Chesapeake Insurance Services was founded in 1990 by President Doug Kreuzberger, a graduate of Frostburg State University. Kreuzberger has 40 years of experience in the insurance industry, most of which he has spent as an agency owner. His firm entered a strategic partnership with PCF Insurance Services in 2021, and as part of the deal Kreuzberger became an owner and partner of PCF. Chesapeake — a commercial insurance specialist that also offers services in employee benefits, human resources consulting, life and disability and risk management — is one of multiple local insurance firms that are part of the PCF partner network. Its life and disability offerings range from estate planning and long-term care to family protection and business income.
How long have you worked in the insurance industry, and what did you do before working at your current firm?
I have 40 years in the industry, 35 of which as an agency owner. I worked in retail prior to joining the insurance industry.
Tell me about your role at your firm. What are your main responsibilities?
I am the primary producer for the firm, and my main responsibilities are agency growth planning and sales.
What is one of the most important professional lessons you’ve learned from your time in the industry?
Honesty and integrity are essential to longevity and success.
What do people get wrong about the insurance industry?
Pricing is less about individual loss experience and more about overall trends in the marketplace. Insurance pricing is cyclical.
What is a trend in the insurance industry that more people should be paying attention to? Why is it important?
The market for property insurance continues to harden due to industry-wide wildfire losses.
Carriers are getting off risks traditionally considered in low-hazard locations.
How can an insurance firm best empower their employees?
Provide a good work environment and give employees a clear understanding of their job description and authority. All of our employees, producers, and staff follow four fundamental principles I set forth when I founded the company: We care about the people we serve and their interests. We conduct ourselves with honesty and integrity with all dealings with our clients and our carriers. We serve our clients with courtesy and respect. We take pride in our work.
What are some notable trends regarding one of your firm’s specializations?
Employment-related claims have exploded in California and carriers are reacting with increased pricing and more skin in the game for employer (self-insured retentions average $75,000).
Employers need to pay attention to improving HR practices.
What is next for your firm?
Increased focus on organic growth.
