MEETING OF LIKE MINDS
new offering that we can bring to scale nationally , especially because it fits in perfectly with what we do .
CR : Ingrid , how did you come to the decision that HUB was the right partner to continue MWIS ’ legacy ?
Ingrid Merriwether : The first step was deciding that in order to grow and expand our reach we had to find a strategic partner . […] After making an unsuccessful [ to keep our company minority-owned ], I had to look at what was more important – that we remain this “ specific status ” or that we bring our unique solutions that enable opportunities for more businesses , small businesses and diverse businesses to a larger platform ?
[… I was impressed by ] HUB ’ s approach and structure of investing in communitybased firms and helping them grow , expand and scale rather than trying to change them to become some
Ingrid Merriwether , founder and former CEO of Merriwether & Williams Insurance Services ( MWIS ) and current President of Aligned Risk Management , HUB International
homogenous model . That was number one – because I wanted to find a strategic partner who values our independence in our communities and our relationships in our communities , as this is obviously critically important to our work .
[… Also ,] I ’ ve always said that in our work , authenticity is paramount . You cannot do what we do in an inauthentic way – transparency is essential . [ HUB ’ s ] authenticity came across initially and in every meeting I had , including with everyone beyond Darren . I spent time on HUB ’ s website finding ways in which HUB was already in the diversity equity and inclusion ( DEI ) space which really resonated strongly with me – it wasn ’ t the commercial marketingspeak that some companies put out just because they think they have to have something out there about it , but which isn ’ t actually integrated in any meaningful way within their company and how they conduct business .
[… All of my interactions with HUB ] gave me the confidence that the legacy and impact of our work would be invested in , would expand , grow and continue – and that was really my
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