First Chicago Insurance Company
Mark C. Bissonette has a diverse and extensive work experience in the insurance industry. Mark C. has held various leadership roles throughout their career, focusing on areas such as underwriting, business development, relationship building, and talent development.
Most recently, Mark served as the Vice President of Commercial Lines Underwriting at First Chicago Insurance Company, where they were responsible for rebuilding the Chicago base operation and implementing strategic plans for profitable growth. Prior to that, they worked as an Underwriting Director at IAT Insurance Group, where they built a book of business in the Excess Casualty Middle Market Division and generated significant premiums.
Mark has also gained experience in the financial advisory field, working as a Financial Advisor at Edward Jones, where they grew direct assets under management to surpass $14 million and managed a diverse book of clients. Additionally, they have held leadership positions at Crum & Forster, Colony Specialty (part of Argo Group International Holdings, Ltd.), Ironshore Insurance Services, LLC, Allied World Assurance Company, ECC Insurance Brokers, Inc., Hays Companies, and St. Paul Companies.
Throughout their career, Mark has consistently demonstrated strong leadership skills, strategic thinking, and the ability to drive growth and deliver exceptional client service.
Mark C. Bissonette graduated from Clarkson University in the year 1981 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Management and Marketing. In addition, they have obtained several certifications throughout their career. In May 2017, they received the FINRA Series 66 certification from FINRA and an Illinois State Insurance License for Annuities, Life, and Long-term Care from the Illinois Department of Insurance. Mark C. also obtained the FINRA Series 7 certification from FINRA in April 2017. Currently, Mark is in progress of completing the Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) Training Program, with six out of eight parts already completed. Mark C. anticipates obtaining the full designation in 2021.
First Chicago Insurance Company
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The company was founded on December 14, 1920 as the Chicago Ice Producers Mutual Liability Company. Originally organized as a mutual insurance company, its initial purpose was to insure the members of the Chicago District Ice Association for general liability, Workers Compensation, public liability for horses and wagons, and commercial vehicle insurance. Association members donated the $26,225 that was needed at that time to start insurance operations. The company was granted licenses to operate in the States of Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin, which continue to be held today. In the 1930’s, the company expanded into insuring the private passenger vehicles of the owners and employees of the ice companies. This business was later enlarged to include individuals referred by policyholders of the company. The company’s name was changed to Chicago Mutual Liability Company in 1961. During the 1970’s and 1980’s, the company evolved from its original focus as a commercial lines insurer to become an automobile insurer. At the end of 1994, the Board of Directors decided to exit the Workers Compensation and general liability lines and concentrate on the personal and commercial auto lines of business. In 1991 the Board of Directors decided to change the company’s distribution system from direct writing to partnering with independent producers. The company had maximized its growth as a direct writer and needed to adopt a different strategy. The company’s name was changed again in 1996 to Chicago Mutual Insurance Company. In 2006, the company was converted from a mutual form of governance to a stock company. It was renamed First Chicago Insurance Company, and became a subsidiary of J & P Holdings, Inc. Innovation is the company’s focus as the 100th anniversary of its founding approaches. Management continues to search for opportunities that will serve our current policyholders and contribute to the company's growth and profitability.