Woodland Hills Agency Appointed Senior Broker for Home Improvement Self-Insured Group

WOODLAND HILLS, Calif., April 15 /PRNewswire/ -- Scanlon, Guerra, Burke Insurance Brokers is proud to announce that it is becoming the master broker for California's exclusive workers' compensation self-insured group of home improvement and general retail stores, and to announce the addition of Rusty Russell in the position of senior vice president at SGB.

Russell was instrumental in establishing the Home Improvement Self Insured Group that has grown to 100 retail stores. HISIG provides workers' compensation coverage to employers through a self-insured group. As he joins SGB, Russell brings the master broker designation and the HISIG business with him.

"We are delighted to announce both of these moves," said James N. Scanlon, CEO of SGB. "Rusty is extraordinarily talented and fits the SGB model of providing service, knowledge and product that our customers need. At the same time, SGB is thrilled to be moving into the home improvement and retail sector of the workers' compensation business. It is a brand new space for us and a sign that our company has a compelling, vigorous future in spite of a tough economy."

Russell, 52, is a native of Northridge, CA, who graduated from Crespi High School and the University of San Diego with a degree in behavioral science. He started his work career as a probation officer but moved into the insurance field where he has worked for more than 20 years.

Russell started what became HISIG after a conversation in 2004 with Dale Hardware Owner Garth Smith. Changes in state regulations allowed companies in like industries to create self insurance pools rather than go through insurance carriers.

"Rusty made this program what it is," said Smith, who chairs the Board of Trustees of HISIG. After a slow start, HISIG has experienced explosive growth and has 100 members throughout the state, all of whom are home improvement affiliated businesses. "The program gives you tremendous control over the handling of employee injuries," said Smith.

Russell's work in establishing HISIG provides members with more value than the traditional approach to purchasing workers' compensation coverage. Members benefit from outstanding training, stable costs and the return of surplus costs.

Scanlon's firm has existed since 1964. It has built an unshakable partnership with small metal goods manufacturing businesses and others in the manufacturing industry. SGB offers its clients innovative safety tools, training to help them avoid injury to their valued workers and reduced premiums.

"SGB has a team of executives who have the expertise to help you manage your risk in the most comprehensive way," said Scanlon.

"We're not in the business of selling cheap insurance and calling on customers once a year," Scanlon said. "We're visiting with them -checking their procedures, their safety programs, and their OSHA compliance. With the tools offered in the Scanlon Guerra Burke tool box, we can help make any business more successful and increase profits."

SOURCE Scanlon, Guerra, Burke Insurance Brokers