We Thought It Was Just Another Industry Event… Until They Called Our Name

So here’s a fun one—I’ve got a story for you.

Last week, my dad and I drove over to Atlanta for the SRS Client Symposium. Just a short ride from Birmingham, nothing fancy. We figured it’d be a good event—catch up with people, hear what others in the industry are doing, maybe pick up a few ideas.

We were not expecting to come home with an award.

Let me give you a little background. Strategic Risk Solutions—SRS—is the largest independent captive manager in the world. We’ve been working with them since 2013, and they’ve been a key partner for us in something that’s become a really important part of what we do.

At Kennion, we run a group health insurance program that’s designed specifically for small and mid-sized businesses that are tired of being stuck in the traditional insurance market. I’m talking about employers who’ve seen their premiums climb year after year with no end in sight—and not a lot to show for it.

That’s where the captive comes in.

Think of it like this: instead of paying big bucks to a traditional carrier and getting little control in return, qualifying employers can join our level-funded program, which is backed by a captive insurance company. Kennion runs the program, and SRS manages the captive itself. It’s not one-size-fits-all—but for the right kind of group, it opens up better options, more flexibility, and often, real savings.

So we’re at this symposium, sitting through sessions, having some good conversations, and they start announcing their 2025 Captivator Awards. These are awards SRS gives out to recognize organizations that are doing something innovative or impactful with captives. Next thing I know, they’re calling our name.

Totally unexpected.

Kennion won. And my dad, Hal, got up there to accept the award from Brady at SRS. That was a proud moment.

My dad’s been in this game for a long time—he started his first captive back in the ’90s. So to see him recognized in front of this group, by the biggest name in the captive world, was something special.

This award wasn’t about being flashy—it was about doing something that actually works. We’ve seen firsthand how this program can help smaller employers finally get off the hamster wheel of traditional insurance. It’s not for everyone, but for the right groups, it’s a total game changer.

We’re grateful. For the trust our clients have put in us. For good partners like SRS. And for a great team that shows up every day to help employers find a better way.