Tony Hopkins, CPCU, CIC, CRM
Senior Vice President
Business leaders and executives wear many hats these days in a complex and rapidly changing environment. With help needed from as many places, as they can get.
The landscape of the business world has dramatically changed over the last few years. Owners and executives are charged with hitting aggressive growth goals, while also being tasked for the very survival of the business. In addition to uncertain economic times, the world of risk is expanding due to changing legislation, social media, and an ever-growing litigious society. Thus, the role of a risk management consultant must also evolve to keep pace. Strategic consultants provide insight and guidance on risks facing an organization, with a strong focus on prioritizing efforts.
“A comprehensive risk management strategy is more than just controlling workers' compensation or auto losses. Effectively controlling businesses ‘real' costs are not just negotiating the best insurance premiums,” observes Tony. “True risk management programs include ‘company killers' issues, such as succession planning, organic growth, operational efficiency, diversification, innovation and corporate culture. A work comp claim has never put a company out of business, but each of those ‘company killers' has. With efforts shifted to addressing the largest risks, the company can focus on what's most important.”
“Insurance is just one of 13 ways to effectively manage risk,” says Tony. Assisting companies in lowering their loss dollars translates into more stable and lower premiums in the long-run, allowing Horton's clients to have the upper-hand in negotiating premiums and coverage terms with the insurance carriers. “Often insurance is the most expensive way to solve a problem. Many companies are not aware of alternative cost efficient solutions, such as risk prevention, reduction or avoidance. These proactive risk management strategies ensure that your business built today is here tomorrow.”
Horton's model is not a fit for all businesses. The company's approach as an “outsourced risk management partner,” is a long-term investment for both clients and staff. “Clients that have the highest return-on-investment in our model are the ones that focus on continuous improvement. They invest in a comprehensive risk management program rather than just insurance and safety, set high expectations of their business partners, and want a long-term, trusted relationship with their consultant,” says Tony.
Tony has also realized that talking a good game is not enough. The true mark of a professional is execution. Horton achieves this through a process which consistently delivers on promises made and holding themselves accountable. “Once a plan is established, we are committed to plan execution. Our team functions as an extension of our clients operations; we are just as invested in their success as our own – their goals are our goals,” says Tony.
Fact File
- B.A. in Business Administration / Risk Management & Insurance with a Certificate in International Business, University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU)
- Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC)
- Certified Risk Manager (CRM)
- Certified Claims Analyst
- Property and Casualty
- Life and Health
Horton Group
- Senior Vice President
- Shareholder
- Vice President
- Sales Leader
- Sales Executive
- Summer Internship
- Zoological Society of Milwaukee, Associate Board of Directors
- Association for Corporate Growth, Board of Directors
- United Way, Basic Needs Community Impact Committee
- Gases and Welding Supply Distributors Association, Safety Committee
- Wisconsin Movers Association, Board of Directors & Chairman of the Board
- Roll Up Due Diligence: 5 Biggest Considerations in Property & Casualty Insurance
- How a “SMALL Perk” Can Cause Big Problems
- Are employees driving their own vehicles a business risk?
- New Practice Leader and Succession Plan for Horton Welding & Gas Practice
- The Horton Group Selected as Finalist for Broker Team of the Year
- New Additions to Welding & Gas Team
- Unfavorable Verdict for Trucking Companies - What You Should Know
- Cryotherapy Customer Risk Management – To Sell or Not to Sell?
- Gas Supplier Contracts – Open for Negotiation
- 831(b) Captive: Insuring the Uninsurable
- Avoid Leaky Contractor Policies
- Lease Terms: Know What To Ask For
- Would You Take This Job?
- OSHA Crackdown – Temporary Workers
Read More From Customers
We hired Horton after working with a local agent for many years. Horton was able to bring welding & gas specific insights along with tailored services and industry specific products to the table. Their service is unmatched and their response time is amazing, always getting me what I need, when I need it. Horton’s proactive approach to risk management has been extremely helpful to help evaluate which products lines to carry and levels of coverage that align with our business strategies. Our annual review of their Stewardship report ensures that we discuss how our business changes and how we may best address these changes and risk assessments.
John D’Amaro, CFOILMO Products Company
Horton helped us with diligence when we brought on a number of our portfolio companies on both Employee Benefits and Property & Casualty. Since then, they’ve assisted with safety, wellness and also conducted a very successful P&C carrier consolidation program for all our lines of coverage, including executive risk, which resulted in over 20% savings on our annual premiums, while providing more coverage, that was consistent across our entire portfolio. Horton has been a trusted advisor and I would recommend the Horton team to anyone in Private Equity/Family Office Investing.
JP Zvesper, Principal
Jacsten Holdings
Horton has helped us with diligence and post-close insurance on multiple deals. Borgman has appreciated their professional and systematic approach that highlights the most important issues within P&C insurance and Employee Benefits for each situation, by taking a pragmatic approach, not trying to “oversell us” on coverage or risk. Horton has a team of pros who are active in M&A, with the experience and know how to navigate a deal to close and assist post-close to make it even better.
David Bartelme, Managing Director
Borgman Capital