Results
We invite
you to read the following case studies for real life examples
of our service.
Inspections Do Happen
Extra Value Added
From the Beginning
Claims Facilitation Pays Off
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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