The ability to be creative
in finding solutions for our
clients. The specialty market is creative and works very
quickly. Over the years we have
developed specialty expertise in
Construction, Agricultural business, Transportation, Workers’
Comp and Life Sciences to
complement our expertise in
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Powered by our solutions As a member of Argo Group, Colony Specialty is committed to providing the
best possible customer experience. In addition to our steadfast focus on customer
service and speedy response times, we are constantly monitoring our clients’
and the market’s requirements and developing innovative products to meet
those evolving needs. To find out more, contact us today.
800 577 6614 | colonyspecialty.com
Q&a: new naPslo
President Kevin westrope
Westrope president/CEO discusses the growth
of the surplus lines industry, some of its biggest
challenges and communicating the value that
wholesalers bring to the table
let’s go back to the beginning.
How did you enter the insurance
business, and what would you
consider some of your career
highlights to date?
I began my insurance career as
a property underwriting trainee
for Allianz Insurance Companies.
In 1985 I was recruited by
McAlear & Associates, a Grand
Rapids, Mich.-based wholesale
broker, to establish a property operation in their Kansas
City offices. Led by Charles A.
McAlear, McAlear & Associates
was the founding organization
for the National Association of
Professional Surplus lines Offices
(NAPSLO).
After a successful career with
McAlear & Associates, I struck out
on my own and founded Westrope
in my hometown of Kansas City,
Mo., in 1992.
Westrope has grown dramatically since its founding, expanding from one location with eight
employees to employing over 195
professionals in nine locations
spread over three companies.
Westrope has been built from
the ground up organically and is
now one of the leading independent wholesale brokerages in the
United States. Westrope finished
its 21st year in business with
close to $600M in revenues and
is recognized as “Best of Class.” Q&a continued on page 4 A
My approach to success
has been combining a balanced blend of psychology
and organizational development to insurance sales.
This approach has created a
culture driven by excellence,
is fiercely competitive and guided
by highly ethical values. Westrope
is excited to build upon our suc-cesses, and will continue to thrive
in the future.
what is it that still appeals to
you about operating in the
surplus lines sector, and what
are some of the specific areas of
expertise you’ve developed
at your own firm?
