Frank Poppie
Sales Executive
“Glenn Horton and I were a couple of novice producers in 1982 when we bought this agency from his father and uncle,” said Frank Poppie, founding principal and Sales Executive of The Horton Group. “Many things have changed since then, but some have stayed exactly the same. It has been exciting to watch this organization grow throughout the years.”
One of Frank's first clients was a national trucking account he signed as the result of a cold call. That client doubled the size of the agency, which had just 11 employees in a single office at the time. Now one of the largest privately held agencies in the Midwest, The Horton Group features nine offices in three states.
Frank attributes the agency's growth to its focus on niche markets. “You can't be a jack-of-all-trades anymore, which is why this agency has evolved into a group of specialists” Frank explained. “The people we have working for us now are amazing at what they do. Continued reinvestment in our claims advocacy, plus specialized legal and safety services is really what sets us apart from other agencies.”
Frank has found his niche to be in construction, transportation and logistics, although he enjoys the challenge of working with businesses and industries of all kinds. While there is no single way to keep a client, Frank maintains that his simple approach has been instrumental in being a good advocate.
“I help my clients with their internal workloads and aid them with any anxieties they may have,” Frank concluded. “I?act as their advisor and pay close attention to their complex needs on a daily basis. The most rewarding aspect for me is that many of my customers have become very good friends of mine.”
Fact File
- B.S. in Economics and Accounting, Illinois State University, Normal IL
- Property & Casualty
- Life & Health
- The Horton Group Senior Vice President since 2001; Vice President, 1982-2001; Co-Founding Agency Principal, 1982
- Prudential Insurance Company Underwriting/Sales, 1980-1982
- Old Plank Trail Bank, A WINTRUST Community Bank, Board of Directors
- Cancer Support Center of Homewood, Board of Directors
- Intermodal Association of Chicago
- Hanover Insurance, Advisory Board
Read More From Customers
There are insurance agencies and there are resource centers. Frank Poppie and the entire client service team at Horton bring our company a comprehensive range of resources. Together they provide coverage and day-to-day support that our people know they can depend on.
Bill Brooks, Dawn Companies
President
The Horton Group has helped our organization stay competitive by facilitating an array of creative products and services that control costs. Frank’s team approach to risk management continues to make a positive difference.
Larry Strickland, Owner
Brouwer Brothers Steamatic
For the past 10 years, Frank Poppie and The Horton Group have handled all of my insurance programs. Year after year, Frank demonstrates a commitment and desire to handle my account as if it were a new account.
Frank and his team have consistently stepped up to the plate to find me the best commercial property and liability insurance. In addition, Frank’s firm has taken care of our entire medical insurance program, including dental, disability and vision insurance.
The bottom line is that I know I can count on Frank to follow-up and handle any insurance matter that we’ll face and I trust that I am getting expert consultation and advice from him.Tom Swiderski, President
Transportation Repairs & Services