Tommy Suggs discusses business, Columbia’s growth, the Gamecocks’ future

Two weeks ago, Chicago-based Hub International Limited announced it had bought Columbia’s KeenanSuggs Insurance Inc. Former USC quarterback Tommy Suggs, chief executive of KeenanSuggs, will join Hub as chief executive of the Carolinas Region for Hub Southeast. Suggs is best known by many South Carolinians as the color commentator on University of South Carolina football games for more than 40 years.

We asked Suggs five questions about his company, Columbia and — of course — the Gamecocks.

Why did you agree to sell KeenanSuggs now?

Our stated vision at KeenanSuggs has always been "to be the best insurance and benefits firm we can be." To accomplish that going forward, our analysis found that we had to continue to provide additional resources, capabilities, data analytics and technology enhancements for our clients and employees. It was costly; but more importantly it was taking too long to implement those enhancements and slowing us down from actually growing our firm at the pace we wanted. Therefore, our decision was to embark on a very deliberate process to find a suitable partner that already had the resources, etc., we needed. We started with more than 20 potential partners and eventually chose HUB.

What will your role be with the new company?

My role will be president and CEO of HUB's Carolinas Division — with eight offices — while also maintaining my role as president and CEO of KeenanSuggs.

What was your reaction when you learned the central promenade at Gamecock Park — across from Williams-Brice Stadium — would be named in your honor?

My wife and I were pleased and honored that the university chose to name the promenade after me. We had made a gift to the athletics department and they were searching for an opportunity to provide recognition and chose the Garnet Way. We liked it because it is a venue for the fans to enjoy, and the Carolina fans are so special and deserving of a beautiful area to enjoy before and after games.

Downtown Columbia has had amazing growth during the last five years. What do you see happening in the area during the next five years?

Downtown Columbia has had tremendous growth, which will continue because of the University of South Carolina and the improved livability of the area. Columbia is a large college town with a state capital and a diverse, growing business sector, all of which bring outstanding culture and entertainment opportunities for all of us. Going forward, it is incumbent for our government and business leaders to press forward with plans to develop both sides of the river, wisely use tax dollars, and create a " cool" place for young professionals to work and live. If done, you will not recognize Columbia in five years.

What do you think is in store for USC football during the next five years?

The next five years of Carolina football will be exciting and some of the best we have ever had. I am very pleased with Coach (Will) Muschamp and his staff. They are good people, very hard workers, great recruiters and excellent on-the-field coaches. We can never forget what Coach (Steve) Spurrier did for our program but I believe Coach Muschamp' s work ethic and intensity will take us to the next level. It may take a few years but he will get us there.

This story was originally published August 9, 2016 at 5:51 PM with the headline "Tommy Suggs discusses business, Columbia’s growth, the Gamecocks’ future."