We strive to make the entire process painless for our clients, allowing them to focus on what matters most—running their businesses and living their lives: Rob Squatriglia of Summit Insurance Group, Inc.

“We pride ourselves on our thoroughness, looking for details that others might miss. This meticulous approach ensures that we provide comprehensive and effective coverage solutions.”

Rob Squatriglia, President of Summit Insurance Group, Inc., began his journey in the insurance industry in 1989 initially working in his hometown of Conway, SC. The region was sparsely populated, but Rob committed to a five-year stint there before moving to Charlotte, NC, with his wife, Lisa, to start their own insurance agency. They launched Summit Insurance Group from a modest 1,100-square-foot, two-bedroom apartment, where their 3-year-old daughter, Morgan, slept on a mat in the office. Despite being seven months pregnant with their son, Jim, Rob and Lisa relied on a strong work ethic and faith to guide them. Over time, they moved into a house, then a business condo, and finally settled in their current Huntersville, NC location in 2002. Starting with just one carrier, Summit Insurance now represents over 60 carriers, employs a team of 20+, and has grown to be the 15th largest agency in the Charlotte-area market.

The Silicon Review contacted Mr. Squatriglia for an interview, and here’s what he had to say.

Interview Highlights

In what ways does Summit Insurance prioritize simplifying the insurance process for its clients,

Q. and how does this commitment contribute to the agency’s operational philosophy?

At Summit Insurance, our commitment to simplifying the insurance process is rooted in the Golden Rule: treat others as you wish to be treated. This principle shapes our approach to handling a diverse range of insurance needs, both business and personal.

We start by asking comprehensive underwriting questions to ensure we provide the right coverage from the beginning. Our proactive approach includes regularly updating clients’ policies to accommodate their evolving needs, making the process seamless and allowing clients to focus on their priorities.

Education is key to our philosophy. We guide clients through their coverage options, risks, and protection strategies, empowering them to make informed decisions.

Q. How does Summit Insurance integrate personable and professional service to help clients through the process of assessing and sustaining the most suitable insurance coverage for their individual requirements?

We take a holistic approach to serving our clients, focusing on both business and personal insurance needs. Our goal is to understand the entire picture: the business, the people behind it, and their aspirations. By gaining a comprehensive view, we can provide tailored advice and support to help them reach their goals.

We pride ourselves on our proactive role in the claims process, conducting thorough mid-term policy reviews, and discussing critical, sometimes overlooked, coverages. Additionally, we address estate and business planning needs, offering life insurance funding mechanisms and other strategies to ensure long-term security. By positioning ourselves as professional partners and risk managers, not just insurance providers, we help our clients navigate their challenges and seize opportunities.

We are dedicated to their success, offering guidance and support every step of the way, ensuring they have the comprehensive protection and peace of mind they deserve. Whether it’s safeguarding their business or personal assets, our personalized and professional service commitment ensures that our clients are always our top priority.

Q. How does Summit Insurance differentiate itself in the competitive insurance market, particularly in terms of its commitment to personalized service and client-centric approach?

We prioritize educating our clients about their coverage options, potential risks, and strategies to protect their businesses and personal assets. At the same time, our advisors are the most knowledgeable and helpful in the industry through ongoing education and training.

We pride ourselves on our thoroughness, looking for details that others might miss. This meticulous approach ensures that we provide comprehensive and effective coverage solutions. Our attention to detail allows us to uncover risks and opportunities that might otherwise go unnoticed. For example, we forensically read the policy forms and endorsements, and make sure our clients understand policy limitations and exclusions. Many times this results in us adjusting coverage to fit the needs of our client.

In addition, we believe that prevention is the best medicine. We advocate for safety and provide our clients with resources such as customized Employee Handbooks and Safety Handbooks.  We work closely with our clients during the claims process to ensure smooth and efficient handling. Our proactive approach, including regular follow-ups with claims adjusters, helps minimize any adverse impacts on our clients. By going the extra mile, we provide peace of mind and tangible benefits to those we serve. This personalized, client-centric approach allows us to grow alongside our clients and deliver exceptional value and service.

Q. How has Summit Insurance cultivated and maintained long-term relationships with its clients since its inception?

We prioritize building relationships with clients who share our integrity and values, and by participating in community events and sponsoring local initiatives, we build strong, genuine relationships. Connecting on this level creates strong relationships based on mutual trust and respect. This alignment fosters a stronger network of businesses, contributing to the greater good. We trust our clients for services such as home renovations, catering, and construction, and they trust us with their insurance needs. This mutual reliance means that we become our clients’ clients, supporting each other’s businesses and creating a pool of experts.

Our long-term relationships are built on a foundation of trust, reliability, and consistent, high-quality service. We are not just their insurance provider; we are a part of their journey, committed to supporting them every step of the way. This personalized touch and dedication to shared values set us apart, fostering strong, enduring connections with those we serve. Our clients see us as trusted advisors and risk management partners.

Q. Tell us, what’s next for Summit Insurance Group.

As we look to the future, my wife and I are thrilled to have our children, Morgan and Jim Squatriglia, gradually taking the reins of the business. Jim joined us in October 2021 as a top commercial producer, and Morgan came on board in August 2023 as our Director after a distinguished career as a management consultant. With their fresh perspectives and innovative ideas, we are excited to propel Summit Insurance to new heights—better, faster, and stronger.

We have a clear vision for the future, rooted in innovation, a strong company culture, unparalleled expertise, and unwavering integrity. We are strategically positioning ourselves to make a significant impact on the entire industry. Lisa and I remain deeply committed to mentoring and coaching our talented team, ensuring that we continue to build upon our strong foundation while embracing new opportunities for growth and excellence.

Q. Is there anything you would like to add before we wrap up?

We are thrilled to have our entire family involved in the business: Rob, Lisa, Morgan, Jim, and even our Scottish Terrier, MacKenzie. Some of our employees have been with us for almost 20 years; this family-centric approach fosters a warm, dedicated atmosphere that benefits our clients and team alike.

Rob Squatriglia | President

Rob Squatriglia began his career in the insurance industry in 1989. With a deep commitment to hard work and faith, Rob and his wife, Lisa, established Summit Insurance Group, Inc. in Charlotte, NC in 1995. Over the years, the agency has grown significantly, now representing over 60 carriers and employing 21 staff members. Rob’s dedication to excellence and personalized service has made Summit Insurance Group, Inc. one of the top agencies in the Charlotte market with a bright and promising future.

“At Summit Insurance, we take a holistic approach to serving our clients. We don’t just focus on insurance policies; we look at the entire business, the people behind it, and their aspirations.”