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We invite you to read the following case studies for real-life examples of our service.

 

Inspections Do Happen
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) conducted an inspection at Goose Island Beer Co., of Chicago, in 2003. As with most small companies, the inspection indicated that Goose Island needed a more formal safety program addressing OSHA regulations. The company requested information from Whalen Insurance who recommended its own Brewery Safety Consultant, Matt Stinchfield.

Matt has 20+ years working with regulatory agencies on industrial safety and health. He is an expert on OSHA's regulations particularly as they relate to small breweries. Additionally, he is a critically acclaimed homebrewer. Matt created the Brewery Safety Library, found on www.breweryinsurance.com. As the Whalen Brewery Insurance safety expert, his consulting services are available at a reduced rate to Whalen Brewery Insurance customers.

Matt conducted a comprehensive safety assessment for Goose Island and developed a formal program to meet OSHA's many detailed standards.

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Extra Value Added
Flat Branch Pub and Brewing, of Columbia, Missouri, was starting a large expansion project. The architect designing the expansion proposed a contract with an unusual clause. Essentially, the clause would eliminate the ability of Flat Branch to be fully compensated by the architect in the event of a design flaw creating a dangerous condition, no matter how severe.

Not being familiar with this unique clause, Sue Hamilton, Flat Branch's Business Manager, turned to Peter Whalen of Whalen Insurance. Peter researched the situation and provided Flat Branch with the information needed to renegotiate the contract on acceptable terms. In Sue's own words, "Peter Whalen really goes above and beyond when it comes to service. He knows so many people and so much about the industry that he's an excellent general resource."

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From the Beginning
There was no specialized brewery insurance program in 1987, when sister and brother team, Janet and Peter Egelston, started the Northampton Brewery, the second brewery in New England. Therefore, Peter and Janet requested business insurance quotes from several agencies. They selected Whalen Insurance, because of the manner in which Peter Whalen conducted business — learning everything he needed to know to recommend the right coverage for the best possible price and making the details easy to understand. The Egelstons were further impressed by Peter Whalen's clear enthusiasm for the microbrewery/brewpub concept. He became personally interested in their idea and immediately saw the possibilities for this emerging industry.

That is when Peter developed the specialized Whalen Brewery Insurance Program, the only one of its kind, and obtained the endorsement from the Association of Brewers.

In 1990, the Egelstons significantly expanded their operation by opening The Portsmouth Brewery in Portsmouth, NH. In 1994, sister company, The Smuttynose Brewery, opened its doors. In 2000, Peter and Janet bought each other out of their respective shares of the Northampton and Portsmouth Breweries, making Janet the sole owner of the Northampton Brewery and Peter the sole owner of the Portsmouth Brewery and majority owner of Smuttynose Brewing Company. Both businesses continue to grow, expand and prosper to this day.

Through all the years, success and changes, both Peter and Janet Egelston have continued with the Whalen Brewery Insurance Program. That's because they still get the right coverage at the best possible price, and superior service — all based on nearly 20 years of experience.

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Claims Facilitation Pays Off
Whalen Insurance is pleased to provide its clients with high quality, specialized claim service. A good example of this service is when a patron was injured at The Portsmouth Brewery in Portsmouth, NH. The claim settlement process was detailed and thorough with the adjustor taking an intelligent and knowledgeable view of the situation. In the end, the insurance adjustor settled the claim at a small fraction of the reserve that had been set — thus positively impacting The Portsmouth Brewery's next renewal.

When claim questions do arise, one of the most important things that an insurance agency can do is to help facilitate communication. Information is everything when an insurance adjustor is evaluating a claim -- and the insurance company, the claimant and the customer don't always speak the same language. The Whalen Insurance staff understands the needs and perspectives of all parties and can help the insurance company come to an accurate and fair conclusion.

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