Mallory Agency Charts New Territory with Dual Office Openings

ATLANTA (December 11, 2023) - Mallory Agency, a best-in-class, privately-held insurance broker with a national reach and strong roots in Georgia, is excited to announce significant growth with the opening of two new offices in Charleston, SC, and Auburn, AL. The expansion marks a strategic move to enhance the agency's presence in critical markets and capitalize on emerging opportunities, now operating out of Atlanta, LaGrange, Charleston, and Auburn.

Expanding Horizons: Charleston and Auburn Offices

The decision to expand into Charleston was driven by dual motivations. First, the agency identified a substantial market share in the restaurant and hospitality industries, prompting an increased investment in that area. Second, building on a strong partnership with existing Atlantic Coast companies, the move aims to deepen ties and foster collaboration.

With its logistical proximity to Atlanta and vibrant atmosphere fueled by a major Division I SEC school, Auburn has been on the agency's radar for years. The agency sees tremendous potential in this community, and the strategic move aligns with the firm's unique approach to doing business. Mallory Agency is ready to hit the ground running and poised for success in the

dynamic Auburn market, with Forrest Burch already in place as the market leader, reporting directly to Matt Mallory, CEO and Managing Principal of Mallory Agency, on strategy and business development.

Strategic Focus on Niche Industries

The producers at the Charleston and Auburn offices will concentrate on three distinct client niche categories tailored to each location's unique needs and opportunities. Given the local landscape, Charleston's focus on real estate, hospitality, and construction is natural, especially considering how quickly the area is growing. Similarly, Auburn's office will hone in on the

construction, development, and real estate areas of the market.

"While the clients at the various locations will differ, the offices will have the same owner-minded attitudes. Our goal is absolute consistency between different offices, ensuring market leaders have authority and accountability," said Matt Mallory, CEO and Managing Principal of Mallory Agency.

Internal Expansion: Strategic New Hires

In addition to bringing on Forrest Burch to lead the Auburn market, Mallory Agency has also bolstered their roster by hiring two client executives with over 20 years of insurance industry experience each.

Teresa Oglesby, a Senior Client Executive who has been in the insurance industry since graduating high school, has extensive Commercial Property and Casualty experience, and will focus mainly on the Restaurant and Hospitality space. Mallory Agency’s positive, team environment and strong leaders were instrumental in Teresa’s decision to join the agency, and she is planning to further develop her career by earning a CIC designation and maintaining Mallory’s exceptional client service rate.

Kristyn Mekal started her insurance career at her father’s small agency and has since worked for GE Electric Insurance, Travelers Insurance, and Northern Virginia Insurance Agency before joining Mallory Agency as a Client Executive. Kristyn’s focus will be on maintaining the current book of business and helping grow existing accounts, while building her commercial insurance knowledge and growing Mallory Agency’s lines of business.

Celebrating Milestones: Two Key Promotions

As part of the expansion announcement, Mallory Agency is also proud to announce the promotions of two long-serving employees.

With an impressive thirty-year tenure, Libby Willingham, who was promoted to Principal three years ago, has added Executive Vice President to her title, overseeing all client work for the firm's biggest clients and playing a vital role on the board of directors.

April Simmons, who began as a part-time bookkeeper and rose through the ranks, now adds Principal to her title and serves as CFO of Mallory Agency. Her journey exemplifies dedication, ambition, and strategic leadership.

"I believe very, very much in the empowerment of our people. I want to see more of this, advancing qualified leaders that have earned it," emphasized Matt Mallory.

Looking Ahead: A Retreat and Christmas Celebration

To celebrate these milestones and prepare for an exciting future, The Mallory Agency is hosting a retreat on December 15, followed by a Christmas party. This time of reflection and camaraderie will set the stage for what promises to be an explosive twenty-four months for the agency.

About Mallory Agency

The Mallory Agency is a property and casualty insurance broker serving clients throughout the United States. With a national reach and strong roots in Georgia, Mallory provides insurance, risk management, claims, and proactive services to clients who seek Mallory for its commitment to service, advocacy, and relationships. For 115 years, Mallory's unwavering dedication to bringing clients results has catapulted them into an expert position in the insurance industry. To learn more about Mallory Agency, visit www.malloryagency.com.