Best Agency to Work For – East

BELMONT, MASSACHUSETTS

Best Agency to Work For – East

Insurance Journal‘s 2015 Best Agency to Work For, Gold Winner – East Region – WT Phelan & Co. says proudly that its employees are its greatest asset. Founded in 1898, this fourth-generation, family-owned and operated agency is committed to providing resources – from the latest in insurance technology and continuing education to competitive benefits packages – to attract the best talent and help them succeed.

Headquartered in Belmont, Mass., and with 50 staff members and five offices operating in the Bay State, WT Phelan is one of the largest family-owned independent agencies in New England.

“WT Phelan cares about its employees and their futures. WT Phelan cares about its clients and their futures,” wrote one employee. “We try to hire the best and give them the resources to work hard to get ahead. We offer an excellent benefits package and industry mentors. We want our team to be educated and knowledgeable and we encourage and pay for continuing education.”

“Ownership empowers the staff to create our own best practices in every aspect of our roles – so we have full control and complete buy-in to all procedures,” said another. “Ownership continues to invest heavily in every resource we need to do our job better, faster, more efficiently – every day, including technology, education and people.”

“The owners are involved and really care about their staff, their clients and the communities they serve. From owners to admin staff, we put the client at the start and end of every decision we make,” another wrote.

When asked to talk about a recent event that captures the quality of the agency, one employee wrote how everyone came together to help customers following a record-breaking snowfall last winter.

“Ice dam claims in 2015 were at seven or eight times our normal claim volume. Every member of the team pitched in without complaint – from admins to owners,” wrote the employee. “All were supplied a triage checklist, claim FAQs and scripts, and provided service and support for customers. They also researched, followed through, communicated steadily. The team really came together in an incredibly challenging time and delivered on the promise to pay claims.”

Employees said they are also very proud of the agency’s role in the community. “Because it is a family-owned business they are very careful to continue to work in the local area and stay connected with their roots,” one wrote, explaining that the agency supports charitable causes that are near and dear to employees.

WT Phelan – whose current employees have been with the firm an average of 15 years – says it encourages volunteerism through numerous agency-sponsored programs. Its employees are helping schools, sports teams, cause-related organizations, and fire and police organizations – and have organized significant fund raising efforts for the Dana-Farber Cancer Center, the Special Olympics and Susan G. Komen Foundation to name just a few.

Continuing the family’s legacy are Robert, David, Thomas and Richard Ramsey – four brothers who own and operate the business. When asked what separates their agency from its competitors, Principal Robert Ramsey pointed out the agency’s employees: “Our people are clearly our greatest asset. I think we do a really good job of identifying the smartest and the energetic talent in the industry and I think it’s paid huge dividends.”

“We just all really enjoy helping out our customers and helping out our community,” he added. “We all love making positive differences for our customers and for our community.”