Category: news-article

Gordy Bunch Nominated for Entrepreneur of the Year 2014

Houston, March 26, 2014 – Richard “Gordy” Bunch, founder, president, and CEO of The Woodlands Financial Group has been nominated as the Gulf Coast’s Entrepreneur of the Year in the 2014 search for a national EOY recipient.

The Entrepreneur of the Year program is designed by Ernst & Young to give recognition and visibility to entrepreneurial leadership by honoring a leader of a public or private company who is responsible for the recent performance of a company. Regional award winners will be inducted into the Entrepreneur of the Year Hall of Fame and become eligible for the national awards.

Bunch launched TWFG with $10,000 in 2001 in The Woodlands. Today, TWFG is a multi-faceted $330 million business covering retail and wholesale insurance, finance, and technology. His business model is based on the fact that, as an independent insurance agency, he can offer clients more choices from 200 different carriers; which usually results in better rates because of the competitive nature of multiple carriers. It is also an improvement in personalized service to consumers because “captive agents” are only allowed to sell their company’s branded products. He continues to emphasize personal care through TWFG’s familiar logo “Our Policy is Caring,” a slogan he considers his personal pledge both to customers and employees.

TWFG has become a national leader in its industry being ranked #30 in Property and Casualty lines out of 38,000 independent agencies in the nation and #1 in Texas and #5 in the nation for Personal Lines insurance (Home and Auto). There are 318 TWFG offices in 21 states with affiliated agencies expanding locations into 38 states. Bunch says he covers close to 200,000 clients in 49 states through the TWFG network. More than 40 of his agents are members of the TWFG Million-Dollar Producers Club.

He also serves on The Woodlands Township Board of Directors where he is Treasurer and was recently named Chairman of The Woodlands Convention and Visitors Bureau. His astute business eye for cost-savings is now benefitting the township and residents with a pay-down of $14.3 million in public debt, saving taxpayers $5.7 million in interest charges and $1.5 million in the annual budget – while cutting real estate taxes for two years in a row and saving $800,000 on a single annual contract.

For further media information:          Paul Lazzaro    281-728-5704             plazzaro@comcast.net

Muddy Trails Bash to be Held in The Woodlands April 5th

The Woodlands, TX, November 10, 2014 – Richard “Gordy” Bunch, founder, president, and CEO of TWFG Insurance Services, was re-elected during the November 4 General Election to The Woodlands Township Board of Directors at position one. As the only unopposed candidate in the four-position election, Bunch received 16,045 votes, the most for any single Township director since the Township’s founding in 2010. He also serves the nation’s premier master-planned community as chairman of The Woodlands Convention and Visitors Bureau which reported mid-year sales tax results of $30,915,238 and Hotel Tax revenues of $4,657,172.

On Sunday, Bunch began his day at Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport, where he led the official greeting to Houston for Lt. Colonel Oliver North, best-selling author and combat-decorated U.S. Marine. Colonel North was the guest speaker at The Woodlands Resort and Conference Center at a fund-raising dinner benefiting the non-profit Junior ROTC Foundation programs in Houston area schools and throughout Texas.

As a Gulf Coast Entrepreneur of the Year finalist in 2014, Bunch will depart on Tuesday for Palm Springs, California as an invited guest at the EY Strategic Growth Forum along with chief executive officers of many of the nation’s top corporations. Corporate executives from throughout the nation will assemble to “hear fresh ideas, powerful insights, and strategies that work from those who are guiding and demonstrating strategies for success.”  Forum leaders will include the CEO of AT&T, Johnson & Johnson, Archer Daniels Midland, the co-authors of the popular business book, “Freakonomics,” and major sports and entertainment celebrities.

On the health and recreation front, Bunch has been recognized as sponsor of what is now known as the TWFG Gran Fondo bicycle race. He announced to the Township that he is planning with the event’s organizers to bring the event to The Woodlands, Lone Star College, and Montgomery County, Texas at the end of March 2015. More than 2,300 riders participated in 2014 with $187,000 being donated to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and the Texas Medical Center Orchestra over the past four years. He also renewed sponsorship of the Muddy Trails Bash for Kids, and the IronMan competition in which he is also a participant.

He will return to The Woodlands in time for the previews of The Woodlands Ice Rink at Town Center next weekend on November 15 and 16. His TWFG Insurance Services Company is also a sponsor of the popular recreational facility.

“Gordy,” as he is familiarly known to his constituents and employees, launched TWFG, his insurance and financial services company in The Woodlands in 2001 with $10,000 capital. Today, TWFG is ranked among the Top 30 of the nation’s 38,000 privately-held Property/Casualty agencies. With more than $337 million in premium sales, TWFG holds the number one position as the largest Personal Lines leader in Texas. TWFG’s 300-plus retail branches operate in 21 states while affiliations with 3,000 independent agents serve 38 states. The company writes policies in 49 U.S. states from its headquarters in The Woodlands. Overall, Bunch credits his personal pledge and promise, “Our Policy is Caring,” for TWFG’s success.

For further media information:

Gordy Bunch   713-416-0789   gordy@twfg.com

Paul Lazzaro 281-728-5704 plazzaro@comcast.net

TWFG Steps Up for Kids’ “Muddy Trail Bash”

THE WOODLANDS, TX, March 11, 2014 –  “Kids and mud go together,” Gordy Bunch said as he signed a three-year agreement for The Woodlands Financial Group to be title sponsor of the popular Muddy Trails Bash in The Woodlands. As president and CEO of the nationally-ranked TWFG insurance services company, Bunch said, “The Woodlands is our home, so we need to ensure that our local kids strive for a healthy lifestyle and have fun at the same time.”

The 2014 Muddy Trails Bash will be held on Saturday, April 5, from 3 to 8 p.m. at Rob Fleming Park here. The event features a 5K and 10K run, plus a Little Muddy Kids one-mile run and a 2K-9 Fun Run so that even the family dog can participate. A post-race party will include crawfish platters, a crawfish cook-off, and live Zydeco music plus other activities for children. More than 1,500 participants are expected for the various races, plus an estimated 3,000 spectators, according to race planners – The Woodlands Township Parks and Recreation Department.

Expressing enthusiasm for his company’s sponsorship, Bunch said, “TWFG is proud to support this exciting event which impacts so many of our Woodlands’ children and families. Everyone’s a winner because, I’m happy to say, every participant gets a medal and a commemorative

t-shirt.” Race information is at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/races .

The Woodlands Financial Group is the 30^th ranked property and casualty independent insurance agency in America and ranked #1 in Texas for Personal Lines insurance. TWFG operates 318 branches in 21 states and close to 3,000 affiliate agencies are located in 38 states. Overall, TWFG, whose slogan is “Our Policy is Caring,” covers up to 200,000 clients in 49 states with home, auto, health, life and business insurance. Its web site is www.twfg.com.

For further media information: Gordy Bunch 713-416-0789

Photo: The Woodlands Township announces a three-year title sponsorship of the Muddy Trails Bash by The Woodlands Financial Group (TWFG). Left to right: Angel Nicks and Chris Nunes of The Woodlands Township, Gordy Bunch, President and CEO of TWFG, and Nick Wolda of The Woodlands Township, display the new event logo as they prepare for the 2014 TWFG Muddy Trails Bash at Rob Fleming Park in The Woodlands.

TWFG’S Gordy Bunch Encourages Policyholders to Participate in Texas Windstorm Customer Care Survey

THE WOODLANDS, TX, Feb. 13, 2014 – Gordy Bunch, president and CEO of The Woodlands Financial Group (TWFG), is telling his affected clients that they have an opportunity to rate the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association’s services, as well as to mention specific personal experiences with TWIA.

Bunch said TWIA has been the most controversial insurance services organization in Texas and the one he receives the most complaints and inquiries about. “TWIA has heard the noise,” he says, “and is now surveying for customer rankings on a 1 to 10 scale. It also offers policyholders an opportunity to expound on specific positive or negative experiences. This could be the beginning of a new era for TWIA which is better known for its lack of service in Texas’ coastal areas,” he said.

Bunch, whose company slogan is “Our Policy is Caring,” is also a candidate to represent coastal Jefferson County as well as Montgomery, Chambers and parts of Galveston and Harris counties in a May Senate District 4 special election. He currently has almost 200 owned and affiliated insurance agencies in Senate District 4 with more than 20,000 customers. His TWFG insurance agency is ranked #1 in Texas on “Personal Lines” (primarily Home and Auto) insurance.

TWIA’s website says “The Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA) is the state’s insurer of last resort for wind and hail coverage in the fourteen (14) coastal counties and parts of Harris County (east of Highway 146).  TWIA provides wind and hail coverage when insurance companies exclude it from their homeowners and other property policies sold to coastal residents.  TWIA employees are committed to promote hurricane safety and education, together with the development and enforcement of coastal building codes, in an effort to save lives and property.  We strive to achieve the highest standards of personal and business ethics and, in a positive working environment, are dedicated to providing efficient, friendly and effective customer service.

A formal complaint filed by the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) accused the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA) of “unfair or deceptive” practices in its handling of claims arising from Hurricane Ike in 2009. “The complaints have never stopped coming,” since then, Bunch said.

NEW: TWIA Customer Care Survey

Bunch said he, and other Texas insurance agents who write TWIA policies, received notice from TWIA this week about the new “Customer Care Surveys” available to everyone online at www.twia.org > Policyholders  >Policyholder Information Links >TWIA Customer Care Survey. The survey also offers an opportunity for respondents who provide a telephone number to receive a follow-up phone call as part of the survey. TWIA said its survey is designed to help TWIA better understand its policyholders’ experience with the TWIA policy service process.

The Policyholder Portal also provides access to information on existing claims for Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA) policyholders. Policyholders who register for accounts can see claim information such as the assigned adjuster’s contact information, their agent’s contact information, and any loss payments made by TWIA.

For further media information:

Gordy Bunch 713-416-0789

TWFG Kick Starts “Gran Fondo” Bicycle Ride

HOUSTON, December 9, 2013 – Assuming title sponsorship of the Gran Fondo: Texas TMCO™ bicycle ride and race for the benefit of the Texas Medical Center Orchestra and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, was a “natural,” according to Gordy Bunch, president and CEO of The Woodlands Financial Group (TWFG). The “Big Ride” will take place on Sunday, March 30, 2014 along a new route through the hills of Southeast Texas with live music at many of the rest stops. 

TWFG Insurance Services, which is headquartered in The Woodlands, TX,  recently adopted a new slogan – “Our Policy is Caring.” Bunch says: “This sponsorship is just further manifestation of our corporate policy. As an insurance agency protecting up to 200,000 policyholders in 38 states, we know that care begins with physical fitness – both for our policyholders and by assisting those afflicted with unfortunate diseases.”

The TWFG Insurance Services Gran Fondo: Texas TMCO™ is a bicycle ride and race that is a recommended ride for the BP MS150 which will be conducted two weeks later. The ride will offer routes of 94, 69, 47, and 12 miles. For those looking for an additional challenge or simply ‘bragging rights’, there will be a timing option for the race. The race is USAC sanctioned and will cover the 94 mile route. Results will be posted and riders recognized at the lunch and concert following the ride. Gran Fondo is Italian and translates approximately to “Big Ride.”

While the longer distances will appeal to highly skilled racers, the 47 and 69 mile routes are also perfect for cyclists preparing for the upcoming BP MS150. All routes will be fully supported for food, hydration, mechanical assistance, SAG, EMS, and safety with Ride Marshals and Motorcycle Marshals in attendance. The overall ride will be in the European gran fondo style with interval starts based on skill levels and distances. All rides will start and finish at the Houston Oaks Country Club & Family Sports Retreat, 22602 Hegar Road, Hockley, Texas.

TWFG founder and president Richard “Gordy” Bunch is a veteran cyclist and major supporter of cycling. He has done the BP MS150 bike ride and competed in the first IRONMAN Texas in 2011.

For further Media Information:

Richard “Gordy” Bunch  / 713-416-0789 / gordy@twfg.com

Phil Pauze – Gran Fondo / ppauze@comcast.net

TWFG Acquires Major Humble-Kingwood Commercial Insurance Agency

THE WOODLANDS, TX, November 30, 2013 – TWFG, the largest insurance agency in The Woodlands, and of the largest in the nation, has acquired a high-volume commercial insurance agency in the Kingwood/Humble marketplace, creating a “supersize southeast Texas agency” for business and residential customers, according to Richard “Gordy” Bunch, president and CEO of The Woodlands Financial Group, and Bob Garlington, owner of Ward Business Insurance.

The two insurance service leaders signed an agreement yesterday to consolidate and install TWFG’s proprietary agency systems into Ward Business and merge it into The Woodlands Financial Group. Garlington and his current staff have been retained to continue to service the agency’s large business customer base. (Sales and volume figures were not released.) The Humble/Kingwood firm was originally founded as Ward Brothers in the 1970s. Garlington joined Ward in 1978 and purchased the agency in 2004. The principals stated that the merger will be seamless to Ward’s hundreds of small and medium-sized business customer base. Ward provides commercial insurance services in Kingwood, Humble and other Texas cities from its location at 9802 West FM 1960 in Humble. TWFG, which is ranked 30^th nationally in property and casualty insurance, books local business through its national headquarters office located in The Woodlands. Bunch and Garlington feel their geographic locations will be complementary in landing additional business insurance contracts for both offices.

The potential size of the transaction required the involvement of Mike Stroman of the Stroman Consulting Group, specialists in mergers and acquisitions of insurance agencies, representing the seller, and Gordy Bunch and Brian Johnson of TWFG on behalf of the buyer. Johnson has been charged with integrating the two firms’ systems, employees, and customer base. Bunch said combining the local TWFG office with Ward will create the second largest TWFG office of the 320 operating nationally.

According to the Ward web site, its commercial business insurance includes business coverage, such as, Property Insurance, General Liability (Including Foreign General Liability), Product Liability, Excess and Umbrella Liability, liquor Liability, Builder’s Risk (Including Renovation), Installation Floaters, Equipment Floaters, Business Automobile and  Truck, Executive Protection, Employment Practices Liability, Employee Benefits Liability, Worker’s Compensation (Including USL&H, Maritime EL), Flood, Garage Keepers, Boiler and Machinery (Equipment Breakdown) and related liability insurance coverages.

Bob Garlington has over forty years in the insurance business. He started his insurance career in 1967 as an underwriter with Aetna Insurance Company (now part of ACE USA) in Park Ridge, Illinois. He was a commercial underwriter with the Trinity Companies (now Unitrin) in Dallas, Texas starting in 1969. Bob joined Ward Brothers & Associates in 1978 and since 1992 functioned as the Commercial Lines Marketing Manager. Bob was made Vice President in 1996, and served in that capacity until purchasing the Ward Brothers & Associates, Inc. Commercial Insurance operation in 2004.

Richard “Gordy” Bunch has more than 20 years in the insurance industry. He founded TWFG Insurance Services in 2001 in The Woodlands with a $10,000 investment. He has since grown his multi-faceted company which includes financial services, agency software systems, and agent education, into the 30^th largest independent insurance agency ranking. He also serves his community as a member of The Woodlands Township Board of Directors and is its treasurer and vice chair of the Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Bob Garlington

Richard “Gordy” Bunch

For further media information:

Gordy Bunch, 713-416-0789 / gordy@twfg.com

TWFG Surpasses 300-Branch Mark with 24 New Offices

THE WOODLANDS, TX, Sept. 24, 2013 – The Woodlands Financial Group’s TWFG Insurance Services division has added another 24 offices to its roster of branches, bringing its total to 314. Although TWFG operates in 20 states, the new group is focused in the fast-growing west and southwest regions of the country, according to Gordy Bunch, president and CEO of the company.

Over half of the 24 new branches opened in the state of Texas, which is ranked #2 in the nation for population growth by the U.S. Census Bureau and #2 for economic growth by USA TODAY. Seven new branches are set in California, followed by Louisiana with three, and Oklahoma which added one additional TWFG branch. Bunch said the rapid addition of new branches – 32 through July of 2013, is partially responsible for its recent jump in the insurance industry’s Top 100 rankings from number 51 to 30 with a premium record in 2012 at $267 million. He expects more branch openings and a 25% growth rate in 2013.

New TWFG branches and their managers are now operating in:

TEXAS –

Samuel Sharp-Spring, TX

Wendy Cleveland-Arlington, TX

Melanie Head – Rockport, TX

David Esquivel-Houston, TX

Tisha Crow-Odessa, TX

Cathy Graves-Corpus Christi, TX

William Key-Tyler, TX

Monika Mir-Dallas, TX

Manuel Castro-Nacogdoches, TX

Tammy Tran-Houston, TX

Terry Nguyen-Houston, TX

Marisela Gonzalez-Tomball, TX

Brandon Richey-Humble, TX

CALIFORNIA –

Ardina Terry-Lathrop, CA

Francis Sutherland-Irvine, CA

Caleb Kirk-Idyllwild, CA

Helen Cho-Valencia, CA

Emilio Salas-Vallejo, CA

Mercedes Santacruz-Lawndale, CA

Victor Fernandez-Castro Valley, CA

LOUISIANA

Lisa Knight-Lafayette, LA

Reggie Trosclair-Sunset, LA

Kerry Landry-Gretna, LA

OKLAHOMA

Damon Cook-Tulsa, OK

In addition to the 314 TWFG branches, the agency is affiliated with another 3,000 general agents and referral agents featuring TWFG Insurance Services in 38 states. The company writes policies in 49 states and was recently named a coverholder for Lloyd’s of London. Bunch launched the firm in The Woodlands, TX in 2001 with a $10,000 capital investment. He credits his personal pledge and promise, “Our Policy is Caring,” for TWFG’s success with customers, agents, and employees.

For further Media Information:

Gordy Bunch – gordy@twfg.com: 281-466-1123 / 713-416-0789

Paul Lazzaro – plazzaro@comcast.net: 281-728-5704

TWFG Becomes Industry Leader with Top 100 Leap

THE WOODLANDS, TX, Sept. 17, 2013 – The Woodlands Financial Group (TWFG) jumped from number 51 to the 30^th spot in Insurance Journal’s list of Top 100 independent property and casualty insurance agencies in the United States. TWFG president and CEO, Gordy Bunch, said he received notification of the prestigious national ranking based on TWFG’s agency record of $267 million in premium sales resulting in revenues of more than $34 million.

Bunch launched the firm in The Woodlands in 2001 with a $10,000 capital investment. The entrepreneur said he is delighted that TWFG has been able to compile such a successful record along with national recognition – rising to the top echelons of such a highly competitive business in little more than a decade. According to a 2012 survey by Insurance Journal, there are 38,500 independent agencies in the United States. TWFG also achieved international recognition this summer when appointed and approved as a coverholder by Lloyd’s of London.

Bunch said his original business model, which combines both wholesale and retail products, was “creatively fine-tuned to take advantage of new product opportunities” during the recent economic downturn. This forward-thinking approach resulted in a 27 percent growth rate for TWFG as it reaches towards its long-term plan to achieve one billion dollars in sales. He also credits his personal pledge and promise, “Our Policy is Caring,” for TWFG’s success with customers, agents, and employees.

TWFG currently operates 314 retail branches in 20 states and has affiliations with 3,000 independent agents in 38 states. TWFG writes policies in 49 states from its headquarters in The Woodlands. Bunch is also an elected member of The Woodlands Township board of directors. Asked about his “secrets of success” by Woodlands Online, a local media outlet, Bunch said, “It takes a personal commitment in time and effort to get to this level. Most people don’t want to make that kind of commitment – working nights and weekends, for example. To achieve success, you have to go above and beyond what others in your field are doing.” He advises that “failure is not an option. You need to set goals and put forth the effort to reach those goals.”

For further Media Information:

Gordy Bunch – gordy@twfg.com: 281-466-1123 / 713-416-0789

Paul Lazzaro – plazzaro@comcast.net: 281-728-5704

TWFG Becomes National Leader with Top 100 Leap

THE WOODLANDS, TX, Sept. 16, 2013 – Move over, Anadarko, CB&I, Baker Hughes, Chevron Phillips, Entergy, and Huntsman, there is a new member of the industry leaders’ fraternity in The Woodlands. The Woodlands Financial Group (TWFG) has leaped from number 51 to the 30^th spot in Insurance Journal’s list of Top 100 independent property & casualty insurance agencies in the United States.

TWFG president and CEO, Gordy Bunch, said he received notification of the prestigious number 30 national ranking based on TWFG’s record $267 million in premium sales resulting in revenues of more than $34 million. Bunch launched the firm in The Woodlands in 2001 with a $10,000 dollar investment. Of more than local interest is the fact that only one other Texas agency, a Fort Worth-based firm which had revenues of $49 million, topped TWFG in the rankings. According to a 2012 survey by Insurance Journal, there are 38,500 independent agencies in the United States.

Bunch, who is also an at-large elected member of The Woodlands Township board of directors, said he is delighted that TWFG has been able to bring special recognition to the community, rising in little more than a decade to stand out among the 1,700 national and international companies that have located their headquarters or operations in The Woodlands. He also recently announced that TWFG would be bringing its “million-dollar” convention here in 2014, with more than 250 insurance agents and major insurance carriers from 20 states and 163 cities to The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel and Convention Center.

TWFG currently operates 314 retail branches in 20 states and has affiliations with 3,000 independent agents in 38 states. TWFG writes policies in 49 states from its headquarters in The Woodlands. Bunch also serves as The Woodlands Township’s treasurer and the Convention and Visitors Bureau’s vice chairman.  He credits his personal pledge and promise, “Our Policy is Caring,” for TWFG’s success with customers, agents, and employees.

For further Media Information:

Gordy Bunch – gordy@twfg.com: 281-466-1123 / 713-416-0789

Paul Lazzaro – plazzaro@comcast.net: 281-728-5704

TFWG Bringing Million-Dollar Conventions to the Woodlands

THE WOODLANDS, TX, Aug. 29, 2013 – More than 250 high-producing insurance agents will be arriving in The Woodlands from 20 states and 163 cities when The Woodlands Financial Group stages its 2014 TWFG Insurance Services convention here from June 26 through 29. Gordy Bunch, TWFG president and CEO, announced that he is setting a new tradition for his company and hometown community by pledging to also assemble TWFG’s future national conventions here. He estimates that convention expenditures by TWFG and its attendees, which last-year included 41 million-dollar producers and representatives from major national insurance carriers, will total up to one million dollars each year.

In 2014, TWFG agents will span from California to Florida arriving at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel and Convention Center. This will be the first TWFG national convention held in The Woodlands. Last year the group assembled in Las Vegas. Bunch said: “My pride in our hometown and the success we have achieved here makes it a natural decision to bring all our various parts together at our headquarters location. I started this business here in 2001 with $10,000 and we are now in the top third of all insurance agencies in America with premiums exceeding $267,000,000.”

Activities at the 2014 convention will include a preview of what could be a future convention site with golf and pool play at The Woodlands Resort and Conference Center. Bunch said a “Welcome Reception” at the Marriott will be followed by days of “jam-packed” meetings and workshops and a special team-building day at The Woodlands YMCA. Attendees will also enjoy a pool party at the community’s Rob Fleming Aquatic Center and a “Dine Around” involving many Woodlands restaurants. The convention will close on Sunday with an eagerly-anticipated awards dinner where recognition will be given to “Branch-of-the-Year,” “Rookie-of-the-Year,” induction of new President’s Club members, and “Agent-of-the-Year” awards in key categories.

TWFG currently operates 307 retail branches in 20 states and has affiliations with 3,000 independent agents in 38 states. TWFG writes policies in 49 states from its headquarters in The Woodlands. Bunch, who is an elected member of The Woodlands Township Board of Directors, made his announcement prior to a public meeting last night. He also serves as The Woodlands Township’s treasurer and the Convention and Visitors Bureau’s vice chairman.  He credits his personal pledge and promise, “Our Policy is Caring,” for TWFG’s success with customers, agents, and employees.

PHOTO CAPTION: The Woodlands CVB officers receive news of future “million-dollar” TWFG conventions coming to the community (l. to r.) Nick Wolda, President; Peggy Hausman, Secretary/Treasurer; Gordy Bunch TWFG President/CEO and CVB vice chair; Nelda Blair, Chairperson.

For further Media Information:

Gordy Bunch – gordy@twfg.com: 281-466-1123 / 713-416-0789

Paul Lazzaro – plazzaro@comcast.net: 281-728-5704