About us

Direct Insurance meets Technology

Bringing franchisees the smartest solution

Who are we?

Our talented team is dedicated to offering business insurance in a more efficient way to add value to your business and provide a better insurance experience.

Bill Strout

President

Bill has been in the property casualty business for over 20 years. Diverse insurance experience and leadership from underwriting, sales, and wholesale insurance. Bill’s father was an owner of an agency in Chicago, so he grew up in the business. Outside of work, Bill enjoys time with his 3 kids and wife traveling.

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Melissa Skelly

AVP Client Success

Melissa has been in the insurance industry since 2011 and earned her CPCU in 2015. Melissa and her team are committed to providing industry-leading service to Intrepid Direct's customers and prospective customers. Outside of work you'll find her chasing her toddler son, cheering on the Royals and Jayhawks, or planning her next travel destination!

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Dustin Turner

SVP Chief Actuary

Dustin has been an Actuary in the property casualty business for over 10 years, earning his FCAS in 2011, and has had the opportunity to work with a wide-ranging variety of insurance products in the commercal lines, personal lines, and reinsurance spaces. Dustin enjoys taking walks with his wife and daughter.

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David Heger

David Heger

Vice President Underwriting

David has been in the commercial insurance industry for more than 20 years and has earned the CPCU and AIS designations. He has extensive experience in many areas but the focus of his career has been in underwriting, operations and leadership. David’s entire career has been spent with niche focused specialty carriers; with experience in all regions of the country and all sizes of accounts. David likes to work collaboratively across functions and with customers to find solutions. During his free time David enjoys all things sports and spending time with his family.

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Jim Miller

Vice President Claims

Jim’s claims career spans over 30 years managing claim teams for various regional and national carriers. Jim has extensive experience in management overseeing claims litigation and multi-line commercial and personal lines claims. During his free time he enjoys spending time with his family and bike trips with his wife on the rails to trails biking trails.

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Jacci Zach

Jacci Zach

Claims Director

Since 2001, Jacci has delighted in helping customers when they need it the most. At Intrepid, Jacci and the entire Claims Department work every day to defy stale insurance stereotypes, partner with clients and deliver exceptional results. In her free time, Jacci enjoys spending time outdoors – exploring Kansas City, hiking on vacation or spending time with family and friends!

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Ed Fitzgerl Profile Pic

Ed Fitzgerl

GM Franchise Solutions

Ed has 22 years of comprehensive property and casualty insurance experience including business development, leadership, underwriting and adjusting at regional and national brokerages as well as a niche-focused insurance company. Ed enjoys traveling to the beach with his wife and children, watching his 2 boys play sports, and being outside hunting and fishing.

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Laura Bradley

Laura L. Bradley

Restaurant Solutions Advisor

Laura has over 15 years experience as a former restaurant franchisee for Burger King, YUM! Brands and Fazolis. Prior to being a franchisee, she worked for a restaurant finance company and financed over $1 billion with multiple franchise brands across the nation. This combination brings unique insight and experience to Intrepid and allows franchisees to connect with their insurance provider on a different level. Having walked in the franchisee shoes, Laura enjoys making connections with franchisees and swapping stories. In her spare time, you can find her on the waters of Green Bay or Lake Michigan!

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Alex Whittit

Alex Whittit

Client Relationship Manager

Alex begun his insurance career in 2011, providing professional solutions for personal and commercial lines in both captive and brokerage agencies. He grew up around a family owned business and entered the commercial insurance industry because he wanted to work with business owners. In his time away from work you can find Alex at the lake, on the slopes, or cheering on the Kansas City sports teams.

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Need financing?

ApplePie Capital logo  +  ApplePie Capital logo

Franchise-focused insurance meets franchise financing made simple.

Learn more about our partnership with ApplePie Capital

We’re a team

When we are not working, planning, and serving our customers, our team is helping the community and enjoying time together!

Financial Strength

Saving money is important, but protecting your business is the most important.

Intrepid Direct Insurance is a member company of a Fortune 500 company, which was established in 1967 and has over $6 billion in annual net premiums written. All of the group’s rated insurance companies, including Intrepid Insurance Company, carry an A+ (Superior) rating from A.M. Best.