Headquarters:
39 Public Square, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701
Year founded:
1983
Number of employees:
980+
Phone:
1 800 673 2465
Email:
csr@guard.com
Website:
guard.com
LinkedIn:
linkedin.com/company/berkshire-hathaway-guard
"We are constantly living by our core values: integrity, impact and teamwork"
Julie Giraldi,
CAAT Pension Plan
Read on
IB Top Brokerages
Award Winner
SHIELDED INSURANCE BROKERS
Award Winner
BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY Guard
Sy Foguel
Chief Executive Officer/President
Lyle Hitt
Chief Insurance Officer
Dave Simmons
Senior Vice President of Sales
Leadership
As chief executive officer and president since 2007, Sy Foguel leads the strategic planning and positioning of the organization, helping to promote initiatives that enable Berkshire Hathaway GUARD to achieve both short- and long-term goals. He created the vision for and managed the company’s growth and diversification from a workers’ compensation monoline carrier into a multi-line nationwide P&C carrier and orchestrated the profitable sale of the company to Berkshire Hathaway in 2012. Prior to his current tenure, Sy had accumulated diverse international, executive-level insurance industry experience, including roles as CEO of IDI Bituch Yashir of Israel, executive vice president of Clal Insurance of Israel, and senior vice president of Arch Insurance in the US as well as being in charge of other international insurance ventures such as a Lloyd’s Syndicate and insurance companies in eastern Europe.
Sy is an honors graduate of the Computer Engineering and Mathematics faculties at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem, a certified actuary in both the US and Israel, and a member of actuarial societies (ACAS and FILAA) in both countries.
Chief Executive Officer/President
Sy Foguel
As chief insurance officer responsible for both commercial and personal product lines, Lyle Hitt brings with him over 30 years of experience in the insurance industry. He oversees the development and growth of all property and casualty insurance lines of business, leads the build out of new products, and manages existing products to refine and improve Berkshire Hathaway GUARD’s offerings. Prior to GUARD, Lyle served as an executive at Arch Insurance Group where he oversaw the insurer’s professional liability, corporate training, and travel insurance divisions. At Arch, he successfully grew the written premium of several divisions and served as a member of the company’s strategy group. He also held executive positions at Zurich North America. Lyle is a graduate of Vanderbilt University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics. He also holds a Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriter designation.
Chief Insurance Officer
Lyle Hitt
As senior vice president of sales, Dave Simmons is responsible for overseeing all activities relating to the marketing, communications, and sales operations. He manages GUARD’s field and home office sales units, which are responsible for business growth in all jurisdictions. He focuses on strengthening relationships with the company’s network of independent insurance agents and brokers that represent GUARD throughout the US while evaluating the need for new agency appointments in targeted areas. By successfully coordinating these activities and creating a culture responsive to customers’ needs, he helps maintain Berkshire Hathaway GUARD’s growth and revenue stream.
Dave has over 40 years of experience within the insurance industry in both commercial and personal lines. Since his earlier insurance experience encompassed underwriting duties, he appreciates the complexities involved in developing, writing, and retaining profitable production. A graduate of North Carolina State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Management, Dave has augmented his education through various programs, including the Insurance Executive Development Program at the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania and executive education classes at the Darden Business School at the University of Virginia. He has obtained his Certified Insurance Counselor designation and has earned a certificate in General Insurance from the Insurance Institute.
Senior Vice President of Sales
Dave Simmons
SPECIAL REPORT
Home
Bio
“We are constantly living by our core values: integrity, impact and teamwork”
Julie Giraldi,
CAAT Pension Plan
“Now, we have much more frequent recognition awards because we want to celebrate people staying at CAAT and recognize the contributions that they bring to the organization”
Julie Giraldi,
CAAT Pension Plan
Read on
Award Winner
BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY gUARD
Sandy Cyr
Vice President of
Workers’ Compensation
Lyle Hitt
Chief Insurance
Officer
Sy Foguel
Chief Executive Officer/President
Leadership
Headquarters:
39 Public Square,
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701
Year founded:
1983
Number of employees:
980+
Phone:
1 800 673 2465
Email:
csr@guard.com
Website:
guard.com
LinkedIn:
linkedin.com/company/berkshire-hathaway-guard
As chief executive officer and president since 2007, Sy Foguel leads the strategic planning and positioning of the organization, helping to promote initiatives that enable Berkshire Hathaway GUARD to achieve both short- and long-term goals. He created the vision for and managed the company’s growth and diversification from a workers’ compensation monoline carrier into a multi-line nationwide P&C carrier and orchestrated the profitable sale of the company to Berkshire Hathaway in 2012. Prior to his current tenure, Sy had accumulated diverse international, executive-level insurance industry experience, including roles as CEO of IDI Bituch Yashir of Israel, executive vice president of Clal Insurance of Israel, and senior vice president of Arch Insurance in the US as well as being in charge of other international insurance ventures such as a Lloyd’s Syndicate and insurance companies in eastern Europe.
Sy is an honors graduate of the Computer Engineering and Mathematics faculties at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem, a certified actuary in both the US and Israel, and a member of actuarial societies (ACAS and FILAA) in both countries.
Chief Executive Officer/President
Sy Foguel
As chief insurance officer responsible for both commercial and personal product lines, Lyle Hitt brings with him over 30 years of experience in the insurance industry. He oversees the development and growth of all property and casualty insurance lines of business, leads the build out of new products, and manages existing products to refine and improve Berkshire Hathaway GUARD’s offerings. Prior to GUARD, Lyle served as an executive at Arch Insurance Group where he oversaw the insurer’s professional liability, corporate training, and travel insurance divisions. At Arch, he successfully grew the written premium of several divisions and served as a member of the company’s strategy group. He also held executive positions at Zurich North America. Lyle is a graduate of Vanderbilt University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics. He also holds a Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriter designation.
Chief Insurance Officer
Lyle Hitt
As vice president of workers’ compensation, Sandy Cyr is responsible for the continued growth and development of the company’s signature product. During her tenure at GUARD, she has been instrumental in expanding workers’ compensation nationwide (excluding four monopolistic states) and leads the effort to define and evolve the company’s underwriting appetite and guidelines for this line of coverage. She has been with GUARD for over 21 years, having served in a variety of underwriting and marketing leadership roles. Sandy is a Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriter with over 30 years of experience in the insurance industry. Prior to her current role, she was an independent insurance agent and continues to maintain a New Hampshire Property and Casualty producer license. She is a graduate of Boston College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing and Computer Science.
Vice President of Workers’ Compensation
Sandy Cyr
SPECIAL REPORT
Home
Bio
For the second year running, Shielded Insurance Brokers has claimed the number-one spot among IB’s Top Brokerages. In 2020, it was record-setting growth that drove the company’s impressive success. This year, says managing director Stuart Brady, the key ingredient behind the win is the Shielded culture. Brady is proud of the shared vision for constant improvement across all aspects of the business. “We are thrilled to take out the win again, and it’s hats off to the team for their hard work over the past year,” he says.
“Now, we have much more frequent recognition awards because we want to celebrate people staying at CAAT and recognize the contributions that they bring to the organization”
Julie Giraldi,
CAAT Pension Plan
“We are constantly living by our core values: integrity, impact and teamwork”
Julie Giraldi,
CAAT Pension Plan
Read on
Award Winner
BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY
gUARD
Cindy Martel
Vice President,
Finance
Lyle Hitt
Chief Insurance
Officer
Sy Foguel
Chief Executive Officer/President
Leadership
Headquarters:
39 Public Square,
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701
Year founded:
1983
Number of employees:
980+
Phone:
1 800 673 2465
Email:
csr@guard.com
Website:
guard.com
LinkedIn:
linkedin.com/company/berkshire-hathaway-guard
SPECIAL REPORT
Home
Bio
As chief executive officer and president since 2007, Sy Foguel leads the strategic planning and positioning of the organization, helping to promote initiatives that enable Berkshire Hathaway GUARD to achieve both short- and long-term goals. He created the vision for and managed the company’s growth and diversification from a workers’ compensation monoline carrier into a multi-line nationwide P&C carrier and orchestrated the profitable sale of the company to Berkshire Hathaway in 2012. Prior to his current tenure, Sy had accumulated diverse international, executive-level insurance industry experience, including roles as CEO of IDI Bituch Yashir of Israel, executive vice president of Clal Insurance of Israel, and senior vice president of Arch Insurance in the US as well as being in charge of other international insurance ventures such as a Lloyd’s Syndicate and insurance companies in eastern Europe.
Sy is an honors graduate of the Computer Engineering and Mathematics faculties at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem, a certified actuary in both the US and Israel, and a member of actuarial societies (ACAS and FILAA) in both countries.
Chief Executive Officer/President
Sy Foguel
As chief insurance officer responsible for both commercial and personal product lines, Lyle Hitt brings with him over 30 years of experience in the insurance industry. He oversees the development and growth of all property and casualty insurance lines of business, leads the build out of new products, and manages existing products to refine and improve Berkshire Hathaway GUARD’s offerings. Prior to GUARD, Lyle served as an executive at Arch Insurance Group where he oversaw the insurer’s professional liability, corporate training, and travel insurance divisions. At Arch, he successfully grew the written premium of several divisions and served as a member of the company’s strategy group. He also held executive positions at Zurich North America. Lyle is a graduate of Vanderbilt University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics. He also holds a Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriter designation.
Chief Insurance Officer
Lyle Hitt
As vice president of workers’ compensation, Sandy Cyr is responsible for the continued growth and development of the company’s signature product. During her tenure at GUARD, she has been instrumental in expanding workers’ compensation nationwide (excluding four monopolistic states) and leads the effort to define and evolve the company’s underwriting appetite and guidelines for this line of coverage. She has been with GUARD for over 21 years, having served in a variety of underwriting and marketing leadership roles. Sandy is a Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriter with over 30 years of experience in the insurance industry. Prior to her current role, she was an independent insurance agent and continues to maintain a New Hampshire Property and Casualty producer license. She is a graduate of Boston College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing and Computer Science.
Vice President of Workers’ Compensation
Sandy Cyr
For the second year running, Shielded Insurance Brokers has claimed the number-one spot among IB’s Top Brokerages. In 2020, it was record-setting growth that drove the company’s impressive success. This year, says managing director Stuart Brady, the key ingredient behind the win is the Shielded culture. Brady is proud of the shared vision for constant improvement across all aspects of the business. “We are thrilled to take out the win again, and it’s hats off to the team for their hard work over the past year,” he says.
Sandy Cyr
Vice President of Workers’ Compensation
As vice president of workers’ compensation, Sandy Cyr is responsible for the continued growth and development of the company’s signature product. During her tenure at GUARD, she has been instrumental in expanding workers’ compensation nationwide (excluding four monopolistic states) and leads the effort to define and evolve the company’s underwriting appetite and guidelines for this line of coverage. She has been with GUARD for over 21 years, having served in a variety of underwriting and marketing leadership roles. Sandy is a Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriter with over 30 years of experience in the insurance industry. Prior to her current role, she was an independent insurance agent and continues to maintain a New Hampshire Property and Casualty producer license. She is a graduate of Boston College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing and Computer Science.
Vice President of Workers’ Compensation
Sandy Cyr
Dave Simmons
Senior Vice President
of Sales
As senior vice president of sales, Dave Simmons is responsible for overseeing all activities relating to the marketing, communications, and sales operations. He manages GUARD’s field and home office sales units, which are responsible for business growth in all jurisdictions. He focuses on strengthening relationships with the company’s network of independent insurance agents and brokers that represent GUARD throughout the US while evaluating the need for new agency appointments in targeted areas. By successfully coordinating these activities and creating a culture responsive to customers’ needs, he helps maintain Berkshire Hathaway GUARD’s growth and revenue stream.
Dave has over 40 years of experience within the insurance industry in both commercial and personal lines. Since his earlier insurance experience encompassed underwriting duties, he appreciates the complexities involved in developing, writing, and retaining profitable production. A graduate of North Carolina State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Management, Dave has augmented his education through various programs, including the Insurance Executive Development Program at the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania and executive education classes at the Darden Business School at the University of Virginia. He has obtained his Certified Insurance Counselor designation and has earned a certificate in General Insurance from the Insurance Institute.
Senior Vice President of Sales
Dave Simmons
Dave Simmons
Senior Vice President of Sales
As senior vice president of sales, Dave Simmons is responsible for overseeing all activities relating to the marketing, communications, and sales operations. He manages GUARD’s field and home office sales units, which are responsible for business growth in all jurisdictions. He focuses on strengthening relationships with the company’s network of independent insurance agents and brokers that represent GUARD throughout the US while evaluating the need for new agency appointments in targeted areas. By successfully coordinating these activities and creating a culture responsive to customers’ needs, he helps maintain Berkshire Hathaway GUARD’s growth and revenue stream.
Dave has over 40 years of experience within the insurance industry in both commercial and personal lines. Since his earlier insurance experience encompassed underwriting duties, he appreciates the complexities involved in developing, writing, and retaining profitable production. A graduate of North Carolina State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Management, Dave has augmented his education through various programs, including the Insurance Executive Development Program at the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania and executive education classes at the Darden Business School at the University of Virginia. He has obtained his Certified Insurance Counselor designation and has earned a certificate in General Insurance from the Insurance Institute.
Senior Vice President of Sales
Dave Simmons
Cindy Martel
Vice President, Finance
Cindy Martel earned her CMA (CPA) designation in 1995, and gained extensive experience while working in the private sector, fulfilling various leadership roles in the areas of finance and human resources. She joined the Fillmore Construction team in 2014 as controller and progressed into her current role as VP of finance in 2021.
Vice President, Finance
Cindy Martel
Cindy Martel
Vice President,
Finance
Cindy Martel earned her CMA (CPA) designation in 1995, and gained extensive experience while working in the private sector, fulfilling various leadership roles in the areas of finance and human resources. She joined the Fillmore Construction team in 2014 as controller and progressed into her current role as VP of finance in 2021.
Vice President, Finance
Cindy Martel
Sandy Cyr
Vice President of Workers’ Compensation
Cindy Martel earned her CMA (CPA) designation in 1995, and gained extensive experience while working in the private sector, fulfilling various leadership roles in the areas of finance and human resources. She joined the Fillmore Construction team in 2014 as controller and progressed into her current role as VP of finance in 2021.
Vice President, Finance
Cindy Martel
Berkshire Hathaway GUARD Insurance Companies are rated A+ Superior by AM Best (reaffirmed April 2021) and proud to be part of the Berkshire Hathaway Group, an organization that sets the standard for financial strength and ethical business practices worldwide. Powered by a carefully selected network of independent agents and brokers, we provide a full range of property and casualty insurance solutions for businesses, homeowners, and professionals countrywide. Our signature product, workers’ compensation insurance, is distinguished by the value-added services we make available before, during, and after a claim. From up-front loss control measures to identify and correct occupational hazards to responsive claims handling and the facilitation of quality medical care, Berkshire Hathaway GUARD has been successfully protecting our policyholders and their employees for decades.
“Now, we have much more frequent recognition awards because we want to celebrate people staying at CAAT and recognize the contributions that they bring to the organization”
Julie Giraldi,
CAAT Pension Plan
Brent Fillmore
Founder
Cody Woolf
Director, Health, Safety and Environment
Karen Bannister, CM
Vice President, Marketing
Sarah M Stewart
Associate Vice President,
Leasing and Call Centre Operations
Fillmore Construction was founded by Brent Fillmore in 1991. He was looking to start his own small construction business and the opportunity presented itself with many repeat client relationships. Through lessons learned from 13 years of managing projects, developing business and holding various VP roles with his previous employer, Brent formulated his own approach to running his company. He knew that the key to success was based on relationships and bringing repeated value to them. He was dedicated to the idea that one does not need hundreds of clients and instead must focus on ensuring that a smaller pool of clients was given the best service possible. With over 40 years of construction management experience Brent has remarkable expertise in nearly every facet of the construction industry.
Founder
Brent Fillmore
Cody Woolf joined the Fillmore team in 2011 and holds the title director of health, safety and environment. He is a Canadian Registered Safety Professional (CRSP). He also has extensive safety experience and background in criminal justice, which provides a depth of experience for the implementation of Fillmore Construction’s health and safety program. Cody is responsible for creating a positive and safe work environment and strives to promote safety as not only a policy but a lifestyle. He has initiated and implements a range of health, safety and environmental features that have been of critical importance to the overall safety objectives, operations, and profitability of Fillmore Construction. The results of his impact are evident in the positive statistical results and policies that have been developed since he joined the company and the emphasis on safety program development.
Director, Health, Safety and Environment
Cody Woolf
Karen Bannister has over 20 years of marketing expertise and has a Chartered Marketer designation from the Canadian Marketing Association. She is a strategic marketing leader with a career record of success in developing and executing effective marketing strategies, growing revenue, and overseeing multi-talented teams. She also holds five certifications for marketing and brand management.
Karen has successfully completed the Mini-MBA, Essentials of Management program at Schulich School of Business, and most recently completed the Communications and Leadership Program at The Ivey Academy.
Vice President, Marketing
Karen Bannister, CM
Sarah M Stewart has more than 15 years of strategic leasing and customer care experience in residential property management. She is responsible for overseeing all aspects of Centurion’s national leasing platforms, residential lead generation, and overall customer experience excellence through operation of the company’s internal customer service department.
Associate Vice President, Leasing and Call Centre Operations
Sarah M Stewart
Brent Fillmore
Cody Woolf
Sarah M Stewart
Associate Vice President, Leasing and Call Centre Operations
Karen Bannister, CM
Vice President, Marketing
Cody Woolf
Director, Health, Safety and Environment
Fillmore Construction was founded by Brent Fillmore in 1991. He was looking to start his own small construction business and the opportunity presented itself with many repeat client relationships. Through lessons learned from 13 years of managing projects, developing business and holding various VP roles with his previous employer, Brent formulated his own approach to running his company. He knew that the key to success was based on relationships and bringing repeated value to them. He was dedicated to the idea that one does not need hundreds of clients and instead must focus on ensuring that a smaller pool of clients was given the best service possible. With over 40 years of construction management experience Brent has remarkable expertise in nearly every facet of the construction industry.
Founder
Brent Fillmore
Cody Woolf joined the Fillmore team in 2011 and holds the title director of health, safety and environment. He is a Canadian Registered Safety Professional (CRSP). He also has extensive safety experience and background in criminal justice, which provides a depth of experience for the implementation of Fillmore Construction’s health and safety program. Cody is responsible for creating a positive and safe work environment and strives to promote safety as not only a policy but a lifestyle. He has initiated and implements a range of health, safety and environmental features that have been of critical importance to the overall safety objectives, operations, and profitability of Fillmore Construction. The results of his impact are evident in the positive statistical results and policies that have been developed since he joined the company and the emphasis on safety program development.
Director, Health, Safety and Environment
Cody Woolf
Karen Bannister has over 20 years of marketing expertise and has a Chartered Marketer designation from the Canadian Marketing Association. She is a strategic marketing leader with a career record of success in developing and executing effective marketing strategies, growing revenue, and overseeing multi-talented teams. She also holds five certifications for marketing and brand management.
Karen has successfully completed the Mini-MBA, Essentials of Management program at Schulich
School of Business, and most recently completed the Communications and Leadership Program at
The Ivey Academy.
Vice President, Marketing
Karen Bannister, CM
Sarah M Stewart has more than 15 years of strategic leasing and customer care experience in residential property management. She is responsible for overseeing all aspects of Centurion’s national leasing platforms, residential lead generation, and overall customer experience excellence through operation of the company’s internal customer service department.
Associate Vice President, Leasing and
Call Centre Operations
Sarah M Stewart
Brent Fillmore
Founder
Karen Bannister, CM
Vice President, Marketing
Cody Woolf
Director, Health,
Safety and Environment
Sarah M Stewart
Associate
Vice President, Leasing and Call Centre Operations
Fillmore Construction was founded by Brent Fillmore in 1991. He was looking to start his own small construction business and the opportunity presented itself with many repeat client relationships. Through lessons learned from 13 years of managing projects, developing business and holding various VP roles with his previous employer, Brent formulated his own approach to running his company. He knew that the key to success was based on relationships and bringing repeated value to them. He was dedicated to the idea that one does not need hundreds of clients and instead must focus on ensuring that a smaller pool of clients was given the best service possible. With over 40 years of construction management experience Brent has remarkable expertise in nearly every facet of the construction industry.
Founder
Brent Fillmore
Cody Woolf joined the Fillmore team in 2011 and holds the title director of health, safety and environment. He is a Canadian Registered Safety Professional (CRSP). He also has extensive safety experience and background in criminal justice, which provides a depth of experience for the implementation of Fillmore Construction’s health and safety program. Cody is responsible for creating a positive and safe work environment and strives to promote safety as not only a policy but a lifestyle. He has initiated and implements a range of health, safety and environmental features that have been of critical importance to the overall safety objectives, operations, and profitability of Fillmore Construction. The results of his impact are evident in the positive statistical results and policies that have been developed since he joined the company and the emphasis on safety program development.
Director, Health, Safety and Environment
Cody Woolf
Karen Bannister has over 20 years of marketing expertise and has a Chartered Marketer designation from the Canadian Marketing Association. She is a strategic marketing leader with a career record of success in developing and executing effective marketing strategies, growing revenue, and overseeing multi-talented teams. She also holds five certifications for marketing and brand management.
Karen has successfully completed the
Mini-MBA, Essentials of Management program at Schulich School of Business, and most recently completed the Communications and Leadership Program at The Ivey Academy.
Vice President, Marketing
Karen Bannister, CM
Sarah M Stewart has more than 15 years
of strategic leasing and customer care experience in residential property management. She is responsible for overseeing all aspects of Centurion’s national leasing platforms, residential lead generation, and overall customer experience excellence through operation
of the company’s internal customer
service department.
Associate Vice President,
Leasing and Call Centre Operations
Sarah M Stewart