In an industry where competition and connections run deep, TIG, LLC stands apart. That’s intentional, according to principal agent Brent Leedom. “We never wanted to be like anybody else. We’re as simple as simple could be.”

TIG’s operations are refreshingly straightforward. There are no rigid hierarchies or formal planning sessions. “We don’t have meetings. We just communicate every day on what everybody’s doing,” Leedom explained. “As in if the trash needs taken out, any one of us will take it out… That creates an environment where people just want to do good for the customers—everybody’s rooting for each other.” 

With 55 employees across nine Kansas locations, TIG’s culture is built on collaboration, adaptability and a genuine desire to help clients. Five leaders guide the agency: David Schoning, Justin Taylor, Shannan Emond, Lance Doll and Brent Leedom. But one phrase is the heartbeat of their business: “make one more call.” 

Whether a producer lands an account or faces rejection, the answer is always the same: “Go make one more call. Everybody can make one more call.” This relentless yet humble drive has helped TIG become a leader in written premium growth with Columbia Insurance.  It is also the reason TIG and Columbia are partners today. “From 2005 to 2014, so nine years in a row, I kept calling Columbia to try to get a contract,” Leedom recalled.

Diligence paid off, and TIG finally secured a contract after years of effort. Today, Columbia is a cornerstone of TIG’s contractor book. “Your coverages, your pricing, underwriting, sales rep, claims—everything’s just squared away with what you guys do, and you answer the phone. We like companies that we get to talk to, not just operate by e-mail or apps.”

According to Leedom, Columbia’s personalized service is a defining strength, especially his dedicated relationships with territory manager Matt Aripoli and underwriter Mandy Cross. “Matt’s got a four-and-a-half-hour drive to come see us. He’s got other agents, but he’s coming out to spend time with us in Hays, Kansas.”

Direct connections also enable TIG to find better solutions for clients. “Whenever you get a chance to tell a story, either on the phone or face to face, you just build a different level of trust. It’s a lot easier to do that with talking or meeting in person than it is by computer, and Mandy’s awesome.” 

According to Shane Martinez, Columbia’s vice president of the Omaha Region and Middle Market, TIG’s simple approach succeeds because of their genuine relationships. “What I appreciate most about TIG is how they never lose sight of what matters: people,” Martinez said. “Their team is willing to go the extra mile, whether that means picking up the phone or driving across the state to sit down face-to-face. That kind of dedication is rare, and it’s exactly why we’re grateful for their partnership.”

Transparent, ongoing communication is something TIG is teaching the next generation of producers. “We want to meet people and companies, find what their needs are and meet those needs,” Leedom said. “God gave us 24 hours in a day, just go help as many people as you can.”

In a business often defined by complexity, TIG, LLC proves success can be found in simplicity, persistence and relationships. What’s next for TIG? That is simple: “Make one more call, sell one more policy, help one more person.”