Troxell's Business Is Built on Education, Advocacy, and Protection

For over 130 years, Troxell has been all about trust. “Our customers trust our employees; they trust our risk advisors; they trust Troxell. In a difficult situation when things are bad, they know that people at Troxell come through for them,” says Michael Aiello, President.

That trust is built on the agency’s mission, which promises customers that the agency will “Educate, advocate, and protect you.”

“The insurance industry and insurance products are always changing, so we work to educate and protect both ourselves and our clients,” says Alysse Aiello Hewell, Marketing and Account Executive. “And when a claim happens, we do what we have to do to make sure everything is right for our customers.”

Customers First

Headquartered today in Springfield, Illinois, Troxell was founded in 1887. Today the agency has grown to more than 145 employees who share a common focus.

“Our goal is to help put people back to where they were before a loss,” Michael says. “They work hard, they play hard, but they always make sure that the customer comes first.”

Troxell believes that getting to know customers takes face-to-face communication. Although COVID has changed the agency’s approach to that, it hasn’t changed its commitment to building those one-on-one relationships. Meeting with customers virtually has also opened the door to new opportunity.

“We now know we can sell to and service customers anywhere by reaching out through virtual technology,” says Todd Sowle, Chief Operating Officer. “Prospects and customers probably wouldn’t have been as responsive to that approach without all the changes that have taken place over the last year.”

Troxell writes a mix of personal and commercial lines P&C business as well as life/health and employee benefits, and offers human resources consulting and training services as well. In commercial lines, construction is a key area of focus for the agency, which also writes a large number of restaurants, hospitality businesses, and municipalities.

The agency also strives to give back to the community. “We have a wonderful group of people, including a great group of owners who have really instilled into our culture how important it is to not only get to know your customers, but get involved in the community,” says Alysse. 

Guided by the agency’s Community Involvement Committee, Troxell sponsors many local events and finds ways throughout the year to support community and charitable organizations. “We strive to be servant leaders,” Alysse says.

Future Focus

The agency has several offices throughout Illinois as well as St. Louis, Missouri, and Tampa, Florida, and is constantly looking to expand into new regions. The agency’s growth strategy also involves bringing on new talent and making sure they have the opportunity to move up in the agency, including eventually to an ownership role.

“We have no desire to sell—we’re always looking for opportunities and agency acquisitions to keep us local,” Alysse says. Most important, Troxell’s growth strategy will focus on finding new and innovative ways to focus on the education, advocacy, and protection that have come to define the agency.