Waukesha Chamber Top 10 Businesses: HNI Risk Services
With insurance costs on the rise, it’s more vital than ever that businesses look to minimize risk. HNI Risk Services has devised a unique program that helps its clients do just that.
The company’s Risk Clarity Formula allows clients to identify risk exposure and devise solutions to reduce or eliminate risks. With the help of HNI representatives, the goal is for clients to reduce the long-term costs of risk, said Mike Natalizio, chief executive officer.
"Insurance agencies can raise deductibles in order to reduce customers’ premiums, but then the customers are exposed to more risk," Natalizio said. "We work with our customers to come up with safety measures to avoid accidents so that the customer actually saves money in the end."
When focus is placed simply on insurance premiums, business owners often feel as though they have no control over insurance costs, Natalizio said. But by focusing on areas in which business owners can be proactive in eliminating risk, business owners develop a sense of control and ability to keep costs down, he said.
In addition to the Risk Clarity Formula, HNI features a state-of-the-art training facility – a 5,000-square-foot expansion added to company property in 2000. The facility features stadium seating and multi-media presentation equipment used for customer and employee training on topics such as OSHA regulations, Department of Transportation compliance, workplace safety, investing, estate planning and business perpetuation.
HNI conducts regular workshops and seminars for its customers and prospects on a variety of subjects from safety and compliance to general business issues. Upcoming seminars include DOT Basic Compliance, Construction Safety Orientation for New Employees, How to Add Value as a Safety Director and OSHA 10-Hour Course for General Safety.
For clients in the transportation industry, HNI has created the Driver Report Card, an evaluation system. Also, HNI now offers emergency response planning services in light of the terrorism acts of Sept. 11, 2001.
The company’s commitment to its clients was recognized in September 2002 by the insurance trade publication National Underwriter, which awarded the company an honorable mention in its Agency of the Year competition.
In addition to trying to offer unique services to customers, HNI is a successful business because of its employees, Natalizio said. Also in 2002, HNI was voted one of the Milwaukee area’s best places to work by Milwaukee Magazine.
"We try to create an organization in which people are able to use their unique abilities," Natalizio said. "If you do what you love, your job is more fun and your performance will be better. It creates an overall better work environment."
Company name: HNI Risk Services
Location: 16805 W. Cleveland Ave., New Berlin
Year established: 1963
Type of business: Insurance agency
Main products/services: Property and casualty, employee benefits, personal insurance
Number of employees: 56 full-time, 10 part-time
Business words of wisdom: "Work on your company rather than just in it. Long-term planning is essential."
June 27, 2003 Small Business Times, Milwaukee
