Mobile

Paul H. Burkholder III

Managing Director

Paul is a graduate of McGill-Toolen Catholic High School and Auburn University with a bachelor’s degree in accountancy. He went on to become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA “retired”) while working for an international accounting firm prior to joining his family’s insurance agency in 1989. Since then, he’s helped clients of all sizes with their commercial and personal insurance needs. He specializes in coastal property, contractor and garage liability insurance.

Paul is an active member of the community, having served on many community service boards. When he’s not in the office, he enjoys spending time on the water or in the woods. Paul and his wife, Patti, have three children and are members of St. Ignatius Catholic Church.

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Erling Riis III

Managing Director, CPCU, CIC

Erling is known for his community leadership and service to others, a legacy that began as an undergraduate at Sewanee: The University of the South. He entered the insurance profession in 1990 and has earned numerous industry certifications and awards. Clients appreciate his expertise in hard-to-place coverages. Erling has served the industry locally and nationally, including as past president of the Mobile Association of Independent Insurance Agents and a representative to the Big “I” Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C.

When he’s not assisting clients, Erling devotes his time to numerous civic organizations. He has held leadership positions for the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce, Mobile Arts and Sports Association, Mobile Touchdown Club and the Coastal Conservation Association. He and his wife, Jeri, have two sons.

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Bill Goodloe

Managing Director, CIC, AAI

Bill served as Vice President of Lyon Fry Cadden until the firm’s merger with Higginbotham in 2022 and now serves as Managing Director. He is a native of Mobile and an alumni of the University of Alabama, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in business. Bill began his career in sales for a local manufacturing company before finding his way to the insurance industry in 1999. Leveraging an extensive network of carriers to create unique solutions, he specializes in contractors, coastal real estate and professional/management liability insurance.

When he’s not at the office, Bill enjoys spending time outdoors with his wife and their two sons. Bill and his family are members of Spring Hill Baptist Church.

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O. McCrary Otts IV

Managing Director, CIC, CRM

McCrary serves as Managing Director at Higginbotham and holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance from the University of Alabama. As Managing Director, McCrary delivers property and casualty insurance to businesses and individuals throughout Alabama. McCrary has honed his expertise in bond production throughout the Southeast, particularly within the construction industry. His extensive knowledge, steadfast commitment to customer service and strong ties to the community make him a go-to resource.

He and his wife, Elizabeth, have three children and are members of the Covenant Presbyterian Church.

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Spence Adams, IV

Managing Director

Spence began his insurance career in 1993 at his father’s agency, Pickett & Adams Insurance. Since then, he’s been dedicated to providing innovative solutions that are designed to mitigate risk and reduce rates for his clients. He specializes in marine, property, church, casualty and life insurance. In 2002, he became an owner of Pickett & Adams before selling the agency in 2008. He continued his insurance career as a sales executive until he joined Lyon Fry Cadden Insurance in 2014.

Spence is passionate about giving back and regularly shares his time and talents with his community by volunteering on multiple committees.

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Brad Elliott

Employee Benefits Consultant

With over 20 years of business management experience, Brad is known for his outstanding customer service and ability to foster lasting client relationships. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Alabama and an MBA from Millsaps College. Brad began his career in the pharmaceutical industry before entering the surgical device space, where he spent 17 years in progressively senior roles. Following a meaningful five-year sabbatical to focus on his family as a full-time dad, he joined Higginbotham in 2024.

Outside of the office, Brad enjoys spending time with his wife, Kimberly, and their four children. He is an active member of Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church and an avid outdoorsman.

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Roland G. “Randy” Fry, Jr.

Producer, CIC

Randy joined our team after graduating from the University of South Alabama in 1983 with a bachelor’s degree in finance. He was selected as Young Agent of the Year by the Alabama Independent Insurance Agents in 1991. Since then, he has garnered the Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) designation and numerous long-term clients.

Randy previously served as president of the Mobile Association of Independent Insurance Agents and chair of the Alabama Independent Insurance Agents Young Agents Committee. He has served the community as president of the Daphne City Council and chairman of the Daphne Utilities Board.

He and his wife, Elizabeth, are members of Springhill Avenue Temple, where Randy is a past president. A Baldwin County resident, Randy has been active in Daphne Band Boosters and as a YMCA youth coach. He enjoys golf and family time at the beach.

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George G. Oswalt

Producer, CISR, ARM

George Oswalt graduated from Sewanee: The University of the South with a bachelor’s degree in English. He began his insurance career in Nashville, handling policy placement and customer service processes for hundreds of companies of all sizes and industries. In 2016, George moved home to Mobile and joined the team. His areas of focus include commercial property owners, high-value homeowners and growing businesses. He holds the Certified Insurance Service Representative (CISR) and the Associate in Risk Management (ARM) designations.

George is involved in the Mobile Touchdown Club, the Senior Bowl Committee, the Propeller Club of Mobile and Government Street Presbyterian Church. In his spare time, George enjoys spending time with his family in Gulf Shores or Point Clear.

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Jody Brinson

Producer, CIC, CPRM

Jody began her insurance career in 2007 after graduating from the University of Georgia with a degree in business management. She began her career working in the marketing department at an insurance brokerage in Birmingham before returning home to Mobile and joining Lyon Fry Cadden Insurance (now Higginbotham) in 2009. With over 15 years of experience in the insurance industry, she specializes in helping high-value homeowners, real estate investors and growing businesses find the right coverage for their unique needs. She holds the Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) and Certified Personal Risk Manager (CPRM) designations.

Jody and her husband, Charles, have three children and are active members of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church.

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Emory Jackson Jones III

Producer

Emory brings over 15 years of sales experience, primarily in the construction industry. Whether on site or in the office, his professional priority has always been helping clients with their needs so they can succeed. Emory is a graduate of Bayside Academy and attended the University of South Alabama. He is a former member of the Homebuilders Association and the Associated General Contractors of America.

Outside of work, Emory has a strong passion for the outdoors and loves to spend time in nature with friends and family. Emory and his wife, Brittany, have two children and attend 3 Circles Church in Fairhope.

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Ed Cadden

Vice President

For Ed, insurance runs in the family. His father made a successful career in Mobile and, since 1977, Ed has forged the same path of distinction. A University of Alabama graduate, Ed brings unmatched experience to clients, particularly in the area of contractors’ insurance and surety bonds. Additionally, he is certified through the National Association of Surety Bond Producers.

When he’s not in the office, Ed devotes his time to the Mobile West Rotary Club, where he has served as a board member for several years. He’s also actively involved with Christ Anglican Church. Married with two sons, Ed enjoys fishing and deer hunting.

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Taylor Peterson

Producer

Taylor is a commercial insurance producer with nearly 15 years of experience in the insurance industry. He is a graduate of McGill-Toolen Catholic High School and the University of Alabama. In his free time, Taylor is an avid fisherman and enjoys spending time with family and friends on the water.

He and his wife, Christi, have two children who are very involved in sports at their school, and they are members of Ashland Place United Methodist Church.

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