Holmes Murphy Expands Expertise and Welcomes More Than 100 Employees

Holmes Murphy, a privately-owned insurance brokerage, has partnered with Minneapolis-based Cobb Strecker Dunphy & Zimmermann, Incorporated (CSDZ) in the company’s largest merger to date.

This growth of more than 100 employees makes Holmes Murphy one of the largest employee-owned brokerages in the nation and is a reflection of Holmes Murphy’s business strategy, further strengthening the firm’s depth in the property casualty and, more specifically, construction and surety industries.

This partnership between Holmes Murphy and CSDZ brings together some of the most innovative minds in the industry and will create a dominant position in the construction and surety markets.

“The CSDZ team of insurance professionals has been serving the construction industry for nearly 100 years,” said Holmes Murphy Chairman and CEO Daniel T. Keough. “Their longevity fits well with Holmes Murphy’s foundation in the insurance industry, and we know this growth opportunity will only enhance our clients’ service experience. Holmes Murphy has long been known for providing the best insurance solutions to lower our clients’ cost. By adding CSDZ’s expertise, we’re able to take our knowledge and capabilities to the next level.”

CSDZ was initially founded as a construction contract surety organization and has since grown into a nationally recognized specialty risk management organization.

“At CSDZ, relationships are what matter,” commented CSDZ Chairman & CEO R. Scott Egginton. “Due to this value, I cannot imagine entering into this kind of partnership with any other company. The future is bright for all our employees, and I look forward to seeing how we can grow with Holmes Murphy.”

CSDZ will continue to operate on a stand-alone basis and will remain in its three locations of Minneapolis, Minnesota; Salt Lake City, Utah; and Madison, Wisconsin.

“Since our office was founded in 1919, it has had a passion for innovation, entrepreneurialism, and a client-service centric focus,” stated CSDZ President Jerry Ouimet. “We believe by joining Holmes Murphy, we are becoming part of a likeminded employee-owned organization that will benefit our long-standing clients.”

“We’re excited about this opportunity,” continued Keough. “The addition of this talented team from CSDZ will only enhance our deep construction expertise and elevate the experience our clients have with us. Construction was the core of Holmes Murphy’s roots, and with our joint efforts with CSDZ, we will be able to deliver unbelievable risk management solutions for our clients.”

In the future, Holmes Murphy also plans to expand further by bringing its employee benefits, captive, and personal lines expertise into the mix of exceptional property casualty services already offered by both companies.

Additionally, Ouimet will maintain his current role as president overseeing the same day-to-day operations he has been leading for years. Egginton is taking on the role of Chairman Emeritus of CSDZ and will continue to be involved with both client and partner relations.