Higginbotham Partners with Blanton & Griffin for Growth in Georgia

Higginbotham, an employee-owned insurance and financial services firm headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, has expanded its footprint in Georgia by partnering with Blanton & Griffin Insurance Agency, a Valdosta-based provider of property and casualty insurance. This alliance strengthens Higginbotham's presence in South Georgia while providing Blanton & Griffin with enhanced access to resources, carrier relationships, and service capabilities to support their growth strategy.

Rusty Reid, Chairman and CEO of Higginbotham, emphasized the importance of partnering with agencies that share similar values. He stated, “Blanton & Griffin brings exactly the kind of local strength we look for.” This collaboration aligns with Higginbotham's strategy to work with culturally aligned firms, allowing them to leverage their size and specialized resources to promote organic growth.

Blanton & Griffin, established from the merger of Lou Blanton and Archie Griffin's agencies in 1985, has roots in the insurance industry dating back to 1920. The agency serves various sectors, including construction, hospitality, nonprofit, and manufacturing, and offers specialized contract surety services. A strategic ownership expansion in 2025 added new leaders to the team, positioning the agency for future growth.

Ben Blanton, president of Blanton & Griffin, remarked on the decision to join forces with Higginbotham. He highlighted the importance of finding a partner that could enhance their capabilities without altering their local culture. Higginbotham's employee-owned structure and independence aligned well with these goals.

The partnership will grant Blanton & Griffin expanded market relationships, specialized programs, captive capabilities, and access to in-house claims advocacy and legal resources. Additionally, the agency can now offer Higginbotham's employee benefits solutions to its clients, broadening their service offerings.

For Higginbotham, the collaboration not only adds a valuable office in South Georgia but also a team well-integrated into the local community. Zac Henry, part of the new generation of owners at Blanton & Griffin, noted the advantage of maintaining local client connections while benefiting from the support of a national organization. He commented, “Higginbotham gives us a different path… We get to keep growing without losing our place in the community.”

Prior to this partnership, Blanton & Griffin Insurance Agency was a standalone entity providing insurance services in Valdosta, Georgia, with a focus on understanding client risks and securing bespoke coverage. Higginbotham, ranked as the 16th largest independent insurance brokerage in the U.S. in 2026 by The Hales Report, offers tailored programs through its Day Two Services® to ensure ongoing client support.