Gary Smid has been hired to fill a production role, tasked with building a stronger Maximum presence in Florida’s professional lines market.

As a transplant to Fla. from the Chicago area, Smid began his insurance career in surety underwriting. Growing his skillset to marketing, management, brokerage and even professional lines practice development, ultimately led him to Maximum.

He stated, “The team-oriented approach at Maximum will allow me to serve both retail agencies and their clients in a way that other wholesale brokers are unable to do. My extensive background allows me to quickly understand key customer needs and do what is necessary. Maximum will help me go beyond what others consider a job well done, addressing complex challenges and closing the deal.”

Joe Messina, President and CEO, said, “Gary will be instrumental to expanding our professional lines reach to the Southeast. His technical underwriting knowledge combined with a proven sales record can only take our team’s success to the next level. His addition to Tampa continues our boots-on-the-ground approach to Florida growth.”

In business since 1998 and headquartered in Chicago, Maximum (https://www.maxib.com/) is a leading national and surplus lines wholesale broker of specialty products and services. It is a full-service brokerage firm staffed with experts who collaborate with insurance retail agents and brokers in finding the right solutions for the toughest client challenges. Specializing in Property, Casualty, Transportation, DIC, Builders Risk and Professional Lines coverage, Maximum is dedicated to delivering its retail clients advanced insurance solutions.