Delivering for Small-Cap Clients Overlooked by Big Firms
In this episode of The SPAC Podcast, Chaz, founder of Churchwell, explains what sets his firm apart from the big-name insurance agencies like Lockton, Marsh, and Aon.
While large agencies focus their attention on billion-dollar companies, Churchwell specializes in small- to mid-cap public companies, the very clients who often feel overlooked despite spending millions in premiums. Chaz shares how Churchwell’s attorney-led approach ensures policy wording is negotiated precisely, preventing carriers from slipping in exclusions that could deny coverage.
He also highlights a powerful personal mission: Churchwell donates 10% of profits to fight veteran suicide, partnering with the Mighty Oaks Foundation to directly support those in need. For clients, this means partnering with a firm that not only protects leadership teams with best-in-class D&O coverage but also invests in saving lives.
Connect with the Guest:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chazchurchwell/
View all of their episodes here:
https://www.thespacpodcast.com/guests/chaz
Connect with the Hosts & The SPAC Podcast:
Michael Blankenship LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeblankenship/
Joshua Wilson LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuabrucewilson/
YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@Thespacpodcast
Contact The SPAC Podcast:
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The views, opinions, and statements expressed by the guest are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of The SPAC Podcast, its hosts, or affiliated organizations. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment, legal, tax, or accounting advice.
Disclaimers:
The views, opinions, and statements expressed by the guest are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of The SPAC Podcast, its hosts, or affiliated organizations. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment, legal, tax, or accounting advice.
Michael J. Blankenship is a licensed attorney and is a partner at Winston & Strawn LLP. Joshua Wilson is a licensed Florida real estate broker and holds FINRA Series 79 and Series 63 licensure. The content of this podcast is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be interpreted as legal, financial, or compliance advice. The views and opinions expressed by the hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policies or positions of any regulatory agency, law firm, employer, or organization.
Listeners are encouraged to consult their own legal counsel, compliance professionals, or financial advisors to ensure adherence to applicable laws and regulations, including those enforced by the SEC, FINRA, and other regulatory bodies. This podcast does not constitute a solicitation, offer, or recommendation of any financial products, securities transactions, or legal services.
Let’s Connect on LinkedIn:
👉 Michael J. Blankenship - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeblankenship/
👉 ...
Mike Blankenship:
So what distinguishes Churchwell from some of the big-name agencies?
Chaz:
It’s actually really simple. You can’t be all things to all people. The big firms, Lockton, Marsh, Aon, they’re excellent at what they do, but if your market cap is under $1B, you’re not really a priority. Even if you’re paying $1M in premiums, you don’t get the attention you expect.
That’s where we come in. In fact, some of those big firms refer clients to us because they know we’ll spend the time to negotiate pricing and policy wording. And policy wording is where we really add value. As an attorney, I know words matter. Something as small as adding the word “alleged” in a wrongful acts exclusion could allow a carrier to deny coverage. We fight to make sure that doesn’t happen, and that our clients’ leadership teams are fully protected.
Beyond that, we have a mission that matters to me personally. As a veteran, I take 10% of our profit from public D&O and donate it to the fight against veteran suicide through the Mighty Oaks Foundation. Just last month, we flew two veterans to a ranch in Central Texas to get life-saving support.
That combination, expert policy work plus a mission-driven culture, is what makes Churchwell different.
Chaz Churchwell
Founder & Principal
Chaz is a ~20 year industry veteran and U.S. Army Reserve veteran. He holds membership with the Professional Liability Underwriting Society, and is regularly asked to speak internationally on insurance coverages/trends for public companies. With a BA from the University of North Texas and an MA in Apologetics from BIOLA University, his commitment to excellence is evident. Establishing Churchwell Insurance Agency in 2014, Chaz and team are now serving over 1,200 clients.
Specializing in executive liability insurance, he’s on track for the prestigious ExecPLP designation. Chaz and his team prioritize personalized solutions, adeptly navigating complex financial scenarios. Beyond work, he values investing time in family, fitness, and faith. He loves supporting his daughter’s basketball pursuits and continues to hope for a Cowboys’ Super Bowl return, despite renewed disappointment every season. Chaz’s favorite charity is The Mighty Oaks Foundation that fights veteran suicide, by bringing veterans who are suicidal and their spouse in to a no-cost program to find purpose and save that vet’s life. A portion of agency profits goes to fight for the lives of those who risked their lives to fight for us.