EZ CERT Mgmt | EXECUTIVE Q&A
Q&A with Doug Groves, EZ CERT's Founder and Principal
Why is it important for brands to work with independent insurance agents?
It sounds simple, but I don’t think you can overstate the importance of working with an independent insurance agent. When we work on behalf of our clients, we’re truly trying to find the best coverage for them, regardless of who the provider is. We aren’t tied to one specific company, which is ultimately an advantage for the people we work with. Working with an independent agency gives you a broader opinion and more options.
How does EZ CERT stand out as a supplier in the franchising industry?
What makes EZ CERT essential to the franchising industry is its ability to maintain constant communication with franchisees. It’s increasingly difficult for brands to keep up with insurance certificates as they expand and update their FDDs—that’s where we come in. We take an incredibly proactive approach to ensuring that franchisees have the right coverage. At the end of the day, an error in insurance can lead to legal problems for a brand. It’s our job to prevent that from happening.
What advantage does EZ CERT provide to franchisors given its expertise in the industry?
It’s beneficial to be working with an agent who understands what you need. From what a franchisor requires to the specific guidelines in your market or state, there are a ton of things to keep in mind when picking the right insurance policies. You wouldn’t want to do business in California, for example, with an insurance agent who isn’t licensed there. Plus, the franchising industry is completely unique. There are a lot of regulations and documents—including Franchise Disclosure Documents—that providers need to be aware of. That’s why you want to work with someone who gets the ins and outs of your model.
Why is EZ CERT’s certificate tracking service important in franchising?
This is a non-revenue generating task for a franchise, but it’s a task that has to be done. EZ CERT exists to act as that safety net and support system—we have the brand’s best interest at heart. EZ CERT takes this often neglected job and takes care of all the dirty work. This means better, proactive compliance at the hands of dedicated insurance experts.