Culture is always the most important factor in creating a great place to work. Those are the words of Kurt Gehring, president and CEO of Gehring Group, a Florida-based employee group benefits and risk management agency that was recently named one of Insurance Business America’s Top Insurance Workplaces in 2019.
“Our success comes from our daily commitment to the principles, behaviors, and practices that comprise our unique culture,” said Gehring. “Our culture is a ‘feeling’. A feeling that is embodied by the whole company. As the CEO, I am told by new employees and clients that they have never worked anywhere that ‘feels’ like this organization. Our culture is our brand - we always stick our neck out for others!”
Since coming to life in 1992, Gehring Group has been focused on addressing the needs and goals of public sector entities, businesses, industries, and labor and professional organizations. The firm takes a service-centered approach, recognizing that benefits programs will never be one-size-fits-all. According to Gehring, that approach requires employees who are “creative, detailed, flexible, and determined in transcending the status quo” – all attributes that feed the firm’s so-called “unique culture.”
“People do business with people they like, and those who inspire them to be the best version of themselves,” the CEO told Insurance Business. “Our company ‘Why?’ is to inspire communities to embrace new possibilities.”
One thing Gehring is particularly proud of is the services that employees provide in local communities. The firm has engaged with a number of non-profit organizations and events, including Paint Your Heart Out, Bowl in the Dark for Arc, and various food drives.
“These projects allow bonding experiences with the employees, because as a team we change the lives of individuals in our community. The giving of your time for a cause is the most precious commodity of any organization, and means the most to our employees,” Gehring commented. “All of our clients appreciate the activities and community service that we do at our company. We’re transparent and are constantly communicating with our clients about what we are doing so that they can be involved too.
“In addition, our clients also have adopted a variety of our programs and activities because they see the value in what we are doing. Over the years the clients we have attracted also emulate the same qualities as our firm. We call them OKC’s otherwise known as ‘our kind of clients’.”
Insurance Business America’s Top Insurance Workplace report also analyzes companies’ internal workplace and employee benefits programs. Gehring Group has recently implemented a program called the Keep It Up Awards, through which employees can recognize each other for displaying one of its 30 keys to collective success. Underpinning Gehring Group’s culture, these keys are actions that represent the fundamentals of the organization, and include things like: doing the right thing, bringing it every day, celebrating success, giving back/paying it forward, going the extra mile, and making every interaction an opportunity.
“The keys are a list of principles, behaviors, and practices that the company strives for,” Gehring explained. “By having these keys in place, it holds each employee accountable for their actions and builds morale among employees, since they are able to recognize one another for demonstrating one of the keys to success. As a health insurance broker, we provide wellness to our clients and have also created an internal customized wellness program for our team - Well On Our Way To Better Health Today. Through this program we support each other towards healthier habits whether it be better food choices, being more active, or making it to a goal weight.”
When reflecting on Gehring Group being named a Top Insurance Workplace in 2019, the CEO said it’s only possible because “our employees support and believe in what we stand for.”
He added: “If you’re not having fun, there’s no passion. If there’s no passion, there can be no success. Although we’re an insurance brokerage firm, we’ve managed to provide satisfying jobs that offer growth, opportunity, and a fun supportive environment. The employees at Gehring Group trust, respect, and genuinely like each other. They all have passion in their work because they’re always helping others. Gehring Group strives to be an employer of choice, that is known for being a fun place to work.”
