Digital Mortgage, Says Matic CEO

SHERMAN OAKS, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Integrating homeowner's insurance into the mortgage origination process is a relatively new idea - and one Matic CEO Aaron Schiff anticipates will gain traction in 2018. His firm expects small and mid-sized mortgage operations will follow the lead of several marquee lenders that added homeowner's insurance to their origination workflows last year. Wider availability of cutting-edge digital capabilities like online bind will also make integrated homeowner's insurance more attractive for lenders, Schiff says.

"Large lenders often set the pace for mortgage industry transformation, and 2017 saw several top players integrate homeowner's insurance into their digital mortgage strategy," said Schiff. "We expect to see lender adoption increase as originators of all sizes ask themselves what their digital mortgage experience should look like - and what tasks they could and should automate."

Matic's award-winning technology enables mortgage lenders to provide homebuyers with real-time homeowner's insurance quotes from top-rated national carriers as part of their mortgage origination process. Matic also works with mortgage servicers to help existing homeowners lower their escrow payments by switching homeowner's insurance. Because Matic technology pulls borrower and property data directly from the mortgage lender or servicer, home-buying consumers can avoid manually entering data or guessing how much coverage they need.

"Once shopping for homeowner's insurance has been embedded into the mortgage process, the next step is to offer online bind," Schiff said. "Until recently, binding a homeowner's policy required a phone call between the borrower and the carrier. Now, carriers are supporting online bind through API, allowing lenders to offer this value-add as part of their digital mortgage experience."

"Another key benefit of integrated homeowner's insurance is automated quote comparison between multiple carriers," Schiff added. "This lets borrowers come to the table with lower premiums and better debt-to-income ratios - which means lenders can close more loans. By creating both a distinctive borrower experience and a fuller book of business for loan officers, Matic delivers a competitive differentiator for lenders."

Matic's 2017 milestones included earning the business of major mortgage lenders and servicers such as Freedom Mortgage and Mr. Cooper (formerly Nationstar) and establishing partnerships with more than a dozen of the nation's top-rated insurance carriers, including Nationwide, Progressive and Safeco. Matic also completed significant integrations with premier providers of loan origination software (LOS) and self-service mortgage platforms like LendingQB, PCLender, Maxwell and Roostify.

The company's momentum also helped it attract considerable investor interest in 2017. In September, Matic was one of just six companies to advance to the final round of TechCrunch's Startup Battlefield, the world's pre-eminent startup showcase. Three months later, Matic closed a $7 million Series A funding round.

Matic enters its fourth year of operation as the market leader in lender and servicer distribution of homeowner's insurance. According to Schiff, the company will introduce new products in Q2 that will help lenders close more loans. Internally, Matic has set its sights on workplace inclusivity and is continuing to diversify its leadership team.

About Matic:
Matic is a technology-driven insurance agency focused on helping lenders and loan officers better integrate homeowner's insurance into the lending process. By using loan application information and first-of-its-kind technology, Matic provides homebuyers multiple policy options within seconds, helping loan officers close their loans faster. Matic delivers the most trusted, affordable insurance policies available thanks to its partnerships with a diverse network of insurance carriers. Today's borrowers expect a digital home-buying experience, and Matic gives them the digital insurance experience to match. For more information, visit http://matic.com or follow Matic on LinkedIn.

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Integrating homeowner's insurance into the mortgage origination process is a relatively new idea - and one Matic CEO Aaron Schiff anticipates will gain traction in 2018. His firm expects small and mid-sized mortgage operations will follow the lead of several marquee lenders that added homeowner's insurance to their origination workflows last year. Wider availability of cutting-edge digital capabilities like online bind will also make integrated homeowner's insurance more attractive for lenders, Schiff says.

Related link: https://maticinsurance.com/

JenCap Holdings LLC to Acquire Genesee General, a Specialty Insurance Business

ALPHARETTA, Ga. /ScoopCloud/ -- JenCap Holdings LLC (JCH), a specialty insurance business, announced today that it has agreed to acquire privately-held Genesee General, a managing general agency, program administrator and wholesale insurance broker based in Alpharetta, Georgia. The transaction is expected to close in January 2018. Financial terms were not disclosed.

"Genesee President Roger Ware has created a leading organization within our industry and we expect it to become a strategic part for our organization as we build a best-in-class distribution platform," said John F. Jennings, President and Chief Executive Officer of JCH. "Genesee and JenCap share a commitment to product development and superb client service."

Genesee General was founded in 1982 and has been led by Roger Ware since 1998.

JenCap Holdings (JCH) was formed in March 2016 by global alternative asset manager The Carlyle Group and JCH management to consolidate specialty insurance distribution businesses, including managing general agents, program managers and transactional wholesale brokers. The acquisition of Genesee General is the seventh transaction by JCH since its founding, and places the company among the largest wholesale brokers in the U.S.

Roger Ware, President of Genesee, said, "We wanted a partner who felt the same way about our commitment to clients, employees and carriers and we realized early on that JenCap was the right fit. We are very enthusiastic about the JenCap partnership."

About JenCap Holdings Inc.:
JenCap Holdings is a premier national specialty insurance distribution platform that includes program management businesses, managing general agencies, specialty program underwriters and transactional wholesale brokers. JenCap Holdings has assembled a management team with the sector insight and experience to drive organic growth and strategic acquisitions leveraging technology and advanced data analytics. JenCap Holdings is headquartered in New York.

About Genesee General:
Founded in 1982, Genesee General is a full-service managing general agency and wholesale broker that specializes in commercial insurance products for the excess and surplus lines industry as well as servicing the catastrophe and program business markets.

For more information on JenCap, visit: http://jencapholdings.com/

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JenCap Holdings LLC (JCH), a specialty insurance business, announced today that it has agreed to acquire privately-held Genesee General, a managing general agency, program administrator and wholesale insurance broker based in Alpharetta, Georgia. The transaction is expected to close in January 2018. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Related link: http://www.jencapholdings.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/

Matic COO Named One of National Mortgage Professional Magazine’s 40 Most Influential Mortgage Professionals Under 40

SHERMAN OAKS, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Matic, a digital insurance agency whose technology enables borrowers to purchase homeowner's insurance during the mortgage transaction, announced today that company co-founder and COO Benjamin Madick has been named one of National Mortgage Professional magazine's "40 most influential mortgage professionals under 40."

According to the publication, this honor goes to top mortgage professionals under the age of 40 who exemplify professionalism, innovation and top production in today's housing market. Based on merit and peer voting, the list recognizes those who have persevered in a time of regulatory uncertainty. Now in its eighth year, this list will appear in the magazine's December issue.

"It is gratifying and humbling to be recognized by my peers in the mortgage industry," Madick said. "As a digital insurance agency whose roots are in mortgage banking, Matic strives to deliver real value not just for borrowers, but also for lenders and the loan officers that drive their success."

"Benjamin Madick and his team at Matic help lenders take the stress out of the entire home-buying process, right down to homeowner's insurance," said National Mortgage Professional Editor-in-Chief Eric C. Peck. "Being honored as one of the 40 most influential mortgage professionals under 40 is a fitting recognition by his peers for his work in today's marketplace, and a testament to the work of Ben and the Matic crew in helping realize the American Dream of homeownership."

This is not the first time Madick has been identified as a mortgage industry leader. Most recently, he was named a 2017 HousingWire Vanguard winner for guiding Matic's impressive growth over the last year.

About Matic:

Matic is a technology-driven insurance agency focused on helping lenders and loan officers better integrate homeowner's insurance into the lending process. By using loan application information and first-of-its-kind technology, Matic provides homebuyers multiple policy options within seconds, helping loan officers close their loans faster. Matic delivers the most trusted, affordable insurance policies available thanks to its partnerships with a diverse network of insurance carriers. Today's borrowers expect a digital home-buying experience, and Matic gives them the digital insurance experience to match. For more information, visit http://matic.com or follow Matic on LinkedIn.

About National Mortgage Professional Magazine:

National Mortgage Professional Magazine has become "The Source for Top Originators" that connects the mortgage professional community under various media formats. It's committed to ensuring that today's industry is equipped with the most comprehensive understanding of mortgage news available.

Matic Insurance Services, a digital insurance agency whose technology enables borrowers to purchase homeowner's insurance during the mortgage transaction, announced today that company co-founder and COO Benjamin Madick has been named one of National Mortgage Professional magazine's 2017 '40 most influential mortgage professionals under 40.'

Related link: https://maticinsurance.com/

HousingWire Honors Matic Founder Benjamin Madick with Vanguard Award for Outstanding Industry Contributions

SHERMAN OAKS, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Matic, a digital insurance agency whose technology enables borrowers to purchase homeowner's insurance during the mortgage transaction, announced today that company co-founder and COO Ben Madick is a 2017 HousingWire Vanguard Award winner. Madick was recognized for guiding the company's phenomenal growth over the last 12 months as well as for his career-long contributions to the mortgage industry as co-founder of both Matic and risk management services provider Mortgage Quality Management and Research.

During Madick's tenure, Matic has become the market leader in lender and servicer distribution of homeowner's insurance. In the 12 months, Matic has earned the business of such industry powerhouses as Freedom Mortgage and Mr. Cooper and forged partnerships with more than a dozen of the nation's top-rated insurance carriers, including household names Nationwide, Progressive, National General Insurance and Safeco. The company also announced integrations with mortgage technology providers LendingQB, PCLender, BeSmartee, Maxwell and Roostify during the last year.

Madick's award is the capstone achievement to a year full of milestones for Matic. In September, Matic competed in TechCrunch's Startup Battlefield, the world's pre-eminent startup competition. Matic was one of just six startups to advance to the final round of the competition. Earlier this month, Matic announced the close of a $7 million Series A funding round led by Mr. Cooper (formerly NationStar), one of the nation's largest mortgage originators and servicers.

"Our Vanguard winners represent an incredible cross-section of the industry - the cream of the crop in lending, servicing, investing and real estate," Magazine Editor Sarah Wheeler said. "This group of leaders exemplifies the remarkable depth of talent and expertise in the world of mortgage finance."

"It's an honor to be named to such a selective list of mortgage industry influencers," said Madick. "We founded Matic because we believe you can't have a truly digital mortgage without modernizing the homeowner's insurance process for both borrowers and lenders. This recognition is an encouraging indicator that the industry also views homeowner's insurance as a mortgage process long overdue for innovation."

This is the third year HousingWire has recognized executives in the housing finance industry for their outstanding leadership in the space. Winners were selected by HousingWire's editorial board and evaluated based on their company and industry contributions.

About HousingWire:
HousingWire is the nation's most influential source of news and information for U.S. mortgage markets, boasting a readership that spans lending, servicing, investments and real estate market participants as well as financial market professionals. Winner of numerous awards, including a 2012 Eddie Award for national editorial excellence in the B-to-B Banking/Business/Finance, HousingWire has been recognized for excellence in journalism by the Society of Business Editors and Writers, the American Society of Business Press Editors, the National Association of Real Estate Editors, and Trade Association Business Publications International.

About Matic:
Matic is a technology-driven insurance agency focused on helping lenders and loan officers better integrate homeowner's insurance into the lending process. By using loan application information and first-of-its-kind technology, Matic provides homebuyers multiple policy options within seconds, helping loan officers close their loans faster. Matic delivers the most trusted, affordable insurance policies available thanks to its partnerships with a diverse network of insurance carriers. Today's borrowers expect a digital home-buying experience, and Matic gives them the digital insurance experience to match.

For more information, visit https://maticinsurance.com or follow Matic on LinkedIn.

Matic, a digital insurance agency whose technology enables borrowers to purchase homeowner's insurance during the mortgage transaction, announced today that company co-founder and COO Ben Madick is a 2017 HousingWire Vanguard Award winner. Madick was recognized for guiding the company's phenomenal growth over the last 12 months as well as for his career-long contributions to the mortgage industry as co-founder of both Matic and risk management services provider Mortgage Quality Management and Research.

Related link: https://maticinsurance.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/

NIF Group, Inc. Acquires Agency Intermediaries, Inc.

MANHASSET, N.Y. /ScoopCloud/ -- NIF Group, Inc., a leading wholesale broker, program administrator and managing general agency and their parent company, JenCap Holdings LLC announces that they have agreed to acquire privately held Agency Intermediaries, Inc. and A.I.I. Insurance Brokerage of Mass., Inc. (A.I.I.). Both affiliated entities serve as MGA/contract binding authorities and wholesale insurance brokerages, respectively located in Guilford, Connecticut and East Douglas, Massachusetts.

Agency Intermediaries, Inc. was formed in 1980 by Ray Connors, Sr. and Manja Connors. Erina Connors joined in 1983, focusing on the brokerage of excess & surplus Lines. Since 1998, A.I.I. has been led by Erina Connors and Julie Sonier. Agency Intermediaries, Inc. and A.I.I. Insurance Brokerage of Mass., Inc. serve independent agents in Connecticut and Massachusetts in placing excess/specialty lines business.

NIF Group, Inc. is one of the country's leading professional insurance organizations. Serving the independent agent community as a national program administrator, regional general agent, surplus lines broker and specialty insurance Intermediary, with offices located on the east and west coasts of the U.S. NIF has been serving agents & brokers since 1976; they were successfully acquired by JenCap Holdings in December of 2016.

Mark P. Maher, President of NIF Group, Inc. stated that "The Connors and Sonier families have built an exceptional brokerage firm in the same manner in which NIF was forged. A.I.I.'s long standing commitment to their clients, carriers, exceptional service and industry expertise perfectly align with our existing branches and strategic plans for growth in the Northeast."

Erina Connors, President of A.I.I. noted "NIF is a great fit for us, our people are joining a well-respected firm with plans of growth and opportunity in the future."

Through the acquisition of A.I.I., NIF now expands their footprint in the northeast with locations in Framingham, Massachusetts, East Douglas, Massachusetts, Guilford, Connecticut, and Warwick, Rhode Island.

JenCap Holdings (JCH) was formed in March 2016 by The Carlyle Group (NASDAQ:CG) and JCH management to consolidate specialty insurance distribution businesses, including managing general agents, specialty program managers transactional wholesale brokers and captive managers.

The acquisition of Agency Intermediaries, Inc. (A.I.I.) is the sixth such transaction by JCH, which is headquartered in New York, N.Y.

Learn more about NIF Group, Inc., a JenCap Holdings Company, at: http://www.nifgroup.com/

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NIF Group, Inc., a leading wholesale broker, program administrator and managing general agency and their parent company, JenCap Holdings LLC announces that they have agreed to acquire privately held Agency Intermediaries, Inc. and A.I.I. Insurance Brokerage of Mass., Inc. (A.I.I.). Both affiliated entities serve as MGA/contract binding authorities and wholesale insurance brokerages, respectively located in Guilford, Connecticut and East Douglas, Massachusetts.

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

Matic Insurance Services Raises $7 Million in Series A Round Backed by Top Lender, Insurance Carriers and VC Firms

SHERMAN OAKS, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Matic Insurance Services (Matic), a digital insurance agency whose technology enables borrowers to purchase homeowner's insurance during the mortgage transaction, announced today it has raised $7 million in a Series A funding round. Investors participating in the round include Mr. Cooper, one of the nation's top 20 mortgage originators and the fourth-largest home loan servicer in the country; Nationwide, one of the world's largest insurance and financial services companies; National General Insurance, one of the largest automobile insurers in the United States; and Anthemis and ManchesterStory Group, venture capital firms focused on fintech and insurtech, respectively.

"Simplifying homeowner's insurance and bringing policy selection into the home-buying process is a no-brainer - in fact, people often ask us why it's never been done before," said Matic Co-founder and CEO Aaron Schiff. "Matic brings to the table an outstanding technical team, a deep understanding of the mortgage business and unprecedented partnerships with insurance carriers, mortgage lenders and mortgage servicers, some of whom are also our financial supporters. This new funding will support us as we double our team and scale the business to serve our customers in all verticals."

"Mr. Cooper is pleased to be working with Matic to give our customers access to its innovative digital home insurance platform," said Tony Ebers, executive vice president of originations for Mr. Cooper. "Our investment in Matic will help us provide our customers a modern, easy-to-use shopping experience that could save them money on homeowner's insurance and make their homeownership journey more rewarding."

Matic has steadily grown since 2016 to become the market leader in lender and servicer distribution of homeowner's insurance. In the last 12 months, leading U.S. mortgage lenders including Freedom Mortgage and Mr. Cooper have come to rely on Matic for their homeowner's insurance needs. Matic has also forged partnerships with more than 12 of nation's top-rated insurance carriers, including such household names as Nationwide, Progressive, National General Insurance and Safeco, and announced integrations with such leading mortgage loan origination (LOS) and point-of-sale (POS) systems as LendingQB, PCLender, BeSmartee, Maxwell and Roostify.

A licensed insurance agent in all 50 states, Matic has delivered more than 300,000 quotes to the customers of some of the nation's largest mortgage lenders and servicers. Thanks to Matic, these companies can close loans faster, reduce origination costs and improve the borrower experience by dramatically simplifying the often-confusing homeowner's insurance process.

In September 2017, Matic was one of just 22 companies selected to compete in TechCrunch's Startup Battlefield, the world's pre-eminent startup competition. Matic went on to advance to the final round of the competition with just five other startups.

Largely financed by private funding, Matic previously raised $2.3 million in seed funding led by Anthem Venture Partners, a VC firm that primarily invests in early-stage technology companies, and Freedom Mortgage, one of the nation's largest non-bank mortgage lenders.

About Matic Insurance Services:

Matic Insurance Services (Matic) is a technology-driven insurance agency focused on helping lenders and loan officers better integrate homeowner's insurance into the lending process. By using loan application information and first-of-its-kind technology, Matic provides homebuyers multiple policy options within seconds, helping loan officers close their loans faster. Matic delivers the most trusted, affordable insurance policies available thanks to its partnerships with a diverse network of insurance carriers. Today's borrowers expect a digital home-buying experience, and Matic gives them the digital insurance experience to match.

For more information, visit https://maticinsurance.com.

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Matic Insurance Services (Matic), a digital insurance agency whose technology enables borrowers to purchase homeowner's insurance during the mortgage transaction, announced today it has raised $7 million in a Series A funding round. Investors participating in the round include Mr. Cooper, one of the nation's top 20 mortgage originators and the fourth-largest home loan servicer in the country

Related link: https://maticinsurance.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/.

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*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/.

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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/.

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*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/.

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*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/

Matic Insurance Services and LendingQB Partner to Eliminate Stress, Mortgage Delays Caused by Homeowner’s Insurance

SHERMAN OAKS, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Matic Insurance Services (Matic), a digital insurance agency that enables borrowers to purchase homeowner's insurance during the home-buying transaction, today announced a new partnership with LendingQB, a provider of "lean lending" loan origination technology. Matic announced the news as part of a live demonstration at San Francisco's Digital Mortgage conference.

Matic's integration with LendingQB's flagship loan origination software (LOS) makes it easy for borrowers to upload or secure a homeowner's insurance policy during the mortgage application process. The result is a less stressful experience for borrowers and the elimination of costly insurance-related delays for LendingQB's lender clients.

Loan officers, processors and closers can initiate the process by issuing a one-click invitation from within the LendingQB LOS. Alternatively, borrowers can request a quote with the click of a button from within their lender's self-service mortgage portal. The entire process, from requesting a quote to securing a policy, can be completed in minutes.

"Matic simplifies the often-frustrating process of getting homeowner's insurance and moves it within the mortgage transaction for greater convenience and faster loan closings," said Matic Co-founder and COO Ben Madick. "Borrowers no longer have to enter a bunch of personal information or attempt to answer detailed questions about the subject property. Instead, LendingQB delivers this data to top-rated insurance carriers through Matic."

"For the typical home loan, securing homeowner's insurance takes two to three days. With LendingQB and Matic, borrowers can secure a policy in two to three minutes," said LendingQB President Tim Nguyen. "Borrowers appreciate the more streamlined and easy-to-understand process, and because there's no extra effort required on the lender's part, the time savings go straight to the lender's bottom line. By partnering with leading-edge technologies like Matic, LendingQB is making every step of the lending process more efficient and customer-friendly."

About Matic Insurance Services:

Matic Insurance Services (Matic) is a technology-driven insurance agency focused on helping lenders and loan officers better integrate homeowner's insurance into the lending process. By using loan application information and first-of-its-kind technology, Matic provides homebuyers multiple policy options within seconds, helping loan officers close their loans faster. Matic delivers the most trusted, affordable insurance policies available thanks to its partnerships with a diverse network of insurance carriers. Today's borrowers expect a digital home-buying experience, and Matic gives them the digital insurance experience to match.

For more information, visit https://maticinsurance.com.

About LendingQB:

LendingQB is a provider of Lean Lending solutions for residential mortgage banking organizations. The Lean Lending solution consists of a 100 percent web browser-based, end-to-end loan origination system, best of breed integrations with key industry partners and 'adoptimization' services that result in faster cycle times and lower costs per loan. For more information, call 888-285-3912 or visit https://lendingqb.com.

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Matic Insurance Services (Matic), a digital insurance agency that enables borrowers to purchase homeowner's insurance during the home-buying transaction, today announced a new partnership with LendingQB, a provider of "lean lending" loan origination technology. Matic announced the news as part of a live demonstration at San Francisco's Digital Mortgage Conference.

Related link: https://maticinsurance.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/.

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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/.

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*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/

A Prime Time to Plan for Long-Term Care Is After Arranging It for Someone Else, says ACSIA Partners

KIRKLAND, Wash. /ScoopCloud/ -- Have you been called upon to arrange care for an aging parent or other loved one? If so, "it can be a blessing in disguise," says Denise Gott, CEO of ACSIA Partners, one of the nation's largest long-term care insurance agencies. "It can inspire you to plan ahead for your own care, without delay."

"In our experience," Gott says, "most Americans plan for their own care late in the game, when affordable insurance is no longer an option. But it doesn't have to be that way."

According to industry estimates, only about 10 percent of those who could benefit from LTC insurance have policies. Why? "The main reason is that busy younger people are preoccupied with family and career. Their future care needs just aren't a priority, so they put off thinking about it," Gott explains.

However, when they're called upon to plan care for someone else, they're forced to think about it. "The experience can be eye-opening and motivational. At a visceral level, they see and feel the need to plan for themselves. The trick is to act before the feeling fades."

Helping someone else secure long-term care generally happens in one's 40's, 50's or 60's, an opportune time for appreciating two vital facts:

(1) The majority of older people eventually need help with basic tasks of everyday existence. These include "activities of daily living" (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, using the toilet, transferring (to or from bed or chair), caring for incontinence, and eating.

And these tasks also include "instrumental activities of daily living" (IADLs) such as housework, managing money, taking medication, preparing and cleaning up after meals, shopping for groceries or clothes, using the telephone or other communication devices, caring for pets, and responding to emergency alerts such as fire alarms.

(2) Care options and costs vary widely. Long-term care may be supplied by family members and/or paid professionals. Family members generally charge nothing, but if helping out impacts their jobs, their lost income may run into the tens of thousands.

Care services supplied by professionals fall into four main categories (average national costs per year shown in parentheses):
* Adult day health care ($17,680),
* Home health care ($45,760),
* Assisted living facility care ($43,539), and
* Nursing home care ($82,125 for semi-private room).
(Data from the Genworth Cost of Care Survey.)

"When you help Mom or Dad get care, these facts become crystal clear," says Gott. "You see what a difference early action can make."

LTC insurance or another funding instrument can -
* Assure you're protected at a lower rate than older, less healthy applicants.
* Protect your retirement assets.
* Give you greater control over your lifestyle when receiving care (staying in your own home versus a facility, for example).
* Put less of a burden on family members.

"We have state-certified agents throughout the U.S.," says Gott. "They are glad to walk anyone through these options, in person or by phone."

ACSIA Partners LLC -- https://www.acsiapartners.com/ -- is one of America's largest and most experienced long-term care insurance agencies serving all states.

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Have you been called upon to arrange care for an aging parent or other loved one? If so, "it can be a blessing in disguise," says Denise Gott, CEO of ACSIA Partners, one of the nation's largest long-term care insurance agencies. "It can inspire you to plan ahead for your own care, without delay."

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