OUR HISTORY

Jerry Sihle founded Sihle Insurance Group in 1974 with the commitment to treat customers, employees, and companies with respect. From his dedication to people, he grew his insurance agency into one of the leading agencies in Florida.

Jerry grew up in Detroit, MI. He was the first in his family to attend college, graduating from Michigan State University in 1956 with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. In the same year, he began working at Standard Accident in Detroit. His work was put on hold two years later, when he was drafted by the U.S. Army, but he returned to Standard Accident, working in their Surety Department from 1961 to 1963.

He moved on from Standard Accident to work for Travelers from 1963 to 1969 as Assistant Manager in their Surety Department. Jerry then went to work as a bond manager for Safeco from 1970 to 1974. He started Safeco’s Surety Department in Florida.

It was in 1974 that Jerry officially began his own business. With three kids, a spouse, and a mortgage, he took the leap into starting a new insurance agency. He took almost 20 years of experience and began a new chapter in his career. He initially partnered with John Williamson, forming the agency Sihle & Williamson. The business name was later changed to Sihle Insurance Group when other agencies were bought and insurance services expanded to include Business, Home, Auto, and Benefits.

Over the years, Jerry demonstrated his commitment to people. He added like-minded producers, paying some of the highest commissions in the industry and giving them equity in the business. Sihle Insurance Group has become one of the largest privately held agencies in Florida with an extremely bright future because Jerry had a people-first attitude about business.

There have been many agencies come and go, but Jerry kept his commitment to the employees, producers, and companies who have helped Sihle Insurance Group grow to where it is today. With 10 locations and over 200 people, Jerry’s model for success remains as strong as ever. Departments and branches have the right mix of leaders, and there is a strong profit sharing plan. These positives allow Sihle Insurance Group to attract the best talent looking to achieve the best quality of life for themselves and their families. That speaks volumes about how Jerry was able to put people first from the start, and Sihle Insurance Group continues to do so. Just ask our employees, producers, and companies how Jerry’s commitment to them has been both beneficial and rewarding.