
Mel Foster Insurance shared its year-end results for 2024 as it recognized its employees and their accomplishments at an awards recognition Thursday, Jan. 30.
Marc Engels, president of Mel Foster Insurance, and the company’s President and CEO Rob Fick, honored 24 award recipients at the evening celebration at the Holiday Inn & Suites, Davenport.

The locally owned and operated insurance agency is based in Davenport. About 40 of its staff were on hand for the awards event.
In a news release Friday, Jan. 31, Mel Foster Insurance said insurers across the region faced ongoing challenges last year that required significant adjustments to underwriting practices, driven by elevated loss performance. These adjustments have resulted in increased deductibles, limitations in coverage terms, and significant rate adjustments, it said.
“Catastrophic weather events, nuclear liability verdicts, and persistent social inflation continue to disrupt the insurance industry, pushing premiums higher for all consumers,” Mr. Engels said. “Our experienced team and strong relationships with leading carriers enable us to continue to provide competitive rates while maintaining exceptional local service in a rapidly evolving insurance market.”
Founded in 1932, Mel Foster Insurance represents more than 25 regional insurance carriers and provides coverage for its personal and business clients including solutions for business risk management, employee benefits, individual/group retirement planning, and personal insurance.
“Our independence gives us the flexibility to deliver competitive choices backed by some of the most financially secure providers in the industry,” Mr. Engels said.
Against an insurance market that experienced unprecedented market access limitations, rate increases, and tightening of underwriting principles, he said the agency’s commercial property and casualty department experienced year-over-year growth of 10.5%. Overall, the direct written premium across all departments was up 8.8%.
“We take pride in providing the best insurance experience regardless of market conditions,” he added. “That commitment has allowed us to retain 97% of our clients in the past year. We appreciate the trust clients have in us as we recognize we would not be here without their continued business.”
The year also saw continued investment in employees’ training and professional development as well as technology advancements to allow it to deliver reliable solutions to its clients, Mr. Engels said.
Touting Mel Foster Insurance’s priority of giving back in the communities it serves, the insurance and real estate divisions continued their Think.Buy.Be.Local campaign in 2024, supporting more than 150 local businesses during Small Business Week.
The company, rooted in the Quad Cities, also raised money for the River Bend Foodbank Community Hunger Drive, partnered with WQAD for a school supply drive, held a blood drive with ImpactLIfe, and collected toys and money for Toys for Tots. It also supported community-wide events such as the John Deere Classic, Quad-City Times Bix 7, Quad Cities Marathon, Quad City Arts Festival of Trees, and Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Mississippi Valley’s annual plant sale.
“We are deeply proud to give back to the communities that have supported us over the years,” Mr. Fick said at the celebration. “Partnering with our employees to make a positive impact and support local businesses is not just a responsibility – it’s a privilege and a cornerstone of our mission.”
Reflecting on 2024’s challenges, Mr. Engels said “I am incredibly proud of the accomplishments of our agency. Their dedication to delivering exceptional service and innovative solutions has been instrumental in our continued growth.”
Thanking the employees “for their hard work, commitment, and resilience throughout the year, he said “Their efforts have made a meaningful impact on our clients and our community, and I am excited for the opportunities ahead in the new year.”
Mel Foster Real Estate will host its awards breakfast Tuesday, Feb. 4, at a private event at the Mississippi River Distilling Co.’s Celebration Center in LeClaire.