As we close the chapter on 2024, and enter 2025 as our 15th year in business, I reflect on a year marked by growth, innovation, and steadfast dedication to our clients. At Fusco Orsini & Associates and 4C Advising, our mission has always been clear: to provide the highest level of protection, compliance, and advisory services, empowering small to medium-sized businesses to thrive. This year, that mission became even more purposeful as we embraced challenges and turned them into opportunities to serve better.
Reflecting on Our Achievements
- Strengthening Risk Management: We introduced new solutions designed to help businesses stay ahead in a rapidly changing environment. Among the highlights were our Workplace Violence Protection Plan and online manager training—essential tools for California businesses navigating new compliance laws. Additionally, our Zenjuries Claim Concierge service provided clients with streamlined workers’ compensation management, helping to reduce costs and improve outcomes.
- Tailored Insurance Solutions: Our focus on specialization shone brightly in 2024. From crafting comprehensive guides like the ultimate trailer insurance blog to addressing contractor-specific needs such as subsidence exclusions, we ensured our clients received targeted advice and coverage that fit their industries. The launch of our Small Business Unit marked another milestone, demonstrating our commitment to meeting the unique needs of smaller accounts.
- Enhancing Client Education and Engagement: Education remained a cornerstone of our work, which we believe it apparent on our YouTube channel. Through initiatives like the From Mike’s Desk blog series, we tackled timely topics—including lessons from the Crowdstrike incident and Thanksgiving-themed risk management insights—to keep clients informed and inspired. We also extended our reach through engaging video content, such as “Top Strategies to Save on Commercial Insurance Costs,” solidifying our role as trusted advisors.
Acknowledging Our Challenges
While 2024 was a year of progress, it also presented significant hurdles that tested our resilience. Some partnerships we aimed to strengthen ultimately ended, highlighting the importance of shared values and open communication in achieving long-term alignment. Missed goals pushed us to reassess our strategies and reframe our approach to outreach and service. Operational setbacks challenged us but also became opportunities to refine workflows and foster innovative solutions.
Mistakes were inevitable, yet each misstep reinforced our need for flexibility, adaptability, and humility. These challenges underscored our commitment to learning and growth, strengthening our resolve to serve our clients and partners more effectively in the future. By facing these difficulties head-on, we have laid the groundwork for a more resilient and focused organization as we enter 2025.
Insights from the Team
Our team’s diverse contributions have been the cornerstone of navigating 2024’s complexities. To reflect on the year, I invited everyone to share their perspectives—celebrating achievements, lessons learned, and goals for the future. The following insights showcase the dedication and expertise that drive our success as we continue to grow and adapt together.
Donna Hawkins:
- Achievements: Purchased her first condo.
- Lessons Learned: Learned to practice patience and grace in vendor and contact interactions.
- Looking Ahead: Excited about saving for another home in 2025.
- Values: Recognized the value of SMART principles in fostering a supportive and effective team environment.
Daniel Morton:
- Achievements: Successfully maintained a profitable book of business during one of the most tumultuous insurance markets ever.
- Lessons Learned: Emphasized the importance of not placing all business with a single carrier, as even high-quality carriers can pose risks when over-relied upon.
- Client Impact: Provided guidance to a client on managing subcontractors as they hired employees for the first time.
- Looking Ahead: Excited about the restructuring of our teams and the potential for improved collaboration and results.
- Values: Highlighted how SMART principles resonate with him, ensuring every decision prioritizes client safety and the agency’s reputation.
Janeth Soto:
- Achievements: Stepped out of her comfort zone to embrace a new venture with Fusco Orsini & Associates.
- Lessons Learned: Recognized that clients aren’t always upset; often, they’re overwhelmed and need clarity.
- Client Impact: Assisted a valued clients with last-minute entries for required information, working closely with underwriting to rescind non-renewals right before Christmas.
- Looking Ahead: Looking forward to opportunities and challenges that lead to growth and understanding.
- Values: Found guidance in SMART values to deliver thoughtful and client-focused outcomes.
Katherine Jordan:
- Achievements: Earned WCIRB certification and received numerous client referrals.
- Lessons Learned: Realized insureds need more than just policies—they need brokers who understand their broader business needs.
- Client Impact: Helped a client secure a policy that met a new client’s requirements, enabling them to land a contract that grew their business by over 20%.
- Looking Ahead: Excited to see how her clients performed in 2024 and their plans for growth in 2025.
- Values: Believes PARTNER reflects the agency’s commitment to building meaningful relationships rather than offering generic solutions.
Namalie Desilva:
- Achievements: Mastered service workflows to provide support when needed.
- Lessons Learned: Reinforced the importance of prioritizing customer service.
- Client Impact: Highlighted the agency’s streamlined platforms that simplify clients’ access to insurance.
- Looking Ahead: Eager to work with the new team and make a positive impact in 2025.
- Values: Strives to embody SMART principles in all aspects of work.
Looking Ahead: Insights and Predictions for 2025
As we prepare for the year ahead, we’re keeping a close eye on key trends shaping the insurance landscape. While there are signs of a softening market with broader coverage options and reduced premiums, challenges such as inflation, natural disasters, and rising cyber threats remain significant. Businesses must stay proactive, reviewing and adapting their coverage to address evolving risks like hybrid work environments and the growing impact of AI on operations.
At Fusco Orsini & Associates and 4C Advising, we’ll continue to guide our clients through these complexities, ensuring they are well-prepared for whatever 2025 brings. Plans include refreshing our commercial insurance proposal templates to better serve clients, expanding HR services through 4C Advising, and continuing to develop innovative solutions tailored to evolving client needs. The work we’ve done this year has laid a strong foundation for what’s to come, and we’re more motivated than ever to push forward.
Closing Thoughts
As we celebrate the close of 2024 and prepare for the new year, I’m especially proud to acknowledge a milestone—2025 marks 15 years in business for Fusco Orsini & Associates. This journey has been shaped by the trust of our clients, the dedication of our partners, and the unwavering commitment of our team. Together, we’ve built stronger foundations and made meaningful progress toward our shared goals.
Looking ahead, I’m excited to continue this work in 2025, driven by the same passion and focus that has carried us through the past decade and a half. Here’s to a future of protection, progress, and partnership.
Let’s make 2025 our best year yet.
Sincerely,
Mike Fusco
CEO, Fusco Orsini & Associates and 4C Advising
