SARASOTA, Fla. – Russ Bobbitt, a longtime partner and agent at the Sarasota-based Purmort & Martin Insurance Agency, has assumed the role of president and chief executive officer from Jamie Purmort, who has resigned to pursue other opportunities.
In his new role, Bobbitt will continue to provide commercial insurance products and services to clients as well as manage the day-to-day operations of the agency, steer the firm’s direction and handle business development.
With close to 30 years of experience in the insurance industry, Bobbitt has handled large self-insured accounts, including contractors, hospitals and governmental entities. In 1997, he made the switch to the agency side and became a producer at Purmort, Martin and Mercier Insurance Agency, and he has been a partner in the firm since 2004.
“As a privately owned firm, we don’t answer to shareholders,” said Bobbitt. “We answer to our Sarasota friends and neighbors, and our agency has always been uniquely positioned in our dedication to customer-focused service. In this new role, I will continue that mission while also striving to support the community in many ways, which has always been a passion for me.”
A licensed Florida agent since 1996, Bobbitt has licenses in property and casualty, life, health and surplus lines. In addition to his licenses, Russ has earned the advanced insurance designations, including Accredited Advisor of Insurance (AAI), Construction Risk Insurance Specialist (CRIS) and Certified Workers Compensation Advisor (CWCA).
Bobbitt is a native Floridian who has lived in Sarasota since he was 16. A graduate of Riverview High School, he attended the University of Florida and graduated from the University of South Florida in 1991.
A dedicated community advocate, he is active in the Gulf Coast Builders Exchange and served as a past chairman and is a current board member. Bobbitt is the current chairman of the Coalition of Business Associations (COBA), a former president and chairman of the Greater Sarasota Sertoma Club and participates in the 100 Club of Sarasota, the Gulf Coast CEO Forum and Leadership Sarasota (class of 2011).
About Purmort & Martin Insurance Agency, LLC
Purmort & Martin Insurance Agency has been a part of the local community since 1957. As one of the area’s oldest and largest locally owned insurance agencies, it employs more than 20 full-time experienced insurance individuals, specializing in personal and commercial lines, life insurance and workers compensation, among others. The agency also has four full-time property and casualty agents.
Located at 2301 Ringling Boulevard in Sarasota, Purmort & Martin Insurance Agency represents an insurance tradition spanning five generations, with a mission to provide independent business owners and individuals with professional advice on premier insurance products. The agency carries several competitive and financially stable insurance companies. For more information, call 941-366-7070 or visit www.Purmort.com.