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Why is Our Logo a Bridge?

A Bridge is a stable structure, carefully constructed to connect. We are the Bridge to the future of insurance transactions, as we make things easy for our agency partners and insureds with the use of innovative technology.
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History

Bridger has its roots in providing California auto insurance since 1974, and grew to become one of the state’s largest providers. When Bridger took over in 2017, it did so with the intent of continuing to build on a successful legacy.

Vision

Quite simply, we are bridging the past to the future through innovative insurance products and technology, designed for a new generation of users. Simplifying the transactional process of insurance and speed through which claims are filed is one of Bridger’s main goals.

Network

With a broker network exceeding 1,500 locations, California auto insurance with Bridger is just around any corner. The company holds licenses in Arizona and Texas and is planning further expansion beginning in 2020.

What Our Clients Say!

"I just wanted to say thanks to Bridger for their professionalism and honesty. Bridger is on the top of our list to write for non-standard auto insurance."
Azmi AlsanamSimple Auto Insurance
"Since we started using the Bridger app, the process of photo upload is much easier and much more convenient! Not having to worry about uploading those photos the ‘old fashioned’ way has saved us so much time… The photos area automatically emailed to us and we are able to print them out if we need to. My co-workers and I agree that the Bridger app is great!"
Nancy MorenoAmezcua Insurance
"We love writing Bridger for our insureds because the process is so fast and easy. Since the launch Bridger’s Mobile App for brokers, we are saving a ton of time per full coverage policy and that makes for happy brokers and happy customers."
Jose RodriguezMRod Insurance Agency

What Our agency partners Say!

"I just wanted to say thanks to Bridger for their professionalism and honesty. Bridger is on the top of our list to write for non-standard auto insurance."
Azmi AlsanamSimple Auto Insurance
"Since we started using the Bridger app, the process of photo upload is much easier and much more convenient! Not having to worry about uploading those photos the ‘old fashioned’ way has saved us so much time… The photos area automatically emailed to us and we are able to print them out if we need to. My co-workers and I agree that the Bridger app is great!"
Nancy MorenoAmezcua Insurance
"We love writing Bridger for our insureds because the process is so fast and easy. Since the launch Bridger’s Mobile App for brokers, we are saving a ton of time per full coverage policy and that makes for happy brokers and happy customers."
Jose RodriguezMRod Insurance Agency

Our Team

KIMO WINTERBOTTOM

Chief Executive Officer
Gary “Kimo” Winterbottom is responsible for the strategic direction of the company, managing all of Bridger’s operating subsidiaries and all business development and capital raising activities. Kimo has acquired or launched 4 insurance companies and MGAs in the last 10 years, raising $80 million and producing an exited IRR of 37% between 2009 and 2017. Kimo holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Santa Clara University and enjoys golf, skiing, contract bridge and rooting for his beloved San Francisco Giants.
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DEANE SILKE

President
Deane brings over 32+ years of insurance industry experience to Bridger with a specific focus in non-standard automobile insurance having spent 10 years at Robert Moreno Insurance Services as a personal and commercial lines underwriter, 8 years at Bristol West as a Regional Marketing Manager and the past 13 years as the Chief Operating Officer at Fiesta Insurance Franchise Corporation. Deane is a Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriter (CPCU), and during the last 13 years occupied a critical role with Fiesta Insurance, successfully growing the Fiesta Franchise System from being in just 1 state with 7 offices to being in 9 states with 240+ offices writing $400 Million in written premium volume. Deane enjoys spending time with his family, riding motocross and 4 wheeling in his Jeep, as well as being a life-long golfer since the age of 7.
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DEEDEE ENGEL

Chief Administration Officer
DeeDee brings over 25 years of experience in administration, operations and human resources. She organizes and coordinates departmental operations, implements policies, develops process improvements and leads Human Resources that includes benefits administration, employee development, HR compliance and retention initiatives. DeeDee is also the Corporate Secretary and is responsible for all corporate matters that include managing all Board communication and logistics, maintaining the corporate records and ensuring that the corporation is compliant with all laws and regulations.
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MATT REZNICEK

Principal

Matt is jointly responsible for Bridger MGA’s product management, underwriting and claims operations. Prior to Bridger, Matt was Head of Product/Pricing at a regional auto insurance underwriting company through a period of topline growth from $100M to $300M. He also held Product Manager and Director, Emerging Markets roles at a publicly traded insurance company, leading efforts in Hispanic market expansion and direct to consumer sales. Matt earned a BA, Economics at Harvard College. Outside of work, Matt enjoys punting a football to his kids, chatting about Alabama football, and learning more about the universe..

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GERALD GRUSKA

Principal / COO
Gerry brings over 30 years of successful sales, marketing, and agency operations knowledge to the ever-changing Insurance industry. His understanding and expertise in building strong and profitable business relationships is well respected and acknowledged throughout many states in the insurance community. Gerry’s entrepreneurial spirit and understanding of the insurance market allows him to strategically support agents and companies with an enthusiastic and genuinely friendly attitude, that radiates a sincere passion for delivering value and benefits to his clients and coworkers. His drive to continually helping agents accomplish goals and benchmarks both personally and professionally best define his leadership abilities. Gerry enjoys golfing, fishing, and watching his nephews play baseball.
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MUSA ELSHIEK

Vice President Data & Technology

Musa has over 30 years’ experience in the information Technology field, big part of it in the insurance industry. Musa has led efforts in designing, programming and implementing a highly efficient Policy Processing System, generating over 1.6 billion Dollars in revenue. With Bridger passion for technology and innovation, Musa has teamed up with its IT staff in bringing forth leading edge technologies to help support and enhance our insurance platform. With the goal of making interacting, and doing business with Bridger, an effortlessness experience.
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STEPHEN WILLIAMS

Executive Vice President

Stephen is responsible for the production and profitable growth of the Bridger auto programs. With nearly two decades of experience in the non-standard auto market in the West, Stephen has built a strong reputation of success and relationships with partners willing to support him. Prior to joining Bridger, Stephen occupied similar roles with competitors, successfully growing multiple MGAs to record premium levels in CA, AZ, WA,TX, and FL, while producing sterling loss results. Stephen holds an undergraduate degree in Risk Management and Insurance with a minor in Marketing, and a Master’s Degree in Business, both from California State University, Sacramento. His enthusiasm for supporting and growing the Independent Agent channel is evidenced by the extensive business network he has created during his years in the industry. During his leisure time, Stephen enjoys playing and watching sports, as well as traveling the globe with his three daughters.

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Walter Burrell

Vice President and General Counsel
Walter has been General Counsel for Bridger since 2017, utilizing his many years of legal experience to assist Bridger with day-to-day legal activities including drafting/negotiating vendor agreements, leases, financial agreements, licensing agreements, non-disclosure/confidentiality agreements and service contracts. An accomplished attorney and insurance professional, Walter has substantial experience in corporate governance with a focus in the insurance sector, including management, general counsel duties, claims handling/management and human resources oversight.
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