Barry Howe, HR Manager, Frisbee Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning and Electric
“I can think of several moments when Howalt+McDowell really came through,” says Barry Howe, HR Manager of Frisbee Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning and Electric. With 115 employees and a 50 year record, Frisbee is one of the largest commercial and residential pluming and heating contractors in its region. It’s also found its way into a complex set of exposures that demand proactive attention.
“We have quite a bit of need in insurance,” Howe explains. “We’re a small company in practice but a big company in insurance needs.”
Throughout our relationship, Howalt+McDowell has worked lock-step with Frisbee to keep the company’s kaleidoscope of risk in focus. Like many in its trade, Frisbee serves both small residential customers and large building contractors. But the people on its team represent a range of professions: plumbers, HVAC engineers, lighting experts, electricians and more. Each finds itself in very different situations on the job site and has very specific expectations of the company he or she represents.
That means, to do business and grow, it’s critical for Frisbee to protect its employees, its clients and every dimension of its practice. That could be daunting for some, but Howalt+McDowell has delivered when it matters.
“We rely on Howalt+McDowell’s expertise. When problems arise, we rely on their expertise. We have a level of confidence we’re doing things right.”
Howe recalls a business decision Frisbee faced that many businesses confront sooner or later — changing insurance policies. In this case, it was dental benefits for the staff. A small slice of its insurance converage? Maybe. But in the contracting business, every penny from the bottom line counts.
That’s where Howalt+McDowell’s Employee Benefit’s team came in. Frisbee’s account representative worked diligently to find polices that would both mett Frisbee’s needs and save money.
“Our agents really got on the deal and worked through it with us with a great result,” Howe says.
“Anyone can sell insurance.” He adds. “Not everyone can follow through when you need them. With Howalt+McDowell, the proof is in the pudding. They’re kind of part of our company.”
