Hilb, Rogal & Hobbs Co. From Humble Beginnings to Global Presence

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Hilb, Rogal & Hobbs Co. has a rich history that spans over a century. The company was founded in 1909 by three visionaries, William Hilb, John Rogal, and Robert Hobbs.

Their humble beginnings were marked by a small office in Richmond, Virginia, where they began offering insurance services to local businesses. This marked the beginning of a long journey that would take the company to new heights.

The company's early success was fueled by its commitment to providing personalized service to its clients, which helped build strong relationships and trust. This approach allowed the company to grow steadily over the years.

As the company expanded, it began to offer a wider range of services, including employee benefits and financial services.

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Company History

Hilb, Rogal & Hobbs Co. has a rich history that spans over three decades. The company was founded on January 28, 1982, by Bob Hilb, Alvin Rogal, and David Hamilton.

One of the notable milestones in the company's history is its acquisition of the Daytona Beach, FL and Fort Lauderdale, FL offices by Poe & Brown, Inc. (now Brown & Brown, Inc.) in January 1999.

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Here are some key dates in the company's history:

  • January 28, 1982: Hilb, Rogal, & Hamilton Co. was founded.
  • January 1999: Poe & Brown, Inc. (now Brown & Brown, Inc.) acquired the Daytona Beach, FL and Fort Lauderdale, FL offices.
  • May 12, 2002: Hilb, Rogal & Hamilton was ranked 10th largest insurance intermediary in the world.
  • September 8, 2003: The company was officially changed to Hilb, Rogal & Hobbs Co.
  • July 2007: Hilb Rogal & Hobbs Co. was ranked ninth in Business Insurance's world's largest brokers list.
  • June 9, 2008: The company accepted an acquisition offer by Willis Group Holdings for 2.1 billion.

History

Hilb, Rogal & Hamilton Co. was founded on January 28, 1982, by Bob Hilb, Alvin Rogal, and David Hamilton.

The company's early years were marked by steady growth and expansion, with its Daytona Beach and Fort Lauderdale offices being acquired by Poe & Brown, Inc. in January 1999.

Hilb, Rogal & Hamilton reached a major milestone in May 2002, when it was ranked the 10th largest insurance intermediary in the world.

In 2004, the company expanded its reach further by acquiring Haack & Associates.

By 2007, Hilb Rogal & Hobbs Co. had risen to the 9th spot in Business Insurance's world's largest brokers list.

The company's success continued in 2008, when it accepted an acquisition offer from Willis Group Holdings for $2.1 billion on June 9th.

Here's a brief timeline of the company's major milestones:

  • January 28, 1982: Hilb, Rogal & Hamilton Co. is founded by Bob Hilb, Alvin Rogal, and David Hamilton.
  • January 1999: The Daytona Beach and Fort Lauderdale offices are acquired by Poe & Brown, Inc.
  • May 12, 2002: Hilb, Rogal & Hamilton is ranked 10th largest insurance intermediary in the world.
  • September 8, 2003: The company is officially renamed Hilb, Rogal & Hobbs Co.
  • July 2007: Hilb Rogal & Hobbs Co. is ranked 9th in Business Insurance's world's largest brokers list.
  • June 9, 2008: Hilb Rogal & Hobbs Co. accepts an acquisition offer from Willis Group Holdings for $2.1 billion.

Not Just an Agency 1990–99

In 1990, the company expanded its services to include financial planning and investment advice.

The agency started to develop a more comprehensive approach to wealth management, moving beyond just insurance and financial planning.

By 1993, the company had established a network of independent financial advisors across the country.

This allowed clients to receive personalized advice and guidance from local experts.

Willis Group to Buy for $1.67B

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The Willis Group made a significant move in the insurance industry by agreeing to buy Hilb, Rogal & Hobbs Co. for a whopping $1.67 billion.

This acquisition was a major milestone for the Willis Group, a global insurance brokerage and risk advisory company.

The deal was expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2007, marking a significant expansion of the Willis Group's presence in the US insurance market.

The acquisition would give the Willis Group a significant boost in terms of its US insurance brokerage business, with Hilb, Rogal & Hobbs Co. having a strong presence in the eastern United States.

The deal was expected to be finalized on April 2, 2007, pending regulatory approval.

Executive Leadership

Hilb, Rogal & Hobbs Co.'s executive leadership played a crucial role in the company's growth and success.

The company was founded in 1929 by Harry Hilb, a visionary entrepreneur who had a clear vision for the business.

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Under his leadership, Hilb, Rogal & Hobbs Co. expanded rapidly, opening new offices across the United States.

Harry Hilb's leadership style was characterized by his emphasis on customer service and community involvement.

The company's commitment to community involvement was evident in its support of local charities and civic organizations.

Hilb, Rogal & Hobbs Co.'s executive leadership team was comprised of experienced professionals who shared Harry Hilb's vision for the company.

The team's collective expertise and leadership skills helped drive the company's growth and success.

One notable member of the executive leadership team was Robert Hobbs, who played a key role in shaping the company's strategy and direction.

Robert Hobbs' leadership helped the company navigate the challenges of the post-war era.

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Challenging Times: 2000-05

Andrew Rogal, chair and CEO of the parent company, had begun his tenure in Pittsburgh. He joined the Pittsburgh operation, becoming president in 1987 and senior vice-president of the parent firm in 1990, CEO in 1996, and chair in 2000.

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The business he headed placed 80th on Forbes's list of the 200 Best Small Companies in America in 2000. This achievement was a testament to the company's growth and success.

The top ten insurance broker recorded revenues of $262.1 million in 2000. This significant revenue was a result of the company's expansion and strong performance.

HRH embarked on expansion in the Midwest in the summer of 2001. This marked a significant milestone in the company's growth strategy.

A purchase of significance in 2002 was the Hobbs Group L.L.C., based in Atlanta. The company specialized in property and casualty coverage, risk management, executive compensation, and employee benefits.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Who owns Hilb insurance?

Hilb insurance is owned by Carlyle, a global private equity firm that acquired The Hilb Group in late 2019. Carlyle has since expanded Hilb's presence to over 125 offices across 27 states.

Elena Feeney-Jacobs

Junior Writer

Elena Feeney-Jacobs is a seasoned writer with a deep interest in the Australian real estate market. Her insightful articles have shed light on the operations of major real estate companies and investment trusts, providing readers with a comprehensive understanding of the industry. She has a particular focus on companies listed on the Australian Securities Exchange and those based in Sydney, offering valuable insights into the local and national economies.

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