Construction companies face one of the highest rates of workplace injuries across all industries. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the construction sector consistently reports a higher-than-average incidence of occupational injuries, which drives up Workers’ Compensation (Workers’ Comp) claims and premiums. While safety programs and proper training are foundational, an often-overlooked lever for reducing Read More
Subcontractors play a vital role in shipyards, docks, and harbor operations across the country. Their work is often high-stakes and physically demanding, from repairing vessels to loading equipment. Yet, many subcontractors and contractors alike don’t realize the risks involved to their business if not properly insured under the federally mandated regulations associated with the United Read More
By: Jamie Merendino, Leader, PMC Construction Workers’ Compensation Program There are best practices that company owners in the Construction industry can take to create and maintain a safe and healthy workplace. Also, a safe workplace is good for business. It can impact operational, financial, and risk management performance, and a company’s ability to win certain Read More
It seems that just about everyone in the insurance industry has big thoughts about positively impacting the total cost of risk (TCOR) for their clients. And for good reason. If there are ways to help clients reduce the erosion of their profit margins, who wouldn’t want to share that information? It begs the question, why Read More
PMC Insurance Group, a division of One80 Intermediaries, is excited to announce that James “Jamie” Merendino has joined PMC as Leader of the PMC Construction Workers’ Compensation Program, delivering Workers’ Compensation solutions to independent insurance agents nationwide. Jamie comes to PMC with 35 years in P&C insurance as a risk management consultant, commercial P&C producer, Read More
With more than 20 years of experience in the Workers’ Compensation space, Mendy Cox brings deep expertise and a genuine passion for helping agents place challenging risks. Based in the Central, Mendy has built a reputation for her responsive service, market knowledge, and ability to find creative solutions that deliver results. Previously, Mendy was with Jencap Insurance, brokering Workers’ Compensation business and supporting agents nationwide. She thrives on collaboration and enjoys being a trusted resource for agents looking to grow their Workers’ Compensation books across the region.
When she’s not working, Mendy enjoys traveling, live music, cheering on Kansas City’s sports teams, and getting lost in a great book.
Kelly is an experienced insurance professional with over 12 years in the industry and a strong background in Workers’ Compensation underwriting, most recently at a leading MGA. Kelly brings strong communication skills, a sense of urgency, and a collaborative approach to her agency partners. With deep expertise in risk assessment, coverage structuring, and underwriting strategy, Kelly excels at navigating complex risks and securing favorable terms for clients. She is dedicated to building lasting relationships and delivering tailored insurance solutions with clarity, value, and exceptional service.
Outside the office, Kelly is an avid world traveler who enjoys Pilates and competitive sports.
In her spare time Melissa loves a challenging puzzle. She is a fierce competitor during family game nights, and when she is not catching up on true crime shows, she is hiking or taking photos as a hobbyist photographer.
In her spare time, Jolene embraces life under the Big Sky—skiing & boating with her family, gardening, and discovering new culinary delights.
As a Transportation Broker for PMC’s Transportation Workers’ Compensation Division, Janet Elliott provides expertise, guidance, and customized Workers’ Compensation solutions to PMC’s agency partners. She brings more than 30 years of experience in Workers’ Compensation and Occupational Accident wholesale brokering, underwriting, management, premium auditing, and marketing. Janet specializes in placing coverage for all types of transportation risks including long and short-haul trucking, last mile, busing, waste hauling, limousine service, towing and many more. She offers guaranteed cost, loss sensitive, PEO, and Workers’ Compensation package programs nationwide.
Janet’s experience began as a retail agent and she later worked in underwriting and field premium auditing specializing in high-risk Workers’ Compensation with a focus on Trucking/Transportation, USL&H, the oil and gas industry, and commercial construction. In 2012, she joined the Winter Group a wholesale insurance broker, now a division of One80, where she has worked for over 10 years, delivering Workers’ Compensation and Trucker’s Occupational Accident solutions to her trucking agency partners.
Janet holds the Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) and Certified Professional Insurance Woman (CPIW) designations, both with 25+ years tenure. During her time spent at the University of Washington, Seattle, WA, studying business and law, she began forming the foundation of her insurance career. In her spare time Janet is a volunteer wrangler at a horse and cattle ranch in Arizona working with OCJ Kids and Hope Kids organizations
Tara is a Small Business Broker for PMC, assisting our internal brokers and retail agent partners with new business placements. Prior to joining PMC, Tara was a pharmacy technician at PillPack by Amazon aiding in account management.
In her spare time, she loves going for walks and hikes with her dog, Kale, and watching movies on the couch with her cat, Nellie.
Rose is a Sales Assistant in the PMC Healthcare Division, supporting the team of PMC brokers that administer our national Worker’s Compensation Healthcare Program and our retail agent partners. Prior to joining PMC, Rose worked at Liberty Mutual for 37 years, holding positions as a Supervisor of Underwriting Support and as an Underwriting Technical Assistant. She worked in both Middle Markets and Small Commercial Units.
In her free time, Rose enjoys spending time with her sister, mom, and daughters, reading books together followed by in-depth discussions and creating crafts using all kinds of material.
Stephen Primiano joined PMC in the fall of 2020 after 12 years of working on the retail agency side of insurance. Previously Stephen held producer, broker and account management positions at large national retail agencies which gave him a firsthand understanding of the daily fights and challenges agents go through to “deliver” for their clients. As a previous customer of PMC, it was his PMC team’s partnership and abilities to help him seal deals that ultimately interested him in joining the team.
As Vice President, Regional Broker, Stephen can be counted on for quick turnarounds while delivering Workers’ Compensation expertise and creative solutions to our agent partners. Whether it be assisting with tough-to-place classes of business, a need for a mono-line Workers’ Compensation solution or access to our competitive national program(s) Stephen is relentlessly committed to finding the best options for his clients. Stephen has a degree in Business and Finance from Champlain College.
Claudia serves as a Broker for PMC's Healthcare Division where she is responsible for providing the most innovative and competitive market solutions for agents and their clients nationwide. With more than 30 years in the insurance industry, Claudia brings a depth of experience and much success in the marketing and placement of complex policies across all lines of commercial business.
Before joining PMC, Claudia served in several key roles at various well-recognized retail agencies in Massachusetts and New Hampshire such as Brown & Brown, Eaton & Berube, Fred C. Church, so she understands the importance of an agent-client relationship and the agent-carrier partnership. Throughout her career, Claudia's expertise has resulted in invitations to participate in Agency Councils with Peerless Insurance, Merchants Insurance, Guard Insurance and Acadia Insurance. Claudia holds both her CIC and CRIS designations.
Jake is a Midwest-based broker who takes pride in delivering creative, tailored solutions to his retail agent partners to best serve their insureds. He is committed to providing a high level of service, fostering strong relationships, and maintaining clear, consistent communication through responsiveness and open dialogue.
Previously, Jake worked at Izzo Insurance, part of Bridge Specialty Group, since 2021. He holds a degree in Risk Management and Insurance from Illinois State University. Outside of work, Jake is a dedicated foodie who enjoys spending time outdoors and is an avid Chicago sports fan—especially the Chicago Bears.
Mike serves as Senior Vice President and leads our Security Services Program. He brings deep experience in commercial insurance, particularly in Workers’ Compensation, along with a strong underwriting background.
Over the past 30 years, Mike has led monoline and security-focused Workers’ Compensation programs at Izzo Insurance, part of Bridge Specialty Group, where he has helped develop specialized solutions for security industry clients.
Drawing on experience with Travelers, CIGNA, Aon, and CNA, along with underwriting leadership roles, Mike simplifies complex risks and helps agents move quickly while delivering strong Workers’ Compensation solutions for their security clients.
Mike is a graduate of DePaul University in Chicago. Outside of work, he enjoys tackling home improvement projects, spending time with his grandchildren, and traveling to tropical destinations.
Harris is a Northeast-based broker who works closely with retail agents to place Workers’ Compensation coverage across a broad range of industries and risk profiles. Drawing on five years of specialization in Workers’ Compensation, he is dedicated to helping protect companies and their employees through thoughtful, tailored solutions.
Harris brings a strong wholesale background shaped by his experience at Izzo Insurance and his current role at PMC, both part of Bridge Specialty Group, where he partners with clients to deliver valuable market insights and customized coverage solutions. He graduated from the University of Arizona with a major in Urban and Regional Development and minor in Entrepreneurship and Innovation. Outside of the office he enjoys playing golf.
Gabriel has two years of experience as an Associate Broker, specializing in identifying and delivering Workers’ Compensation solutions for clients. He also brings over a decade of customer service experience, with a strong focus on building and maintaining lasting client relationships.
Gabriel earned his bachelor’s degree in communications from Lewis University. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with family and friends, and especially values time playing with his daughter.
Cheryl serves as a Senior Account Manager, bringing more than 20 years of insurance industry experience with a strong focus on the security sector. Her background spans business development, underwriting, and renewal underwriting, including work with Security America RRG, an insurance program serving the Electronic Security and Life Safety industries.
She maintains a Property & Casualty license in Georgia and earned a B.A. in Mass Communications with a concentration in Broadcast Journalism from Fort Valley State University. Outside of work, Cheryl enjoys bowling, playing billiards, creating chunky blankets, and spending time with her three furbabies—Mr. Buckets, Rockey, and Bella.
George graduated with a degree in communications from Santa Clara University. In his free time, he loves spending time with family and friends, playing guitar, and enjoying the Boston sports scene.
Buzby is a Sales Assistant supporting the team of PMC brokers that deliver Worker's Compensation solutions to independent insurance agents nationwide. Before joining PMC, Buzby worked for four years as a professional gamer, commentator, and content creator for NRG Esports, Nova Esports, and Spacestation Gaming; focusing on competition, community outreach campaigns with sponsors, and growing his esports brand.
Buzby graduated from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst with a degree in Classics, focusing on the Latin and Greek languages. In his free time, he loves traveling, chess, games, and spending time with friends and family.
Akash is a Sales Assistant, supporting the team of PMC brokers that deliver Worker’s Compensation solutions to independent insurance agents every day. Prior to PMC, he worked as a Financial Analyst within the aircraft leasing industry, where he honed his financial knowledge. Akash worked in hospitality for five years, developing strong communication and customer service skills. He graduated with a degree in Business Administration with a focus on Finance from Boston University's Questrom School of Business. In his free time, he loves golfing, biking, and spending time with his family and friends.
Derek Bleil, CIC, CPCU, is Regional VP, responsible for leading our West region by delivering Workers’ Compensation expertise and customized coverage solutions to insurance agents and their clients. Derek has over 20 years of insurance experience with deep underwriting knowledge and understanding of the needs of producers. Previously Derek held leadership positions in underwriting, sales, and distribution management. He spent 19 years with EMC Insurance Companies, holding positions as Marketing Director, Underwriting Director, and Vice President with P&L responsibilities. Most recently Derek was Vice President of Underwriting and Marketing at Work First Casualty Company.
Derek attended Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, IA and holds the CPCU and CIC designations. In his spare time Derek is an avid football fan, enjoys hiking with his wife and dog, traveling, golfing, and periodically helping on the family farm.
Jacob is a Senior Account Manager for our StaffPRO³ team, where he delivers a high level of customer service and expertise to our agent partners and insureds in the temporary staffing industry. Jacob previously held account management and underwriting positions within the Workers’ Compensation and Medical Professional Liability lines of coverage. His previous experience working in positions at carrier, retail agency, and wholesale brokerages provides him with a unique perspective and depth of understanding to best support and serve our agent partners.
Jacob is a graduate of Worcester State University, where he studies Business Administration and Management
Julie is Associate Broker for the South Region where she helps agents with their Workers’ Compensation placement. Previously Julie worked for Travelers Insurance for seven years as a Workers’ Compensation underwriter on some of their most complex accounts. She is knowledgeable with the Assigned Risk Workers’ Compensation laws, rules and regulations which gives her added depth and perspective on how to approach and market new business accounts our carriers. Julie is dedicated to finding competitive market solutions for all her clients.
Julie is a graduate of Valencia College in Orlando, FL. In her spare time, she enjoys outdoor recreation with her family.