Higginbotham enters 14th state with Missouri partner

Leading independent broker Higginbotham has welcomed Connell Insurance as its Missouri partner, marking its first foray into the state and growing its 14-state footprint across the US.

Connell Insurance is a locally owned and fast-growing property and casualty insurance and employee benefits broker in southwest Missouri, with concentrated experience in the public entity, manufacturing, transportation, social services, construction, and hospitality sectors. A 38-employee-strong workforce operates Connell’s two offices in Branson and Springfield, led by insurance and employee benefits consultants Casey Chastain, Jay Hickman, Tom Jensen, and Chase Marable.

Higginbotham gave the title of managing director to all four Connell Insurance leaders, who will continue guiding their team.

“We see Higginbotham as a larger version of our firm,” Jensen said. “We position ourselves as agents of change, adapting to new market trends and evolving our model as the business environment changes. To be a long-term partner for our clients, change is essential, and joining Higginbotham is part of that strategy.”

The deal added a 14th state to Higginbotham’s expanding presence only a few months after the employee-owned, national firm ventured into Mississippi. Higginbotham has been strategically growing its reach and service capability through a process of selective partnerships, focusing on other independent agencies with strong regional presence. It said it chose Connell Insurance as its Missouri partner for its strong local reputation and cultural match.

Our new partnership with Connell Insurance gives us our first agency in Missouri. Connell Insurance is one of the largest and fastest-growing locally-owned property/casualty insurance and employee benefits brokers in southwest Missouri.

Press Release: https://t.co/35bsylqSzH pic.twitter.com/Xt1sCpheuh

— Higginbotham (@HigginbothamIns) December 5, 2022

“We have offices in the states that border south Missouri, so we had our sights set on finding the right partner to help establish our presence there,” said Higginbotham chairman and CEO Rusty Reid. “Connell Insurance being one of the fastest-growing insurance agencies in the region is what prompted our interest, because obviously they’re doing something right. The decision to cement our partnership was driven by their alignment with our people-first culture and forward-thinking attitude.”