Gibson

Gibson

Gibson is a team of risk management and employee benefits professionals with a passion for helping leaders look beyond what others see and get to the proactive side of insurance. As an employee-owned company, Gibson is driven by close relationships with their clients, employees, and the communities they serve. The first Gibson office opened in 1933 in Northern Indiana, and as the company’s reach grew, so did their team. Today, Gibson serves clients across the country from offices in Arizona, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Utah.

Recent posts by Gibson

4 min read

Is Twitter Right For You?

By Gibson on Nov 17, 2014 6:30:00 AM

500 million Tweets are sent each day. That’s a lot of conversation. Should you be a part of it?

Twitter can be a useful social network for companies and individuals. It provides opportunities for brand building, brand awareness, customer service, driving website traffic, content sharing, and more. But how do you know if it is the right social media platform for you and/or your company?

Topics: Commercial Insurance Risk Management Personal Insurance & Risk Management Social Media
4 min read

The Best Time To Fix The Roof

By Gibson on Nov 14, 2014 6:30:00 AM

Today we’re sharing insight from guest blogger Jeff Rea, president and CEO of the St. Joseph County (South Bend, IN) Chamber of Commerce. We hope you enjoy Jeff’s wisdom and perspective.

On January 11, 1962, President John F. Kennedy delivered his second State of the Union Address to Congress. Kennedy had taken office just one year prior, and now had the opportunity to address Congress and the country. The address is something that has become an annual review of what’s happening in the country and a look forward to what lies ahead.  

Topics: Executive
3 min read

Getting And Keeping Employees Healthy

By Gibson on Nov 12, 2014 6:30:00 AM

Strategies for managing health care costs are a critical topic for employers…and it won’t be going away anytime soon. There are discussions on the value of transparency in health care pricing, the role of consumer driven health plans, and how to help employees make educated health care decisions. Beyond these techniques, what else can be done to get and keep your employees healthy?

Topics: Employee Benefits Health Care Reform Health Risk Management
2 min read

Understanding Mechanical Hazards

By Gibson on Nov 10, 2014 6:30:00 AM

Machines can significantly improve production and efficiency. But they do not come without risks. The moving parts, sharp edges, and hot surfaces are hazards to workers. Many machine-related injuries can be prevented with the proper use of safeguards. It is important to understand what dangers machines present and what elements are needed to implement effective safeguarding practices.

Topics: Commercial Insurance Risk Management Claims Workers' Compensation
4 min read

Dream Big

By Gibson on Nov 7, 2014 6:30:00 AM

Today we’re sharing insight from guest blogger Jory Fitzgerald Kelly, president and CEO of Family & Children's Center, the parent company of Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Joseph County. We hope you enjoy Jory’s wisdom and perspective.

Last week I had the chance to talk to a couple hundred Boys & Girls Club Members, alumni, volunteers, and supporters at our 40th Anniversary celebration. My message was simple: Dare to dream and work hard to get there.

Topics: Executive
3 min read

The Risks Of NOT Using Social Media

By Gibson on Nov 5, 2014 6:30:00 AM

Like with anything on the Internet, social media does not come without its risks. We’ve discussed identifying the risks associated with social media use, as well as the risks of your employees on social networking sites. But if you allow these risks to stop you from engaging in social media, what will you be missing out on? Are there risks associated with NOT using social media?

Topics: Commercial Insurance Risk Management Social Media
2 min read

Loss Prevention Measures May Reduce Your Auto And Home Premiums

By Gibson on Nov 3, 2014 6:30:00 AM

You often hear insurance commercials touting all sorts of discounts – good student discounts, safe driver discounts, multi-policy discounts, and the list goes on. Sometimes it can seem quite overwhelming. Which discounts are you eligible for on your automobile coverage? What about your homeowners policy? Are you missing out on some credits? Would you qualify for additional credits if you added some simple devices to your home or car?

Topics: Personal Insurance & Risk Management
2 min read

Avoid Surprise Exposures By Making Time For Contract Reviews

By Gibson on Oct 29, 2014 6:30:00 AM

You would not sign a contract without reading it first. And this means a lot of reading if you are a contractor. So, how are you managing this review process? Do you understand all the implications a contract could have on the future of your business?

Most companies will say they review all contracts with the help of their attorney. This is the optimal path, but we need to throw a wrinkle in it. When was the last time you involved your insurance broker in that review process?

You trust your insurance broker to review a key contract you utilize every year: your insurance policy. They ensure your company’s risk is properly transferred to the insurance carrier using the most up-to-date coverages, endorsements and enhancements available in the market. But when it comes to reviewing and updating insurance requirements in a contract, the insurance broker is often left out of the picture. Now your attorney is forced to be the legal expert AND the insurance expert.

The modern contract review process involves a meeting between your attorney and insurance broker on an annual basis at a minimum. This collaboration helps ensure you are properly addressing all risks you face before you sign a contract.

Let’s look at some common scenarios in which this updated contract review process could have prevented significant losses.

Topics: Commercial Insurance Risk Management Construction Contract Review
3 min read

Lead By Example

By Gibson on Oct 24, 2014 6:30:00 AM

Today we’re sharing insight from guest blogger Don Wood, CEO and President of 80/20 Inc. We hope you enjoy Don’s wisdom and perspective.

“Leadership is the capacity to translate vision into reality.”

This quote, by Warren Bennis, summarizes one of the most distinguishing features of a leader. To achieve success and growth a vision is imperative. Really. Turning that vision into a reality takes leadership.

Topics: Executive
3 min read

The Cost Of Unhealthy Employees

By Gibson on Oct 22, 2014 6:30:00 AM

In March 2013, CVS announced a new corporate wellness program which posed a choice to employees participating in their health plan: complete a free health screening and wellness review OR pay $600 in additional health insurance premiums each year.

This type of incentive strategy is not uncommon. Many employers offer premium discounts or other incentives to employees who participate in wellness programs. However, CVS’s plan was publicly criticized with concerns over patient privacy. Allegations of corporate coercion dominated the media limelight. Though the plan was offered as a voluntary incentive, public perception viewed the $600 as a penalty rather than a reward.

Controversy aside, one key takeaway remains: employers are serious about cracking down on health costs and they are engaging employees for answers.

Topics: Employee Benefits Health Care Reform Health Risk Management