Navigating the world of insurance can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to finding the right policy for your unique situation. That’s where Higginbotham comes in. Our team of insurance and risk management specialists are committed to providing comprehensive coverage solutions to Hazlehurst businesses and individuals alike. Whether you need to protect your car, insure your business or improve your company’s employee benefits, we’re here to help.
Higginbotham entered Hazlehurst in 2022 after partnering with Insurance & Risk Managers (IRM). IRM was founded in 1993 after the merger of Underwriters Insurance Agency and Smith Insurance Agency, but has roots in Mississippi going back to 1902.
Understanding the specific needs of Hazlehurst businesses, our team provides customized commercial insurance. We focus on securing effective coverage for your enterprise while taking into account the unique challenges faced in your industry.
We help businesses in Hazlehurst and beyond attract and retain talent by providing employee benefits solutions, including:
Mike Smith attended the University of Mississippi, where he earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in 1971. Five years later, he bought his first insurance agency, later merging the agency with Smith Insurance Agency to form a cluster of Mississippi insurance agencies known as Insurance & Risk Managers. In 2022, Mike joined forces with Higginbotham to offer more insurance products and resources to his client base.
Mike has taken on leadership roles in many civic and charitable organizations, serving president of the Kiwanis Club, Brookhaven Country Club and Lincoln County Ole Miss Alumnae Association, as well as chair of the United Givers Fund, Lincoln County Cancer Fund and his local chapter of the American Heart Association. He and his wife, Cindy, have raised four children, including their son, Josh, who serves as a managing partner at Higginbotham.
Josh Smith attended the University of Mississippi, receiving a Bachelor of Business Administration in insurance and risk management. After graduating from Ole Miss, he gained invaluable experience working as an underwriter with Chubb and a commercial marketing executive with McGriff, Seibels & Williams.
In 2005, he decided to leave the environment of publicly held financial institutions to focus on providing personalized insurance services to smaller, more niche businesses. In 2022, Josh and his firm joined the Higginbotham family, further strengthening their ability to deliver risk management solutions to their clients nationwide.
Josh and his wife, Sloane, live in Brookhaven with their three children, Sara Rodgers, Hampton and Emmie.
Doug Garland has more than 25 years of experience in the insurance and bond industry. Originally from Crystal Springs, Mississippi, he graduated from Rice University in 1978 with a degree in managerial studies.
Doug began his bond career immediately upon graduating, working as a surety bond underwriter for seven years with national insurance companies before advancing to a role as a surety bond producer at his own agency. In April 2020, he joined our Hazlehurst team, bringing his wealth of bond and insurance knowledge to our clients.
Doug is a former president of both the Central Mississippi Independent Insurance Agents Association and the Jackson Club, as well as a former member of the Associated General Contractors National Surety Bond Committee. He is a proud father of two and, in his free time, enjoys managing his horse and cattle farm and playing golf.
As part of Higginbotham’s national network, our Hazlehurst team combines local expertise and industry knowledge with extensive resources. Whether you need home insurance, employee benefits, business insurance or more, our team is here to help you.