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1980s
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When It All Started
Word & Brown General Agency (formally Word & Brown Insurance Administrators, Inc.) is founded by John M. Word III and Edward J. “Rusty” Brown, Jr., in Orange County, California.
Quot-O-Matic®
John Word and Rusty Brown launch Quot-O-Matic®, an innovative quoting platform giving brokers the ability to consolidate health insurance quotes from multiple carriers into one easy-to-understand presentation for their small business clients.
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1990s
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Private Exchange Introduced
Word & Brown establishes the first multi-carrier, employee-choice private health exchange, CaliforniaChoice. This exchange is now one of two exchanges operated through CHOICE Administrators, a sister company of Word & Brown.
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2000s
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Entrepreneur of the Year
John M. Word III and Edward J. “Rusty” Brown, Jr., co-founders and managing partners of Word & Brown, are awarded “Entrepreneur of the Year®” by Ernst & Young.
Web COBRA
Web-based COBRA services are launched by Word & Brown.
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Online Quoting
Word & Brown General Agency updates its Quot-O-Matic quote engine to add website-based quoting, enabling brokers to compare multiple health plans, rates, and benefits and create customized proposals instantly
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2010s
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National Philanthropy Day Honor
The Orange County Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals names John Word, Rusty Brown, and The Word & Brown Companies as Outstanding Corporation Honorees for 2015.
NAHU Leadership
Word & Brown University Vice President Don Goldmann is elected president of the National Association of Health Underwriters (NAHU).
General Agency Celebrates 30 Years
Word & Brown General Agency marks its 30-year anniversary.
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Word & Brown President Jessica Word Among “CEO Today” 2019 Healthcare Awards Winners
Jessica Word, president of the Word & Brown General Agency, is named one of CEO Today magazine’s health care award winners for 2019. She is among nearly 100 featured winners and finalists in health, pharmaceutical, biotech, insurance, and other professions from across Africa, the Americas, Asia, Australasia, and Europe.
New agreement with Sutter Health Plus
Word & Brown General Agency signs a new agreement with Sutter Health Plus, expanding health plan options for brokers, their clients, and employees in 15 Northern California counties.
Word & Brown General Agency Achieves HITRUST CSF® Certification
Selected Word & Brown General Agency and CHOICE Administrators systems earn “Certified” status for information security by HITRUST, the most prestigious certifiable security framework for the health care industry.
Earned nine awards in two competitions sponsored in 2019
The Word & Brown Companies, including Word & Brown General Agency, earn nine awards in two competitions sponsored in 2019 by Graphic Design USA. The wins include three GDUSA America Inhouse Design Awards and six GDUSA Health + Wellness Awards.
Word & Brown General Agency and Anthem Blue Cross
Word & Brown General Agency and Anthem Blue Cross agree to a new contract that allows brokers to write Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, and Disability coverage for groups of 101-300 employees.
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2020s
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Orange County Top Work Place Award
The Orange County Register recognizes The Word & Brown Companies, including Word & Brown General Agency, as a Top Work Place in Orange County for 2020. The organization is among just 105 businesses making the elite employer list.
Earned 21 awards in four competitions
The Word & Brown Companies, including Word & Brown General Agency, earn 21 awards in four competitions sponsored in 2020 by Graphic Design USA. The total includes five wins in the GDUSA America Inhouse Design Awards, six wins in the GDUSA Health + Wellness Awards, two wins in the GDUSA American Web Design Awards, and eight wins in the GDUSA American Graphic Design Awards.
Expanding Benefits
Word & Brown General Agency expands its employee benefit options for Northern California employers and their workers to include Exclusive Provider Organization plans from Cigna + Oscar in Alameda, Contra Costa, San Francisco, San Mateo, and Santa Clara counties.
Marc McGinnis
Word & Brown General Agency promotes Vice President of Sales Marc McGinnis to Senior Vice President of Sales and Strategic Client Management, broadening his responsibilities to include strategic oversight of key agency and high-profile partnerships as well as sales.
Donations during COVID-19
In response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, The Word & Brown Companies donate 20,000 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) masks to St. Joseph Hospital Orange. The masks will support the physicians, nurses, staff, and visitors at one of the largest and busiest hospitals in Orange County. An additional 25,000 masks are distributed to employees and family members of employees of the Companies, and 5,000 masks are distributed to regional Word & Brown General Agency offices to donate to local communities throughout California and Nevada.
WBBroker
Word & Brown General Agency introduces WBBroker, the fastest, easiest, 100%-secure way for brokers to better-manage their Word & Brown business from the palm of their hand. The app combines guaranteed-accurate quoting, doctor searches, and real-time underwriting updates.
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RENEWED HITRUST CERTIFICATION
The Word & Brown General Agency is awarded a second HITRUST CSF Certification resulting from a commitment to the highest level of security standards. The recognition places Word & Brown among an elite group of organizations globally.
GENERAL AGENCY LEADERSHIP CHANGE
Jessica Word, President of the Word & Brown General Agency since 2013, is named Chief Executive Officer. Marc McGinnis, former Senior Vice President of Sales and Strategic Client Management, is named President.
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Best Places To Work Award
The Word & Brown Companies, including the Word & Brown General Agency, are recognized for the second time in the 2024 “Best Places to Work in Insurance” program. The list honors employers for their outstanding performance in establishing workplaces where employees can thrive, enjoy their work, and help their companies grow.
Marc McGinnis, aka EdSizzerhands, Powers Up to Level 49 in Pokémon GO!
Word & Brown General Agency is thrilled to celebrate our President, Marc McGinnis, aka EdSizzerhands, for reaching an epic milestone in Pokémon GO—Level 49! This achievement showcases Marc’s determination, strategy, and Trainer-level dedication, much like the leadership he brings to our team every day. From earning XP by battling in Legendary Raids in a team, to reaching Best Friends with many other trainers, Marc's journey is nothing short of inspiring. As he sets his sights on the ultimate Level 50, he reminds us all that success comes from perseverance and having fun along the way. Congratulations, Marc—you’re truly a Pokémon Master in the making!
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Milestones
Word & Brown has provided brokers with Service of Unequalled Excellence for more than 35 years. Here are some of the milestones and achievements of which we are most proud.