Why Parker Smith & Feek

When Charles Parker founded our firm 73 years ago he readily conceded that he would be spending his career as the middleman, bringing together insurance companies capable of issuing policies with businesses that needed the protection those policies afforded. He knew that his competitors had access to many of the same insurance companies and could deliver the same policies as he did. So he decided to add value to the process, and to differentiate his company by working harder than the others to provide a special level of one-to-one service that would be exhaustive in meeting the needs of his customers. He purposefully created a culture that focused on problem solving, and providing the most knowledgeable and accurate advice possible while eschewing the sales mentality that permeated the insurance industry. 

This philosophy has been tested over the years, and still guides our firm today. On the surface, insurance brokers still tend to look alike. But underneath the surface you’ll find the important differences about Parker, Smith & Feek that have been polished by decades of doing business in our own unique tradition.

Private Ownership

We are owned by 23 Principals, each one active in our day-to-day operations. Private ownership is the key to our legendary customer service. We’ve got skin in the game, our livelihood and well being is directly tied to our clients. We don’t answer to regional or national management, and we have no pressure from Wall Street or outside investors to meet short-term financial gains. With no third party to please, we have the focus – combined with the willingness and motivation - to get results for our clients.

By design, we have a salaried workforce - none of our employees are compensated with commissions (the insurance industry standard.) We believe that commission-based schemes lead to a competitive environment that focuses employees on their individual earnings and revenue growth instead of as collaborating as a team. By eliminating the distractions of dividing up the “credit” for a new sale, we can keep our attention directed to our clients and their needs.

Stability

We know where we are going. By being both the architect of a long-term vision and the team that will carry it out, we have extraordinary stability. With no intentions of merging or selling our firm, we can identify the next generation of leaders within the firm and cultivate the strategies that will perpetuate us as a privately owned business. We can adapt to change and have the flexibility to adjust to the changing needs of our clients.

Culture

Our clients look a lot like us. (Some can even finish our sentences.) They recognize that we share the same values. We treat one another with respect and help each other get even stronger and better at what we do. We know the integrity and honesty it takes to do the right thing. Our culture is what ultimately creates the trust that bonds our clients to us and offers the assurance that we will be there when they need us.