Growth & Expansion Cottingham & Butler is expanding with a new office in Des Moines, signaling ongoing growth and potential cross-state transfer of client workloads. This presents an opportunity to engage on regional coverage needs, office-based relationships, and localized risk management services for midwest clients.

Leadership Change appointment of a new president Mike Hessling suggests strategic pivots and renewed focus areas. Sales conversations can explore leadership-aligned initiatives, enterprise risk programs, and updated employee benefits strategies that accompany leadership transitions.

Technology Adoption Enterprise tech footprint includes AWS, Redshift, AI tools like ChatGPT and Vertex AI, and collaboration platforms. Leverage for selling next‑generation risk analytics, data-driven underwriting, and automated client servicing solutions to improve efficiency and outcomes.

Scale & Capabilities As the third largest privately held broker with a broad service scope in property & casualty and employee benefits, there is potential to cross-sell integrated risk solutions, benefit programs, and analytics to mid-market and regional insurers seeking independent brokers with scale.

Strategic Partnerships History of partnerships and alliances, including McLeod Express and Carlson Dettmann, indicates openness to collaboration. Opportunities exist to propose value-add distribution, consulting services, and exclusive benchmarking or discount programs for client networks.