Lighthouse creates programs for specific classes of business in collaboration with the national trade association that represents the targeted industry. "We then market our programs to the specific industry class through a distribution network of more than 1,900 contracted agents and brokers," says Seifert. "Our Web site, www.lighthousecompanies.com, has our broker questionnaire and our broker agreement available to download. The Web site has program descriptions, submission requirements, applications and program guides. Agents will also find a complete e-mail directory containing addresses for all Lighthouse associates."

Lighthouse programs include:

* Eldercare - including nursing homes, assisted living, independent living and home health care agencies

* StaffPak - including PEOs (professional employer organizations), ASOs (administrative services organizations), temp staffing, permanent staffing and contract staffing

* Take 1 - including audiovisual equipment rental companies, satellite uplink, entertainment and production companies

* LPL - including lawyers professional liability, insurance agents E&O, and tech firms

* Nonprofit - including D&O and package

According to Seifert, Lighthouse is in the process of rolling out two new programs. "We have moved our assisted living program to Markel and are excited to have Markel as a partner. In addition, we are rolling out a new insurance agents and brokers E&O/EPLI program for agencies with $3 million to $15 million in revenue." Seifert believes there is significant market dislocation for large, sophisticated regional agents seeking E&O/EPLI. "We are teaming with Gold Seal, an Australian risk management/best practices company that has captured over 80% of the Australian market in the last 10 years. We believe there is great power in combining proven risk management with specialty insurance products."

Lighthouse also has a loss control/risk management business called Currituck Risk Services. "Currituck provides captive formation consulting, claims management consulting and reserve certification in addition to loss control services," says Seifert.

Lighthouse likes to add value with its expertise, Seifert notes. "We participate in industry-specific trade shows, and we regularly provide articles to industry trade and insurance periodicals. We also work with state and federal legislators to assist our industry partners in their lobbying efforts.

"Our mission can be summarized in four words," continues Seifert. "Those words are: people, product, partners and profit. We have a people-first culture. We seek to build products that independent agents can feel confident presenting to their clients. We partner with insurance companies and agents in a collaborative effort to bring value to the insurance transaction, and we employ underwriting discipline in an effort to make an underwriting profit for our risk-sharing partners."