Our Process

 

Our Story

Hempstead operates as an independent, specialty business unit within the Charles L. Crane Agency focused exclusively on the Cannabis Industry. Since 1885, Crane Agency has been a trusted partner to businesses spanning every industry segment across all 50 states. When you combine a 130 year legacy with a personal approach and industry specific expertise, you get much more than just an insurance broker. You get security, you get stability and you get an advocate.

YOUR SUCCESS IS OUR PURPOSE

Our approach is different and meant to be. While other ‘agents’ may sell you policies, we partner with our clients to help them succeed in business. We’ve built our agency around accountability. Each one of our team members has a vested interest in the long-term success of your business. We go beyond a team approach and offer a family approach to our clients. When you work with one of us, you work with all of us and we do anything we can to help you succeed.

Risk Management is more than just insurance policies. We help you create a sustainable business and prepare you for success. It includes laying the groundwork from establishing best practices, safe working environments, and good housekeeping procedures to attracting the best employees and creating an environment that your clients love.

 IN THE END, IT’S ALL ABOUT YOUR SUCCESS

Cannabis Risk Advisors

Dave James

Dave is a people person. His success is rooted in developing deep relationships with his clients. He brings a level of care and compassion that can often be lost in the cold world of insurance.

Over his 13 year career, Dave has learned the business from the ground up. He started in the mail room, moved into the insurance marketing department, was promoted to account manager, and then to broker prior to becoming a partner of Corporate Insurance Management, Inc. He specializes in hard to place accounts such as bars, restaurants, contractors and manufacturers.

Dave is a father, music fanatic, and outdoor enthusiast. He volunteers as a scout leader, travels to music festivals, and loves to play disc golf.

 

David Layton, ARM

David is our resident coverage guru. His knowledge on policy language, terms, conditions, inclusions and exclusions has made him a valuable asset to his clients and colleagues.

David began his career in 1981 with the Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company. His underwriting background gives him a unique perspective on carrier appetite and pricing which he uses as leverage for his client’s. David primarily focuses on complex risks including large non-profits and public sector accounts.

David and his wife have two grown sons. He serves on the board of directors of a local charity and he enjoys spending his free time in the garage where he and his brother restore classic cars.

Chris Natsch, CFP®

Chris is a doer. He has the ability to see the big picture, develop a plan, and execute. He isn’t afraid to do the hard work that others may shy away from.

Chris has 15 years of experience in the financial services and insurance industries. His breadth of knowledge makes him a go to resource for solving complex business problems. Chris has experience placing specialty coverage including executive and professional liability, cyber and data breach, and product recall.

Chris is a husband, father, and avid outdoorsman. He serves on the board of directors of a non-profit civic organiztion, is a member of his city’s Finance & Administration Citizens’ Advisory Committee and volunteers with a local charity.

 

Loss Control Team

Don Hennen

Don brings over 25 years of experience as a multi-line Claims Adjuster and Unit Manager. Don started in the industry adjusting Personal & Commercial Lines Auto and Commercial General Liability claims. Throughout his career, he has adjusted a wide variety of claims for small businesses and Fortune 500 companies. Don has been nationally recognized for his handling and coordination of two catastrophic product liability losses.

As the Director of Risk Management & Claims, Don and his team assist clients and brokers with a wide variety of Risk Management, Loss Control & Claims services including:

– Investigating, evaluating, and negotiating claims settlements.
– All aspects of a Workers’ Compensation loss including medical management, fraud investigations, denials and final resolution.
– Claims handling for large losses involving mediation, litigation and complicated coverage issues.
– Premises liability, contracts, contractual risk transfer, product liability and uninsured motorist cases.

John Flynn, CSP

With over 12 years of experience, John has worked in many areas of loss control. He has industry expertise in Construction, Manufacturing, Healthcare, Education, Government Entity and Social Services.

John began his career as an internal safety and loss control specialist in the Construction industry where he gained hands on experience working with large deductible and self-insured entities. He was Safety Manger of construction holding company prior to accepting a position as a Loss Control Consultant in the insurance brokerage space.

John serves our clients by developing a detailed understanding of their business operations and identifying possible exposures. He then assists in developing and implementing safety and loss control programs, training staff, and interfacing with carrier loss control personnel.

In addition to his vast on-the-job experience, John has attained the following credentials:

– Certified Safety Professional (CSP)

– OSHA Outreach Trainer

Brandon Putz, ARM, CPCU

Brandon began his career at Hortica Insurance Company, a specialty insurer focused on the  horticulture industry. As both a Claims Adjuster and Loss Control Representative for Hortica, Brandon became intimately knowledgeable with the potentail exposures and risk treatment options for greenhouse operations, nurseries, retail garden centers, wholesale distribuors, retail florists,  landscape and lawncare operations, and sod farms.

Brandon performs risk consultations with a focus on safety program develpment, jobsite loss exposure analysis, OSHA & DOT compliance, and employee safety training and education.

Brandon maintains the following credentials:

– Chartered Property Casualty Undewrtier

– Associate in Risk Mangement

– Associate in General Insurance

– Associate in Insurance Services

– Associate in Claims

– Advanced Safety Certificate

 

Kevin Hoffman, ARM, CEAS

With 20+ years of loss control and safety experience, Kevin has worked in Healthcare, Manufacturing, Construction, Education, Government Entity and Social Services. He began his career as a healthcare safety and security director for a multi-site hospital system before transitioning into the insurance field. He has worked for mono-line Workers Compensation insurance companies, an Excess insurance company and two National Brokerage firms before joining Crane Agency in October 2017.

Throughout his career, Kevin has performed a variety of safety and loss control services for entites ranging from small municipalities to self insured multi-national corporations. He has gained experience in high hazard environments.  Kevin specializes in Worker’s Compensation, Jobsite Safety, Return to Work Programs, Fleet Safety, Emergency Planning, OSHA Compliance, Life Safety Compliance, Industrial Hygiene and Workplace Violence Programs. He also has experience in Access Control, Site Survailance and Security Hardening. 

Kevin maintains the following credentials:

– Associate in Risk Management

– Cerified Ergonomics Assessment Specialist

– Missouri Certified Safety Consultant

 

 

Monica Rettle, CLCS

Monica began her career in insurance after having spent several years in banking. As a Claims Associate, Monica interfaces with adjusters, provides claim status and updates, and works to ensure timely settlement of claims. She provides claims analysis, summaries, and reports to our team and clients.

Additionally, Monica utilizes building valuation software to develop replacement cost estimates and insurance to value reports.

Moncia has earned the Commercial Lines Coverage Specialist designation and is working towards additional designations in the field of claims.

314.444.4967

400 Chesterfield Center

Suite 300

Chesterfield, MO 63017

© 2019 Hempstead Insurance Solutions