Leadership

Don is the Principal Partner and CEO of Jones Birdsong LLP. Don is also the founder, managing partner and CEO of Zataway Partners LLC and DHB Consulting LLC. Prior to forming these entities, Don held a number of senior management positions in the insurance brokerage industry.

BROKERAGE EXPERIENCE

2005 – 2009 Hays Companies Don served as chairman of Hays Companies, which ranked 20th in the Business Insurance broker rankings for 2008. During his tenure at Hays, revenues grew from $60 million to over $100 million. In addition to his duties as chairman, Don assisted in the production of major P&C accounts and led the acquisition of three major business units.

1997 – 2005 Marsh & McLennan Don came to Marsh by way of the Johnson & Higgins acquisition. During this time he held the following positions:

• Board Member, Marsh Inc. (1999 – 2005)
• CEO, Marsh Risk Consulting (2001 – 2005)
• Regional Manager, Marsh Inc. (1998 – 2001)

1978 – 1997 Johnson & Higgins

• Board Member and Managing Principal (1996 – 1997)
• Midwest Regional Manager (1995 – 1997)
• Office Head, Minneapolis and Chicago offices (1991 – 1995)
• Founding COO, J&H/KVI (1984 – 1987)
• CFO/Treasurer, Minnesota and New England business operations (1978 – 1984)

EDUCATION

Don graduated in 1974 from the University of St. Thomas with a B.A. in accounting.

EXPERTISE

Bob is a Risk Specialist focusing exclusively on our Motorsport business unit. Bob was a race track owner for over 33 years at Arlington.

Raceway in Minnesota. He has extensive experience as the race controller. He was previously the owner of the Redwood Speedway in Minnesota. Bob is the past president of the WISSOTA Promoters Association and current IMCA Sprint Car Director. In this capacity, Bob helps to establish rules, procedures, facility development and enforcement in the racing industry. He has over Thirty years’ experience in coordinating and developing series events and rules and he has developed and produced national sponsors for these sanctioning organizations.

MOTORSPORT RISK MANAGEMENT EXPERIENCE

• Licensed insurance producer #40266814 in the state of Minnesota.
• Licensed fire fighter in the state of Minnesota including honorary life member status with the State of Minnesota.
• Fire Chief for the city of Kasota, MN for a term of five years.
• Training officer for the Kasota Fire Department for a term of three years.
• Licensed with the MN State Emergency Medical Services Regulatory Board as a First Responder #245272.
• Licensed as a state certified Fireworks operator by the MN State Fire Marshal’s office.
• Federal government certified as an approved fireworks storage container owner with clearance from FBI and Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms.
• Awareness training in HAZMAT emergencies.
• Completed training in the national incident management program.
• Jones Birdsong LLP Risk Manager Duties include producing new clients and developing the risk management inspection program for the company’s clients.
• Certified in advanced vehicle extraction training.
• Certified in arson detection both vehicle and structure.