LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT
2022 has proven to be an interesting year that has left many of us scratching our heads as to what to make of it. Coming out of 2021, with the COVID restrictions for the most part lifted, the economy began to heat up faster than most economists predicted. Inflation began to run rampant, causing the Fed to jump in and take unprecedented steps in an attempt to slow down the heated engine without killing it altogether. Only time will tell how successful their efforts have been.
While nationally the threats of a recession are playing out, in our markets we have felt somewhat immune. Perhaps we are laggers just waiting for it to hit us, or more likely, our economies seem to be more resilient. While our revenues have slowed from our 19% growth in 2021, we still find ourselves enjoying a 13% growth pace- putting us in the top 20% of our peers according to a recent study.
Large brush fires in California and Colorado, combined with the destruction from Hurricane Ian, have taken their toll on the property markets. On the other hand, worker’s compensation and general liability coverages seem to be more stable than we have seen in years. The employee benefits world - while facing pricing pressures, seems to be able to adjust. Cyber risks continue to be a threat we are watching closely.
Looking forward, 2023 is shaping up to be a challenging year that we are eager to take on whatever it may throw at us. As we enter our 87th year of business, I am extremely proud of our team, and the ethics and expertise that has shaped our culture. It is an honor to serve alongside them.
CEO AND PRESIDENT TERRY H. BUCKNERAWARDS AWARDS AND RECOGNITION
30 WOMEN TO WATCH
LIANNA KINARD VICE PRESIDENT OF MARKETINGUtah Business honors 30 women who have made a significant impact in the community, as well as in their respected companies. Lianna was recognized for her vision, leadership, and advocacy amongst women in Utah. She has been with Buckner for over seven years and currently serves on the Board of Trustees for Hale Centre Theatre and incoming Chair of the Board for the American Heart Association. We are proud of her service and contribution, not only to our company, but to those in the community.
Utah's 40 Women Over 40 is an award that focuses on highlighting, acknowledging, and celebrating Utah women in the workforce over the age of 40. This award honors women who have made impactful changes and advances in their career. Missy has distinguished herself as a leader within The Buckner Company by leading a team and mentoring others in the workplace. She was honored for the continuous impact she is making in the insurance industry.
CIRCLE OF EXCELLENCE
Buckner is pleased to announce the inaugural winners of our Circle of Excellence award. This prestigious award is presented by our CEO to Client Advisors that have shown significant growth in book size, leadership skills, and have made fundamental contributions to the insurance industry.
UTAH’S WOMEN 40 OVER 40 MISSY MCGLONE CIC, CIRMS DIAMOND TIER
BÉAT KOSZINOWSKIBuckner is a third-generation, family-owned business led by President and CEO Terry H. Buckner. Terry’s grandfather, Elmer Ray, founded the firm in 1936 during the Great Depression. Buckner is a Top 100 Insurance broker and has been listed as one of the fastest growing private companies in America.
PHILANTHROPY BUCKNER CARES
CHARITY DIVISION STARTED IN 2016 CHARITY WORK IN EACH STATE
300+ COMMUNITY HOURS DONATED BY EMPLOYEES
Throughout the years, we’ve been able to experience amazing growth in our company, and with that growth comes responsibility. Buckner Cares, a charitable division created by employees, is dedicated to giving back to the community through a variety of service contributions across all seven offices. We’re excited to share some of the 2022 initiatives our employees participated in below.
IDAHO BOISE IDAHO FALLS REXBERG
BUCKNER OFFICES
UTAH SALT LAKE CITY OGDEN PLEASANT GROVE COLORADO DENVER
UTAH | YWCA
WCA Utah is a non-profit dedicated to empowering women and promoting dignity for all. Betty’s Boutique is located on the campus of YWCA Utah. They provide everyday necessities to its residents, and those in need, free of charge. Buckner employees collected donations and set up a "shop" for women at Betty’s Boutique.
IDAHO | DASH FOR DOWN SYNDROME
Dash For Down Syndrome raises funds and awareness for the Eastern Idaho Down Syndrome Family Connect Organization. This is a day of celebration for the local Down syndrome community, their families, and supporters. Our Idaho team was eager to support this by participating in the race and donating funds.
COLORADO | GIVE CENTER
This summer, our Colorado team collected donations for the GIVE Center of Denver. They provide free, essential services and resources to Denver residents in need, including fostered youth and the homeless. As a liaison between clients and community partners, the GIVE Center distributed the donated items which included basic hygiene, home, and school supplies.
PEOPLE + FOCUS TEAM + VALUE
COMPANY VALUES
Place people at the heart of every decision.
Collaborate and trust each other.
OPEN + FAIR PERFORMANCE + DRIVE
Act with transparency and integrity.
Find solutions and make things happen.
2022 SUMMER INTERNSHIP
We were proud to offer our highly competitive and sought after annual summer paid internship program in 2023. Last year we had over 120 students apply for 6 available spots. 6 students from 3 top tier universities in Utah participated in activities designed to give a comprehensive overview of the insurance industry, and the different career opportunities available from an agency and carrier perspective. Here are a few of our favorite internship highlights:
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2023 will be our internship program’s 4th year. Our interns have been able to visit job sites, coordinate Buckner Cares events, and rotate through every department of the company. Over the years, our interns have made Buckner better by bringing new ideas and a fresh perspective to our industry. We are excited to start our 2023 internship program in June.
If you or someone you know would be interested in our internship program, please email sierra@buckner.com by February 6th to inquire about 2023’s internship application.
-TAYLOR ROBINSON | INTERNSHIP PROGRAM DIRECTORBEHIND THE SCENES
COMMERCIAL LINES SUPERVISOR CHRIS LUND
Chris has been taking care of our clients for the last twenty-seven years. She’s passionate about her position as a manager. Her biggest reward is doing a good job and keeping clients happy. Chris, in addition to helping some of our top clients, manages a team of twelve employees. She loves the outdoors and enjoys Buckner’s balance of work and homelife.
PRESIDENT OF IDAHO BRAD NIELSON
Brad helps lead out all of our Idaho offices and is crucial to Buckner’s success. He entered the insurance industry in 1978, joining Buckner in 2010. His areas of expertise include Agriculture, Aviation, Fuel Distributors, and Construction. He has obtained his CIC (Certified Insurance Counselor) designation.
Brad counts hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, and sports among his various hobbies. He considers raising his family his greatest accomplishment.
DIRECTOR OF SALES ENABLEMENT AMBER EVANS
Since joining Buckner in 2013, Amber has operated in several departments including Carrier Relations, Account Management, Marketing, and Sales. As the current Director of Sales Enablement, she focuses on company-wide producer training and oversees multiple systems including Salesforce, ZoomInfo, CAB, and ChatFunnels. Amber loves problem solving, improving efficiency, and is always ready to take on a new challenge.
SENIOR ANALYST - EMPLOYEE BENEFITS DAN BRUNKEN
Dan has over 35 years of experience in the employee benefits sector. With his data driven mindset, Dan analyzes and reviews statistical data to help devise strategies to improve efficiencies and lower costs for our clients. Dan has great relationships with some of the largest carriers in our industry. He holds a Bachelor’s in Operations and Statistics and an MBA from Brigham Young University and you can always catch him with a smile on his face.
VICE PRESIDENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES SIERRA TREON
Sierra is the heart of the company! She started with Buckner in 2015 as the Human Resources Director. She oversees the “people” side of the company, including benefit administration, legal compliance, employee relations, payroll, recruiting/onboarding, and the wellness program. Sierra graduated from the University of Central Oklahoma with a Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources. You can find Sierra, when she’s not working, in the outdoors with her husband and newborn son. After moving 15 times while growing up, she now calls Colorado home.
BUCKNER HITS THE BIG SCREEN
We are excited to have premiered our first commercial in September 2022 to audiences across the western United States. Our goal was to share a common story of so many of our clients, the ups and downs of managing a business. Relationships are the reason we are in business, and we appreciate and value our relationship with you. Thank you for allowing us the opportunity to take care of your insurance needs for the last 86 years.