A Decade of Unprecedented Growth
The 1990s launched Hylant into a new era of expansion and national recognition. Under the leadership of Patrick R. Hylant, the company grew rapidly, establishing new office locations in Ann Arbor, Chicago, Cincinnati, Columbus, Fort Wayne, Grand Rapids, Indianapolis, and Nashville. With this incredible growth came national recognition—by the end of the decade, Hylant was officially ranked among the Top 50 Independent Insurance Brokers in the United States.
This decade also brought innovation and diversification, including the creation of Hylant Administrative Services in 1994 and the company’s first franchise insurance program developed by Jeannie Hylant in 1993.
Hylant moved its headquarters to 1505 Jefferson Ave. Top right: Jeannie Hylant and Steve Hylant at a service awards dinner.
Spotlight:
Moments That Mattered
Key Milestones at Hylant
- 1991: Hylant had gross revenues of $9,450,000 and employed 89 people in three offices.
- 1991: According to the Business Insurance list of the 100 largest U.S. brokers, Hylant-Maclean Inc. ranked 85th.
- 1993: Jeannie Hylant launched the franchise insurance program.
- 1993: Jeff Sanders opened Hylant-McCloy Inc. in Columbus, Ohio.
- 1994: Hylant Administrative Services (HAS) was formed.
- 1995: Hylant transitioned from typewriters to computers.
- 1997: Richard Hylant became President of the Toledo office.
- 1997: Jeff Sanders opened Hylant-Maclean Cincinnati, Ohio.
- 1999: Revenues exceeded $28,000,000, and the employee count was 280+.
- 1999: The official company name was changed to Hylant Group.
Voices from the Past
The '90s were when we realized we weren’t just growing—we were becoming a name to know in the industry. But no matter how big we got, we stayed connected to our roots.
Jeff Sanders
President of Hylant-McCloy (Columbus)
The 90s were a rocket launch. Every new office was a new opportunity, and we built each one with care, community, and consistency.
Patrick R. Hylant
Hylant CEO during the 1990s
The '90s were when we realized we weren’t just growing—we were becoming a name to know in the industry. But no matter how big we got, we stayed connected to our roots.
Jeff Sanders
President of Hylant-McCloy (Columbus)
The 90s were a rocket launch. Every new office was a new opportunity, and we built each one with care, community, and consistency.
Patrick R. Hylant
Hylant CEO during the 1990s
The People Who Shaped the 1990s
Jeannie Hylant
Joined in 1980
Launched Hylant's first franchise insurance program
Jeff Sanders
Joined in 1990
Expanded Hylant's footprint to include offices in Columbus, Ohio, and Cincinnati, Ohio
Richard Hylant
Joined in 1997
Named President of Toledo office; led national growth
Bill Buckley
Joined in 1989
Provided leadership during the growth of the '90s, eventually becoming COO.
Photos and Mementos from the '90s
Clockwise: A 1990 Hylant-MacLean brochure. An ad for the Cleveland office in the '90s. Christi Stichter and Bob Kelleher at a 1996 service awards dinner. Photo of a typical meeting featured in a Hylant brochure.
Clockwise: Hylant-McCloy Columbus Picnic 1997. Mike Hylant and John Gallagher. Scott Stewart at a service awards dinner. Ladies' Pool Party circa 1996, including Becky Swisher!
Memories from the '90s: Hylant Family
Sadly, the family mourned together the loss of Polly Hylant-Tracy in 1990, after her battle with breast cancer. The Hylant-Tracy families established "Pollyball," an annual fundraiser in her memory. The event still happens to this day and has raised more than $1.5 million for breast cancer education and early detection programs through the YWCA.
Awards and Recognition:
- Hylant was named one of the Top 50 Independent Insurance Brokers in the U.S.
- The company was recognized nationally for excellence in risk management and client service.
The Launch of Hylant Administrative Services
Founded in 1994 by Frank McKain, Bill Pridgeon, and Scott Lindsey, Hylant Administrative Services (HAS) was established to provide innovative, alternative risk financing solutions for public entities across the Midwest. Today, under the leadership of President Mike Ugljesa, HAS has grown into a trusted program manager serving cities, counties, schools, libraries, and other public-sector clients with a full range of services—from underwriting and claims to financial management and risk consulting.
HAS supports key programs such as Ohio Plan Risk Management, Ohio School Plan, and Astra Insurance. Its long-standing relationships with respected risk partners and commitment to consistent, client-focused service have made HAS a vital part of Hylant’s success.
Retro Rewind: Relive the '90s in Hylant Snapshots!
What Was Happening
In Insurance
- Introduction to Cyber Insurance: As internet usage expanded, insurers started offering policies to protect against cyber risks and data breaches, with Hylant placing its first cyber policy in 1996.
- Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs): HMOs transformed health insurance by focusing on cost control and preventive care.
- Insurance Availability and Affordability Task Force: Following the 1992 Los Angeles riots, the NAIC established this task force to improve insurance access and affordability, especially in urban areas.
- Risk-Based Capital (RBC) Regime: Initiated in 1993, the RBC regime required insurance companies to hold more capital based on their risk exposure, helping to prevent insolvency and identify weak companies.
- Domestic Violence and Unfair Insurance Practices: In 1994, the NAIC took steps to combat discriminatory insurance practices, particularly against women with a history of domestic violence, promoting fairer access to health insurance.
Around the World
- Internet Boom: The World Wide Web became widely accessible.
- Bill Clinton: Elected president in 1992 and re-elected in 1996.
- O.J. Simpson Trial: The 1995 trial captivated the nation.
- Grunge Music: Bands like Nirvana and Pearl Jam defined the decade.
- Y2K Scare: Fears of a computer glitch at the turn of the millennium.
- Dot-com Bubble: The rise and fall of internet companies.
- Harry Potter: The first book was published in 1997, starting a global phenomenon.
- NAFTA: The North American Free Trade Agreement was signed in 1994.
- Titanic: The 1997 film became one of the highest-grossing movies of all time.
Continue the Journey
Continue the journey and explore Hylant's evolution into the 2000s and beyond.