2015 Trusted Advisers Insurance Agent: Tim Connell

Tim Connell has hopped in the car at a moment’s notice and answered phone calls in the middle of the night. Insurance claims don’t punch a clock.

“These can be game changers to a livelihood, and while we may not be the one cutting the check, we need to be responsive to their needs,” says Connell, president of Hollister-based Connell Insurance Inc., which won the 2013 Small Business Award from the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce and was named the 2012 Small Business of the Year by the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce.

Connell has been in the insurance business for more than 30 years, and the favorite thing about his job remains the opportunity to help people when they need it the most.

“We strive to bring value-added services and provide more than just an insurance-policy relationship,” he says. “I am fortunate that as president of the company, I get to try and help with steering the culture of our whole company in that we strive to over-serve our customers.”

For Connell, that means going beyond the expectations of clients, fellow employees and the community.

“Our company and my success have grown the more we give to all of these facets,” he says. “If we focus on these items and stay at the table for even the hard discussions, we find that we are rewarded for our investment even if it may just be sweat equity.”

Connell won’t take all the credit for his recognition as a trusted adviser. He says this is not his award, but more his team’s award.

“It takes all of us at this company pulling the same direction in order to be successful,” he says.

“I am fortunate to be in the role of president and even more fortunate to have a wonderful support team that allows me to still sell products for our company.”

Max Lytle, executive director of Developmental Connections, a resource for people with developmental disabilities and their families in Taney County, has had a relationship with Connell and his company since 2007.

“Connell has taken the initiative to search out well-established national carriers that provide affordable and effective insurance coverage,” Lytle says. “Connell Insurance has shown a real interest in meeting the needs of nonprofit and social services entities such as ours. The quality products, value-added services and consistent and reliable agents and support personnel have made a daunting and confusing subject for which we have great need but limited understanding and background in, a manageable component of our business operations.”

Connell is active with the Missouri Association of Independent Insurance Agents and is a current member and past board member of the Springfield chamber.

He serves the boards of the Branson chamber and Taney County Business Development Partnership, and he is a past recipient of the Rotarian of the Year award from the Branson/Hollister morning Rotary Club.