People – Midwest

Mark Bates, president of Pinnacle Insurance Group of Indiana in Crown Point, Ind., has received the Independent Insurance Agents of Indiana’s 2013 Harry P. Cooper, Jr. Industry/Public Image Award.

This award is presented in the name of Harry P. Cooper, Jr., who began with Indiana Farmers Mutual Insurance Co. in 1936 and remained with the company until his death 55 years later, and whose concern for the image of the industry was paramount. It was developed to recognize someone who enhances the public image of the insurance profession through their professional activities, public image and personal integrity in their business activities and in their community.

In addition to his role as president of Pinnacle Insurance Group, Bates maintains a significant commercial lines book of business and helps manage his agency. He is a past president of the Independent Insurance Agents of Indiana and Independent Insurance Agents of Northwest Indiana, as well as having served on several company agent advisory councils and boards.

Bates is also a regular contributor to IIAI legislative activities though interaction with state and federal legislators and annually contributing to state and federal PACs.

Berkshire Hathaway GUARD Insurance Cos. appointed William Rentie as a senior field representative for the Midwest.

In 2013, the insurer entered Nebraska, Iowa, Missouri, and Kansas – joining Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan, which were already part of the company’s operating area. Entry into Wisconsin is also targeted for the near future.

Rentie has been part of the insurance industry in the Midwest for almost 35 years and has extensive commercial lines experience.

Westlake, Ohio-based Roundstone Management Ltd., which focuses on the alternative risk market, added three new regional sales managers. Charles Gragg, David Fox and David Grenell are now part of the Mid-Market Med stop loss sales team.

With more than 25 years of experience, Gragg has an extensive background in underwriting and benefits management. His primary territory will be Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Mississippi and Tennessee.

As a veteran of the employee benefits industry, Fox offers experience in sales, account management and client relationships. His territory includes Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri and Wisconsin.

Grenell’s experience includes 25 years selling group insurance for large to mid-size insurance carriers and third party administrators. His focus will be on the Texas, Oklahoma and Louisiana markets.

Combined Agents of America LLC (CAA), based in Austin, Texas, announced that five of its members/agents were elected to leadership positions with the Kansas Association of Insurance Agents (KAIA).

CAA member Bob Wood, president of Wood-Dulohery Insurance, was elected president of KAIA. Wood-Dulohery Insurance has locations in Parsons and Pittsburg, Kan.

Dusty Davis, a broker at CAA member agency, ICI Insurance, was elected treasurer of KAIA. ICI Insurance has four locations in Kansas, including El Dorado, Emporia, Derby and Wichita.

CAA member Chad Fuqua, owner of Fuqua Ruth Typer Insurance, CAA member Jim Runnebaum, president of SBS Insurance Agency, and Ryan Murry, broker at ICI, were elected to the board of directors.

Fuqua Ruth Typer Insurance has locations in Hesston, Lindsborg and Newton, Kan., serving clients in Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma. SBS Insurance Agency has six locations in northeast Kansas providing insurance products and services to clients in Kansas, Nebraska and Missouri.