Rogers Firms Announce Merger

Insurance agents at Hatfield & Associates used to point clients in the direction of competitor Katherine Williamson when the subject turned to Medicare.

And while that still will be the case, Hatfield & Associates – which specializes in employee benefits – no longer will lose potential business. That’s because Hatfield & Associates bought Williamson Insurance Agency in a deal that was effective July 1. Terms were not disclosed.

“We’re excited about it,” vice president Philip Hatfield said. “With Medicare you’ve got this baby boomer generation, and the number of people on Medicare is exploding. We thought Katherine was doing a great job, but we didn’t really know anyone else who was working hard to take care of that segment of the business. We’re thrilled to be in it.”

Williamson brought more than 1,000 clients with her. Hatfield & Associates, by comparison, insures more than 2,500 individuals. As part of the agreement, Williamson, 65, will become an agent at Hatfield & Associates, which employs four others. Williamson is committed to Hatfield & Associates for the next two years.

Hatfield believes being in the Medicare business opens new horizons for the company.

“We pride ourselves on serving older clients,” he said. “The average person does not understand [health care technicalities]. What they are searching for is someone they can trust. You want them to get good advice.”