DUAL North America is a prominent independent underwriting organization based in the United States, part of the global DUAL Group. Established in 2013, it has become a leading program administrator in the insurance sector. The company operates under the Howden-owned DUAL Group, which is recognized as one of the largest managing general agents worldwide, with a presence in 21 countries and over $3.5 billion in gross written premium. The company specializes in expert underwriting solutions across various insurance lines, including commercial property, casualty, financial lines, and surety. DUAL North America offers more than 40 unique products tailored to meet diverse client needs. It also features a robust online platform that enables appointed producers to quote, bind policies, and manage documents digitally. With a network of over 11,000 brokers globally, DUAL North America serves a wide range of clients, from small businesses to large fleets, particularly in regions like California and Texas.
The Big O Tires story begins back in 1962, just as Americas new love affair with the automobile was hitting high gear. The market for replacement tires was exploding, and independent tire dealers found themselves struggling to compete in the face of low prices offered by major tire manufacturers own company stores. Big Os founding fathers were a handful of progressive independent tire dealers who decided to band together to form a tire-buying cooperative so that they could secure volume pricing and keep their customers happy. Their concept worked. In the years that followed, The Big O Tires co-op evolved into a full-fledged franchise as it continued to find innovative ways to harness the power of the collective to benefit independent dealerships and their customers. Almost a half-decade later, Big O Tires has become North Americas largest retail tire franchisor, with over 400 independently-owned and operated locations in 20 states, providing customers with a broad range of automotive services in addition to quality tires, wheels and accessories. Big O has become an industry role model admired for its innovative approach to franchising and unmatched customer loyalty ratings. In 1996, Big O Tires joined forces with one of the largest and most respected tire marketers in the nation when it became part of the TBC Retail Group, an automotive retail network comprised of some 1,200 Big O Tires, Tire Kingdom, Merchants and NTB locations spanning 40 U.S. states. Big Os reach was broadened again in 2005, when TBC Corporation was acquired by Sumitomo Corporation of America, the largest wholly-owned subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sumitomo, one of the worlds leading traders of goods and services. As Big O Tires continues to thrive and adapt to an ever-changing marketplace, it remains rooted in its humble beginnings as a proud collective of independent dealers committed to putting its customers first.
Mechanics Cooperative Bank is proud to be a local community bank, focused on support-ing the banking needs of local families and local small businesses. We have products and services that can match any financial institution and offer a more in-depth understanding of the local business market. Were responsive to your unique busi-ness needs and can react quickly to growth opportunities. Our philosophy is simple when it comes to serving our business customers – when your business succeeds, we succeed. Mechanics Cooperative Bank currently operates 9 branch locations throughout Taunton, North Dighton, Bridgewater, Fall River, Westport, Swansea, Somerset and New Bedford. Member FDIC. Member DIF. Equal Housing Lender. NMLS #421820