December 21, 2018


Greetings;

It has been over six months since my last written communication and the passing of my husband, David, Sr. So much positive feedback and support came from my May 2nd letter, I feel compelled to share with you an update and, equally as important, a sense of what I’ve learned and my thoughts moving forward.

BUSINESS UPDATE
Looking back, it was a blessing that David involved me in so many facets of strategy and growth at Lyons Companies. What became obvious right away, was that I had to get comfortable with being uncomfortable in order to make the right decisions. The confidence to do that has followed.  

The first order of business was to communicate with our clients and the people we have in place to serve you. Valued clients stood by us, not only with words of support, but renewed contracts and referrals to new opportunities.  

Essential to our ability to do the job right was the need to share my vision for the future with insurance carriers and other partners. Lyons works with over twenty-five A rated insurance companies and I was gratified to be met with a ground-swell of support for my success and that of the organization. They have, again and again, demonstrated their faith that Lyons will continue to serve clients professionally, independently and attentively.

The people that make up Lyons Companies have faced the challenges of 2018 with expertise and professionalism. We are in the business of consulting with clients to manage risk—that takes talent, resources and capital. When we do the right thing, the relationship grows. I’m proud to say that our employees took their commitment to an even higher level this past year.

We, as a company, have learned a lot in this short period of time. This includes identifying opportunities to develop untapped ability within the company, refining the existing organizational structure and bringing fresh talent on-board. A few familiar names with different roles:
  • Dave Lyons, Jr., Vice President, Commercial Insurance and Employee Benefits Services
  • Tim Lyons, Vice President, Commercial Insurance and Employee Benefits Services
  • Michael McDonald, Vice President, Business Growth and Development
  • Jenn Miller, Director, Branding and Communications
  • Megan Murphy, Team Leader, Employee Benefits
  • Kevin Thomas, Vice President, Select Business and Private Client Services

And three new members of the Lyons team:
  • Kristen Boone, Employee Benefits Consultant
  • Brian Dietrich, Team Leader, Commercial Insurance
  • Michelle Stock Mattus, Family Office and Private Client Services Account Manager

MOVING FORWARD
David built a company and a culture that many would aspire to replicate. From here we grow, and in fact, we are growing. The successes of 2018 have presented an opportunity to create several key positions and add to our capabilities. The Lyons philosophy and culture, and the desire to bring enterprise-wide risk management expertise to our clients, continue to be our brand.

Lyons Companies remains the largest independent insurance brokerage in the State of Delaware and is solely owned by a woman. This is something of which I am particularly proud. It is obvious that my position didn’t involve a climb up the corporate ladder. Having said that, I have a profound responsibility to share my thoughts and experiences with other women business owners and CEOs. My role is to expand our reach as a company, and along the way, assist others in expanding theirs. 

I am excited to announce that Loretta Mester, President of the Cleveland Federal Reserve Bank, will serve as keynote speaker at our Economic Forecast with the University of Delaware Center for Economic Education and Entrepreneurship on Tuesday, February 19, 2019. She will be joined by Joan Woodward, President, Travelers Institute and Michael K. Farr, President, Farr, Miller and Washington. Once again, Jon Hilsenrath, chief economics correspondent, Wall Street Journal will moderate. This event is open to the public. To learn more and to register, click here or visit http://bit.ly/2019EconomicForecast .

In closing, thank you for your candor, support, and encouragement during this challenging period of transition. On behalf of everyone at Lyons Companies, we look forward to working with you in the coming year and wish you a happy, healthy holiday season.

Best,