Bravera Bank
Bravera Insurance's local advisors Brady Boese and John O'Brien specialize in personalized coverage, leveraging industry expertise and community ties to meet the unique needs of businesses. From oil and gas to general commercial risks, they ensure businesses thrive with flexible, comprehensive insurance plans.
- Why is it important for businesses to work with a local insurance advisor instead of a national provider?
- Brady: I firmly believe that having a local presence allows me to better understand the challenges business owners in our community face because I am blessed to be a member of the same community. My exposure to businesses in the Bakken has given me insight from the business perspective and, because I’m a member of the community, it’s personal for me too. I am invested in the success of our local economy and work to do whatever I can to help local businesses succeed.
- John: I am fortunate enough to be surrounded by a great team in Dickinson. Business owners will often come in to meet with our team in the office, or we’ll head over to their location for reviews. I wouldn’t have that level of flexibility with my clients if I didn't have a local presence.
- What makes our local community unique, and how does that influence the way we approach insurance needs?
- Brady: Living in the Bakken, I see a lot of oil and gas business. Bravera contracts with carrier partners that offer policies specifically designed for the types of risk the oil and gas industry faces. This allows me the flexibility to design insurance plans to meet the distinctive risks we see in the Bakken.
- John: Bravera Insurance is an independent agency. This means we can work with multiple quality carrier partners. I then work with our carrier partners to design comprehensive insurance programs that best suit each business and the concerns its owners face each day.
- How do you stay informed about changes in the commercial insurance landscape to better serve your clients?
- Brady: One of the best resources I utilize is the relationships I’ve built with our carrier partners. Those relationships allow for an open channel of communication for updates and changes, so I am always readily informed about the ever-changing landscape. It allows me to stay vigilant and verify that my clients are receiving the appropriate coverage to meet their needs.
- John: I think it’s vital to read the policy language and contracts for my clients' insurance portfolios. Being familiar with the details of the policies can help identify possible gaps or potential trends. It also gives me the opportunity to verify that the policy's specifics meet the business's specific needs.
- What’s one piece of advice you’d give to a business owner looking to review their insurance coverage?
- Brady: The one piece of advice I would give all business owners is to never assume and always ask questions. When it comes to insurance, assumptions can be very dangerous and costly. It is my duty to work with business owners to ensure they have no misconceptions about what is covered and can avoid harm to their business operations caused by improper coverage.
- John: To build on what Brady mentioned, business owners can be led to believe that a basic policy will meet their needs. That is very rarely the case. Each business is unique and needs a targeted insurance program customized to its specific needs and risks. Not all business owners have the same risk management appetite, so I work with clients to align their goals with their insurance program.
- How do you tailor your advice to meet the unique needs of each business?
- Brady: I ask a lot of questions, and just when my clients think I’ve asked them all, I ask more. It isn’t just the best advice I can give business owners; it is a nonnegotiable for building the appropriate insurance program. It’s so important to have an intimate understanding of each operation so that I can tailor an insurance plan that suits the best interest of their business.
- John: It all comes down to each business. Two businesses in the same industry could have different desires for their insurance portfolio, and one size doesn’t fit all. I enjoy getting on-site and seeing the operations up and running. This allows me to identify possible risk areas and work with the business to build coverage plans to meet individual concerns and operations.
- How do you spend your time when you're not working?
- Brady: My family is big on the outdoors. My wife and I will herd our two kids and dog out for a hike in the Badlands or take a walk over to one of the parks in town. I also won’t turn down the chance to hit the golf course.
- John: I’m North Dakota-born and raised, so I love getting outside, weather permitting, to hunt and fish or head to the golf course. I’m also a big hockey fan and like to get out on the ice during winter.
Questions about insurance?
Contact one of our insurance advisors by calling 800-225-9104 or by contacting us online. You can also request a quote online.
Bravera Insurance has locations throughout North Dakota and Montana. We are licensed in 38 states with multiple areas of expertise.
Bravera Insurance is an equal opportunity provider. Products and services offered through Bravera Insurance are: * Not a deposit * Not FDIC insured * Not insured by any federal government agency * Not financial institution guaranteed