Two area businessmen have announced the launch of TechFirst Insurance Agency Inc.
It is a collaboration between co-founders Kevin O’Brien and Mark Shaw. O’Brien is a seasoned insurance professional while Shaw is a successful entrepreneur.
Shaw founded StoredTech in 2010, and since then has started three other companies. He has been named on Upstate Businesses Top CEO’s list by the Times Union and regularly supports the local community.
O’Brien has contributed significantly to various organizations, including the Tri-County United Way, Rotary Club of Glens Falls, Conkling Center, Adirondack Independent Insurance Association, 211NY, Glens Falls Civic Center Foundation, United Way of New York State, and The Glen at Highland Meadows. He is the 2013 recipient of the J. Walter Juckett Award and the first winner of the Ethics in Business Award.
Over several years the friends explored ways to modernize the insurance brokerage, discussing the extreme complexity of getting coverage for clients. They looked for ways to streamline that, which would free up time for agents to focus on clients’ needs.
TechFirst has built out a robust back-office process, partnering with more than 10 insurance providers. This allows them to be trusted advisors to businesses and families. One broker can address both business and personal needs. Also, they pledge to re-rate accounts every year to make sure their clients are getting the best coverage at the fairest price.
“Four times in the past 15 years, I have seen horribly outdated processes in other industries and set out to disrupt the status quo,” said Shaw.
O’Brien and Shaw have had conversations off and on for six or seven years.
“Mark’s energy and vision will allow me to focus all of my energies on clients and our community,” said O’Brien.
O’Brien started his agency career in his family’s business, the O’Brien Agency. He then transitioned to Glens Falls National Bank and combined their three family agencies into the present-day Upstate Insurance Agency.
He brings to the new agency more than 30 years of insurance expertise and relationships with local property and vehicle owners. He also has relationships with public schools, volunteer fire/EMS departments, libraries, religious institutions, museums, and other business owners.
Further information is available at www.techfirstinsurance.com