Higginbotham is strategically growing to expand its footprint and increase its service capability by partnering with other independent agencies that have strong reputations in their local markets, a desire to keep growing by tapping into Higginbotham’s single source solution and a cultural match. It entered Louisiana in January 2021 with one such partner in Bossier City, LA, and First Louisiana Insurance builds on the combined firm’s ability to serve the market and sets a path for further growth in the state.
“We’ve expanded outside our home state of Texas by partnering with southern U.S. firms from Oklahoma to Florida,” said Higginbotham Chairman and CEO Rusty Reid. “Moving into our neighboring state of Louisiana was a natural progression, but not one that we rushed into. Each partnership we enter is a thoughtful decision based on cultural and operational congruency. It just so happens that we found the right fit with First Louisiana Insurance at the same time as our new partner in Bossier City.”
First Louisiana Insurance founder and President Jack Harless said, “We continually look for creative ways to enhance the lives of our clients and our employees, and we were searching for a long-term strategic partner with the same focus. We were drawn by Higginbotham’s approach of giving employees ownership of the firm that creates synergy and the immediate market credibility we’d have by joining Higginbotham, both of which combine to stimulate growth.”
Higginbotham named Harless a managing director, and he will continue leading First Louisiana Insurance with Executive Vice President Kase Gonzales.
About First Louisiana Insurance
The Baton Rouge-based company provides commercial and personal insurance services in the Gulf Coast region. First Louisiana Insurance opened in 1980 and serves clients ranging from individuals and families to small local businesses and large companies with multiple locations. Its nine insurance professionals provide property, casualty and liability coverage and employee benefits. Visit www.firstli.com for more information.
