Garland Insurance & Financial Services LLC
Our History
Since our founding in 2003, Garland Insurance & Financial Services LLC has been privileged to serve thousands of mid-market companies across the United States. As independent insurance brokers, we work solely for our clients, not insurance carriers, allowing us to recommend coverage options that genuinely address organizational needs rather than simply promoting particular products.
We carefully select our clients, seeking partnerships with organizations whose values resonate with our own. This thoughtful approach helps us provide attentive service to small and medium enterprises looking for meaningful risk management solutions. While our data-driven advisory model may not be suitable for everyone, we're grateful that our clients find value in our comprehensive approach.
Executive Leadership
Mark A. Garland serves as founder and CEO of Garland Insurance & Financial Services LLC, bringing significant experience gained through various roles in the insurance industry. His background includes work as a statistical analyst, research methodologist, and compliance analyst for well-rated insurance carriers, with experience spanning commercial property and casualty, workers' compensation, Excess and Surplus lines, Risk Management, Self-Funded Plans, and other specialized areas.
Mr. Garland approaches business challenges with a desire to understand the complete picture. While his foundation lies in insurance and risk management, he's been fortunate to gain broader business insights through involvement with enterprises across different sectors. This diverse experience has proven helpful in developing solutions that address multiple aspects of a client's needs rather than focusing on isolated products.
One area where Mr. Garland has contributed is addressing complex risk scenarios that many traditional insurance approaches cannot adequately cover. Drawing from his background in quantitative analysis, he develops thoughtful risk management strategies for organizations facing unusual challenges or operating in emerging fields where standard insurance products may not apply.
His professional journey has included founding Paramount Healthcare Services, LLC in 2008, which offers group benefits across various market segments, and Paramount Business Services, Inc. in 2017, which provides consulting services in areas including risk management, operations, and marketing.
Academic Background and Teaching
Mr. Garland has been fortunate to study at Grand Canyon University, earning degrees in Finance and Economics (B.S.) and Leadership (M.S.). He is currently working toward a PhD in Psychology with a focus on Industrial and Organizational Psychology, researching entrepreneurial burnout and potential protective factors. He values the opportunity to collaborate with respected academics and hopes his research might contribute meaningfully to both theoretical understanding and practical applications.
As an Adjunct Professor, Mr. Garland teaches courses in leadership theory, consciousness capitalism, emotional intelligence, strategic leadership, Risk Management, and Insurance Risk Transfer. This teaching role provides a valuable chance to share perspectives—including his Christian worldview—with students. He appreciates the opportunity to discuss how faith principles can align with constitutional values, encouraging thoughtful conversation about ethics in professional settings.
Professional Approach and Background
Mr. Garland strives to practice servant leadership, informed by his Christian faith. This approach shapes his commitment to ethical business practices and genuine concern for clients, employees, and partners.
Before entering the business world, Mr. Garland served as an infantryman in the United States Army's 82nd Airborne Division and is a disabled veteran as a result of his military service.
He maintains a commitment to ongoing learning, particularly regarding technological innovations that might benefit client organizations. By exploring emerging tools and methodologies, he hopes to identify helpful applications that can strengthen traditional business approaches in our increasingly digital environment.
Community Involvement
Drawing from his experiences as a disabled veteran, Mr. Garland dedicates time to supporting the military community. He participates in programs fostering and training dogs to serve as companions for veterans with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. This work represents a modest way to express gratitude to those who have served.
When not engaged in professional or community activities, Mr. Garland enjoys outdoor pursuits, hunting, and training in Krav Maga and Jiu-Jitsu. He considers himself fortunate that his professional work aligns closely with his interests, allowing him to pursue meaningful objectives while helping others develop their potential.