Generations Of Leaders One aspect of her plan is to place a
renewed focus on systems and technol- ogy, streamlining processes to improve experiences for clients, brokers, carriers, and team members. This includes having a “faster, better product than the compe- tition,” Bortman says, pointing out that the societal shift to “instant” has been particularly challenging because insur- ance is methodical. For that reason, UIP brought on an IT manager approximately 1.5 years ago to assist with the progres- sion of its claims filing process as well as the enhancement of its communication channels.
Finally, she’s also brainstorming new
verticals to expand UIP’s offerings. “Insur- ance is a hard market,” says Bortman, who mentions that weather-related claims and increasingly litigious people have only made it more difficult.
“We’re looking at different avenues,” she says, adding that being resilient,
diversified, and strong for the company, employees, clients, and carriers is a core business strategy. Developing new programs that could help UIP’s exist- ing clients is another potential route. “When our clients are happy, everyone is happy.”
Next Generation But no one is happier than Tipton.
“Jenny will take the company to new
levels,” she says. “I am so proud and excited to see that!”
Tipton reveals that other insurance
companies inquired about acquiring UIP in the past, but she wanted to keep it a family business. “The self-storage indus- try is very family oriented,” she says. “I love working in the industry. I’m blessed and thankful to be in it.”
What’s more, Tipton has been plan- ning this succession for 10 years, and
being a grandmother has made it even more meaningful.
“It’s a good time to pass it over and
take on a different role,” says Tipton, who turns 70 this year and is eager to spend more time traveling, playing with her four grandkids, volunteering, mentoring others, upholding the integrity of under- writing, working on special projects, and serving as an ambassador for the company. “Now I have the joy of seeing my daughter grow and prosper.”
To that end, Bortman says, “I’m build-
ing a legacy that I may pass down to my own daughter.”
Lily, who’s 10 and a half years old,
already delights in working in UIP’s mailroom, the same department where Bortman got her feet wet as a child. Her son, Levi, 12, loves to come into the office too, but he is dedicated and geared up to become a professional soccer player. While Bortman is a realist, she also believes hard work and the right skills can help you follow your dreams, whether it’s the family business or profes- sional sports.
“She always makes everything a
million times better,” Lily says about her mother, “and that’s why I’m here today working for my mom and grandma.”
And Bortman, with deep appreciation
and admiration not only for her mom but also her supporting husband and loving children, couldn’t be prouder.
Though Lily still has a lot of growing
up to do, and there will be new chal- lenges to face in the future, the solid foundation Tipton built for Universal Insurance Programs will undoubtedly be able to weather any storm, especially with Bortman there to reinforce the groundwork that has kept the compa- ny—and family—standing strong for decades.
Erica Shatzer is the editor of Mini-Storage Messenger, Self-Storage Now!, Self-Storage Canada, and the annual Self-Storage Almanac.
38 August 2023 •
MiniStorageMessenger.com
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