Founded in Springfield, Mo., PJC Insurance Agency is a fixture in the Midwest and serves commercial clients across the region. Since 1968, PJC’s reputation as a premier provider of insurance solutions has been speaking for itself—providing exceptional client service, deep expertise and a commitment to personal relationships.

Staying true to these core values has fueled substantial growth. PJC was acquired by Sunstar Insurance Group in 2016 and is currently ranked the 32nd largest independently owned insurance broker in the country. 

According to Blake Wixson, vice president of commercial lines, the secret is remaining steadfast in your values and keeping a pulse on the industry. “In Southwest Missouri, you really can’t just focus on one niche,” Wixson said. “Our product knowledge is what gains us a lot of our clients. Knowing what's going on in the marketplace, being ahead of the game, and letting our insureds know what's trending.”

This is one way PJC continues to set itself apart in a competitive market. “We pride ourselves on our education. We're hearing it from the front lines and then we're implementing that into our practices and providing it to our clients. There's been several that have thanked us later for having the correct coverage in place.”

PJC also has a strong foundation thanks to their experienced teammates. “We have several employees in their 20, 30, 40-year terms with us and that makes a big difference in this industry,” Wixson said. “The insureds actually know who they’re talking to on the phone. It’s not someone new. That’s something we really pride ourselves in.” 

Columbia Insurance also provides lasting connections. “We have that one-on-one touch with our underwriter that a lot of carriers don’t offer anymore. What works for us is just being open, talking the account through, trying to look at it from all aspects.” 

Shelly DeVore, vice president of the Columbia region, agreed. “By working together and listening to the full story, we’re able to deliver real value to policyholders and set the stage for continued success. Working hand-in-hand with great partners like Blake and his team, we can turn challenges into opportunities and build real peace of mind.”

Direct access to underwriters also means PJC can respond quickly to clients’ questions. “If we have a coverage question; it’s a phone call. We can get it answered and respond back to our clients in 10 or 15 minutes,” Wixson said.

Claims handling is another area where our partnership saves time. “Columbia has in-house claims adjusters,” Wixson noted. “When you’re actually talking to the person that’s going to make the adjustment on the claim or the payment, it’s a lot easier and gets done in a timely manner.”

A strong underwriting model and the ability to bundle coverage for better integration and pricing has encouraged PJC to partner with Columbia for more lines. “The pricing has remained highly competitive, and we always value having one carrier on all lines,” Wixson said. “This approach is especially beneficial when managing claims.”

What truly sets the partnership apart is access to leadership and support. 

“It’s not just the underwriters, not just the territory manager. You can go all the way up to the president of the company to get your voice heard if you need, and they’ll correspond with you. That’s a unique thing... It’s a personal touch.”—Blake Wixson, VP of Commercial Lines

As PJC Insurance Agency looks to the future, its focus remains on growing, deepening partnerships and continuing to deliver the kind of service that turns contacts into lifelong clients—a commitment Columbia is proud to share.

This is what strong partnership looks like in action.
See how Columbia Insurance helps agencies grow, respond faster and serve clients with confidence. Start here.