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
Employee Benefits
The Compliance Pathway Q1
Alera Group's quarterly employee benefits compliance roundup will help you stay current on the latest national regulatory developments impacting employers.
March 5, 2026 at 01:00 pm CT | Virtual
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Employee Benefits
Alera Group Presents: Navigating Medicare
The knowledgeable team at Alera Group is here to help you navigate your Medicare options to ensure you feel confident in your post-65 healthcare coverage.
March 11, 2026 at 12:00 pm CT | Virtual
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Employee Benefits
The Funding Edge: Why Fully Insured Limits Control — and What Modern Funding Unlocks
A funding decision framework leaders can use to evaluate options and align on next steps.
March 17, 2026 at 01:00 pm CT | Virtual
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THOUGHT LEADERSHIP
Insights
Employee Benefits
Legal Alert: RxDC Reporting Due June 1st
Reminder: RxDC Reporting Due June 1st
February 26, 2026
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Property and Casualty
AI-Powered Cyber Attacks, Why Yesterday’s Defenses Aren’t Enough.
The widespread availability of AI technology, combined with the ease of manipulating video calls, makes phone and Zoom calls susceptible to exploitation by threat actors.
February 2, 2026
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Employee Benefits
IRS Releases Guidance Related to Recent HSA Changes
The IRS recently released Notice 2026-5, which provides guidance and answers to common questions related to the expanded availability of health savings accounts (“HSA”) under the Reconciliation Act (previously named the One Big Beautiful Bill Act) passed into law earlier this year.
December 30, 2025
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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
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