In construction, the pressure to win never lets up. Bids are competitive, schedules are compressed, and margins are constantly under scrutiny. Contractors are asked to do more, move faster, and absorb more risk than ever before. When that pressure builds, the temptation to prioritize short‑term outcomes over long‑term impact can show up in subtle ways, like how solutions are positioned, how risk is framed, and how quickly advisors are willing to say “yes.”

That’s where competitive integrity matters most. At Holmes Murphy, we believe the real question isn’t simply whether we win. It’s how we win and who we win for.

We are competitive by nature. We care deeply about results. But winning the right way in construction requires discipline. It means understanding that not every project, program, or structure is appropriate for every contractor. It means being willing to slow the process down when needed, ask harder questions, and challenge assumptions, especially if those assumptions could create unintended exposure later.

Where Captive Insurance Fits In

This is especially true when evaluating more sophisticated risk‑financing strategies, like captive insurance. Captives can be incredibly powerful tools for the right contractor: they offer greater control, stability, and the ability to “own” your insurance. Members pay premiums into a company they govern, creating the potential to recapture dollars that aren’t spent on losses or fixed expenses.

But captives aren’t a shortcut. They require readiness, operational maturity, and a three to five‑year commitment to fully realize their value. For some contractors, that timing is perfect. For others, it isn’t—yet.

Consider the Long-Term Impact

Construction risk doesn’t live in a single policy year. Decisions made today can affect a contractor’s balance sheet, bonding capacity, and insurability for years to come. That reality demands honesty.

Sometimes that means telling a contractor that a program, even an attractive one like a captive, won’t deliver the protection they need. Other times, it means acknowledging that timing, loss history, or readiness need to improve before a more complex structure makes sense.

Having the integrity to say no is not a lack of competitiveness. It’s a commitment to doing the work the right way.

What’s Best for You

Our approach to captives mirrors our philosophy everywhere else: we never place a contractor into a captive simply because it’s available or advantageous for us. We aim to place them into the right captive when the data, culture, and long‑term goals align.

When captives work for construction companies, they do far more than create profit potential. They expose contractors to shared best practices, benchmarked performance, and peer insights that help them operate more effectively. Many long‑term captive members say that the greatest value isn’t the financial return—it’s that they’ve become better businesses.

Building Programs That Matter

We don’t measure success by winning an account at all costs. Our goal is to build programs that hold up through economic cycles, changing market conditions, and the natural evolution of a construction business. Trust is built by providing advice grounded in reality, not just opportunity.

In a relationship‑driven industry like construction, credibility is earned over time. Contractors remember who was honest when the answer wasn’t easy. They remember who helped them avoid risk, not just transfer it. They remember who took the time to explore a captive with them, even if the ultimate recommendation was to wait. And they remember which advisors were focused on long‑term outcomes, not short‑term wins.

Your Success is the Goal

At Holmes Murphy, our mindset is simple: win for the client first. When we do that consistently, our own growth becomes a byproduct. Competitive integrity isn’t just a principle—it’s how we help construction clients build stronger, more resilient businesses for the long run. Captives are one way we do that, but integrity is the way we do everything.

Check out my video with Employee Benefits SVP Nataliya Boychenko Stone about the power of captive insurance. When you’re ready to learn more, reach out to our team.