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Our Story

Trade Risk Guaranty Company Timeline

1985 - 1991

THE EXPERIENCE THAT LEAD TO TRG

TRG's Founder and President, John Michel, served as a national underwriter for one of the largest Customs bond companies.

Starting in Chicago, Illinois, Trade Risk Guaranty provides U.S. Customs Bonds and Marine Cargo Insurance to the international Trade community.

1991

BEGAN IN CHICAGO

Trade Risk Guaranty began in the Chicago suburb of Barrington when John Michel, the founder, realized that certain products and services in the trade industry could be provided directly from the insurance agency, resulting in lower prices and higher levels of expert customer service. At the start of business, the U.S. Customs Bond was TRG’s primary product.

1992

A SECOND PARTNER JOINS TRG

ADDED MARINE CARGO INSURANCE PRODUCT

The new partner joins TRG and brings the expertise needed to start providing clients with Marine Cargo Insurance.

1993

HANOVER JOINS TRG AS A U.S. CUSTOMS BOND PROVIDER

Trade Risk Guaranty partners with Hanover Insurance in order to provide the highest level of service for U.S. Customs Bonds.

The AM Best rating for the Hanover Insurance Group.

About The Hanover Insurance Group

The Hanover Insurance Group, located in Worcester, Massachusetts, has provided a wide range of property and casualty products and services to individuals, families, and businesses for over 160 years. Trade Risk Guaranty has worked with Hanover for more than 20 years to provide U.S. Customs bonds to the international trade world. Learn more about the Hanover Insurance Group.

1995

TRG OPENS OFFICE IN LAKEMOOR, ILLINOIS

As the team grows, TRG moves its office location to Lakemoor, Illinois, a suburb of the Chicago area.

1997

TRG ENTERS LONDON MARKET

TRG begins working with a London underwriting agent to establish a direct connection with Lloyd's of London.

2001

JOHN MICHEL MOVES TO BIG SKY, MONTANA

John Michel moves to Big Sky, Montana to revel in the beauty of the Northern Rockies and continues to run the Lakemoor office remotely.

2005

TRG OPENS SECOND OFFICE IN BIG SKY, MONTANA

The TRG team expands to include a second office located in Big Sky, Montana.

2006

TRG DIRECT BEGINS OFFERING BROKERAGE SERVICES

Trade Risk Guaranty expands its client services to offer Custom Brokerage and Freight Forwarding services through a sister company called TRG Direct (now known as Strix).

2007

TRG BEGINS WORKING WITH VECTURA UNDERWRITING

TRG partners with Vectura Underwriting to provide a higher level of service on Marine Cargo Insurance.

2008

TRG MOVES OFFICES TO DOWNTOWN BOZEMAN, MONTANA

After becoming accustomed to the beauty of Montana, TRG moved the entire team to a new office in Bozeman, Montana. Bozeman was selected because of its large talent pool and growing infrastructure.

2009

TRG OPENS SECOND BOZEMAN OFFICE

A second office opens on the MSU campus to accommodate the growing TRG team and incorporate interns from Montana State University.

2010

TRG REACHES 10K CLIENTS

TRG hits a new record of 10,000 clients!

2012

TRG PARTNERS WITH HUDSON

By partnering with Hudson Insurance Group, TRG adds an additional option for U.S. Customs Bonds.

About Hudson Insurance Group

Hudson Insurance Group, headquartered in New York City, is the US Insurance Division of OdysseyRe, a leading worldwide underwriter of reinsurance and specialty insurance. Hudson’s focus on finding high-quality solutions for the risks their business partners, producers and policyholders face is what makes them a fitting partner for Trade Risk Guaranty. Learn more about the Hudson Insurance Group.

The AM Best rating for the Hudson Insurance Group.

2014

TRG TEAM CONSOLIDATES INTO ONE DOWNTOWN BOZEMAN OFFICE

The TRG team consolidates into one main headquarters in downtown Bozeman, Montana above the historic Rocking 'R' Bar.

Trade Risk Guaranty celebrates 25 years serving the International Trade community.

2016

TRG CELEBRATES 25TH ANNIVERSARY

Trade Risk Guaranty celebrates its 25th year of providing import solution services to the international trade community.

TRG DIRECT REBRANDS TO BECOME STRIX

TRG Direct rebrands under their own leadership to form TRG's sister company Strix.