IIAH - Independent Insurance Agents of Houston

06/17/2026

Meet one of the leaders helping shape the future of IIAH. 👏

Introducing 2025–2026 IIAH Board Member, Blake Wellmann – learn more below ⬇️

Blake Wellmann is a leader at Wellmann Insurance Agency, Inc., where he plays a key role in sales, marketing, and agency management. With over eight years of experience on the agency side, Blake recently earned his Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) designation, further strengthening his expertise in the industry.

Insurance has been a lifelong influence, as Blake grew up watching his father, David Wellmann – who purchased the agency over 30 years ago – build what is now a thriving business with 25 employees across six locations, alongside Blake and his brother.

Blake is passionate about helping clients protect what matters most. Rather than simply selling policies, he focuses on educating clients and providing tailored coverage solutions, drawing on firsthand experience seeing how proper insurance can safeguard lives and businesses.

Outside of work, Blake enjoys spending time with family, golfing, woodworking, and being on the water. He attended the University of Texas, where he played baseball for two years, before completing his degree at Texas A&M University.

Next time you see Blake at an event, please say hi! 👋

06/16/2026

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us yesterday afternoon at Kids' Meals, Inc.! 🙌

Together, our volunteers spent the day making a direct impact in our community—packing meals, sharing smiles, and helping ensure Houston’s youngest neighbors are nourished and cared for.

In Houston, 1 in 4 preschool-aged children are unsure of their next meal. That reality makes every single volunteer hour count. Because of you, Kids’ Meals can continue working toward its mission of ending childhood hunger—one meal at a time. 💛

We’re so grateful for your time, energy, and heart. You are what makes this work possible.

✨ Want to make a difference? Join us for our next Kids’ Meals volunteer project on July 15!

👉 Register here: https://www.iiah.org/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=2030380&group=

06/15/2026

🌟 Charitable Benefactor Spotlight: Covenant House Texas

Covenant House Texas supports youth experiencing homelessness by providing safe shelter, care, and resources to build brighter futures. Rooted in unconditional love, respect, and compassion, they empower young people to live with purpose and stability.

🤝 Get Involved: Volunteer, donate, attend events, or help spread awareness to make a lasting impact. https://covenanthousetx.org/

✨ Together, we can help create hope and opportunity for every young person.

06/12/2026

🌟 New Member Spotlight: The Gibraltar Group 🌟

Please join us in welcoming Devon Neely & The Gibraltar Group, to IIAH!

Based in Houston, The Gibraltar Group has been serving individuals, families, and businesses since 2001 by providing insurance, mortgage, and title services—all under one roof. With more than 13,000 clients and over 100 years of combined insurance experience, their team is dedicated to helping clients protect what matters most while achieving their financial goals.

Their wide range of services includes:
• Home, Auto & Flood Insurance
• Life & Medicare Insurance
• Commercial Insurance

What truly sets The Gibraltar Group apart is their all-in-one approach—simplifying major life events like homebuying and risk management with a seamless, convenient experience.

For more information, check out their website ➡️ www.thegibraltargrp.com

New to IIAH? Want to be highlighted? Reach out to Shelby Hibbard, [email protected], for more information!

06/11/2026

⏳ Just one week away from the IIAH x ELITExasYoung Insurance Professionals Open!

Don’t miss your chance to join us on June 18, 2026 at X-Golf Katy for a fun, high-energy event you won’t want to hear about after—it’s one you’ll want to be part of.

🏆 Prizes include:
• 1st Place: (2) TaylorMade MG4 Wedges
• 2nd Place: $200
• 3rd Place: $100
• Door Prize: TaylorMade Qi35

There’s still time to register—and limited sponsorship opportunities are still available! Email Shelby Hibbard, [email protected], for more information!

Don’t wait… secure your spot and be part of the memories 🎉

06/10/2026

Meet one of the leaders helping shape the future of IIAH. 👏

Introducing 2025–2026 IIAH Board Member, Robert Oncken —learn more below ⬇️

Robert Oncken is the owner and principal of Oncken Insurance Agency in Cypress, Texas. With more than 35 years of experience in the insurance industry, he founded his agency in 2004 with a focus on education, client advocacy, and long‑term relationship building.

Robert serves on the Board of Directors for the Independent Insurance Agents of Houston, where he supports initiatives that strengthen the independent agency channel, promote professional development, and enhance member engagement across the Houston market.

Under his leadership, Oncken Insurance Agency has become one of the most trusted and consistently top‑rated independent agencies in the region. Robert is known for his commitment to clear communication, ethical guidance, and operational excellence, as well as his interest in technology‑driven processes that help agents deliver better service and sustainable growth.

Next time you see Robert at an event, please say hi! 👋

06/09/2026

Looking for a meaningful way to give back this summer? ☀️

Join us on June 15 for our Kids' Meals, Inc. Volunteer Project as we help prepare meals for children in need across Houston.

🗓 Monday, June 15, 2026
⏰ 1:00–3:30 PM
📍 Kids’ Meals | Houston, TX

✅ Family-friendly—ages 12+ welcome!

⏳ Only one week left to register and spots are limited!

Make an impact, connect with others, and support an incredible cause.

RSVP: https://lnkd.in/gAD7PsMC

Register: https://lnkd.in/gX6EvVYc

Secure your spot today! ❤️

Looking for a meaningful way to give back this summer? ☀️

Join us on June 15 for our Kids' Meals, Inc. Volunteer Project, where we’ll help prepare meals for children in need across the Houston area.

🗓 Monday, June 15, 2026
⏰ 1:00–3:30 PM
📍 Kids’ Meals | Houston, TX

✅ Great for families—kids ages 12+ are welcome to volunteer!

This is a wonderful opportunity to make an impact, connect with others, and support an incredible organization serving our community. Come ready to work hard, have fun, and make a difference!

RSVP with us at: https://www.iiah.org/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=2030381&group=
Register using this link: https://kidsmealsinc.volunteerhub.com/vv2/lp/iiah

Secure your spot today!❤️

06/08/2026

You know him, you love him, but if you don’t, now you do!

David Wuthrich is a Houston native who was raised in Deer Park, Texas, and earned his Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing from Texas A&M University. His professional career has been centered around the insurance and private banking industries, where he has built a strong foundation of leadership and expertise. For the past seven years, he has served as President and CEO of the Independent Insurance Agents of Houston (IIAH), guiding the organization with a commitment to growth and community impact.

Outside of his professional life, David has been married to his wife, Tara, for 29 years and is a proud father to their two grown sons, Luke and Adam. He enjoys traveling, playing golf, and giving back to the community—values that reflect both his personal and professional approach to life.

Next time you are at an event, come say hi to David! 👋

06/05/2026

IIAH & Independent Ins. Agents of Austin were honored to sponsor the Travelers Insurance Institute’s Risk. Regulation. Resilience. Responsibility.℠ symposium as it made its stop here in Houston — part of a national initiative focused on the availability and affordability of property and casualty insurance.

From environmental trends and rising costs to aging infrastructure, litigation abuse, and growth in high-risk areas, the challenges facing our industry are real — and so are the solutions being discussed. This is exactly the kind of conversation our members need to be part of.

A huge thank you to our speakers for sharing their expertise:

✅ Rick Keegan — EVP, Enterprise Chief Underwriting Officer, Travelers
✅ Roy Wright — President & CEO, Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety
✅ Glenn Westrick — SVP, Government Relations, Travelers
✅ Caleb Earnest — VP, Chief Underwriting Officer, Personal Insurance, Travelers
✅ Joan Kois Woodward — President, Travelers Institute & EVP, Public Policy, Travelers

Proud to stand alongside Travelers and the Travelers Institute in advancing this important work. Want to learn more? 👇
https://institute.travelers.com/insurance-availability-affordability

06/04/2026

🌟 New Member Spotlight: Novella 🌟

Please join us in welcoming Novella and Matthew Romano, to our community!

Novella is an AI-powered wholesale insurance broker specializing in E&S lines, giving retail agents faster, more transparent access to specialty markets across all 50 states. With services ranging from commercial property and general liability to Lloyd’s of London access, they focus on solving complex, hard-to-place risks.

What sets them apart? A powerful blend of experienced brokers and cutting-edge AI tools—delivering real-time submission tracking, 24-hour quotes, and full visibility throughout the placement process.

Fun fact: Novella recently secured a $21M raise and is expanding into Houston and beyond! 🚀

Find more information about Novella here ➡️ bynovella.com

We’re excited to have you—welcome to the community, and we look forward to seeing you around! 👏

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New to IIAH? Want to be highlighted? Reach out to Shelby Hibbard, [email protected], for more information!