How Partnership and Trust are Driving Shepherd's Primary Practice Expansion

Practice

Testimonial

"When Shepherd was able to provide a competitive primary and lead umbrella option, it was the trust and confidence the Aon team had with Shepherd and the individuals within Shepherd that made the difference. With such a loyal client who values their business relationships so strongly, it was Aon’s advocacy of the character, capability, and trust the Aon team felt with Shepherd team that ultimately led the client to break their 20+ year relationship and renew their program with Shepherd. The Shepherd team was diligent in building relationships with the Aon team and established a sense of trust and support with the individual team members. It was this relationship and trust that pushed this deal across the line. "

Dominic Ashley

Account Executive

Aon

"## Program Type\n* Contractor Practice Program\n* $52M General Engineering Contractor\n* Located in California \n\n\n## Placement Profile\n* Primary Admitted GL $2M/$4M/$4M\n* Primary Auto $2M CSL\n* Worker’s Comp $1M / $1M / $1M\n* Lead $10M Admitted Excess\n\n\n## Background \nFor more than two decades, this California-based general engineering contractor has built a strong reputation in infrastructure and utility construction. As their projects grew larger and more complex, so did their insurance needs. Despite a long-standing relationship with their incumbent carrier, the contractor began exploring new options during this year’s renewal — seeking a partner who could match their commitment to long-term relationships while delivering a modern, strategic approach to risk management.\n\nThat’s when Shepherd was introduced through a trusted broker partner. From the very first conversation, our team brought a fresh perspective — one rooted in construction expertise, proactive communication, and a technology-driven approach. The broker team already knew Shepherd’s reputation for collaboration and responsiveness, having partnered with us on several successful placements. That foundation of mutual trust and credibility opened the door to meaningful discussions about how we could bring new value to this insured.\n\n## How it came together\nFrom the start, Shepherd was excited about the opportunity to partner with such a well-run, safety-focused contractor. The contractor’s strong operations, impressive safety record, and disciplined approach to risk immediately stood out. Working closely with the broker team, we dug into the details of the account, analyzing exposures and tailoring a multi-line, admitted program designed to deliver stronger protection and better overall value.\n\nThroughout the process, our responsiveness, clear communication, and collaboration set the tone. The broker team’s confidence in Shepherd — built through prior successful engagements and our consistent follow-through — played a pivotal role in earning the client’s trust. In the end, the client made the decision to move away from their long-term incumbent carrier and partner with Shepherd.\n\nFollowing placement, our team met with the contractor in person to begin building a lasting relationship grounded in service, partnership, and shared success."

Program Type

Contractor Practice Program
$52M General Engineering Contractor
Located in California

Placement Profile

Primary Admitted GL $2M/$4M/$4M
Primary Auto $2M CSL
Worker’s Comp $1M / $1M / $1M
Lead $10M Admitted Excess

Background

For more than two decades, this California-based general engineering contractor has built a strong reputation in infrastructure and utility construction. As their projects grew larger and more complex, so did their insurance needs. Despite a long-standing relationship with their incumbent carrier, the contractor began exploring new options during this year’s renewal — seeking a partner who could match their commitment to long-term relationships while delivering a modern, strategic approach to risk management.

That’s when Shepherd was introduced through a trusted broker partner. From the very first conversation, our team brought a fresh perspective — one rooted in construction expertise, proactive communication, and a technology-driven approach. The broker team already knew Shepherd’s reputation for collaboration and responsiveness, having partnered with us on several successful placements. That foundation of mutual trust and credibility opened the door to meaningful discussions about how we could bring new value to this insured.

How it came together

From the start, Shepherd was excited about the opportunity to partner with such a well-run, safety-focused contractor. The contractor’s strong operations, impressive safety record, and disciplined approach to risk immediately stood out. Working closely with the broker team, we dug into the details of the account, analyzing exposures and tailoring a multi-line, admitted program designed to deliver stronger protection and better overall value.

Throughout the process, our responsiveness, clear communication, and collaboration set the tone. The broker team’s confidence in Shepherd — built through prior successful engagements and our consistent follow-through — played a pivotal role in earning the client’s trust. In the end, the client made the decision to move away from their long-term incumbent carrier and partner with Shepherd.

Following placement, our team met with the contractor in person to begin building a lasting relationship grounded in service, partnership, and shared success.

Underwriting Profile