2024 at Shepherd Insurance: A Year of Expansion and Opportunity

As we step out of 2024, we are excited to reflect on a year of unprecedented growth at Shepherd Insurance. This year has been a transformative one for us—not just in terms of the number of clients we serve, but also in the expansion of our team and the services we offer. It’s a year defined by mergers, acquisitions, and an enhanced presence across the country, setting the stage for a future where we can deliver even more comprehensive coverage, stronger partnerships, and an exceptional experience for all our clients.

But growth is not just about adding new clients or opening new offices; it’s about investing in the people who make everything possible. This year, we’ve focused on strengthening our internal infrastructure, building a team that’s better equipped to meet the evolving needs of our clients, and fostering an environment where employees feel empowered to excel. From welcoming new hires to expanding our internship programs and building upon our leadership team, 2024 has proven to be a year of expansion on both the external and internal fronts.

Mergers and Acquisitions: Expanding Our Reach

Our strategic mergers and acquisitions have played a pivotal role in 2024’s growth. By joining forces with several incredible agencies, we’ve significantly expanded our geographic footprint and service capabilities. With our operations now spanning seven states, we ended the year with 42 offices and over 550 employees. This growth has allowed us to broaden our offerings and deliver even greater service to clients.

One of the year’s most exciting milestones has been our merger with Besnard Insurance, an industry leader known for their innovation and commitment to providing customized insurance solutions. Together, we are stronger and more versatile than ever, enabling us to meet the diverse needs of our clients across the country.

We are proud to welcome the following agencies to our growing family:

2024 Merger

• Besnard Insurance, Florida & Minnesota

  Founded in 1979, Besnard Insurance has built a reputation as a leader in the insurance industry, offering innovative and customized solutions to businesses nationwide. With a focus on managing long-term insurance costs and delivering personalized service, Besnard has earned the trust of small to medium-sized businesses and even some of the world’s largest brands. Their expertise and customer-first approach align perfectly with our values, and we are excited to see where this merger takes us.

2024 Acquisitions

• Parker Group, Indiana

  With a history stretching back over 150 years, the Parker Group has deep roots in Bedford, Indiana. This esteemed agency has been serving Lawrence County and the surrounding areas with highly specialized products and services. Their dedication to keeping promises and building strong relationships with clients makes them an ideal partner for our team. We are excited to continue their legacy and extend their client-first philosophy throughout the region.

• MacLennan & Bain Insurance, Indiana

  Since 1908, MacLennan & Bain has been a cornerstone of Northwest Indiana’s insurance community. Originally founded by four families in Gary, IN, the agency has grown and evolved, making it a trusted partner for businesses in the healthcare, legal, accounting, engineering, and architectural industries. Their specialization in healthcare and rapid growth will allow us to enhance the resources and support we offer clients across these key sectors.

• Central Agency Insurance, Indiana

  For over 30 years, Central Agency Insurance has been providing top-notch customer service to families and businesses throughout Northwestern Indiana. Known for their hassle-free approach to insurance, they focus on making insurance easy, fast, and stress-free for their clients. Central Agency Insurance’s dedication to customer satisfaction and seamless service makes them a perfect addition to our growing network.

• The Assurity Group, Indiana

  Serving the Evansville and Western Kentucky communities, Deanna Walker and her team at The Assurity Group have built a reputation for excellence. Their community-focused approach and commitment to lending a helping hand in times of need resonate strongly with our own values. We are excited to bring their expertise and local involvement into our broader operations, offering even more tailored solutions to clients in these regions.

• Frederick Insurance, Florida

  Located in Lutz, Florida, Frederick Insurance has been a trusted resource for clients for over 20 years. Jim and Sheila Frederick’s dedication to providing the best policy benefits at the greatest value has earned them a loyal client base. Their customer-first approach and commitment to A+ rated insurance companies make them a strong addition to our family of agencies. We look forward to continuing their tradition of exceptional service.

New Hires & New Employee Orientation: Building a Stronger Team

Alongside our expansion, we’ve been thrilled to add 52 new hires to our team in 2024. This year marked a special milestone as we surpassed 50 new employee orientations at our headquarters in Carmel, Indiana. These orientations reflect our commitment to creating an environment where every team member feels supported and equipped to succeed. We take pride in our strong internal culture, and by investing in our employees from day one, we ensure that they’re well-prepared to contribute to our collective success.

Expanded Internship Programs: Nurturing the Next Generation of Leaders

Our internship program has also experienced remarkable growth in 2024. This year, we welcomed our largest-ever class of interns, providing them with hands-on experience in risk management and insurance. By partnering with universities offering specialized programs, we’re able to offer students real-world learning opportunities while cultivating a robust talent pipeline for the future. These interns are gaining invaluable experience, and we are excited to help guide them on their professional journeys.

New Agency Partners: Strengthening Our Leadership Team

In 2024, we expanded our leadership team with the addition of eight new Partners, bringing the total to 53. This increase in leadership allows us to strengthen our presence across the country and further solidifies our commitment to providing exceptional service. In October, our leadership team gathered for an essential strategic meeting to reflect on our growth and align on the vision for the future. These gatherings are instrumental in keeping Shepherd Insurance on the path of continued success.

2024 Operation Shepherding: Giving Back to Our Communities

At Shepherd Insurance, community service is just as important as business success. Founded by our CEO Quinn Shepherd in 2011, Operation Shepherding is a year-round initiative that encourages our team to give back to the communities where we live and work. Through this program, our employees are empowered to volunteer for causes close to their hearts, with the company providing two paid days off each year to support their volunteer efforts. 

In December 2024, we participate in “Operation Christmas” where we proudly donated $12,000 to various charitable organizations across the country. From supporting children’s toy drives to aiding veterans and providing food to the hungry, we are committed to making a positive impact in our communities. In addition to our December initiative, throughout the year we support local organizations through donations and volunteer hours with our employees volunteering over 2,000 hours throughout the year.

Education & CSR Training: Investing in Our People

At Shepherd Insurance, we believe that continued professional development is key to fostering a thriving workplace. Our Total CSR training platform has seen a rise in usage, with employees engaging in courses to expand their knowledge in various lines of business. In 2024 alone our employees completed over 700 courses in the Total CSR platform. Whether new to the company or a seasoned veteran, our team is continuously learning and growing. We’re proud to invest in our employees’ careers and ensure they have the tools and knowledge to excel in their roles. If you’re looking to further develop your skills, we encourage you to connect with Maggie Watkins, our Talent Manager to explore the opportunity of advancing your career with Shepherd Insurance. 

Health & Well-Being: Prioritizing Employee Wellness

Supporting the health and well-being of our team has always been a priority at Shepherd Insurance. In 2024, we launched our “Did You Know” series to help employees build mental resilience and prioritize self-care. Our educational seminars and wellness challenges, such as our Annual Movement Challenge, helped foster a culture of well-being across the organization. We’re committed to providing the tools, support, and incentives needed to help our employees thrive, both professionally and personally.

A Year of Growth and Opportunity

As we reflect on 2024, it’s clear that this has been a year of exceptional growth and opportunity. We’ve expanded our footprint, welcomed new team members, and formed strong new partnerships that will fuel our continued success. But more than that, we’ve continued creating a culture of learning, service, and well-being that will continue to drive us forward.

Looking ahead, we are excited for what’s to come. With each new acquisition, hire, and initiative, we’re setting the stage for even greater success in the years to come. Thank you for being part of our journey—here’s to an exciting future filled with even more growth, opportunity, and meaningful impact.