A Legacy Continues
The 2020s began in a time of uncertainty, but Hylant responded with resilience and care. Amid a global pandemic, the company grew by 3%, retained 96% of its clients, and didn’t furlough a single employee. That same spirit of unity and innovation continues to guide the decade forward.
New markets, new faces, and new ways of working have shaped this era—from the launch of the Hylant Global Alliance to the expansion into Mexico and the western United States. Hylant’s hybrid work model also allowed the company to attract top talent across the country, regardless of geography.
Inset: Bubba Berenzweig succeeded Mike Hylant as CEO. Center: the first graduating class of the Hylant MBA program. Top right: Hylant's Detroit, Michigan office relocated, including an iconic "Bar Hylant" space.
Spotlight:
Moments That Mattered
Key Milestones:
- 2020: Celebrated 85 years of business.
- Global pandemic response: 96%+ client retention and no employee furloughs
- CEO transition in 2022: Mike Hylant retired; Bubba Berenzweig became CEO.
- Hylant Global Alliance was formed, led by Sherry Gonzalez, expanding international reach.
- Hylant's first international office opened in Mexico in 2023, led by Gerardo Rebollar.
- Shift to regional leadership and business solutions structure in 2023, including Regional CEOs Clay Jennings, Chris Godley and Brian Boone; COO of Small Business Matt Hylant; COO of Employee Benefits Mark Nixon; CEO of Specialty Services Pat McDaniel; CEO of Emerging Markets, Dave Norris and COO of Emerging Markets, Shannon Orr.
- The Hylant MBA Program was established in 2023.
- The Hylant Risk Management Certificate program was launched in partnership with Butler University.
Photos and Mementos from the 2020s
Clockwise: Hylant heavily supported clients during the pandemic, including innumerable webinars, emails and blogs. Orlando employees enjoy Top Golf together. The website got a significant rebuild and rebrand in 2023. Celebrating Nancy Kozikowski's retirement! Hylant Columbus' chili cook-off judges.
Clockwise: Fort Wayne office remodel, 2023. Bubba Berenzweig celebrated with employees at the Detroit Open House. Columbus EB Ladies Happy Hour. Indianapolis/Bloomington Pillars of Service Awards Dinner. Pat Sullivan and Clay Jennings served up pancakes in Fort Wayne.
Recognizing 40+ Years at Hylant
Hylant is proud to recognize nine employees and retirees who have each dedicated over 40 years of service, contributing their time, talent, and insight. Their long-standing commitment and expertise have been invaluable in shaping Hylant’s success and fostering a strong, enduring company culture.
- Donna Ameling - 43 years
- Debbie Fischer - 40 years
- Jeannie Hylant - 45 years
- Mike Hylant - 42 years
- Pat Hylant Sr. - 55 years
- Steve Hylant - 50 years
- Bob Kelleher - 42 years
- Linda Rowe - 46 years
- Cheryl Tatkowski - 43 years
What Was Happening
In Insurance
- COVID-19 Business Interruption Insurance: The pandemic sparked disputes over business interruption claims, with insurers often denying coverage unless physical property damage was shown. Some courts sided with policyholders, acknowledging that COVID-19 could lead to physical loss.
- Blue Cross Blue Shield Antitrust Settlement (2020): Blue Cross Blue Shield reached a $2.7 billion settlement in an antitrust case, introducing measures to boost competition among member plans, enhancing consumer choices and prices.
- Competitive Health Insurance Reform Act (2020): This act partially repealed the McCarran-Ferguson Act, eliminating antitrust immunity for health insurers to foster competition and curb monopolistic practices.
- Climate Change and Catastrophe Insurance: The rise in natural disasters has increased demand for catastrophe insurance, prompting insurers to include climate risk assessments in their underwriting.
Around the World
- COVID-19 Pandemic & Global Response: A historic health crisis that redefined work, healthcare, travel, and public policy worldwide.
- Remote Work & Digital Tools: Platforms like Zoom, Slack, and Microsoft Teams became essential, accelerating the remote work revolution.
- AI Breakthroughs (e.g., ChatGPT): Generative AI reshaped industries, education, and creativity, sparking debate about ethics, labor, and regulation.
- Ukraine War (2022– ): Russia’s invasion of Ukraine had global ripple effects on energy, security, and international alliances.
- Climate Extremes & Renewable Push: – Record-breaking wildfires, floods, and heatwaves drove urgent investment in clean energy and sustainability.
- Social Movements & Political Shifts: Ongoing activism around racial justice, gender equity, and democracy shaped national and global discourse.
Pillars of Our Past: A Tribute to Longstanding Team Members
As we mark 90 years of growth, it is a great time to recognize some of Hylant's retired employees whose dedication and longevity helped lay the groundwork for the company we are today. Team members, including Pat Bates, Patty Dabrowski, Susan Dawley, Susan Diehr, Dawn Heckerd, Ed Konicki, Tim Laney, Jan Larkins, Kyle Latham, Rosie Menes, Denny Michel, Lin Wenberg, Dwight Wittenberg, Marla Wholf and Karen Ziegler each spent decades with us, establishing Hylant’s standards and bringing stability, care, and excellence to their roles.
Whether guiding teams or supporting daily operations, they helped shape the Hylant “family first” culture and ensured our success through times of change. Their legacy lives on in the strong foundation they helped build and in the values we hold dear. Our heartfelt thanks to this amazing group!
Video Highlights
A Bold New Chapter
As Hylant celebrates 90 years of service, innovation, and purpose, we honor our past and embrace the future. With deep roots and bold vision, Hylant continues to lead with heart—investing in people, technology, and culture to build what’s next.
The Road Ahead
Leadership and Fourth Generation Evolution: A new generation of leaders has emerged, with Nick Hylant named Market President of Cleveland and Daniel Hylant, Jr. named Market President of Indianapolis. Their vision and values will carry forward Hylant’s legacy of trust and service. Additional fourth-generation family members are further strengthening the firm’s capabilities across M&A and Transaction Solutions, commercial sales and service, employee benefits leadership, data and business intelligence, and corporate marketing.
Hylant Toyotsu: The launch of Hylant Toyotsu Insurance Services—a joint venture with Toyota Tsusho—expands insurance and risk management solutions for Japanese businesses operating in the U.S.
Digital Transformation: Hylant is at the forefront of innovation with AI-powered risk management tools and advanced data analytics, enabling clients to make smarter, faster decisions.
Sustainability & Corporate Responsibility: Environmental stewardship and community support remain key pillars of Hylant’s culture. New programs have been launched to support long-term sustainability goals.
Who’s Who in the Hylant Family: Gen 4 & Gen 5
Hylant began with Edward P. Hylant in 1935. By 1946, the company was led by his only son, Robert E. Hylant. The third generation, or Gen 3, is comprised of Robert's nine children. For the next generation, Gen 4, there are 11 family members currently working for the company.
Gen 4
Bubba Berenzweig, Allison Hylant, Andrea Hylant, Courtney Hylant, Dan Hylant, Jr., Jack Hylant, Matt Hylant, Nick Hylant, Rachel Lake, Brendan McHugh, Sarah Tracy
Gen 5 now also has a member. Will Hylant, grandson of Patrick Hylant, Sr., joined the company in 2022!
Return to Full Timeline
Thank you for celebrating 90 years with us. Keep exploring to discover more from our history.