Upland Mutual Insurance, Inc. and Marysville Mutual Insurance Company

Two distinct companies with a single approach

 These two “friendly competitors” found themselves facing the same challenges in 2000. They each had an AS/400 and used the same software.  They knew they needed to update their computers and their software.  They researched “canned” software and realized they wanted new ideas to improve their operations plus were reminded how different the requirements were for a mutual property and casualty company – compared to a privately owned one.  Each had a goal of taking their business to the Web, but didn’t have the staff to accomplish that.

Chris Brown, President, and his staff at Upland Mutual (UMI) met initially with consultants from Mize Houser.  He recalls being asked why they did things as they did and from there rethinking how they wanted to work. Trent Moser, President, at Marysville Mutual (MMI) remembers the Mize Houser consultants pointing out the multiple databases being maintained - one for each line of insurance - with lots of policyholders’ names appearing in more than one.  They discussed how efficiency and reliability could be improved with a single database.  In some instances, their systems were developed together and in others they were customized.  Today the systems reflect the personalities of the companies and enable each to work smart and interact with their policyholders and independent agents in unique ways.

Brown and Moser agree that the design of their systems is superior to most of the packaged software they see.  Because they had the luxury of beginning with the end in mind, theirs works as a “whole system” – rather than the modules others offer that must try to “work together”.

Brown and Moser also agree there have been unexpected benefits from their relationship with Mize Houser.  Despite impressive growth since 2000, both companies have reduced their staffs significantly.  Remote access enables them to hire the best people – who may not live within commuting distance from their offices.  Disaster recovery is no longer a worry.  Probably most surprising have been the rave reviews they receive from the entities they report to – from the state insurance department to reinsurers and actuaries.  All compliment them on the data they have and the speed with which it is available.

Brown and Moser both expressed the mutual trust they feel with their Mize Houser teams.  In addition to collaborating to improve their business processes, they said the teams often question an approach – or offer another – to save development dollars. Moser said he feels like his Mize Houser team “has our best interest at heart”.  Brown said having the Mize Houser team relieves him of his previous worry about the “bus issue” - the impact of having his key IT staff person get hit by a bus!

While both said they would readily recommend Mize Houser to others, Brown offered this warning, “If you want cheap, go somewhere else – but if you want a quality analysis of your needs, contact Mize Houser.”

Upland Mutual Insurance, Inc.

Upland Mutual Insurance, Inc. was established in 1896 to provide Fire and Lightning Insurance to local farmers in the community of Upland, Kansas.  Today they have not only broadened their insurance products, but are now represented by over 200 independent insurance agencies throughout the state of Kansas. The mission at Upland Mutual Insurance, Inc. is to provide cost-effective financial security and exceptional customer service to traditional and niche Kansas markets. They are proud of their past and excited about the future.

Marysville Mutual Insurance Company

In 1888 a group formed a company for the purpose of providing themselves and the Marysville community with better fire insurance facilities. On January 2, 1956 the name of the company was changed to The Marysville Mutual Insurance Company and today, there are 230 agencies over the entire state of Kansas writing policies for Marysville Mutual. The Company offers Homeowner, Farmowner, Dwelling Fire, Farm Fire and Inland Marine coverage. The mission at Marysville Mutual is “To be a financially strong regional company providing a stable market for quality insurance products at a competitive price”.