Iowa Insurance Hall of Fame Honors Cottingham & Butler's John Butler For Lifetime of Achievement

Cottingham & Butler and the Iowa insurance community are celebrating the induction of John Butler, the visionary leader behind Cottingham & Butler's success, into the prestigious Iowa Insurance Hall of Fame. This recognition honors Butler's six decades of leadership, innovation, philanthropy, and unwavering commitment to his clients and colleagues.

Since taking the helm of Cottingham & Butler in the late 1950s, Butler has transformed the company from a small local agency founded by his great-grandfather in 1887 into a national powerhouse. Under his leadership, Cottingham & Butler has grown to become the 3rd largest privately held insurance broker in the U.S., with nearly 1,400 employees across 26 states and annual revenues surpassing $800 million.

"John's commitment to serving clients' best interests and his unique approach to developing talent have been the cornerstone of our success," said David Becker, President & CEO of Cottingham & Butler. "His induction into the Iowa Insurance Hall of Fame is a fitting testament to his profound impact on our company and the industry."

Butler's innovative spirit and client-centric approach have been the driving force behind numerous groundbreaking initiatives. He revolutionized how employers manage health plan costs with the establishment of Self-Insured Services Company and set new standards for third party administration through Cottingham & Butler Claim Services. Always thinking ahead of the curve, Butler launched divisions for safety consulting, managed care, and captive insurance, long before these became industry trends.

"John's relentless pursuit of innovation has not only propelled Cottingham & Butler to the forefront of the insurance industry but has also deeply influenced the way we do business," said Andrew Butler, Executive Chairman of Cottingham & Butler. "His induction into the Iowa Insurance Hall of Fame is a fitting recognition of his contributions to our company, our clients, and our community, and is a proud moment for our family and a testament to the legacy he has built.”

But perhaps Butler's greatest legacy is his ability to identify and cultivate exceptional talent. With a firm belief in the potential of people, he has built a culture of continuous learning and growth at Cottingham & Butler. Butler's commitment to teaching the industry and empowering colleagues to push beyond their comfort zones has been instrumental in the company's success.

"John has an incredible ability to see the potential in people and to inspire them to achieve greatness," added Becker. "He has mentored countless individuals throughout his career, and his impact on the industry extends far beyond the walls of Cottingham & Butler."

Beyond his professional achievements, Butler is renowned for his extensive philanthropic efforts and commitment to his community. His lifelong passion for education has led to long-standing support for numerous schools and youth programs, including serving as a Trustee at the University of Dubuque for over 40 years. Butler's generosity has also significantly impacted the arts, healthcare, and community development, leaving an indelible mark on the lives of countless individuals in Dubuque and throughout Iowa.

"John is known as a man of deep integrity and vision," said Joel Wood, President & CEO of the Council of Insurance Agents & Brokers. "Insurance is an integral part of the glue that holds our national economy together, and in so many ways, John is the exemplar of what makes this industry so extraordinary."

At age 94, Butler remains actively engaged as Chairman of Cottingham & Butler, offering strategic guidance and mentorship to the company's executive leadership team. His induction into the Iowa Insurance Hall of Fame stands as a testament to his impact as a visionary leader, a guardian of his family's legacy, and a dedicated community advocate. This recognition celebrates his bold thinking, dedication to clients and colleagues, and the lasting impact he has left on the insurance industry and beyond.

"I am honored to carry on the legacy of my father, grandfather, and great-grandfather," said John Butler. "This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of my family and the incredible team at Cottingham & Butler who have made our success possible. As I reflect on my journey, I am reminded of the importance of staying true to our core values, embracing innovation, and always putting our clients and our people first. These guiding principles have been the foundation of our success and will continue to light the way for future generations."