Client-First Philosophy Propels Tennessee's RSS Insurance

Headquartered in Chattanooga, Tennessee, RSS Insurance follows a client-first philosophy. RSS Principal David Allen explains that delivering outstanding customer service starts with taking care of the agency’s own people.

“Our people come first, and they know that. Our number one asset is our staff, and our number two is our insurance carrier partners. We need to take care of those or we can’t begin to take care of our clients,” says David, explaining that the agency invests in continued education and offers an incentive program open to everyone in the organization. 

“We are a place for the driven person—the competitive person who wants to be the best,” he says. “We are excited to see people grow to levels they never thought possible.”

Tennessee Roots

RSS Insurance was officially founded in 1973, but its roots extend back to the 1930s due to the acquisition of different agencies over time. 

“We’ve become stronger through partnering and have been very fortunate to be part of numerous agency succession plans,” says Principal Trey Powell. 

In addition to acquisition, organic growth has fueled the agency’s expansion. 

“There’s no secret to success. You have to work hard and treat customers right. Our customers know we genuinely care about them and are working for what’s in their best interest over both the short and long term,” says David, adding that while technology has made connecting with customers easier, there is no substitute for personal interactions.

“Email is fine, but you have to take the time to meet people face to face and say, ‘How can I help you?’ Everyone here understands and believes in that,” he says.

RSS Insurance writes personal lines as well as a broad mix of commercial business, with a particular focus on service industries, manufacturing, and logistics. “We have 21 agents, and every agent tends to find a niche they like working in. That’s worked very well for us and we are going to continue encouraging that,” Trey says.

Looking Forward

Despite the agency’s growth and success, there’s no place for complacency at RSS Insurance.

“Our producers and our account managers have hit some really nice milestones this last year, but we’re ready to get out of our comfort zone. They’re ready to do some incredible things,” says David.

“There is also a lot a lot of talent in our industry that is going to retire in the next five years, and what a great opportunity for the next generation to step up,” says Trey. “We have a lot of folks in our roster, including some unbelievable young producers, who have gritted through the early years and are ready to do that.” 

“The world changes, the economy changes, and we always have to be thinking differently and open to doing things better, but putting the client first will never change for us,” David says. “As long as we continue to deliver excellent customer service and build exceptional relationships with our carrier partners, the rest will take care of itself.”