WSS-XPT Announces expansion into New England with Acquisition of MGA and Surplus Lines Broker

November 3, 2021 – Western Security Surplus (WSS), part of XPT, announces the acquisition of S&H Underwriters, a Vermont based MGA and surplus lines broker. This is the third acquisition by WSS-XPT as they continue to deliver top specialty products through partner experts. The WSS-XPT team is anticipating clients needs on their small to medium specialty risks with a broad national geographic footprint. The combination will multiply the value delivered to clients.

Founded in 1998 by industry veterans Betty Sikora, Patrick Sikora and John Hull, S&H provides insurance solutions for excess, surplus lines and specialty insurance throughout New England and the Mid-Atlantic States.

“Joining forces with the XPT team will allow us more specialty collaboration and the ability to deliver the best solutions possible through exclusive market and product availability. We have always prided ourselves on our agent relationships and the expertise we have to offer our retail agency partners. We are thrilled to be a part of the WSS-XPT family,” added Betty Sikora, S&H Underwriters President.

Kyle Stevens, President of WSS stated, “We are proud to announce the addition of S&H to WSS. As we expand throughout the country, we are fortunate to welcome a team of knowledgeable underwriters within our collaborative environment. With expansions like this we honor our commitment to maximum efficient value for insurance placements provided with the greatest service in the market.”

This is also the eighth acquisition by XPT, a wholesale insurance distribution company, preceded by WSS, WE Love & Associates, SVA Underwriting, Klein & Costa, Sierra Specialty, LP Risk, and Houston Surplus Lines.

About WSS-XPT

WSS-XPT a specialist at procuring insurance for the small and medium businesses of its partner insurance agencies. Maximizing the Commercial and Personal Lines products it brings its partner clients, through access to both admitted and non-admitted markets and delivering value beyond product and market access has led to the acquisitions of Klein & Costa, Houston Surplus Lines, S&H Underwriters and specialist producer hires throughout the country.

WSS-XPT is a proud member of the following trade associations: CIWA, WSIA, and TSLA. www.wssib.com

Contact: Kyle Stevens +1.972.702.0500 kyle.stevens@xptpartnersllc.com

About XPT Specialty

XPT is your eXpert Partner Team for wholesale commercial insurance. A team of specialist experts collaborating to efficiently bring the greatest value. Listening to client partners enables the service culture that anticipates needs and leads to true partnership. The unique win win approach multiplies the value XPT brings to its clients and market partners.

XPT brings together underwriting and wholesale brokerage firms across many specialty lines through acquisitions and new product development. XPT stands apart by delivering expertise through a collaborative partnership culture. www.xptspecialty.com

Contact: Mark Smith 917.843.1243 msmith@xptspecialty.com

WSS Announces the Hiring of Suzy Baird

September 16, 2020 – Western Security Surplus (WSS), part of XPT Partners, announces the hiring of industry veteran Suzy Baird. Suzy joins as Senior Broker/Underwriter with Houston Surplus Lines (HSL), a division of WSS, offering products from some of the very best A rated surplus lines carriers and brokerage markets to their retail Agents & Brokers.

Suzy’s previous experience includes successes as Assistant Vice President and Branch Manager with MJ Hall & Company in their California and Alaska offices. Most recently, she held the position of Production Underwriter with Southwest Risk in Houston. She began her career with AIG, later followed by Bowes & Company.

“WSS continues to expand, adding expertise for clients through true industry specialists such as Suzy. Our collaborative environment will allow Suzy to offer more solutions for hard to place risks while also using the vast resources including markets and products offered by WSS and HSL,” said Kyle Stevens, President and CEO of WSS.

Suzy attended Indiana University and Purdue University and will be based out of the WSS Houston office.

About WSS

Since 1981, WSS has been providing retail brokers an increasing line of Commercial and Personal Lines products, with access to both admitted and non-admitted markets. Expanding value and expertise for clients has led to the acquisitions of Klein & Costa and Houston Surplus Lines and office expansions throughout California and Texas.

WSS is a proud member of the following trade associations: CIWA, WSIA, and TSLA. WSS is headquartered in Plano, TX with employees also located in California. www.wssib.com

Contact: Chantal Nation 972.702.0500 cnation@wssib.com

About XPT

Partners XPT is a specialty insurance distribution company formed through a partnership of highly experienced insurance management executives. XPT brings together underwriting and wholesale brokerage firms across many specialty lines through acquisitions and new product development. XPT stands apart by delivering expertise through a collaborative partnership culture. www.xptspecialty.com

Contact: Mark Smith 917.843.1243 msmith@xptspecialty.com

WSS Announces Acquisition of Houston Surplus Lines

May 11, 2020 – Western Security Surplus (WSS), part of the XPT Group, announces the acquisition of Houston Surplus Lines (HSL). This second acquisition demonstrates WSS’s commitment to the strategic growth of its specialty insurance distribution business, and the geographic expansion of their ability to deliver the best products and services possible.

HSL is an excess and surplus lines general agency founded in 1994 and is currently managed by Barbara Partlow and Carol Gardner. HSL has long-standing binding authority contracts with some of the very best A rated surplus lines carriers, along with a solid list of brokerage markets for the harder to place risks.

Barbara Partlow, President of HSL detailed, “The opportunity to team with WSS and its operations in Plano, TX and California is something we’re thrilled to share with our customers and carriers. Our inhouse underwriting experts will now be able to offer more resources including markets and products, giving our customers more solutions for their hard to place risks.”

“We are excited to announce the addition of HSL to WSS. Since joining XPT Group, we have been very successful in expanding WSS on the West Coast. Adding a valuable partner like HSL demonstrates our commitment to expanding throughout Texas as well. The knowledge and responsiveness of Barbara’s team make them a perfect complement to WSS while we mutually maintain our high level of service. This is another step in strengthening our position in one of the largest E&S marketplaces in the country,” said Kyle Stevens, President and CEO of WSS.

This is also the seventh acquisition by XPT, specialty insurance distribution company, preceded by LP Risk, WSS, WE Love & Associates (WEL), SVA Underwriting (SVA), Klein & Costa (K&C) and Sierra Specialty (Sierra).

About WSS

Since 1981, WSS has been providing retail brokers an increasing line of Commercial and Personal Lines products, with access to both admitted and non-admitted markets. Expanding value and expertise for clients has led to the acquisitions of Klein & Costa and Houston Surplus Lines and office expansions throughout California and Texas.

WSS is a proud member of the following trade associations: CIWA, WSIA, and TSLA. WSS is headquartered in Plano, TX with employees also located in California. www.wssib.com

Contact: Chantal Nation +1.972.702.0500 cnation@wssib.com

About XPT Group

XPT is a specialty insurance distribution company formed through a partnership of highly-experienced management executives and an institutional investor who backs insurance distribution firms. XPT brings together underwriting and wholesale brokerage firms across many specialty lines through acquisitions and new product development. XPT stands apart by delivering expertise through a collaborative partnership culture. www.xptspecialty.com

Contact: Mark Smith 917.843.1243 msmith@xptspecialty.com

WSS Announces Acquisition of Klein & Costa Insurance Services

California, September 4, 2019 – Western Security Surplus (WSS), part of the XPT Group, a specialty insurance distribution company, announces the acquisition of Klein & Costa Insurance Services (K&C). This acquisition continues to demonstrate WSS’s commitment to strategic growth to deliver the best products and services possible.

K&C was founded in Santa Ana, California in 1990 by Clarence Costa and Jim Klein. K&C’s primary focus is on small to medium specialty property & casualty risks within Southern California. Costa will continue to lead the office and this expansion of WSS into Orange County.

Clarence Costa, President of Klein & Costa stated, “We are thrilled to be joining the successful management teams of both WSS and XPT that have led to the impressive growth of WSS. By joining WSS, we will be able to offer significantly more resources including a stable of markets and products to solve the challenges of our retail brokers and agencies.”

Kyle Stevens, President and CEO of WSS added, “We are thrilled to add Clarence and his team to our expanding west coast operations. K&C’s impeccable reputation fits perfectly with Mark Kaufman’s Sherman Oaks team. This is another step in strengthening our position in the largest E&S marketplace in the country.”

About WSS

Since 1981, WSS has been providing retail brokers an extensive line of Commercial and Personal Lines products, with access to both admitted and non-admitted markets. WSS continues to expand their reach and now writes in most of the Sun Belt states. West-Pro, a division of WSS, writes bars & taverns with exclusive markets and coverage forms for wholesale brokers in over a dozen states.

WSS is a proud member of the following trade associations: CIWA, WSIA, and TSLA. WSS is headquartered in Plano, TX with employees also located in California. www.wssib.com

Contact: Chantal Nation +1.972.702.0500 cnation@wssib.com

About XPT Group

XPT is a specialty insurance distribution company formed through a partnership of highly-experienced management executives and an institutional investor who backs insurance distribution firms. XPT brings together underwriting and wholesale brokerage firms across many specialty lines through acquisitions and new product development. XPT stands apart by delivering expertise through a collaborative partnership culture. www.xptspecialty.com

Contact: Mark Smith 917.843.1243 msmith@xptspecialty.com

WSS Announces Hiring of Dan Rieden and Matt Rieden and the Launch of a Newly Formed Workers’ Compensation Division

California, July 10, 2019 – Western Security Surplus (WSS), part of the XPT Group, a specialty insurance distribution company, announces the hiring of industry experts Dan Rieden and Matt Rieden and the launch of a newly formed Workers’ Compensation Division.  Dan Rieden will serve as Executive Vice President and Practice Leader of the workers’ compensation division, and Matt Rieden will serve as Senior Underwriter for specialty niches within the division.     

Dan Rieden has over 30 years of experience in the insurance industry with much of his focus on the creation and development of workers’ compensation underwriting platforms.  He has built successful teams that have generated more than $250 million in written premiums for small to medium sized businesses. Matt Rieden also has an extensive workers’ compensation background with a focus on specialty classes of business – in particular that of franchised auto dealerships in the western United States.

WSS’s new workers’ compensation division is now available in most states through various A-rated carriers.  In addition to being able to write standard classes of business, WSS can write specialty classes including franchised auto dealers, artisan contractors, bars & taverns, cannabis, PEO’s, transportation, and much more.  

“The strength of their experience and determination to achieve strategic growth objectives align perfectly with our vision.  Dan and Matt’s depth of knowledge and involvement in the workers’ compensation sector make them the ideal team to lead this new division,” stated Tom Ruggieri, XPT CEO.  

Kyle Stevens, WSS CEO added, “With over 45 years combined workers’ compensation experience, we are confident in their abilities to develop this business segment for WSS and achieve our goal of delivering the best products and services possible.”

  About WSS

Since 1981, WSS has been providing retail brokers an extensive line of Commercial and Personal Lines products, with access to both admitted and non-admitted markets. WSS continues to expand their reach and now writes in most of the Sun Belt states. West-Pro, a division of WSS, writes bars & taverns with exclusive markets and coverage forms for wholesale brokers in over a dozen states.

WSS is a proud member of the following trade associations: CIWA, WSIA, and TSLA. WSS is headquartered in Plano, TX with employees also located in California.  www.wssib.com

Contact: Chantal Nation +1.972.702.0500 cnation@wssib.com

About XPT Group

XPT is a specialty insurance distribution company formed through a partnership of highly-experienced management executives and an institutional investor who backs insurance distribution firms.  XPT brings together underwriting and wholesale brokerage firms across many specialty lines through acquisitions and new product development. XPT stands apart by delivering expertise through a collaborative partnership culture. www.xptspecialty.com

Contact: Mark Smith 917.843.1243 msmith@xptspecialty.com

Top 3 Reasons for New Southern California Office

WSS, part of XPT a specialty insurance distribution company, announces the opening of a new office location in Sherman Oaks, CA.  The new office is led by Mark Kaufman, Chief Operating Officer, who joined WSS in May of 2018 and is at the helm of WSS’s rapid growth in southern California. 

Why did we open a new office?  Here are the top 3 reasons:

1.       Industry-Leading Organic Growth

Throughout the last year, WSS has rapidly expanded its southern California presence with eight new client executives who have made WSS their home.  The new client executives joined WSS’s pre-existing, highly-skilled Sherman Oaks team that originated in 1981.

2.       Teamwork

Mark Kaufman, Chief Operating Officer, said “Our new office really allows all our team members to network and brainstorm daily to solve the challenges of our retail brokers and agencies.  We are able to work more effectively as a team to deliver the industry-leading service to our retailers through our expert industry product knowledge…and have a good time while doing it.”

3.       Location, Location, Location

Kyle Stevens, President & CEO, said, “We’re thrilled to be opening a new office in the heart of the San Fernando Valley in southern California.  Our new location is a fantastic place for our team to call home that allows us faster access to our retail brokers and agencies throughout the greater Los Angeles area.”  

Explore our website, visit us on LinkedIn or contact us today to learn more about WSS, our services, product offerings, and rapid growth.

WSS Announces the Hiring of Tami Singer

California, November 19, 2018 – WSS, part of XPT a specialty insurance distribution company, announces an addition to their California operation.  Tami Singer joins as Senior Vice President of the Commercial Lines Department and will work out of the new Sherman Oaks office.  She joins seven producers who have made WSS their new home in the last year augmenting industry-leading organic growth at WSS.

Singer brings over 30 years of insurance experience with extensive industry knowledge focusing on E&S.   She spent her early years building her large commercial book while also starting up her own E&S business.  Over the past 14 years Singer served as Commercial Lines Manager at Burns & Wilcox.

Mark Kaufman, Chief Operating Officer, said, “I’m thrilled to have Tami join the WSS team.  I have known Tami for over 15 years and I’m excited to get to work with someone as talented and well respected as she is.  Tami is not only known as a great underwriter and broker but she is able to handle her growing book while still having time to mentor others.  Tami will be an asset to WSS and to our West Coast operations.”

About WSS

Since 1981, WSS has been providing retail brokers an extensive line of Commercial and Personal Lines products, with access to both admitted and non-admitted markets. WSS continues to expand their reach and now writes in most of the Sun Belt states. West-Pro, a division of WSS, writes bars & taverns with exclusive markets and coverage forms for wholesale brokers in over a dozen states.

WSS is a proud member of the following trade associations: CIWA, WSIA, and TSLA. WSS is headquartered in Plano, TX with employees also located in California. www.wssib.com

About XPT Group

XPT is a new specialty insurance distribution company formed through a partnership of highly-experienced management executives and an institutional investor who backs start-up insurance distribution firms.  XPT brings together underwriting and wholesale brokerage firms across many specialty lines through acquisitions and new product development. XPT stands apart by delivering expertise through a collaborative partnership culture. www.xptspecialty.com

Contact: Chantal Nation +1.972.702.0500 cnation@wssib.com

WSS California Operation Expands with New Hires

Stevenson Ranch, California, July 10, 2018 – WSS, part of XPT a new specialty insurance distribution company, continues to expand with two new hires who join the additional hires announced in June.  Lynn Bertram will be Senior Broker/Underwriter in the Commercial Lines Department and Stefanie McLeod will serve as Vice President and Senior Production Underwriter in the Personal Lines Department.

Bertram previously spent 15 years at Monarch as a Broker/Underwriter with Mark Kaufman, as part of his team, and most recently as Manager of their Commercial Lines Department. 

McLeod, who was also with Monarch, established and ran their Personal Umbrella Department for the past 16 years.  With WSS she will be tasked with expanding the Personal Lines Department writing Personal Umbrellas, Homeowners and other ancillary personal lines products.

Mark Kaufman, Chief Operating Officer, said, “I am very pleased to announce the addition of these two individuals to the WSS team.  I had the privilege of previously working with both Lynn and Stefanie and I am certain that their knowledge and expertise will be invaluable assets to our company.”

About WSS

Since 1981, WSS has been providing retail brokers an extensive line of Commercial and Personal Lines products, with access to both admitted and non-admitted markets. WSS continues to expand their reach and now writes in most of the Sun Belt states. West-Pro, a division of WSS, writes bars & taverns with exclusive markets and coverage forms for wholesale brokers in over a dozen states.

WSS is a proud member of the following trade associations: CIWA, WSIA, and TSLA. WSS is headquartered in Plano, TX with employees also located in California.  www.wssib.com

About XPT Group

XPT is a new specialty insurance distribution company formed through a partnership of highly-experienced management executives and an institutional investor who backs start-up insurance distribution firms.  XPT brings together underwriting and wholesale brokerage firms across many specialty lines through acquisitions and new product development. XPT stands apart by delivering expertise through a collaborative partnership culture. www.xptspecialty.com

Contact: Chantal Nation +1.972.702.0500 cnation@wssib.com

WSS Announces New Hires in California Office

California, June 26, 2018 – WSS, part of XPT a new specialty insurance distribution company, announces Broker & Underwriter additions to WSS’s California operations.  Yvonne McNamara will serve as Senior Broker & Underwriter and Karen Mira will join as Broker & Underwriter.

McNamara brings with her 20 years of P&C underwriting experience.  She was previously working as Senior Underwriter with Atlas General Insurance Services and Broker & Underwriter for All Risk, Ltd.

Mira was most recently Associate Broker & Underwriter for AmWINS on one of the largest binding teams in the country.  Prior to AmWINS, Mira served as Broker and Head of Commercial Management Department for a retail shop in Southern California. 

Mark Kaufman, Chief Operating Officer, said, “At WSS, we are committed to hiring individuals with a certain level of expertise and industry knowledge.  The more than 30 years’ experience between Yvonne and Karen prove that we are dedicated to maintaining this commitment.  The enhancement of the Commercial Department with their skills will benefit our clients greatly.”

McNamara will be based in San Diego and Mira in the Stevenson Ranch office.

About WSS

Since 1981, WSS has been providing retail brokers an extensive line of Commercial and Personal Lines products, with access to both admitted and non-admitted markets. WSS continues to expand their reach and now writes in most of the Sun Belt states. West-Pro, a division of WSS, writes bars & taverns with exclusive markets and coverage forms for wholesale brokers in over a dozen states.

WSS is a proud member of the following trade associations: CIWA, WSIA, and TSLA. WSS is headquartered in Plano, TX with employees also located in California.

About XPT Group

XPT is a new specialty insurance distribution company formed through a partnership of highly-experienced management executives and an institutional investor who backs start-up insurance distribution firms.  XPT brings together underwriting and wholesale brokerage firms across many specialty lines through acquisitions and new product development. XPT stands apart by delivering expertise through a collaborative partnership culture. www.xptspecialty.com

Contact: Chantal Nation +1.972.702.0500 cnation@wssib.com

WSS Names Mark Kaufman Chief Operating Officer

Western Security Surplus Insurance Brokers, LLC announced today the addition of Mark Kaufman as Chief Operating Officer

In his new role, Kaufman will be charged with growing WSS’ west coast production staff as well as adding product lines with an emphasis on challenging and hard to place insurance risks. Kaufman will be part of the growing Los Angeles team in a new Sherman Oaks, CA office. In addition, Kaufman will work closely with President Kyle Stevens on the overall growth of WSS.

“It is extremely exciting to bring aboard someone with the unparalleled reputation and background that Mark has. His past success has shown that his wealth of experience and strong leadership skills will be a huge benefit to WSS,” said Kyle Stevens, President of WSS.

Kaufman adds, “I’m excited to be joining Kyle and the rest of the team at WSS. I’m a huge fan of the independently owned wholesaler so I’m ready to partner with Kyle to help grow WSS and take it to the next level.”

Kaufman has over 34 years of experience in excess and surplus lines and most recently held the COO position for Monarch E&S Insurance Services, where he worked for the past 24 years. Kaufman is currently serving as President of CIWA, the California Insurance Wholesalers Association, and has been recognized by local independent retail associations for his continued support. He holds a bachelor’s degree from California State University.

Retail Brokers and Carriers can contact Kaufman at markkaufman@wssib.com or (818) 749-1367