PRESS RELEASE
EPIC opens Los Angeles office and hires management team.
LOS ANGELES (July 14, 2008) – In an expansion of its Southern California operations, EPIC (Edgewood Partners Insurance Center), a retail property, casualty and employee benefits insurance brokerage firm, opened a new office in Los Angeles. Industry veteran Chris McTigue was appointed Managing Principal. Ray Skarzenski was appointed Principal of Operations and Mike Blecher was appointed Principal.
McTigue is responsible for business development, managing client relationships and leading the Los Angeles office.
“Chris’ expertise in the healthcare, financial services, technology and construction industries makes him a great asset to the team,” said Dan Francis, Co-founder of EPIC. “He is an exceptional client advocate and I am confident that he will quickly grow our presence in this market.”
McTigue’s experience includes serving as an executive with international brokerage firms. For the last 12 years, McTigue was an Executive Vice President at AON Los Angeles, where he consulted with client senior management and their advisors.
A graduate of The College of Insurance in New York, McTigue’s expertise includes global client relations, service coordination of large risk management programs, mergers & acquisitions, professional liability and directors and officers liability insurance.
“EPIC is growing quickly statewide because it offers a corporate culture and business model that builds strong client and employee loyalty,” McTigue said. “The firm has hired a highly experienced and dynamic group here in Los Angeles, and I am elated to work with them.”
Ray Skarzenski is responsible for overseeing EPIC’s property and casualty insurance activities including developing and maintaining relationships with clients and insurance carriers.
A 28-year veteran of the insurance industry, Skarzenski has handled property and casualty insurance coverage focused on the defense contracting, healthcare, automobile manufacturing, railroad, waste hauling, and oil and petrochemical industries. Having worked abroad in Europe and Asia, Skarzenski is widely experienced in the operations of the global insurance marketplace.
Skarzenski is an Associate in Risk Management and a graduate of California State University, Hayward.
Mike Blecher’s responsibilities include new business development, assisting clients with insurance plan choices as well as building and maintaining client relationships.
Blecher’s 30 years of experience covers all aspects of work in the maritime industry. He has specialized in intermodal transportation and logistics, hospitality, real estate development as well as the oil and gas businesses.
Prior to joining EPIC, Blecher was a Managing Director for Beecher Carlson in Los Angeles.
“I am excited to bring my industry experience to EPIC as a principal,” said Blecher. “The company’s level of respect for its employees and strong sense of client care make it a great fit for me.”
Blecher is a Certified Insurance Counselor who has been profiled repeatedly as an industry expert and has authored articles in industry trade publications. He is also a regular speaker for the Insurance Educational Association and Professional Insurance Agents of California and Nevada. In 2005 and 2006, he was named a “Power Broker” by Risk and Insurance Magazine.
Blecher is a graduate of the United States Merchant Marine Academy.
Recognized by the San Francisco Business Journal as #1 in its division for the top 100 “Best Places to Work in the Bay Area,” EPIC has built its corporate culture on mutual respect, teamwork and communication. EPIC also provides its employees with a unique equity ownership opportunity that fosters a high level of employee loyalty and customer service.
Headquartered in Calif., EPIC (Edgewood Partners Insurance Center) is a retail property, casualty and employee benefits insurance brokerage firm. EPIC operates offices in Los Angeles, Orange, Newport Beach, Sacramento, Folsom, San Mateo and San Ramon.
For more information please visit www.edgewoodins.com.
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