Small business spotlight: Gary Bronner from Country Financial
Affordable insurance options and sound financial planning to protect what matters most

Gary Bronner, CFP
630-863-4775
Gary.Bronner@CountryFinancial.com

Q: What types of insurance do you provide for breweries, bars and restaurants specifically?

A: Country Financial provides a general liability policy, which includes liquor liability (and therefore no need for a separate dram shop policy). With our workers’ compensation policy, we can exclude the owners if that is there preference. We also offer coverages for auto/truck, building owners and an umbrella policy that’s tough to beat. Craft breweries, wineries and taprooms are right in my wheelhouse for so many reasons.

Q: What’s a current trend in the insurance industry that breweries and brewpubs should know about?

A: It’s important to know that most times, breweries and bars have to buy a separate dram shop policy to satisfy the laws in Illinois that hold businesses liable for potential injuries caused by any intoxicated customers. But Country Financial created an option that includes liquor liability in our general liability policy — basically converging them into one — and that provides substantial savings to the brewery owners. We look at what breweries and wineries do as a true craft, and we want to celebrate that.

At Country Financial, we look at what breweries and wineries do as a true craft, and we want to celebrate that.

Q: What’s a common misstep that small-business owners make when it comes to protecting — or not properly protecting — their entire operation?

A: Not taking advantage of acquiring quotes from a variety of insurance companies. Think about a craft brewery… they’re working on their trade and focused on what they’re creating, and they might not take the time to really go shopping. But quotes are free and there’s no obligation. And I can comfortably say the customer service you’re going to experience from myself and the Country Financial brand is going to be as good as it gets.

Q: Finish this sentence: At Country Financial, we can help you navigate…

A: The intricacies of insuring your brewery with the best coverage, and providing the best customer service for all your insurance needs. It’s not uncommon for us to save our clients between 20-40% on the policy that takes care of their needs and suits them best. Customer service is my thing, and everyone I work with knows that. My cell phone is on from 8 a.m.-7 p.m. every day of the week, and I’m very proud of the access that I provide because, as an insurance agent and a representative of your business, that’s what it’s all about.