There are a lot of unknowns in running an insurance company. Take, for example, weather. Mother Nature can make a big difference between having a good year and a not-so-good year.
For Secura Insurance in Appleton, the weather was kind in 2013 and the company saw good growth, said CEO John Bycowski.
“We didn’t have any large-scale or multiple storms that resulted in a lot of claims,” he said. “You never know what the weather will bring.”
But given the industry’s unknowns, there is one thing Bycowski does “know” – treating employees well is good for business. The company received the Wellness Council of America’s Platinum Well Workplace Award and was recognized as one of the nation’s healthiest companies.
Earning the honor was “confirmation that our long-term integration of wellness into our culture has improved the quality of life for our associates,” he said. “I’ve always believed that a healthy associate is happier, more productive, and provides that exceptional level of service we are known for.”
Another key to the company’s success is partnering with the right independent agents, Bycowski said. “We try to stand out and make sure we are working with the best of the best agents,” he said. “That’s integral for us.”
Bycowski, who has led Secura since 1996, will retire this summer and president and chief operating officer David Gross will take over as CEO.
“The transition should be smooth. The board of directors knew my retirement plans for a while and we put a good succession plan in place,” Bycowski said. “We will keep moving forward.”
