Teamwork and Relationship-Building Defines CBS Insurance's Service Approach

In 1992, CBS Insurance, LLP was established in Abilene, Texas, through a merger of several agencies. The venture was led by a group of insurance professionals who envisioned a better way to provide quality insurance services and products to their clients, and that vision continues to this day. 

“We believe in doing the right thing, working hard, and doing right by our customers,” says Miles Willis, Partner. “Our goal is to establish relationships with best-in-class accounts, present them on their full merit to carriers, place coverage with the partner carrier providing the best terms and conditions, and keep it there.”

Since its founding, CBS Insurance has devoted its knowledge and combined experience in the industry to deliver quality coverage programs to individuals and businesses. The agency is currently made up of over 40 licensed professional agents and service professionals, each with his or her unique area of expertise. 

“Our specializations are closely related to our geographic location,” Willis says. “Our largest single book by line is oil and gas, followed closely by construction. From there it branches into different sectors based on the relationships our people develop with clients.” 

Team Approach

Relationship-building begins with the first handshake. 

“From the very start, we stress to clients that we want to be a part of their team and an important factor in their success,” says Tammy Christall, Commercial Lines Manager. “From there, we work hand-in-hand with our clients to come up with solutions to any issues that arise throughout the year, and year after year.”

“Our goal is to provide clients a service that is not just a commodity,” Willis adds. “We work to instill in them the understanding that their insurance is just as important as their banking, legal, or bookkeeping service. It’s not just a transaction—it’s a vital part of their business model.”

Cross-selling is also an important strategy, and CBS has several operational components to make sure accounts are being fully developed. The agency also takes a strong team approach to business.

“When we are fortunate enough to secure an account, they become our client,” Willis says. “From the agent who produces it, to the partners, account managers, front line processors—it’s everybody’s account. The buy-in that our staff have to that concept is incredible.”

The agency’s relationship-focused approach makes CBS Insurance a great fit with Acuity. “Our greatest carrier successes come with the type of carrier where we can establish a relationship built on mutual trust and have a conversation on placement of business, and that defines Acuity,” Christall says. 

CBS Insurance has also established a strong reputation in the community for philanthropy in its support of many charitable organizations. “Our people give back to the community not just financially, but through volunteer efforts as well. That’s not a mandate from the agency—it is a credit to the type of people we have and their understanding of the importance of teamwork, whether on an internal team at the agency or within the community.” 

Perpetuation Plans

In recent years, CBS Insurance has brought on a number of new partners with the intention of perpetuating the agency. 

“We are a single-location, locally owned agency that keeps the profits that arise out of business with the local community. It’s our goal to keep doing that, and we know we have more growth opportunity here,” Willis says, adding that relationships will continue to propel the agency’s success.

“We seek to do business with people and insurance carriers who value our professional services,” he says. “It’s true, one can purchase an insurance policy with the click of a button, but many insurance consumers and carriers understand that comprehensive coverage programs are dynamic and require continuous professional oversight by a trusted advisor. This is the market we strive to serve.”