HOT PURSUIT
Thank you.
I think we can all agree that those two words aren’t utilized far enough in today’s world. But Nicholas Lower eloquently found a way to stress those words into his presentation to the policyholders at Federated’s annual meeting last week.
“Thank you,” Lower said as he shared the exciting news of Federated’s record-setting year in 2025. They are “two words we don’t say enough,” he stressed.
And Lower has much to be thankful for. He continues to lead Federated as it posted its best year ever in the company’s 122-year history. Unlike many company CEOs and executives, Lower didn’t take center stage soaking up the glory for himself. He graciously shared how the insurance giant continues to dominate the industry.
First, he credited the company’s 47,000 policyholders, most of which are commercial clients across the country. “They are the pillars of our economy and pillars of their communities,” Lower said, noting Federated is committed to helping others be successful. “Thank you for that trust that you have placed in us,” he said.
Lower quickly pivoted to Federated’s 3,000 employees. “To be world class, you need to have exceptional human beings,” he said. “We have top tier talent. I get chilled when I think about it. We make sure our employees are here for a career.”
The top official credited his employees for the company’s strong financial results. “World-class organizations operate with excellence, a client-focused mission, forward-thinking strategies and superior financial results,” Lower said. “By this definition, Federated stands among the elite. Yet, what truly sets us apart is our world-class people. It’s their dedication that drives our operational achievement, fosters collaboration and ensures we deliver superior value to our policyholders, who deserve only the best.”
Federated, Lower said, has focused on retaining employees and investing in them long-term. Perhaps that’s why Federated finds itself on both the Forbes America’s Best-in-State Employers 2025 and Newsweek Most Admired Workplaces 2026 lists for its exceptional workplace environment.
“We have great people, we appreciate them and make sure they are here for a career,” said Lower, only the company’s sixth chairman since it started in 1904.
He spoke about how Federated is a “world class organization,” which focuses heavily on customer service. “We are a unicorn in our industry… with first class customer service,” Lower said. “We are in the office every day. Nobody delivers the type of customer service that we do,” he added.
Lower related how Federated is a “122-year masterpiece.” He said the institution is a mutual insurance company with the goal of “helping our clients be more successful.” He noted how Federated has withstood the test of time by developing rock solid financial strength over the past century.
“Federated is special… financially strong,” he said, noting the company enjoys a cushion of $6.6 billion for policyholder surplus. “If bad things happen, we make our people and companies whole,” Lower said. “The surplus is there to pay claims.”
As he reflected on the past 122 years, Lower said, “We can’t take it for granted. We need to give thanks, but also look forward. The best indeed is yet to come.”
He again circled back to how Federated is a world class organization because of its policyholders and employees.
Steele County is fortunate to have a company like Federated headquartered locally. But it’s even more lucky to have someone as kind and considerate as Lower running the show. His generosity and gratitude speak volumes to the kind of person we should all inspire to be.
Lower forgot one thing as he highlighted how Federated is such a world class operation, but I’ll gladly share it. Lower is a world class human being who knows the value of saying “thank you.”
It’s something we can all go in hot pursuit of inspiring to work into our daily lives.