“I am extremely proud to announce that Kapnick Insurance Group is the recipient of the PAR Excellence Award for the second year in a row. The award recognizes outstanding performance in the E&O Plus Quality Management Program,” said Jim Kapnick, President. “We recently underwent a rigorous audit from E&O Plus and the award is based on our commitment and compliance to providing quality services. In an environment where all of our competitors claim ‘great service’, we now have an acclaimed award as proof of our client experience.”

Mike Kapnick, CFO, COO, gave special thanks to Kapnick’s three Quality and Compliance Managers who “make sure we don’t lose our focus”:  Barb Jackson, Employee Benefit Division; Susan Adkins, Commecial Insurance Division and Nikki Swander, Personal Insurance Division. He also noted the contribution of all employees’ commitment to compliance and providing quality services as an essential part of receiving this award.

GLOBALIZATION EQUALS OPPORTUNITY FOR WORLD-MINDED PRODUCERS

Adrian, MI  (February 21, 2012)

Jim Kapnick, President of Kapnick Insurance Group, was recently interviewed and and is currently featured in the online publication Property and Casualty 360. The article discusses the opportunities available to producers in today’s global market, and was also published in the February 20th issue of National Underwriter magazine. Click here to read full article

KAPNICK INSURANCE GROUP RECOGNIZED FOR EXEMPLARY WORKPLACE PRACTICES

 

Receives prestigious Alfred P. Sloan Award for Business Excellence in Workplace Flexibility for second Year

 

Adrian, MI  (September, 21, 2011) – KAPNICK INSURANCE GROUP has been honored with the 2011
Alfred P. Sloan Award for Business Excellence in Workplace Flexibility for the second year for its use of flexibility as an effective workplace strategy to increase business and employee success.

This prestigious award, part of the national When Work Works project, recognizes employers of all sizes and types in the SE Michigan and across the country.

“We are thrilled to win this award for the second year in a row. We firmly believe that by allowing flexibility in our workplace it in turn fosters creativity and innovation, allowing us to have deeper and more meaningful relationships with our clients,” stated Jim Kapnick, president of Kapnick Insurance Group.

Workplace flexibility—such as flextime, part-time work and compressed workweeks—has been demonstrated to help businesses remain competitive while also benefiting employees as well.

“Our research consistently finds that employees in effective and flexible workplaces have greater engagement on the job and greater desire to stay with their organization. In addition, they report lower stress levels and better overall health,” states Ellen Galinsky, president of Families and Work Institute (FWI), a research think tank on workforce and workplace trends that administers the awards.

The Sloan Awards are unique for their rigorous, two-step selection process, which involves an evaluation of employers’ flexibility programs and practices, and a confidential employee survey. All applicants are measured against national norms from FWI’s National Study of Employers.

“As a recipient of the 2011 Sloan Award, KAPNICK INSURANCE GROUP ranks in the top 20% of employers nationally in terms of its programs, policies and culture for creating an effective and flexible workplace,” states Galinsky. “In addition, what makes this honor so special is that their employees have corroborated this, affirming that it is indeed an effective and flexible workplace.”

When Work Works is a national project to educate the business community on the value of workplace flexibility by sharing research and promising practices, and conducting the annual Sloan Awards. It is an ongoing initiative of Families and Work Institute first funded by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. In 2011, the Society for Human Resource Management and FWI formed a ground-breaking, multi-year partnership to grow When Work Works and help businesses become more successful by transforming the way they view and adopt effective and flexible workplaces.

For more information about the When Work Works project and the Alfred P. Sloan Awards for Business Excellence in Workplace Flexibility, visit www.whenworkworks.org.

 

ABOUT WHEN WORK WORKS

When Work Works is a leading national initiative to help businesses of all sizes and types become more successful by transforming the way they view and adopt effective and flexible workplaces. When Work Works is one of the foremost providers of rigorous research and employer best practices on workplace effectiveness and flexibility in the nation, and administers the prestigious Alfred P. Sloan Awards for Business Excellence in Workplace Flexibility annually, which recognize exemplary employers for using flexibility as an effective workplace strategy to increase business and employee success. www.whenworkworks.org @FWInews

 

KAPNICK INSURANCE GROUP WELCOMES JOSEPH BUICK
TO ITS PROPERTY & CASUALTY SALES TEAM

Kapnick Insurance Group is pleased to announce the addition of Joseph R. Buick, Vice President, to its Property & Casualty division. Joe has over 15 years of experience in insurance and risk management including executive management, marketing, consultative sales and management of carrier relationships. In his position at Kapnick he will serve as a client executive, procuring new business and the management of their accounts.

In his most recent position prior to Kapnick, Joe was Senior Vice President for Huntington Insurance, a division of Huntington Bancshares, serving as Regional Sales Manager for the northwest Ohio region’s largest office in Toledo – plus other sales offices in northwest Ohio and Michigan. Prior to that he worked for Hylant Group in Toledo as Senior Client Executive, Middle Market Team Leader. While there he was involved in international client relations, and specialized in Workers’ Compensation with a focus on the manufacturing industry.

Joe is a Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) and Certified Risk Manager (CRM). He is a current Trustee and former Treasurer for the Triumph Academy, a charter school in Monroe, Michigan, and past Chairman of the Monroe Planning Commission. Joe received his Bachelors Degree from Hillsdale College.

“Joe brings a wealth of varied experience to our sales team, and we are excited to welcome him to Kapnick Insurance Group,” said Jim Kapnick, President. “He will be a valuable asset in our continued efforts to build on the growth and success we have enjoyed in recent years.”

KAPNICK INSURANCE GROUP ANNOUNCES STEVE PECK , PRESIDENT OF KAPNICK BENEFIT SERVICES CHOSEN TO SERVE ON SUN LIFE’S RISING STAR AWARDS DETROIT JUDGING PANEL

 

Southfield Michigan, September, 15, 2011 – Kapnick Insurance Group announced today that Steve Peck, President of Kapnick’s  Benefit Service division, was chosen to serve on a judging panel for the Sun Life Risings Star Awards in Detroit.

The Sun Life Rising Star Award program is designed to improve the lives of under-served youth by providing financial resources and education to students and non-profit organizations committed to increasing success in high school and beyond. Each winning organization will receive a $50,000 grant and other unique resources. Additionally as part of the application process, each organization will nominate an exemplary student for a $5,000 Sun Life Rising Star scholarship to help finance a college education, with the goal of helping students achieve long-term financial stability.

“On Thursday, October 13, the winning students are in for a surprise, as they will be notified at their schools that they’ve won a scholarship.  “I consider it a great honor and privilege to be a part of the group that will be determining who these lucky students will be” commented Peck, “there is nothing more rewarding than being part of something that could potentially change the life of a deserving child – who in turn will have a positive future impact on the lives of many others.”

Now in its second year, the program will again invest more than $1 million to outstanding students and non-profit organizations in major markets across the country, including Boston, Detroit, Los Angeles, Philadelphia and South Florida.

To be considered for a Sun Life Rising Star Award grant, organizations must have 501(c) (3) tax-exempt status and promote skills that directly translate to educational success in high school to students under the age of 21. Applications will be reviewed by a local judging panel consisting of community leaders and senior-level educators.

As part of the application process, each non-profit will nominate an outstanding student from its organization for a chance to receive a $5,000 college scholarship. Nominees must be high school seniors actively involved in an organization that shares the Sun Life Rising Star Awards’ mission; they must also plan to pursue post-secondary education, exhibit leadership qualities, and demonstrate a strong commitment to their communities. Nominated students are required to submit a 750-word essay on how financial education contributes to future success.

Business Insurance magazine just named Kapnick Insurance Group to its 2011 “Best Places to Work in Insurance” for the second year in a row. Only 50 companies across the U.S. received this prestigious award.

September 15, 2011

Kapnick In An Elite Group

The 50 companies recognized this year are to be celebrated as an elite group of employers that have created high-quality workplaces that encourage employees to thrive in a work environment they can love.

“We are thrilled once again to be included in the 2011 Best Places to Work in Insurance,” said Jim Kapnick, president of Kapnick Insurance Group. “We make a significant investment in providing employees with the best work environments, technology, training, benefits – and in turn they are motivated to do their best and provide our clients exceptional client service. Our success can be attributed largely to our people.”  Added Steve Peck, president of the Benefits Division, “Our employees are truly the people that made being named one of the Best Places to Work in Insurance possible.”

The assessment was a two-part process. Part 1-responsible for 75% of a company’s score-involved a confidential employee engagement and satisfaction survey, which was used to evaluate employees’ workplace experience and the company culture. The second part of the assessment, responsible for the remaining 25% of a company’s score, was an employer questionnaire, which collected information about each company’s benefit programs, policies, practices and other general information.
About Kapnick Insurance Group

Kapnick Insurance Group, founded in 1946 is a leading independent agency with local roots in the Midwest and a global reach. Providing insurance, employee benefits, risk management and financial strategies to clients worldwide, Kapnick employs over 100 insurance professionals who have earned a national reputation for anticipating clients’ problems and creating innovative solutions.

Inc. Magazine Unveils Its Fifth Annual Exclusive List ofAmerica’s Fastest-Growing Private Companies—the Inc. 5000

August 24th, 2011

 

Kapnick Insurance Group, one of the largest privately held insurance agencies in the Midwest, announced today that the company has been named to the Inc. 500 | 5000 list of fastest-growing companies in North America for the second year in a row.

 

NEW YORK, August 24, 2011 — Inc. magazine named Kapnick Insurance Group to its fifth annual Inc. 5000, an exclusive ranking of the nation’s fastest-growing private companies. The list represents the most comprehensive look at the most important segment of the economy—America’s independent-minded entrepreneurs. Kapnick joins Spirit Airlines, television maker Vizio, Honest Tea, Dunkin Donuts and Metrokane, makers of the Rabbit corkscrew, among other prominent brands featured on this year’s list.

“The leaders of the companies on this year’s Inc. 5000 have figured out how to grow their businesses during the longest recession since the Great Depression,” said Inc. president Bob LaPointe. “The 2011 Inc. 5000 showcases a particularly hardy group of entrepreneurs.”

Kapnick Insurance Group’s success has also been due in large part to the company’s dedication to providing unparalleled client service. Kapnick Insurance Group has continued to maintain one of the highest client retention and satisfaction rates in the industry year after year.

“We were thrilled to be named to Inc.’s list of fastest growing privately held companies for the second year in a row,” said President Jim Kapnick. “Our agency remains committed to providing unsurpassed client service, backed by industry-leading professionals, to sustain our growth moving forward.”

KAPNICK INSURANCE GROUP ANNOUNCES THE OPENING OF THEIR NEW OFFICE BUILDING WILL BE JULY 18TH

Read article written by ANNARBOR.com

June 28, 2011

Kapnick Insurance Group announced today that the grand opening of their newly renovated office building located at 1201 Briarwood Circle, adjacent to the Briarwood Mall will be on July 18th. The company’s two current Ann Arbor offices – Kapnick Insurance Group located on Victors Way and the Ufer & Co. office on Stadium Boulevard, will be consolidated into this one new location.

The project began in August, 2010 when Kapnick Insurance Group purchased the former La-Z-Boy Furniture Gallery building on Briarwood Circle, and began extensive interior and exterior renovation. The interior renovation included breaking up the expansive 18,500 square foot space into offices, conference and seminar areas, workrooms, a kitchen area and a spacious lobby. Windows were knocked out of the east and south walls of the building to allow an abundance of natural light into the office areas. A large meeting space was an integral part of the design, and will allow the company to host large meetings and seminars on-site.

The building has been officially named the “Ufer Building” in honor of legendary University of Michigan football announcer Bob Ufer, founder of Ufer & Co. Insurance, which has been an integral part of the Ann Arbor business community for over 60 years. Kapnick purchased Ufer & Co. in January, 2009, and they have continued to operate out of their offices on Stadium Boulevard. David and Tom Ufer, Bob’s sons, remain active with the company. With the move to the Briarwood Circle location, Ufer and Co. will also be consolidated into the Kapnick Insurance Group name. “Our view is that by integrating Kapnick Insurance Group and Ufer & Co. Insurance under one logo and in one location, we are building a stronger organization from the best of two,” according to Jim Kapnick, President, “I feel this is a positive step for both current and potential clients, and a very critical step for the company as we continue to grow and improve our offerings to the residents and businesses of Washtenaw County.”

Kapnick Insurance Group is a third generation, family-owned agency headquartered in Adrian, Michigan. They have been a part of the Ann Arbor business community since 2001, and have an additional office in Southfield. Their more than 100 employees have been providing clients insurance and employee benefits for over 60 years.

KAPNICK INSURANCE GROUP TO OFFER PRIVILEGE UNDERWRITERS RECIPROCAL EXCHANGE (PURE) INSURANCE TO OWNERS OF HIGH-VALUE HOMES IN MICHIGAN

 

June 03, 2011

James Kapnick, president with Kapnick Insurance Group, an insurance agency specializing in personal risk management services, today announced its partnership with Privilege Underwriters Reciprocal Exchange (PURE), a member-owned reciprocal insurer. PURE and Kapnick Insurance Group will offer comprehensive, customized property and casualty insurance coverage to qualified responsible owners of well-built, high-value homes throughout Michigan.

“We look forward to this opportunity to offer PURE’s comprehensive, customized coverage and superior claims service to owners of high-value homes in Michigan,” said Kapnick. “We are proud to have partnered with PURE, a specialty company that shares our dedication to providing the highest level of customer service to its members, and we’re confident that our clients will take comfort in being insured with a company that has proven financial strength and stability.”

Together, Kapnick Insurance Group and PURE expect to provide qualified homeowners with significant savings on their insurance premiums. PURE members have reported average annual savings of $3,202 on their homeowners insurance. In addition to homeowners insurance, Kapnick Insurance Group will offer PURE‘s broad range of comprehensive property-casualty products including automobile, jewelry, art, personal liability and watercraft insurance to successful individuals and families.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Has Selected Kapnick as a Platinum Agency Tier

May 21, 2011

Platinum agency tier

Platinum agency criteria are based in part on volume of contracts and number of groups, geography, and level of partnership with the Blues.  Criteria for the Platinum level will be reviewed are reviewed on  an annual basis.

As a member of this elite new group, Kapnick Insurance Group will enjoy a differentiated status, which will include a dedicated service team. The Kapnick team  be available  on demand when the routine channels of service are not sufficient, providing Kapnick with benefits such as:

• A single point of contact and advocate for complex service issues;
• A cross-functional team of subject matter experts familiar with Kapnick’s specific book of business;
• Subject matter experts assigned to resolve persistent issues after normal channels have been exhausted;
• Enhanced tracking better enabling BCBSM to resolve systemic issues more quickly;
• Two-way communication streams with an opportunity for strategic discussions to demonstrate greater commitment to the BCBSM and Kapnick  partnership; and
• Consistency that Kapnick can rely on.

 

Kapnick Awarded Hanover (Citizens) Insurance’s 2011 President’s Cup!

May 19, 2011

The award is given to the top agency in each region, based on growth in written premium, loss ratio and commitment to their partnership philosophy. By winning the Midwest Region, Kapnick is also the President’s Cup winner for the State of Michigan. “We are very pleased with this award and recognition
- it is an acknowledgement of our continuing efforts to be the best, because our clients deserve the best!” said Jim Kapnick, president of Kapnick
Insurance Group.

In an era of so many challenges for businesses, and so much negative news floating around, Kapnick Insurance Group is pleased to be able to continue to share some good news with our clients and prospective clients! We were recently ranked 5th on a list of 20 of the largest business insurance agencies in metro Detroit, as published in the May/June issue of DBusiness Magazine. This list was compiled through individual interviews with each of the respective business insurance agencies. The agencies are ranked by total 2010 revenue, and are located in the region consisting of Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Washtenaw and Livingston counties.