Tim Treweek and Kevin Griffin have known each other for many years, beginning when they were opposing Little League baseball coaches and as leaders in baseball organizations.
When they met, they realized they had much in common, including holding strong values and being insurance agents.
“We became friends, and we developed a mutual respect,” Treweek said.
The two recently became business partners, too, when Griffin joined the Treweek Insurance Agency, located in the Tioga Town Center.
“It made sense on so many levels to jump in the boat together,” Treweek said. “We have great synergy.”
The move came shortly after Treweek had rebranded the agency, formerly Duke Insurance Agency.
Now, Treweek, Griffin and the other seven members of the agency’s team are getting the word out about the rebranding and the partnership.
Each partner brings more than 30 years of experience to the table.
Treweek got started by working with his father, Herb, and his uncle, Bob Treweek, at the Cannon-Treweek Agency after he graduated from the University of Florida.
Griffin became interested in insurance sales when he participated in the Project Invest program while a senior at Buchholz High School.
“My grandparents had a bad experience with insurance, and I felt God had called me to serve people through insurance the rest of my life,” he said.
As an independent agency, Treweek Insurance represents a number of insurance companies, and it can compare coverage and prices among them.
“I’m an insurance geek, and I read every word of every policy,” Treweek said. “One word can make the difference between being covered or not covered. An insurance policy is an important legal contract.”
A benefit of the partnership is that Treweek has a strong background in commercial insurance, and Griffin has a strong background in personal insurance.
“We can complement each other’s strengths,” Griffin said.
Treweek Insurance is selective about which carriers it represents.
“Claims are where the rubber meets the road in insurance,” Treweek said. “We look for companies that try to find a way to pay claims, not ones that try to avoid paying.”
Knowing which property insurance carriers are the most trustworthy is challenging in Florida because some national names have withdrawn from the state because of hurricane losses in past years, Treweek said.
“You may be dealing with a company that you never heard of before, and yet it can be a very good company,” he said.
The Florida market for property insurance has improved in recent years, and prices generally have dropped, Treweek said.
“While it’s tempting to shop for price, you want to be sure you have the right coverages.”
It’s more important than ever to deal with an insurance agent who considers all of your possible exposure, he said.
For example, social media increases exposure.
“Many people need to consider adding a rider that protects them from claims of libel, slander and other damage to people’s reputation — something that costs only $20 a year,” he said.
Another protectionto consider is coverage for the potential theft of customers’ personal information, Treweek said.
Customers appreciate the thoroughness of Treweek Insurance.
“Navigating the insurance world is not easy; things are changing constantly,” said customer
Sherry Houston, executive director the Ronald McDonald House in Gainesville.
“I am confident when working with Tim and his team that they will find us the most competitive rates and the most comprehensive coverage,” she said. “On top of that, I can count on them for a quick response in any emergency situation, day or night. Tim goes above and beyond to let us know we’re valued and protected.”
Dianne Junior has been a customer of Griffin for many years.
“When my husband died, Kevin was there for me — interceding for me, even with companies he did not represent,” she said. “Kevin is honest and a man of integrity.”
Griffin has continued coaching, today with the Mustangs Travel Baseball team. He is also on the board of Tyler’s Hope, a charity fighting dystonia, a neurological movement disorder characterized by involuntary muscle contractions.
Treweek is the past president of the local chapter of theNorth Central Florida Chapter of the Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter Society, he’s on the board of Meridian Behavioral Healthcare, a Ronald McDonald House Advisory Council member, and an avid runner.
“We enjoy helping people and being active in the community, andhaving a strong relationship with our customers is part of that,” he said.