Everyday Commitment Helps BRP Maintain Its Tight-Knit Culture

For Florida-based Baldwin Risk Partners (BRP), creating a family-oriented atmosphere isn’t jargon; rather, it’s the very essence of the company. CEO Trevor Baldwin is the fourth generation in his family to work in insurance, “simply the best business on the planet,” as he calls it, and he relies on family principals to guide the growing company forward.

First and foremost is valuing BRP’s employees, many of whom nominated the agency for Insurance Journal’s Best Agency to Work For. BRP was awarded Gold in the Southeast.

The Tampa, Florida-based firm offers personal insurance along with a diverse portfolio of services such as risk management and employee benefits. Its member companies include Baldwin Krystyn Sherman Partners, The Villages Insurance Partners and American Risk Partners.

BRP maintains a tight-knit feel even as it continues to expand significantly.

“Our colleagues are our greatest asset, and we are committed to providing them with the very best experience,” Baldwin said. “Putting our colleagues first helps us better serve our clients and our other key stakeholders. I’m honored to be part of an organization that our people love — we couldn’t do any of this without them.”

Employees give credit to BRP leadership for instilling strong communication and fostering a diligent work environment.

As one survey respondent put it: “The ‘tone at the top’ is one of the best! The CEO and C-level executives make sure that we are kept in the loop on what’s happening in the firm, when new partnerships are coming on board, welcome new colleagues and not holding back on what they are up to in their spare time.”

BRP relies on the Azimuth, a cultural guide, to inform and direct their decision-making framework. Baldwin recognizes that culture doesn’t “happen by accident.” It takes everyday commitment displayed through actions and behavior.

“Our culture binds the firm together in a tribe-like fashion through shared values and a common language,” Baldwin said. “From our very beginning, we have been a stakeholder-centric organization and are committed to delivering results for each of our key stakeholders (colleagues, clients, communities, insurance company partners), which ultimately propels us forward.”

One employee who has been with the company for one and a half years said BRP is the best place they’ve worked for in their three decades in the insurance business.

“I thought that I would never find something better than a couple of my past roles and companies but I have in fact found the best,” the employee said. “I have never felt this valued. I’ve seen executive leadership really make a point of getting to know me and verbalize that they appreciate what I bring to the table.”

As with most agencies, the COVID-19 pandemic tested BRP’s resiliency, forcing the company to rethink how it does business. BRP installed an accommodating work-from-home policy that amped up its rewards system, which promotes healthy lifestyles by encouraging employees to volunteer in the community, take time off to recharge and seek support when needed.

“They truly care about us which was clearly shown during the pandemic when they were doing emotional and health check ins with everyone and daily activities we all did as groups to keep us mentally and physically engaged,” one employee said.

When many businesses were cutting pay and enforcing layoffs in spring 2020, BRP committed to pay raises and continued to hire.

The company also seeded a fund with $500,000 to provide grants and support to colleagues who fall on hard times.

By investing in its employees, BRP managed the pandemic “exceptionally well” according to Baldwin, and business is growing dramatically.

“We told our colleagues, we are going to take care of you, we have your back, giving them the peace of mind to then focus on taking care of our clients during their times of need,” Baldwin said.

As one employee put it, “I have never had an employer who treated their employees like they do. Providing the option to work from home or in the office, communication from leaders is clear, there is transparency, we are investing in our people and our technology. The growth we have done since the pandemic is mind blowing.”

Topics Leadership