Building a Legacy
The 2000s were marked by purposeful growth and meaningful culture. Through a series of strategic acquisitions, Hylant continued to expand its footprint, strengthening offices in Ann Arbor, Chicago, Fort Wayne, Grand Rapids, Indianapolis, and Nashville. As the company reached new markets and introduced enhanced services, Hylant’s people-first philosophy remained at the center of everything.
During this decade, leadership transitioned as Mike Hylant assumed the role of CEO, and Patrick R. Hylant became Chairman of the Board. With more than $500 million in premiums by the end of the decade, Hylant was not only growing—but thriving.
Hylant moved to new headquarters at 811 Madison Ave. Top right: Mike Hylant was named CEO in 2008.
Spotlight:
Moments That Mattered
Key Milestones:
- 2000: Hylant Group ranked 43rd largest U.S. broker by Business Insurance based on 1999 revenue.
- Continued expansion through acquisitions in multiple markets.
- Mike Hylant named CEO; Patrick R. Hylant becomes Chairman.
- Premiums reach an all-time high of $500 million.
- 2004: Hylant moves to new headquarters at 811 Madison Avenue.
- Offices that opened: Fort Wayne, 2000; Indianapolis, 2001; Ann Arbor, 2000 (with Dobson McComber acquisition in 2005); Bloomington, 2002; Grand Rapids, 2006; Nashville, 2007.
Awards & Recognition:
- 2009: Hylant named a Best Place to Work in Insurance—a recognition that would continue for many years to follow.
The People Who Shaped the 2000s
Pat Hylant
Joined in 1970
Transitioned to Chairman; long-time steward of Hylant's legacy
Mike Hylant
Joined in 1983
Became CEO; continued to drive growth and culture
Craig Markos
Joined in 1993
Served as a Market President and Regional Leader, then President of Property & Casualty
Bill Pridgeon
Joined in 1994
Instrumental in Hylant's growth first as Controller, then CFO, eventually becoming President
Photos and Mementos from the 2000s
Clockwise: Brochure celebrating Hylant's move into 811 Madison Avenue, aka the LOF Building. Pat Hylant was named Entrepreneur of the Year by Ernst & Young. Richard Hylant and family in 2007. Pat with daughter Jackie at her wedding to Bubba Berenzweig.
Clockwise: From Better to Best Article, 2007, with John McDermott and Bill Buckley. Hylant donation to the American Red Cross. Hylant employees who participated in the 2009 American Heart Walk. Insurance Journal article in 2009, featuring Mike Hylant on the cover.
Revisit the 2000s at Hylant through Snapshots from the Archives!
What Was Happening
In Insurance
- Terrorism Risk Insurance Act (TRIA) 2002: Established a federal backstop for insurance claims related to terrorism after 9/11.
- Hurricane Katrina (2005): Resulted in over $41 billion in insured losses, making it one of the costliest U.S. natural disasters.
- Enron Scandal (2001): This accounting scandal significantly impacted the insurance industry, particularly for companies insuring Enron’s operations.
- HCA/Medicare Fraud (2000-2002): HCA guilty of 14 felonies, resulting in over $1.7 billion in fines for fraudulent Medicare billing.
Around the World
- 9/11 Attacks: The terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, changed the world.
- War on Terror: The U.S. invaded Afghanistan (2001) and Iraq (2003).
- Hurricane Katrina: The 2005 disaster devastated New Orleans.
- iPhone: Introduced by Apple in 2007, revolutionizing mobile technology.
- Great Recession: The 2008 financial crisis led to a global economic downturn.
- Barack Obama: Elected as the first African American president in 2008.
Continue the Journey
Continue the journey and explore Hylant's evolution into the 2010s and beyond.