On March 1, 2024 Leap Solutions joined the George Petersen Insurance Agency (GPIA) family. Eighteen months later, here’s what the experience has meant for our people, our clients, and our future.
VALUES THAT STILL FIT
A core aspect of where we are today is how the acquisition experience reflects our values: team, community, accountability, creativity, fun, integrity, and passion. Our shared commitment to putting clients first, being solutions-oriented, and serving as trusted advisors fuels both our camaraderie and our collective drive for success while reflecting our integrity, creativity, passion, and team. GPIA and Leap Solutions are deeply community-focused, channeling our commitment to giving back and helping make our community a better place to live and work. Our company cultures instill fun and humor through our team and client interactions. One of the strongest outcomes of our experience with GPIA has been joining a larger, well-established, values-driven organization with ten offices across Northern California.
TEAM & CULTURE
Being a team-focused organization, Chuck and Scott were determined to be acquired by an organization that values its people and appreciates the skills and strengths each individual team member brings to the table. Our staff and their continued employment with Leap Solutions were paramount in the decision to be acquired. A year and a half out, we have the same dedicated team serving our clients. The team is happy, engaged, and appreciates the culture and values shared with GPIA. We were fortunate to add two new team members, Daisy (HR) and Jenice (Business Development and Recruiting), to our existing team. We’ve watched and supported our team through the integration of business development and client relations and being a part of the larger GPIA team. We’ve created co-branding and co-selling opportunities for clients and strategized on how to enhance our clients’ success. And, being the social Leap creatures we are, we’ve enjoyed the opportunity to interact with and learn about our new, larger GPIA team.
LEADERSHIP & MENTORSHIP
A major aspect of our integration has been through new relationships, including with our leader/mentor, Robb Daer, President at GPIA. Robb joins our team for regular Principal meetings, team meetings, social gatherings, and friendly stop-by visits with each team member when he is in the office. He engages with the team to develop our annual planning process and has provided essential guidance as we’ve integrated with each office, producer, and GPIA support team. Robb has been the bridge, bringing his vision for Leap Solutions into the GPIA team, while ensuring that we learn how GPIA provides insurance and employee benefits support to their clients. A key takeaway for Team Leap is recognizing how GPIA’s offerings can also bring value to Leap Solutions clients. The cross-pollination of insurance services and consulting allows us to better serve our clients and support their business success.
CLIENT COLLABORATION
One of the most significant benefits that has come from the acquisition is tapping into the world of business development with new and existing clients from both sides of the organization. It’s a whole new world filled with exposure to new industries, clients, products, and services. As Robb says, “There isn’t a problem that can’t be solved by selling more insurance.” Now, he encourages GPIA and Leap Solutions to see that same solution by selling consulting services. We can help existing GPIA and Leap Solutions clients by providing expanded services and solutions and creating new opportunities with our complete range of client support. It’s the classic case of one plus one being greater than two. We have all learned much about our mutual clients and the opportunities to better serve them.
For example, Producer “X” called Leap with a client issue involving an employee complaint. The producer was certain that Leap could help them solve the issue. Sure enough, we guided the client through the possible solutions to support the owner and employee as they worked through the concern. The response was quick, to the point, and solutions-focused. The bottom line is that the client resolved the concern with a business risk solution offered by Leap. While the employee chose to leave the client, the outcome reduced the potential risk exposure to the client, and the employee made the right decision for them. Mutual respect with the client and the employee allowed for a good outcome. The partnership between GPIA and Leap yielded the best possible solution. Through the problem-solving approach, trust is created, and interactions demonstrate a client-first approach.
SHARED SYSTEMS
Another core benefit and learning from the acquisition is the synergy of shared systems. As business owners, you do it all, a Jack/Jill of all business systems—payroll, accounting, IT, marketing, communications, employee relations, applications and tools—they all require expertise to succeed as business owners. We appreciate that the acquisition led to shared systems that create efficiency, clarity, and support. We are fortunate to have an internal support team that allows us to stay focused on our clients.
LOOKING AHEAD
Stepping back and exploring the core attributes and appreciation for a successful acquisition helps us reflect on the opportunities ahead as we move forward. A successful integration takes time to orient the acquiring team, understand their business model, introduce our services, share our successes, and plot the growth path. With a year and a half under our belt, we’ve come to understand that clients need solutions, and the simple act of referring and connecting builds on trust and successful outcomes. We all win, especially our clients when we think of how to serve them best. With ten offices in California, we can have a bigger impact together. We are building a shared reputation and strengthening it every day. What’s next—strategic growth, client success stories, and a stronger team making a difference in the world. We can’t wait to share what year two brings.
Leap Solutions, a division of George Petersen Insurance Agency, is a diverse group of highly skilled management, organizational development, executive search and recruitment, and human resources professionals who have spent decades doing what we feel passionate about: helping you feel passionate about what you do. We are available to work with you to develop practical solutions and smart planning decisions for your organization’s immediate, near, and long-term needs.
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