Minneapolis, MN – December 20, 2023 Minnesota Emerging Software Advisory (MESA), a non-profit, pro bono mentoring organization inspired to make Minnesota’s software economy rank among the most vibrant and respected in the nation, is announcing its eighth foundation partner – Brown & Brown.
Brown & Brown is one of the largest and most respected insurance brokerages in the world, providing risk management solutions to preserve and protect what’s most important to their customers. In the Twin Cities, Brown & Brown’s presence is significant. Formerly the Hays Companies, the Minneapolis office has close to 400 employees with deep expertise in Property Casualty, Employee Benefits, 401K and Personal Lines.
Brown & Brown’s team is built to deliver innovative solutions and superior service. No matter where a business is on its growth journey, Brown & Brown will help find solutions to meet evolving insurance and risk management needs. From individual entrepreneurs to emerging startups to complex multinational companies, Brown & Brown provides experienced teams and expertise to help every step of the way.
“We’re excited to welcome Brown & Brown as a new foundation partner – the 4th so far this year,” said Jim Moar, MESA President. “Brown & Brown is excited to support MESA’s mission of growing a vibrant software community in Minnesota and we’re delighted to welcome them to our growing community.”
Based out of Florida, Brown & Brown acquired the Hays Companies in 2018. Already a leader in the Twin Cities and Minnesota since 1994, the Hays Companies brought a depth of experience along with specialty expertise and intellectual capital in many areas, including executive risk and cyber divisions. Now with Brown & Brown, they offer over 80 years of experience with nearly 15,000 employees and are the 6th largest independent brokerage in the nation. With a robust Twin Cities office, Brown & Brown delivers the full range of insurance and services to growing businesses, corporations, government institutions, professional organizations, trade associations, families and individuals.
“My colleagues and I believe there are great opportunities for the Twin Cities to be another key hub for software,” explained Tommy Moe, Client Advisor at Brown & Brown. “We’re excited to work with entrepreneurs and small companies that have great ideas but may not have all the resources in-house to do everything they need.”
MESA’s track record and pro bono approach to coaching founders/CEOs sparked Brown & Brown’s interest. As an organization, size is not a factor in serving clients, and Brown & Brown prides itself on delivering the time, energy and equal resources to smaller firms.
“We’re very excited about what MESA is doing to support software entrepreneurs with mentoring,” Tommy continued. “It’s an honor to be a part of such an organization.”
Brown & Brown is MESA’s eighth partner organization and joins existing partners RSM LLC, Wise IT Consulting, Modern Logic, Saul Ewing, TriNet, Cherry Tree Associates, and O8.
About MESA
Minnesota Emerging Software Advisory (MESA) is a non-profit mentoring organization whose mission is to make Minnesota’s software community among the most vibrant by providing C-level pro bono mentoring for CEOs of emerging software companies. MESA offers a deep bench of experienced software industry executives from a wide spectrum of disciplines, matching these volunteer mentors with early-stage startups to meet their specific growth needs.
MESA has mentored more than 82 emerging software companies in Minnesota. Graduates from the MESA mentoring program have gone on to achieve new levels of success. Of the 38 MESA graduates to date, 21 have had major capital events – either a significant capital raise, acquisition, or IPO, and thousands of jobs have been created. For more information, visit https://www.mesagroup.org/
About Brown & Brown
Brown & Brown, Inc. is the sixth largest independent insurance brokerage in the nation, providing risk management solutions to help protect customers’ value most. Comprised of four business segments, Retail, National Programs, Wholesale Brokerage, and Services, offer insurance products and services to businesses, corporations, governmental institutions, professional organizations, trade associations, families, and individuals.
The Brown & Brown culture is built on integrity, innovation, superior capabilities, and discipline. The firm looks at insurance differently and uses its experience, carrier relationships, and principled customer focus to deliver superior service and solutions. With more than 80 years of proven success, Brown & Brown is one of the industry’s most powerful and influential leaders. https://www.bbinsurance.com
