By Sophie Pappas
Partner and CMO of Shepherd Insurance Quinn Shepherd knows he is blessed to work in his family business.
“There’s something special going on here,” Quinn said of the company he runs along with his dad David Shepherd, the CEO.
“Special” doesn’t begin to explain the growth and success Shepherd Insurance has experienced since its founding in 1977. What began as a door-to-door operation with Quinn’s grandfather has trickled down to Quinn, a man whose fun-loving personality and willingness to give leaves a mark on every employee.
All year, the company organizes what it calls “Operation Shepherding,” which was started by Quinn in 2011 as a way to support the community.
“The goal of Operation Shepherding is twofold: to support our community, and to reach out by service in our community. It’s more than about just giving money or stuff,” stated creative director Christine Wiggins. “It’s about strengthening ties with our community by actively participating in programs and activities that improve the quality of life.”
At Christmas time, the company has a Giving Tree for Prevail of Hamilton County, which is a non-profit that helps victims of crime and abuse. The Giving Tree is a way for employees to purchase gifts or adopt families to provide for at the holidays.
“In addition, each of our offices in Columbus, Evansville, Greenfield, Lafayette, Seymour and Louisville chooses a nonprofit in their community to help during Christmas,” Wiggins stated.
Wiggins said that combined the company’s offices give to more than 200 organizations every year.
Also, to show their employees just how important it is to give back to the community, Wiggins stated the company “also offers employees a day off each year to volunteer at an organization of their choice.”
“It’s more than just insurance,” David said. “That happens to be our business, but we try to be good community people.
Agency of the Year
For the second time, the Independent Insurance Agents of Indiana, or Big “I,” have selected Shepherd Insurance as the 2014 Agency of the Year.
The Agency of the Year award is presented to an agency that exemplifies leadership and innovation in the insurance industry. Agencies that earn this coveted award are characterized by strong growth, innovative marketing strategies, implementation of a perpetual plan, creative utilization of automation and top-level customer service.
“We are very humbled by our selection as the 2014 Agency of the Year,” said David Shepherd, CEO of Shepherd Insurance. “This award is a reflection of the respect that the entire Shepherd team has worked so hard to earn.”
Quinn Shepherd, Partner and CMO, was quick to add, “This is an incredible honor, and one that was earned by each and every member of the Shepherd team. Our primary focus will be to continue earning the respect and appreciation of our clients and peers.”
Big “I” Vice President Steve Duff said, “Shepherd Insurance is truly a leader and innovator in the independent insurance agency system and in the communities in which it has offices across Indiana.”
Shepherd also earned the Agency of the Year Award from IIAI in 2003.
