Client Spotlight: Arbour Specialty

Tell us about Arbour Specialty – The Company’s vision and values, market niche, value proposition, and strategic focus?

Arbour Specialty has been in business since 2009, previously operating under the name of Southern Specialty Underwriters. We are a wholesale outlet for specialized personal and business insurance. We serve independent agents in the southeast by offering leading carrier appointments and offering dedicated, personal service. We share office space and resources with Southern Trust Insurance Company. Southern Trust has been in business since 1968 and is the only Georgia-domiciled insurance company.  Southern Trust is a regional admitted insurance company with an A- Excellent AM Best rating. In January of 2024, both firms were purchased by Investors Management Corporation (IMC).

IMC is a private holding company located in Raleigh, NC. They operate with a core set of values that empower their partner companies to build enduring, purpose-driven organizations. Embracing a student mindset and cultivating deep partnerships rooted in trust are the cornerstones of the IMC approach to doing business. In 1971, James Maynard raised funds from friends and local businessmen to form IMC with a modest goal of opening a family-oriented restaurant. James and co-founder Bill Carl opened the first Golden Corral restaurant in 1973 with a simple belief that business was all about creating meaningful employment and serving others. As IMC began to expand, new partnerships formed with companies across a range of industries. Today, these industries include restaurant, retail, home health care, and insurance. IMC’s seven partner companies are Arbour Specialty, Arcadia Beverage, Fleet Feet, Golden Corral, Rise Mark Brands, Southern Trust, and Taco Bamba.

All IMC partner companies are deeply committed to doing the right thing and maintaining the legacy and values established in the company’s first five decades.    

Arbour Specialty has a number of exceptional employees.  What are the most positive attributes about the company culture and the employee value proposition that attract great people to join Arbour?

Arbour Specialty is a people-centric firm. From the top down, our goal is to remove roadblocks and empower employees. Our service-minded approach and deep commitment to doing the right thing resonate with many. This lands like a breath of fresh air to insurance professionals who have become disillusioned or exhausted by the corporate “machine”. We operate with professionalism but intentionally avoid being “corporate”.  

Why is now such an exciting time to join the Arbour Specialty Team?

IMC’s acquisition of Arbour Specialty has become a catalyst for change. IMC’s 100-year ownership time horizon, financial stability, and a growing E&S market have created the perfect formula for success. Arbour Specialty is the ideal work environment for those who enjoy building or fostering an entrepreneurial mindset. Our group is energized and hyper-focused on expanding our reach in all areas. This translates into incredible advancement potential for our employees.

The wholesale/ specialty space is booming, with MGAs, MGUs, and specialty brokerages expanding market share.  What market gaps and client needs are driving this innovation? 

The wholesale, MGA, MGU, and specialty brokerage space is focused on high-risk, non-standard, distressed or unique exposures. These exposures often do not fit the risk appetite of standard or admitted insurers. Because Excess and Surplus Lines Insurers offer their products on non-admitted paper, they have flexibility with policy rates and forms. This allows them to quickly adapt and respond to market shifts and industry changes.   

You assumed the President and CEO position in April, 2025.  As you reflect back on your first year in the role, what have been your greatest pleasures, successes, challenges, and surprises?

What an exciting year this has been, personally and professionally. Leading the Arbour Specialty team has been the greatest pleasure and honor of 2025. Many of our legacy employees started their careers with Southern Trust more than 20 years ago. When Arbour Specialty was formed in 2009, they made the choice to help launch the firm. Over the years, these employees have remained committed to Arbour Specialty’s success. Now, they are joined by new team members and I, all pulling together as we begin our next chapter.

The limited hours in a day compared to the work to be done were the greatest challenge of 2025. Knowing we can’t create more time, we focused on process improvements to address this. We implemented process and technology improvements that have allowed us to work more efficiently and prioritize our time. You can expect more of this in 2026 and beyond.  

The greatest surprise of 2025 was the outpouring of support Arbour Specialty received from industry partners and friends. After many years of “giving”, it is humbling to be the recipient of so much support and encouragement.   

We are living through a period of profound technological change, bringing both disruption and opportunity.  How is Arbour Specialty leveraging Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Data Analytics, and how do you see this strategy evolving in the next 12-24 months?

Arbour Specialty has embarked on a digital transformation journey. We are leveraging our partnership with Vertafore and their Orange Partners to accelerate our progress. We are currently focused on objectives relating to data downloads, information transfers, and API connectivity with our trading partners. Beyond this, leveraging Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Data Analytics is a priority for Arbour Specialty and all the IMC companies. Our group has engaged with Automated Consulting Group to assess our AI systems and identify opportunities for integration for 2026 and beyond.

Why should younger professionals consider a career in the insurance industry, and what advice would you have for them?

More than 30 years ago, I started my insurance career with an entry-level role. I am now CEO of Arbour Specialty. My story showcases the incredible advancement potential available within the insurance industry. It really is second to none. In the Excess and Surplus Lines space, we offer products to individuals and every imaginable business. The vastness of the product offering makes for a dynamic workday and a very stable job market. With roles ranging from risk managers, brokers, retail agents, underwriters, claims, marketing, tech accounting, and more, young professionals have many choices. This industry offers competitive earning potential, comprehensive benefits packages, and company-sponsored professional development.

The advice I give all insurance professionals, regardless of time in the industry, is to get involved, build your network, and focus on professional development.  

What are you most excited about in 2026?

With our enhanced products in place, the Arbour Specialty team and I are most excited to bring these offerings to market. We are a service-minded group that enjoys solving problems. When our agents bring us a difficult account, to us it is as fun as solving a puzzle. We enjoy putting the deal together and are driven to find the best solution. Some clients define this as finding a policy with the broadest coverage, while others are looking for the best price. Regardless of their position, we have a solid portfolio of products and are ready to serve. We have never been in a better position to help our clients win than we are right now.  

Outside of work, what are your greatest interests and passions?

Spending time with family has always been a priority. For this reason, I spend as much as possible with my parents, adult children, and grandchildren. When I’m not spending time with family, you will likely find me boating in and around Clearwater, Florida. If boating is not an option, I enjoy any variety of live music.