August/1993: Gary Markel Surplus Lines Brokerage was established as an independently owned Excess & Surplus Lines Wholesale Broker in St. Petersburg, FL by owners Gary Markel, President and Paula (Wachholz) Ross, Executive Vice President/Managing Partner.

Our Mission Statement is to continue to utilize our coverage expertise, market knowledge and relationships with the industry’s leading insurance companies to provide our clients with the tools necessary to compete in our ever changing industry. By utilizing our extensive industry experience, market and coverage knowledge and by providing superior service allowing our clients the specialization required to better service their insured’s needs.
Our focus is on the “non-standard” commercial risks providing D&O, Professional, Employment Practices, Environmental, Property, Windstorm, General Liability and Ocean Marine coverages including ground up, guaranty cost, deductibles, self insured retention programs for all your client’s needs.
As your Commercial Excess & Surplus Lines Specialist, we look forward to being of service to you!

Memberships: NAPSLO, PLUS, FSLA, FAIA, PAIA, IIAGT, CPCU

June/1995: Barbara Ermatinger joined our firm as Assistant Vice President/Financial Services Manager. Ermantinger, consider an expert in Professional Liability established our Financial Services Department.

Sept/1998: Moved offices to 1901 Ulmerton Road, Suite 700, Clearwater, FL and upgraded all IT for Y2K compliance.

1998-05: Began sponsoring continued education seminars throughout the State of Florida on various subjects ranging from Internet Liability, Employment Related Practices, Directors & Officers Liability to Architects & Engineers Professional Liability.

Dec/2004: Moved office to 15950 Bay Vista Drive, Suite 250, Clearwater, FL

Jan/2005: Promoted Michael Sullivan to Assistant Vice President/Financial Services Manager replacing Ermatinger who retired.