Garland Byrd Email & Phone Number

I started and am directing all aspects of operations for this MGA that will be targeting workers compensation and monoline general liability for artisan and general contractors. Initial territories will be the Southeast and Midwest and Eastern Underwriting Managers will be appointing retail and insurance agents beginning February 1, 2015.

I was recruited by the CEO and founder of this California-based MGA to serve in an executive leadership role developing and implementing the comprehensive, national-level marketing strategy, trade show representation, advertising campaigns, and distribution channels that expanded the company outside of the California market and successfully established Atlas General Insurance Services’ national presence in the insurance industry. During this time, my achievements included: • Directed the start-up and opening for the new Knoxville location in 2013 by hiring and developing workers compensation and commercial lines underwriting team members, outside marketing staff, internal marketing staff, and customer service personnel. • Grew the business by securing contracts and held a key leadership role in providing marketing direction for expansion into 9 states for Republic Insurance workers compensation. • Aggressively expanded the company and achieved national market penetration by accomplishing the appointment process for 3,800 new agents in the Southeast, Midwest, and Northeast United States in the first 18 months. • Generated leads by developing marketing materials for e-mail campaigns and direct mail programs, writing content for press releases, and directing the planning/participation for up to 20 annual state association trade shows for the Independent and Professional Insurance Agents. • Achieved national exposure for the company by selecting the most strategic advertising media placement and provided creative ideas for advertising with industry journals such as Insurance Journal, National Underwriter, and Business Insurance. • Instrumental in Atlas General in becoming a member of NAPSLO in 2014.

I was recruited into this role for this national wholesale brokerage outlet offering underwriting services for workers compensation, commercial specialty, brokerage, and personal lines. Held a key role in driving revenue growth for the company by developing a new marketing department, creating/executing marketing strategies, and growing an agency distribution plan for Appalachian underwriters. Some of my most significant accomplishments included: • Generated an impact on company success by capitalizing on the Tennessee and Kentucky markets and implementing the appointment process that substantially increased underwriting submissions.• Directed the expansion of the marketing department by hiring for inside marketing reps and 10 new outside marketing reps covering the Southeast, Midwest, Western regions, and National Platform Northeast. • Created marketing materials for direct mail, e-mail and facsimile marketing campaigns and provided marketing support to 30,000 agents. Led the marketing strategy implementation that contributed to $300 million in workers compensation premiums written; $100 million in commercial line premiums; and $30 million in personal lines and brokerage division premiums • Managed and scheduled numerous educational seminars in different regions for retail agents to educate them on Appalachian Underwriters products as well as use of the online rating system. • Contributed to business development efforts by securing the Home Builders Association of Alabama endorsement for a contractor's general liability program and secured an agreement as the only endorsed provider for workers compensation from the Independent Insurance Agents of Georgia. • Marketed products from carriers including AIG, Berkeley, USLI, State National, Accident Insurance Company, Hartford, Travelers, Meadowbrook, Guarantee Insurance Company and was one of the first marketer appointments by Amerisafe and many other carriers. • Attended multiple NAPSLO conferences.

I transferred my book of business to this local general insurance agency to gain more access to markets as a retail producer and I was specifically recruited to assist in growing the commercial lines department. During this time, I: • Earned recognition as a senior producer and one of the top performers in the agency and was involved in training and assisting new agents with closing deals on large accounts. • Increased business and secured in new accounts by capitalizing on sales experience, knowledge, and contacts in the energy/coal, trucking, manufacturing, and residential construction industries. • Represented several carriers including Ohio Casualty, Allied Insurance Company, Hartford, USFAG, Safeco, Federal Kemper, Bituminous, and many others.

I was initially hired as a Producer to work on general accounts for this new start-up general insurance agency and was personally responsible for general liability, inland marine, and workers compensation for surface and underground coal mining companies, coal/energy trucking businesses, and construction companies in Tennessee and Kentucky. I was promoted to Vice President and later purchased the agency and directed all aspects of operations through 1995. Carrier relationships included USFAG, Safeco, Federal Kemper, MOAC, and Bituminous.