Seacrest Partners understands the needs of the commercial market and is positioned to offer solutions that consistently exceed our clients’ expectations”, said Paddison. “We feel there is a demand in the marketplace for a locally-owned company that can handle large and complex insurance and employee benefit needs.”
Officially launched Monday, March 6, Seacrest Partners has leased 6,000 square feet of Class A office space on the third floor of the new Hancock Askew office building just off President Street Extension.
The firm’s partners include insurance veterans C. Steven Eagle, Deborah Rich, Michael E. Butler, L. Allan Reynolds, Cindy Robinett and Kavin K. Smith. With an average tenure of 26 years in the insurance industry, Seacrest’s partners are some of the area’s most experienced insurance brokerage professionals. “Technically Seacrest is a new company, but our firm has a depth of experience and talent that is beyond what you would typically find in this market area” said Paddison.
While technical expertise is critical to managing a client’s insurance program, Paddison sees the new firm’s commitment to the local community as another major differentiator. “Over the past decade the corporate offices of numerous Savannah-based companies have left the local market after being acquired by out-of-state corporations. Seacrest’s partners are deeply rooted in this community and we are committed to building an organization that provides good jobs for people who want careers with a company headquartered in Savannah”
Seacrest’s executive vice president and lead benefits consultant Steve Eagle concurs. “We believe in Savannah and we believe there is a need for our services in the current marketplace. We are excited about our service offerings and feel that clients will understand our alignment and proposition,” stated Eagle.
Cindy Robinett, Director of Risk Management Services, adds, “It took me 15 years to move my career back to Savannah and I am so excited to be a partner in this organization. Savannah is the place I want to raise my family and to have a company like Seacrest based here is really the best of all worlds for me.”
Seacrest Partners offers a comprehensive range of insurance brokerage, risk management and employee benefit consulting services for middle market and upper middle market clientele. Unlike many newly formed brokerage operations, Seacrest has immediate access to the industry’s leading property, casualty, surety and employee benefit insurance companies. “Our long-standing relationships with underwriters and executives at the senior management level gave Seacrest instant credibility with key insurance companies. As a result, our firm has immediate access to a wide range of blue-chip, financially stable insurance companies,” stated Kavin Smith, Seacrest’s chief marketing officer.
One unique aspect of Seacrest’s operations is its specialization in key industry sectors including construction, healthcare, food processing, and specialty retail. Industry specialization broadens the firm’s service area to include clients on a regional and national level. Prior to forming Seacrest, the firm’s partners represented clients throughout the Southeast and as far west as California.
Savannah Economic Development Authority president Rick Winger was pleased to hear th