PPIB
PPIB is a California-based specialty insurance program manager operating since 1993 as a division of Specialty Program Group LLC. It designs and distributes ~34 proprietary insurance programs for hard-to-place niches — including medispas, tattoo, body piercing, permanent makeup, agritainment, CBD/hemp, products liability, and podcasters — exclusively through appointed insurance agents and brokers across all 50 U.S. states.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1993
- HeadquartersNovato, United States
- Headcount101–250
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What PPIB does
PPIB (Professional Program Insurance Brokerage) is a California-based specialty insurance program manager operating as a division of Specialty Program Group LLC. Founded in 1993 in Novato and licensed in all 50 U.S. states, PPIB designs, underwrites, and distributes ~34 proprietary insurance programs targeting niche and hard-to-place commercial risks that standard carriers typically decline. Vertical focus areas include medical aesthetics (medispas, laser/IPL, Botox, dermal fillers, IV therapy, cryotherapy, medical-director liability), body art (tattoo studios, body piercing, permanent makeup, microblading), consumer products (products liability for beauty supplies, tattoo pigments, CBD and dietary supplements), regulated retail (smoke shops, e-cigarettes, CBD/hemp), entertainment/agritainment (corn mazes, pumpkin patches, petting zoos, pyrotechnics), and emerging micro-businesses (podcasters, sexual abuse and molestation coverage). PPIB writes business primarily through London Markets (Lloyd's syndicates) and U.S. surplus lines carriers and distributes exclusively via appointed independent insurance agents and brokers — never directly to insureds — offering branded applications and higher commission tiers to high-volume producers, along with manuscript-policy capability for unique risks. The company also acquired the assets of Jones Birdsong (Petaluma, CA) in May 2022 to extend its operational footprint.
PPIB's revenue model is built on commissions and fees earned on premiums placed into carrier capacity, supplemented by service fees for policy issuance and surplus-lines tax filings. Pricing is set on a per-program basis through underwriting review with typical turnarounds of 5–8 business days (expedited to 2 days); individual micro-business policies begin around $150–$200 annually, full salon/spa premiums typically range $1,000–$2,000, and higher-tier products-liability and agritainment programs offer limits up to $5M/$5M. Distribution is broker-led across wholesale and retail channels, supported by an organizational structure of ~10+ dedicated underwriters organized around distinct program clusters, plus operations, business development, and a software architect — consistent with the 101–250 employee band.
Leadership transitioned in February 2021 when President Susan Etter (an internal underwriter since 2010) was elevated to head daily operations while founder Susan Preston — co-founder of the Society of Permanent Cosmetic Professionals — moved to VP of Program Development at parent SPG, formalizing a multi-generational succession. PPIB reinforces channel and demand generation through industry-association partnerships (SPCP, APP, AAM, TMSA, PIA, CIWA, TMPAA, IICF), trade-publication presence (Insurance Business America, Rough Notes, Dermascope), convention participation in tattoo, piercing, and medispa events, and podcast appearances such as Awkward Insurance. Customer logos, programs, pricing tiers, and channel data indicate a long-tail SMB and micro-business customer base distributed across many verticals with very low per-account concentration risk.
PPIB firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- PPIB
- Legal name
- Professional Program Insurance Brokerage (Division of Specialty Program Group LLC)
- Website
- https://ppibcorp.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1993
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 101–250 employees
- Short description
- PPIB is a California-based specialty insurance program manager operating since 1993 as a division of Specialty Program Group LLC. It designs and distributes ~34 proprietary insurance programs for hard-to-place niches — including medispas, tattoo, body piercing, permanent makeup, agritainment, CBD/hemp, products liability, and podcasters — exclusively through appointed insurance agents and brokers across all 50 U.S. states.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Where PPIB is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Novato
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices2 records
Markets served
PPIB business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D
Revenue model
- Insurance Premiums: PPIB acts as a program manager placing insurance through surplus lines carriers, earning commissions and fees on premiums written. They offer insurance through multiple carriers for various niche industries.
- Broker Fee: Service fee charged for handling accounts and issuing policies. Additional surcharges include surplus lines taxes that must be filed for each policy in each state.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Annual | Individual technician/professional coverage |
| Subscription | Annual | Full salon/spa coverage |
| Other | Annual | Agritainment Insurance |
| Other | Annual | Products Liability Insurance |
| Other | Annual | Permanent Makeup Insurance |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels2 records
Marketing channels5 records
PPIB product offering
Product offeringCore offering
PPIB is a program manager and specialty insurance brokerage that develops and places proprietary insurance programs for hard-to-place, niche industries such as medispas, tattoo and body piercing studios, permanent makeup, agritainment, CBD/hemp, and smoke shops. It distributes coverage exclusively through appointed insurance agents and brokers, using London (Lloyd's) and US surplus lines carriers.
Product overview
PPIB (Professional Program Insurance Brokerage) is a division of Specialty Program Group, LLC, offering specialized insurance programs for niche industries. The company operates 14+ distinct insurance programs covering the beauty, wellness, body art, and entertainment sectors. Core programs include Medispa Insurance, Tattoo Insurance, Body Piercing Insurance, Day Spa Insurance, Permanent Makeup Insurance, Products Liability Insurance, and Agritainment Insurance, among others. PPIB provides customized policies covering professional liability, general liability, products liability, property, cyber, and excess coverage, with the ability to create manuscript policies for unique situations. The company primarily serves insurance agents and brokers who place coverage for their clients in hard-to-place risk categories.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Medispa Insurance Specialized insurance coverage for medical spas offering laser/IPL treatments, injectables, IV therapy, cryotherapy, weight loss prescriptions, and aesthetic procedures. Covers professional liability, general liability, and property for individuals and spa owners.
- Tattoo Insurance Insurance coverage for tattoo studios and artists, covering professional liability, general liability, sexual abuse, and property for individual artists and shop owners.
- Body Piercing Insurance Insurance coverage for body piercing services including gauging, surface piercing, dermal anchors, dermal punch, tooth jewels, and decorative tattoos. Covers professional liability, general liability, and property.
- Day Spa Insurance Insurance coverage for day spas offering facials, massage, manicures/pedicures, eyelash extensions, needling, body contouring, permanent makeup, and other salon services. Covers professional and general liability.
- Permanent Makeup Insurance Insurance coverage for permanent cosmetic services including lips/lipliner, eyeliner, microblading, bald spot repigmentation, scar camouflage, and pigment removal. Covers professional liability, general liability, and property up to $2,000,000/$3,000,000 limits.
- Agritainment Insurance Specialized insurance for agritourism businesses covering jumping pillows, petting zoos, pony rides, trackless trains, farmers markets, corn mazes, and other agricultural entertainment activities. Provides general liability with optional coverages including liquor liability and hired/non-owned auto, with $2,000,000/2,000,000 limits.
- Products Liability Insurance Insurance coverage for manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and sellers of products including beauty supplies, tattoo pigments, CBD edibles, dietary supplements, and animal supplements. Offers up to $5,000,000/$5,000,000 limits with property and cyber protection.
- CBD and Hemp Insurance Insurance coverage for CBD and hemp businesses including cultivation facilities, distributors, and retailers dealing in hemp-derived products.
- Smoke Shop & E-Cigs Insurance Insurance coverage for smoke shops and electronic cigarette retailers, addressing the unique risks associated with these establishments.
- Pyrotechnics Insurance Insurance coverage for pyrotechnic operators and fireworks displays, covering professional liability and property risks associated with fireworks events.
- Medical Directors Insurance Insurance coverage specifically designed for medical directors overseeing medispa and aesthetic medical operations.
- Podcasters Insurance Insurance coverage tailored for podcasters and podcasting businesses.
- SAM Insurance (Sexual Abuse & Molestation) Sexual abuse and molestation insurance coverage available as an add-on to various program offerings or as a standalone policy.
- Microblading Insurance Insurance coverage for microblading services, a semi-permanent eyebrow technique.
- Laser Hair Removal / IPL Insurance Insurance coverage for lasers and IPLs used in hair removal, developed with input from doctors and laser experts to establish underwriting guidelines.
Quantifiable outcome
- Quick quote turnaround - most quotes within 2 days
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use PPIB
Customer profileNamed customers8 records
Segments8 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
PPIB technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature1 record
PPIB partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
16 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Target Markets Program Administrators Association (TMPAA)coreIndustry association dedicated to program specialists and program business. PPIB participates as a member program administrator serving niche markets with specialized insurance programs.
- Insurance Industry Charitable Fund (IICF)minorCharitable foundation supporting insurance industry community initiatives and giving back programs.
- Plus (Professional Liability Underwriting Society)coreNonprofit professional organization promoting the development of the professional liability industry through forums, education, and networking for industry professionals.
- Professional Insurance Association (PIA)coreTrade association providing members with critical information, education, networking opportunities, and business tools for insurance agents.
- California Insurance Wholesalers Association (CIWA)coreCalifornia State professional organization promoting the role of wholesalers in the insurance industry, including insurers distributing through wholesalers and vendors servicing wholesalers.
- Insurance Business of America Magazine (IBA)coreBroker-focused publication delivering breaking insurance news, special reports, and business strategies. PPIB has been featured and recognized by IBA.
- Insurance JournalminorLeading business news source for the Property & Casualty insurance industry.
- Rough NotesminorInsurance industry publication developing products, services, technical and educational information for the independent agency system.
- The Society of Permanent Cosmetic Professionals (SPCP)coreNonprofit association promoting safety, excellence, and professional standards in permanent cosmetics through education, certification, and industry guidelines. PPIB founder Susan Preston was co-founder.
- The Association of Professional Piercers (APP)coreInternational nonprofit dedicated to dissemination of vital health and safety information related to body piercing to piercers, healthcare providers, and the general public.
- American Academy of Micropigmentation (AAM)coreOrganization inspiring and supporting permanent cosmetic professionals through educational opportunities, industry innovation, and highest safety standards.
- Dermascope MagazineminorProfessional skin care journal educating skincare professionals for over 40 years, covering aesthetics and spa therapy.
- Spa Industry AssociationminorAssociation connecting the spa and wellness community with free membership for actively practicing wellness professionals nationally and internationally.
- Texas Med Spa Association (TMSA)minorNonprofit organization proactively addressing emerging changes and challenges in non-surgical cosmetic medicine in Texas.
- Live Free or Die Tattoo ExpominorNew England's largest tattoo expo in downtown Manchester, NH. PPIB has exhibited at tattoo conventions.
- World Tattoo EventsminorComprehensive international calendar of tattoo conventions, expos, and festivals featuring 500+ events worldwide.
Scale indicators4 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
PPIB competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Burns & Wilcox: Burns & Wilcox is a specialty insurance wholesaler and program manager serving retail agents with hard-to-place commercial lines, including niche programs. Its broker-only distribution and specialty program development parallel PPIB's model.
- USG Insurance Services: USG is a national wholesale brokerage and managing general agent placing specialty and E&S commercial lines through retail brokers — a comparable broker-channel program management competitor to PPIB.
- Norman-Spencer Agency: Norman-Spencer is a specialty insurance program manager focused on niche commercial lines, placing coverage through retail brokers. Its program-administration approach for non-mainstream risks is comparable to PPIB's specialty model.
- K&K Insurance Group: K&K Insurance is a specialty program manager focused on niche and affinity markets (sports, leisure, entertainment, and specialty commercial), placing business through agents and brokers — directly analogous to PPIB's niche-program strategy.
- Venture Programs: Venture Programs is a specialty program administrator that develops and manages niche commercial insurance programs placed through appointed agents — a close operating analog to PPIB's 34 proprietary programs.
- RPS (Risk Placement Services): RPS is a large US wholesale broker and program manager placing specialty and excess & surplus lines risks through a national broker network — directly comparable to PPIB's wholesale-only distribution model for hard-to-place commercial business.
Broad incumbents
- Brown & Riding: Brown & Riding is a national wholesale brokerage and program manager serving retail agents with specialty and E&S placements. It competes with PPIB for broker-routed specialty placements across a broader set of verticals.
- CRC Insurance Services: CRC Group is a large wholesale brokerage and program manager focused on specialty and E&S lines. It serves a similar broker-channel customer base as PPIB but with broader product scope across many verticals.
- Amwins: Amwins is one of the largest US specialty wholesalers, distributing a broad portfolio of E&S and program business through retail agents. It competes with PPIB in specialty distribution but at substantially greater scale and program breadth.
Emerging players
- Worldwide Insurance Specialists: Worldwide Insurance Specialists focuses on hard-to-place and non-standard commercial risks, distributing through agents — a smaller, niche-focused peer in adjacent specialty commercial lines to PPIB.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
PPIB social profiles
Digital presencePPIB financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
PPIB leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles6 records
PPIB funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
PPIB M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about PPIB
What does PPIB do?
PPIB is a program manager and specialty insurance brokerage that develops and places proprietary insurance programs for hard-to-place, niche industries such as medispas, tattoo and body piercing studios, permanent makeup, agritainment, CBD/hemp, and smoke shops. It distributes coverage exclusively through appointed insurance agents and brokers, using London (Lloyd's) and US surplus lines carriers.
Is PPIB a public or private company?
PPIB is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was PPIB founded?
PPIB was founded in 1993. It employs 101 to 250 people.
Where is PPIB based?
PPIB is headquartered in Novato, United States, in the North America region.
How does PPIB make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Insurance Premiums are the primary driver. The others are broker Fee.
Who are PPIB's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Burns & Wilcox, USG Insurance Services, Norman-Spencer Agency, K&K Insurance Group, Venture Programs and RPS (Risk Placement Services). Broad incumbents are Brown & Riding, CRC Insurance Services and Amwins. Worldwide Insurance Specialists is listed as an emerging player.
Does PPIB have an API?
No public API is recorded for PPIB.