About Us
For over a century, our agency (formerly Insurance Underwriters Limited, IUL) has served clients throughout the New Orleans Metro area and across the Gulf South with comprehensive risk management solutions designed to protect against the unexpected. As a locally based firm, we understand the unique challenges facing businesses in our region.
We go beyond traditional insurance by taking the time to understand your industry and what matters most to your organization. Our relationship-focused, one-on-one approach ensures you have the insights needed to make informed decisions about risk mitigation while maintaining your peace of mind.
Drawing from extensive experience with organizations of all sizes—from local enterprises to global corporations—we recognize that every business faces distinct challenges. We carefully assess your specific circumstances, evaluate your risk tolerance, and develop a customized strategy that combines risk transfer, retention, reduction, and elimination to meet your organization's exact needs.
Meet Our Team
Jeff Kropp
Risk Consultant
Jeff specializes in risk management solutions for the construction industry and bonds, with over sixteen years of dedicated experience serving construction professionals. Before entering the insurance industry, he worked with Hilti North America, supporting critical rebuilding projects across Louisiana and Mississippi during the Hurricane Katrina recovery effort, which provided invaluable firsthand insight into the complex insurance and bonding challenges facing the construction industry. Jeff leverages this unique combination of field experience and insurance expertise to help construction clients navigate the surety landscape while driving growth, managing risk, and supporting long-term profitability. He is a University of New Orleans alum with a Bachelor of Science in Marketing and enjoys outdoor activities, including camping, hiking, fishing, photography, and music.
LinkedInJonathan Landry
Risk Consultant
Jonathan focuses on the unique coverage needs and risk management challenges construction professionals face, especially with workers’ compensation. With a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of New Orleans, Jonathan brings valuable insights into human behavior and workplace dynamics that enhance his ability to understand and address the complex issues and safety requirements within the construction industry. He enjoys traveling and staying active through strength training.
LinkedInJames Richardson
Risk Consultant
James specializes in commercial property, construction, workers’ compensation, and high net worth personal lines coverage. With deep expertise across multiple insurance disciplines, he provides comprehensive risk management solutions tailored to meet the unique needs of commercial and high-net-worth clients. A Louisiana State University graduate with a degree in business administration, he holds both Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) and Certified Workers Compensation Advisor (CWCA) designations, demonstrating a commitment to professional excellence and industry knowledge. Outside of the office, he is an avid LSU sports fan, enjoys playing golf, and coaches youth basketball in the community.
LinkedInTrey Simon
Risk Consultant
Trey brings a unique understanding of public entities with a particular focus on levee districts and artisan contractors. Prior to joining Alera Group, Trey worked at Zywave, where he sold analytics-based solutions and management systems to independent agency owners across Louisiana, Mississippi, and Arkansas, gaining valuable insights into the development of tangible differentiators among firms. As a Louisiana State University graduate with a degree in business management and specialization in internal audit, he combines analytical expertise with deep industry knowledge to deliver exceptional service to clients. Trey is actively involved in the community as co-founder of "Two Blue Butterflies," a non-profit organization created on behalf of his twin boys, Noah and Blake.
LinkedInResources
Contact Center
Need to report a claim, pay a bill, request an ID card or a proof of insurance certificate? Below is a list of companies we represent.
Berkshire Hathaway Homestate Companies
Berkshire Hathaway Guard Insurance Companies
Foremost, a Farmers Insurance Company
EXPERT EDUCATION
Events and Webinars
Property and Casualty
Unlocking Our 2026 P&C Market Outlook: High Level & Field Level Insights for Clients
Join EVP and Property and Casualty Practice Leader Justin Foa for an informative conversation on key findings and takeaways from Alera Group's annual flagship 2026 Property and Casualty Market Outlook Report.
January 20, 2026 at 01:00 pm CT | Virtual
Sign Up
Employee Benefits
Foundations – Understanding the Multigenerational Workforce
In our three-part webinar series, Designing Benefits That Work – A Data-Driven, Multigenerational Focus, we’ll explore multigenerational workforce insights, debunk generational myths, share early- and late-career planning strategies, review legal and compliance trends and provide actionable tools and resources.
January 21, 2026 at 10:00 am CT | Virtual
Sign Up
Employee Benefits
The 2026 Market Reality: Why Costs Feel Uncontrollable — and Where Leaders Still Have Leverage
A clear map of where leaders can act in 2026 and how to prioritize decisions that move cost and outcomes.
January 22, 2026 at 01:00 pm CT | Virtual
Sign Up
THOUGHT LEADERSHIP
Insights
Property and Casualty
Are you prepared for 2026? Property and Casualty Trends Uncovered
The sixth annual Property and Casualty Market Outlook from Alera Group sets the stage for how organizations can recalibrate their risk strategies in 2026. Built on thousands of data points — including a nationwide survey of insurance company partners and wholesale intermediaries — this report delivers actionable insights for insurance buyers, risk managers and business leaders.
December 17, 2025
Find out more
Employee Benefits
Legal Alert: Agencies Clarify How Certain Fertility Benefits May be Treated as Excepted Benefits
This alert is of interest to all employers that offer fertility benefits or may be interested in offering fertility benefits in the future.
November 4, 2025
Find out more
Property and Casualty
Top 5 Insurance Surprises Businesses Face in Q4 — and How to Prevent Them
As year-end approaches, many organizations focus on closing out financials and planning for the year ahead. It’s also the time when insurance programs often reveal unexpected challenges, some avoidable, others the result of shifting market conditions or overlooked details.
October 30, 2025
Find out more Employee Benefits
Legal Alert: IRS Adjusts Health Flexible Spending Account and Other Benefit Limits for 2026
This alert is of interest to all employers that sponsor health FSAs and qualified transit plans, among others.
October 10, 2025
Find out more