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Written by Bridget McConahay, Talent Acquisition Supervisor Congratulations on your recent (or upcoming) graduation! As you prepare for your exciting new chapter, we know the job search process can feel incredibly overwhelming. But fear not! Here at Cottingham & Butler, we want to help you stand out from the crowd. We sat down with some of our recent new hires, all current college graduates to gather their top tips, specifically geared towards landing your dream role at Cottingham & Butler: Tip 1: Leverage Your Internship Experience Recent graduates emphasize the value of internship experience. Internships provide hands-on experience and develop practical skills. Don't just list your duties; highlight achievements using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). If you haven't graduated yet, consider our internship program – it's a great way to gain valuable experience. Tip 2: Tailor Your Resume and Cover Letter One-size-fits-all resumes won't do. Carefully review the job description and highlight the key skills and experiences they seek. Tailor your resume and cover letter to showcase how your background aligns with those requirements. This demonstrates genuine interest and sets you apart. For deeper understanding of our company culture, values, and projects, visit our Careers page. This knowledge will help you craft a targeted application that expresses your enthusiasm for joining our team. Tip 3: Master Networking on LinkedIn Your social media presence matters. Create a complete LinkedIn profile highlighting your passion and growth mindset. Share relevant content, engage in discussions, and connect with company professionals to stay top-of-mind. Maintain a polished and professional online presence. Elevate your LinkedIn profile by sharing insightful content, engaging in relevant discussions, and making meaningful connections. Connect with Cottingham & Butler on LinkedIn to stay updated on opportunities and connect with our team. Tip 4: Practice Makes Perfect Interview preparation is crucial. Research common interview questions specific to your desired role. Additionally, practice answering behavioral questions that begin with "Tell me about a time when..." These questions assess your skills and problem-solving abilities based on past experiences. Tip 5: Follow Up with a Memorable Thank-You A thoughtful thank-you email after your interview is a golden opportunity to stand out. Reiterate your interest and qualifications, referencing a shared interest or conversation you had during the interview. This personalizes your follow-up and leaves a lasting impression. Make your thank-you note concise, professional, and send it within 24 hours to demonstrate promptness and enthusiasm. By following these valuable tips, you'll be well on your way to landing your dream job at Cottingham & Butler. We're always looking for talented individuals to join our team. Visit our Careers page to explore current openings and apply today!

In 2022, the most recent year for which complete data was reported, there were 5,373 fatal crashes involving large trucks in the United States.  As motor carriers and fleet owners, we need to find a methodology to determine how these crashes occurred and learn from this information to develop corrective actions that will prevent these from occurring in the future. We’ll focus on developing a thorough and systematic approach to find the causes and contributing factors and creating a plan going forward to eliminate those causes from our operation. Click here to download the presentation slides.

Ergonomics, or human engineering, is the practice of designing machines, tools, and work environments to optimize human performance and behavior. By tailoring tasks to fit the worker, ergonomics ensures a seamless interaction between individuals and their workstations, promoting productivity and well-being. We’ll cover ergonomic principles, common injuries and risk factors, basic assessment tools, and implementation plans. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to enhance your understanding of ergonomics and equip yourself with valuable tools to promote safety and efficiency in your workplace. Click here to download the presentation slides.

Captive insurance companies, which are established to finance the risk of a parent group or groups and sometimes these groups’ customers, can provide advantages in risk management, insurance savings, wealth transfer, and taxes. They are a form of alternative risk transfer used by major corporations, nonprofit organizations, and medium-sized businesses. How Does a Captive Work? The owners of a group of businesses may decide to retain some of their own risk and form their own insurance company, called a “captive insurer,” instead of purchasing insurance from a third-party carrier. This is an attractive option for companies who find a limited availability of certain types of insurance coverage in the commercial market or find that those coverages will be a significant expense. In some cases, the captive insurer may decide to insure the group’s customers as well. The primary jurisdiction in which the captive insurance company is organized is called a “domicile.” Benefits of Captives Captives can bring many benefits as alternatives to other risk financing plans. Properly structured, captives can bring the following advantages: Reduced cost of risk Cash flow benefits from captive Coverage not available from commercial insurers Direct access to the international market of reinsurers, which can be more flexible Increased bargaining power with commercial insurers (if the captive holds a percentage of insurance) Centralize retained losses spread throughout subsidiaries Cash flow advantages on income taxes—premiums paid to a captive insurer can be tax-deductible, depending on several factors: The transaction is a bona fide insurance transaction under a defensible business plan The captive’s owner is organized such that subsidiaries pay premiums to the captive The captive writes a substantial amount of unrelated business, e.g., employee benefit business Ownership is arranged such that insureds are not the same as shareholders. Is a Captive Right for You? Captives can be valuable strategic risk management tools, but they are not the best approach for every organization. For some risk profiles, they are not feasible, and could ultimately cost more than traditional insurance. If your business is considering setting up a captive insurer, you must first clearly establish the financial and business goals and objectives of the company through effective communication between senior management, including CFO, risk manager, and business unit heads. Together, consider the following aspects of your company: Background and financial goals Actuarial or data issues, including loss data or exposure information needed, insurance company expense loads Reinsurance marketplace potential Tax and regulatory issues Desired captive design Several parameters can assist you in determining whether a captive is a viable option: You must be financially stable and have a good loss history. Captive expenses should be below 20 percent of premium unless there is a compelling reason for a higher ratio. You must be able to demonstrate your ability to pay for claims and secure future losses. You must be able to dedicate considerable attention to the operation of the captive. Feasibility Study Having concluded that a captive may be a good fit, take the following steps to more carefully study the appropriateness of a captive insurer for your organization: Review relevant background information Discuss the financial implications of captive formation Generate projections of expected loss experience Estimate operational expenses associated with the captive to determine premium Determine appropriate capital levels or margin of risk to support the written exposure, considering local legislation Describe qualitative factors including location, ownership, support, or other issues Prepare financial statements with balance sheets and income statements for the captive over five years under different scenarios Compare the captive with the status quo on both financial and non-financial criteria Issues to Consider Consider the following issues when examining captive insurers: Align your investment policy to the assumptions used to set premiums. Consider whether to use the time value of money based on the captive’s assets—for example, letters of credit do not generate investment income, so premiums should not be set considering the time value of money. Consider state or domicile premium taxes, U.S. federal excise taxes, U.S. income tax and 953(d) election (for foreign insurance companies). Expert Assistance Having determined that a captive is right for your organization, seek professionals experienced in actuarial, accounting, tax, and legal issues to help you set it up. They can assist you with the following additional steps: Selecting the Domicile: Select an onshore (within 50 states) or offshore (outside the United States) domicile. Here you must consider the ease of regulation in the area and the quality and quantity of support services. A visit to the domicile may assist. Selecting Partners: Selecting the right risk-sharing partner is critical to the success of the captive. This is the entity responsible for claims, generally a U.S.-licensed and admitted insurance company. The partner could be your current, traditional insurer or you could have time to form a new relationship—the partner will likely have strong opinions on your plan, and may have restrictions or requirements on practices and procedures. Operating a Captive: The captive will be an operating insurance company. It must receive funds immediately and invest them prudently so they are available to pay claims. This can be a source of revenue for the captive, but can also cost the owner substantial sums if improperly managed. Assigning roles and responsibilities and conducting frequent analyses on the captive’s financial health is essential to ensure it is bringing the desired benefits to the organization. We are committed to helping you implement the best risk management solutions for your business. Contact us today for more information.

Where did you attend college, and what was your major/field of study? I completed my degree at St. Ambrose University and majored in Sales & Marketing! How did you first hear about Cottingham & Butler and the intern program? I first heard about Cottingham & Butler from a sales director I met before graduation. He told me that I absolutely had to check out the company and encouraged me to look into the internship program. Describe your experience in the Cottingham & Butler internship program. What did you learn during the program that you still use today in your full-time position? The internship at Cottingham & Butler was my first real corporate job. I grew up on a farm, so I hadn’t been exposed to much as it relates to corporate life or what that meant. I was able to learn from experts in their respective fields and help contribute to real problems the firm had. It was a great experience, good enough that I decided to come back full-time!  I would say something that has helped me tremendously from my internship is the relationships that I created during that 10-week period. What’s your favorite memory from your time as an intern? I think my favorite memories were traveling with the veteran sales folks to business meetings and getting the opportunity to see what the job would actually be like if I were to come on full-time. What do you think the Cottingham & Butler internship program offers that other internships don’t? Cottingham & Butler's internship program truly treats interns as if they're a part of the culture, instead of temporary team members responsible for doing the work that nobody wants to do. The program lets you see where you fit in the company and whether you would be a good asset to the team. What drew you back to Cottingham & Butler after graduation? The people and relationships that I developed and the great opportunity to grow within the organization. Not too many companies do you see the growth or the success that young people have had in this company. How have you seen yourself evolve as a professional at Cottingham & Butler? I went from a college kid who knew nothing about insurance to a top-tier consultant in my specific niche. As an intern, I never would have guessed I'd be sitting where I am today or that I'd have the opportunities that lie ahead of me. What do you love most about your current role? I get to work with fantastic people all over the country and help them solve complex problems, protecting their businesses and property.

Early one morning during his senior year at St. Ambrose University, Colin Green rolled out of bed to attend one of his sales classes. Once seated, he noticed the arrival of two guest speakers—both from Cottingham & Butler—and settled in for their presentation. The rest, Colin says, is history. “At the time, I already had two internships at another insurance brokerage firm and had a job lined up. It was during that class and that presentation that made me think twice about my decision. Ultimately, I decided I wanted to learn more about C&B and what they had to offer.” Colin began his career at Cottingham & Butler as part of the Executive Development Program within the Risk Management Practice. He was tasked with building his expertise—to dig into the world of insurance, learn how to solve problems for clients, and ultimately grow the business. Colin quickly excelled, and in the following years, he achieved impressive sales milestones, consistently surpassing his new business targets. Colin’s early career successes eventually led him to take on a pivotal role as a founding member of Cottingham & Butler’s Madison, Wisconsin, office. Today, he serves as a trusted advisor for clients nationwide and a respected mentor for colleagues across the organization. “Looking back, the growth in our resources, capabilities, clientele, and personnel here in Madison is unimaginable. Cottingham & Butler has always believed in me and our teams’ capabilities.” In addition to his professional accomplishments, Colin treasures the personal opportunities that Cottingham & Butler has provided. It was here that he met his wife, with whom he now shares three beautiful children. “If I were to talk to someone who was considering applying, I’d tell them: just do it. It’s easily the best decision I’ve ever made. If you’re looking for a company that will support you, provide the resources to be successful, give you the runway to be your best, with the opportunity for advancement – this is the place for you.” >> Ready to build your own professional and personal success story? Explore our careers page and see if a role at Cottingham & Butler is the perfect fit for you!

They faced their fears, conquered a 12-story descent, and most importantly, helped raise funds for the United Way of Dubuque Area Tri-States! We're talking about 26 courageous Cottingham & Butler team members who participated in the local "Over the Edge" event, rappelling off a historical Dubuque building and showcasing not just their bravery but also the incredible spirit of giving that runs deep within our organization. But the impact goes far beyond these individuals’ daring feat, as collectively, Team C&B raised over $46,000 for our community! All funds raised go to UWDATS' Community Impact fund which supports 33 local programs impacting health, education, and financial stability/income.

When George Tompkins joined Cottingham & Butler, it marked an enormous shift in his career trajectory. George, who had spent over twenty years in a separate industry, was looking for something different. His desire to strengthen his web development skills while building applications eventually led him to pursue a position in Cottingham & Butler’s IT department as a software engineer. “I was attracted by the opportunity to create web applications in a corporate environment,” said George. “I spent over two decades in a different industry in an unrelated career. I credit a willingness to learn and a focus on the needs of those I serve as instrumental in my career switch and my growth at Cottingham & Butler.” George’s unique professional—and educational—background has made him an enormous asset to the corporate administration team, bringing to the table a meticulous attention to detail and passion for continued learning. “I have a BFA in Art from East Carolina University with a concentration in painting. Both art and coding have a technical aspect of ‘how to do it,’ and a separate element of solving problems when the next steps aren’t clear.” Working closely alongside his teammates has had a huge impact on George’s career journey, allowing him to tackle new skills and hone his talents within a highly collaborative environment. “There’s a wealth of experience to learn from here. When I started, I was initially immersed in courses to learn the programming languages and frameworks common to our codebase,” George said. “Shortly after that, I was given a project to develop a web application where I could actually put these new skills into practice. My mentor guided me through many roadblocks, answered all of my questions, and was always available to explain how things worked.” George continues to engineer top-of-the-line applications for Cottingham & Butler to consistently improve operations, grow the business, and build efficiency.

Our team is passionate about making Dubuque a better place, and they're turning that passion into action! Launched in 2021, a group of Cottingham & Butler employees came together to form the C&B Better Initiative, a grassroots movement dedicated to better understanding and supporting the needs of our community. Every quarter, hundreds of Cottingham & Butler teammates gather in person and virtually to connect with and champion three local organizations making a positive impact. This spotlight shines a bright light on some of the most pressing issues facing Dubuque and our surrounding community’s residents. But the C&B Better Initiative isn't just about awareness – it's about empowering positive change. The initiative unites the incredible giving spirit of our employees with the needs of our community, and together, we have already impacted thousands of lives across our community. The C&B Better Initiative grants have already made a significant impact across various causes, including: Providing 60,000 meals through support for a local mobile food pantry. Purchasing a vision screener to facilitate eye exams in Dubuque Public Elementary schools. Supplying basic female necessities for the Red Basket Project. Delivering mattresses for the local Better Sleep, Better Health program. Offering essential supplies and clothing for children entering foster care. Donating to a local women's and children's shelter, aiding victims of domestic abuse. Funding a 5-week summer program for local youth, focused on fostering better learners, readers, and heroes. We couldn't be prouder of our team and the ongoing impact they make within our community. The C&B Better Initiative continues to be a shining example of Cottingham & Butler's commitment to philanthropy and is a testament to the power of individuals coming together to make a real difference. Ready to make a difference? Discover how you can join our team of changemakers! Seeking assistance for your organization? Visit Grants Homepage | Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque (dbqfoundation.org) to learn more and apply for our grant.

Where did you attend college, and what was your major? I attended Clarke University and received a degree in Business Administration! How did you first hear about Cottingham & Butler and the intern program? I toured Cottingham & Butler during my freshman year in an introduction to business class. Nikki Goodchild was the campus recruiter at the time and gave our class a presentation in the lower level of the building. I left the site visit and immediately told all my friends and family that it was my dream to work at Cottingham & Butler someday. I knew the internship program was very competitive so I completed three different internships after that freshman classroom visit to prepare. In the fall of my junior year, I interviewed and was offered an internship position with Human Resources. Describe your experience in the Cottingham & Butler internship program. What did you learn during the program that you still use today in your full-time position? My internship experience was life-changing. I had a whole team of individuals who helped me complete my final project to highlight my hard work and eagerness to work at the company full-time. The internship pushes you outside your comfort zone, provides real-world experiences, and prepares you for a career after college. I still use the organization skills, presentation concepts, and meeting etiquette that I learned from the internship experience every day. The internship taught me to jump in and never give up, which I feel is a lifelong lesson. I also made incredible friends that I'm still close with to this day. In short, the internship was my launchpad to a fulfilling professional career. What’s your favorite memory from your time as an intern? My favorite memory from the internship was a Saturday afternoon river float down the Maquoketa River. Our internship class was very close and we wanted to spend time outside of work making memories. We spent the afternoon on the river laughing and enjoying our time together. What do you think the Cottingham & Butler internship program offers that other internships don’t? The Cottingham & Butler internship allows you to work on real projects that will impact the company. I completed a benefits benchmark survey that involved 30 other companies both local and nationwide. It was utilized both internally to vet our benefits package and with our employee benefits division for their client analysis. The project was referenced for years after its completion and had a major impact on our offerings. The internship helps you understand what a real job will be like after college and provides you with a team that cares about you and your success. What drew you back to Cottingham & Butler after graduation? After my internship, I stayed on part-time through my last semester of school to help the Human Resources team. I continued to learn more about Human Resources and ultimately started full-time after graduation as a Human Resources Generalist. I loved the team and the company as a whole, so it was no surprise I wanted to stay on for the future. I had also attended college in Dubuque and loved the city, so I was excited to begin my life as a young adult in Cottingham & Butler and Dubuque. How have you seen yourself evolve as a professional at Cottingham & Butler? I began my career as a Human Resources Generalist, but have experienced a lot of growth in my time here. I eventually advanced to Benefits & Payroll Specialist, and then to my current role as a Human Resources Supervisor. Cottingham & Butler continuously pushes you to the next level and rewards hard work. I didn't know a single thing about Human Resources when I began my internship and now I'm considered one of the experts on the Human Resources team. I know I want to continue my career at Cottingham & Butler because I'm truly in love with my job. This is a company that continues to grow, and so opportunities are endless. What do you love most about your current role? My favorite part of my position is providing resources to employees so they can be successful in their careers. In Human Resources, we like to say that our "clients" are the employees of Cottingham & Butler. We're an integral part of the company's story. Every day we're faced with new challenges—no days look the same. The people at this company make me want to come in every day and do my best. Why should college students consider the Cottingham & Butler internship program? The Cottingham & Butler internship is a first-class program. You work on projects and immerse yourself in the day-to-day of a real company. The people of Cottingham & Butler are there to enhance your skillset and to challenge you to be the best version of yourself. You have a community that is unmatched and resources to prepare you for a career of a lifetime.

Since joining Cottingham & Butler in 2016, Cassie Lowery has made a name for herself as a dynamic force in the Madison, Wisconsin, branch. Armed with a degree from Loras College, Cassie's journey with C&B began as an Associate Consultant in the Benefits Department, where she was introduced to the complex world of insurance. Reflecting on her early days at C&B, Cassie shares, "I heard about C&B while I was still a student at Loras College. It seemed like a great fit, and little did I know it would become my professional home for years to come." Her career trajectory within the company showcases her commitment to growth and continuous improvement. Starting from the ground up, Cassie worked closely with her mentor, learning the ropes of the industry and honing her skills. Eventually, she transitioned into the role of an Employee Benefits Consultant, gaining autonomy and building her own client base. Today, as a Senior Client Consultant, Cassie juggles a wide variety of national accounts and private equity projects. Cassie has been an integral part of various initiatives throughout her tenure. From championing mental health services to spearheading new-hire training programs, she has left a distinct mark on Cottingham & Butler’s culture. Notable among these are her contributions to the quarterly service newsletter, where she shares insights on relevant topics, strategies, and compliance updates. "I draw inspiration from my mentors at C&B," Cassie notes. "Their guidance instilled in me a passion for mentoring and fostering a truly collaborative work environment." With each project, Cassie gains invaluable insight, developing fresh perspectives and strengthening her collaborative skills. Her dedication to building relationships and nurturing talent has become a cornerstone of her career at C&B. With her unwavering enthusiasm and collaborative spirit, she continues to shape the landscape of insurance services while nurturing the next generation of industry professionals. >> Ready to join a team that provides you with the flexibility and independence to develop your ideas? Explore our careers page and discover where you belong!

The holiday season is a time for joy, togetherness, and giving back, and at Cottingham & Butler, every year we witness the true spirit of the season come alive through our annual employee Holiday Drive. This remarkable achievement wasn't just about the numbers; it was about the collective passion our team has for supporting organizations that make a real difference in the lives of others. Here are some highlights of how our team's generosity is making a positive difference: Toys For Tots Dubuque: Thanks to our team’s contributions, countless children in the Dubuque area will experience the magic of the holidays with a special gift under the tree. Opening Doors Dubuque: Our donations helped provide critical supplies and support to women and children experiencing homelessness, offering them a safe haven and a path towards a brighter future. The Barriers Project: We are proud to support the Dubuque Community School District’s Food Pantry + Clothes Closet to support essential needs for the district’s students and their families. Feeding America and St. Joseph's Food Pantry in Appleton: By contributing to these food banks, we are helping to combat hunger in our communities and ensure families have access to nourishing meals during the holidays and beyond. Local Causes: The Holiday Drive also benefited many other local initiatives close to our employees' hearts, further demonstrating our commitment to supporting the communities where we live and work. We are incredibly proud of our team members who help spread holiday cheer and generously support causes close to their hearts, especially during times of need. Our annual Holiday Drive serves as a prime example of our team's commitment to being #BetterEveryDay, as we diligently carry this spirit of giving throughout the year.