View this article online: https://www.insurancejournal.com/magazines-national-section/2016/10/03/428137.htm
A Client, Community-First Agency
For the third year in a row, employees of Benton, Ky.-based Peel & Holland have made it clear their agency is one of the best. So much so that 40 out of the 60 employees at the company submitted nominations to Insurance Journal‘s annual Best Agency to Work For survey, earning the company enough praise to make it the 2016 Gold Winner for the Southeast.
So what makes this agency so special? According to its employees, it isn’t just one thing but many that make it stand out.
“[Peel & Holland] is a team. when an employee needs our help, everyone steps up,” said one employee.
Employees praised quarterly performance reviews, a family-oriented company culture, as well as the agency’s commitment to giving back to its community through charitable contributions and charity work.
“I am very proud of my company and the operation of it and the fairness shown to everyone. I truly believe there is no other organization in Western Kentucky or miles beyond that can match what Peel & Holland provides their team members. We are truly a team and a family business,” said one employee nomination.
And while all those “perks” are priceless to agency staff, employees said the company’s dedication to its clients is what truly makes Peel & Holland a “Best Agency.”
“Our agency is a leader in the industry for innovative solutions for the clients we serve. By having the tools and resources to provide options for my clients, I know that the agency has their best interest in mind,” said another employee.
“This agency has the highest standards in professional ethics. They truly care about their employees, their clients, and the communities we represent. They are not just interested in selling a product. They work hard to build a wall of protection around each client to protect their home and business and to eliminate or mitigate the risks that make up their personal or professional worlds,” said another.
That client, community-first culture starts at the top, employees said. The company, which offers personal, business and employee benefits coverage, as well as coverages for public entities through its four locations in the state – Benton, Paducah, Mayfield and Murray, has been around since 1924.
Current President Roy Riley said he grew up in the business and took over for his father, R.C. Riley, who still remains Chairman of the Board. Roy Riley said he considers himself “blessed to be part of a family organization.”
“I recognized early on in my life that insurance provides a unique opportunity for a business to engage with its customers,” Riley said. “Insurance is one of the few businesses where in order to perform your job adequately, you have to achieve an in-depth working knowledge of your client’s family or business. This creates a constant learning environment and provides a new challenge and opportunity every day.”
Employees couldn’t say enough good things about the company’s community service efforts, and love that they are encouraged and given the opportunity to volunteer during work hours.
“Literally every time there’s a community event, there is a Peel & Holland team there. Whether it’s building playgrounds or painting houses for persons with disabilities or preparing meals for the hungry, our team has a hand in it,” said one employee.
Riley said he and the leadership team are honored to be nominated by its employees as a Best Agency to Work For, but says its the team behind him that deserve the credit.
“If you ask us why Peel & Holland is a Best Agency to Work For, we would tell you it has a lot to do with the team who nominated us. As both professionals and individuals, they are second to none. Their commitment to our clients, their fellow teammates and this organization make Peel & Holland a really special place to be,” Riley said.