FORT WORTH, Texas — Higginbotham, one of the nation’s largest independent insurance and financial services firms, has announced a strategic partnership with Blanton & Griffin Insurance Agency, a long-established property and casualty insurance firm headquartered in Valdosta, Georgia.
The partnership strengthens Higginbotham’s footprint across South Georgia while providing Blanton & Griffin with expanded resources, broader carrier access, and enhanced service capabilities to support its long-term growth plans.
According to Higginbotham Chairman and CEO Rusty Reid, the partnership aligns with the company’s growth strategy of partnering with respected local agencies and empowering them with additional resources while preserving their unique culture and community connections.
“Blanton & Griffin has built an outstanding reputation through decades of service and strong client relationships,” Reid said. “Their leadership team has successfully positioned the agency for the future by involving the next generation of owners, and we’re excited to support their continued growth with the resources and expertise available through Higginbotham.”
Blanton & Griffin traces its roots to a 1985 merger between the agencies of Lou Blanton and Archie Griffin, although the family’s insurance history dates back more than a century. Over the years, the agency has developed strong expertise in both commercial and personal insurance, serving clients throughout South Georgia and neighboring regions.
The firm has earned particular recognition for its work in commercial insurance, including serving businesses in the construction, manufacturing, hospitality, and nonprofit sectors. The agency also maintains specialized expertise in contract surety solutions for construction-related businesses.
As part of its succession and growth strategy, Blanton & Griffin expanded its ownership group in early 2025, increasing from three owners to seven and bringing a new generation of leaders into the business. That transition prompted the agency to evaluate how it could best support future growth while maintaining its independence and client-focused approach.
“We weren’t simply looking for a larger organization,” said Ben Blanton, President of Blanton & Griffin. “We wanted a partner that shared our values and could help us continue growing without changing the culture and relationships that have defined our agency for decades. Higginbotham’s employee-owned structure and commitment to local autonomy made them a natural fit.”
Through the partnership, Blanton & Griffin will gain access to a broader network of insurance markets, specialty insurance programs, captive solutions, in-house claims advocacy, legal resources, and employee benefits services that can further support clients’ evolving needs.
For Higginbotham, the partnership brings more than geographic expansion. The company adds a respected team with deep ties to the Valdosta community and a longstanding commitment to serving local businesses and families.
Zac Henry, a producer and member of the agency’s next-generation ownership team, said the partnership creates opportunities for growth while preserving the firm’s local identity.
“Many young professionals in the insurance industry find themselves becoming part of large organizations where the connection to clients can get lost,” Henry said. “This partnership allows us to remain rooted in South Georgia, continue serving the communities we know best, and benefit from the capabilities of a national organization. It’s an opportunity to grow while staying true to who we are.”
The partnership reflects both organizations’ shared commitment to client service, community involvement, and long-term growth, positioning Blanton & Griffin for continued success while further strengthening Higginbotham’s presence throughout Georgia.
Information for this article was provided by Higginbotham. Views and claims expressed in this article are those of the source company and do not necessarily reflect the views of AgencyEquity.com. This article may have been edited with the help of AI.
