Paragon Appoints Industry Veteran Charles Lasher to Lead New Commercial Division

Addition of esteemed executive enables company to build out small commercial E&S business line

Paragon Insurance Holdings (Paragon), a national multi-line managing general agent, today announces the formation of its new small commercial division led by insurance business veteran Charles Lasher. With nearly 20 years industry experience, Lasher brings extensive domain knowledge and leadership to the firm. In his new role, he will be responsible for building out the small commercial excess and surplus (E&S) division that will include a combination of exclusive managed programs and brokerage markets.

The newly established small commercial division will primarily focus on providing specialized insurance solutions for small contractors and will focus on General Liability and Commercial package products covering multiple industries. Emphasizing E&S business, the division aims to place coverage predominantly through key retail brokers, leveraging Paragon's national footprint. Based in Carlsbad, Calif., the small commercial division comprises a dedicated team of 11 professionals. Lasher will report to Paragon’s Executive Vice President Andrew Petersen.

“Charles will deliver to Paragon a rapidly growing segment of the US economy: the small business sector. We see this market continuing to grow, and with Charles and his team, are excited to invest heavily into this space,” said Petersen.

Paragon's entry into the small business segment represents a strategic move to capitalize on a growing market within the U.S.

“The appointment of Charles Lasher is indicative of how seriously we are approaching this market. His veteran leadership and depth of experience will serve our customers, and our business at large, well. We are thrilled to welcome him to the team,” said Paragon CEO Ron Ganiats.

Most recently, Lasher served as president of the Commercial Division for RPS Atlas which he launched in 2015. At RPS, Lasher built managed programs in the contractor’s general liability sector and worked with newly appointed Senior Vice President, Sarah Sloan, who joins Lasher from RPS, in building out brokerage and binding operations to widely expand the commercial E&S offerings of RPS Atlas. Sloan will oversee the day-to-day operations of the business and will report to Lasher. Prior to RPS, Lasher spent 9 years at SIS Wholesale (now ISC) as vice president and was responsible for the development of multiple Contractor General Liability Programs which covered all 50 states. In his past role Lasher oversaw the day-to-day operations of the underwriting and claims departments.

"I couldn't be more excited to join the Paragon team. We are looking forward to the opportunities and new carrier partnerships this division presents," offered Lasher. "Our goal is to bring innovative insurance products to a growing segment, providing valuable solutions to small contractors nationwide."

For more information and upcoming announcements, please visit Paragon Insurance Holdings website or contact us.

About Paragon:

Paragon Insurance Holdings, LLC, formed in 2014, writes all commercial lines of insurance across more than 25 programs. Paragon’s industry-specific and general underwriting facilities offer insureds, retail agents, carriers, reinsurers and service providers unique product, service, capability, and results. Learn more: https://www.paragoninsgroup.com.

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