Grand Junction, CO – Cornerstone Insurance & Financial Group has expanded its services into the Grand Valley, marking its presence with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on October 6 at the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce office building. The Business Times reported that Cornerstone, which has operated in the Vail Valley for about a decade, is an independent brokerage that will not maintain a physical office locally. Instead, it will operate remotely, with licensed insurance advisor Ariel Hollibaugh serving as the primary contact for Grand Valley clients, bringing new commercial insurance options to local businesses.
Hollibaugh, who grew up in Loma and frequently visits family in the Grand Valley, said her familiarity with the area was a key factor in the company’s decision to expand here. While Cornerstone, owned by principal agent Tony Martinez, can write policies in nearly all 50 states and serves clients across the U.S., focusing closer to home made sense due to Hollibaugh's local connections and advocacy for the Grand Junction market.
The remote operational model is standard for Cornerstone, which maintains only a small co-working space in Edwards for its Vail Valley operations. Hollibaugh emphasized that she and her colleagues largely work remotely and travel regularly. Her co-worker and fellow licensed insurance advisor, Mixon Rob, also attended the Grand Junction ribbon-cutting.
To establish its local network, Cornerstone Insurance joined the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce, a move Hollibaugh initiated, mirroring the firm's involvement in Vail Valley chambers. She plans to regularly attend chamber events to network with local businesses. Beyond chamber activities, Hollibaugh intends to join other business groups and nonprofit boards, engage online through Cornerstone’s website and LinkedIn page, and conduct face-to-face visits with business owners. She has already begun “boots on the ground marketing” in Grand Junction, visiting local establishments, and distributing flyers and treats to introduce the company’s services.
Cornerstone’s primary focus in the Grand Valley is commercial insurance. Hollibaugh specializes in policies for homeowners, condo, and community associations, noting that while these have become more challenging to insure, Cornerstone has access to carriers that will write policies for such risks. Her portfolio also includes a significant amount of trade services, such as commercial roofers, plumbing contractors, HVAC, and electrical businesses. Additionally, the firm targets small retail businesses like clothing stores and salons, doctors' offices, and a variety of hospitality clients, including restaurants and taverns. As an independent brokerage, Cornerstone can also handle niche and high-risk coverage, such as for outdoor-adventure-type businesses and ski-bike rentals.
Hollibaugh believes Cornerstone can be competitive in the existing Grand Junction insurance market due to its independent brokerage status, which provides access to a large network of carriers. She noted to The Business Times that the company can shop with as many as '25 different carriers' to secure the best rates for clients. Cornerstone also highlights its client service approach, stating that it does not auto-renew policies without client consultation. Instead, advisors always meet with clients to discuss their needs and any operational changes. Furthermore, the company aims for a 24-hour turnaround time for certificates of insurance (COIs) and all communications, ensuring prompt service.
While Ariel Hollibaugh focuses on commercial insurance, Cornerstone also offers financial planning services. Grand Valley residents interested in financial planning can arrange to meet with Michelle Martinez, Cornerstone’s financial advisor, through Hollibaugh.
