NASHVILLE, Tenn., Sept. 9, 2025 — Commercial Insurance Associates, one of the nation’s largest property and casualty insurance brokers, has brought on Cole Hairston to lead the company’s construction practice. “Cole has a terrific combination of professional expertise and a family legacy in construction, which makes him an ideal fit to help us grow our construction practice,” says Will Denbo, president of CIA. “He knows the challenges contractors face firsthand, and paired with Evan Swindall leading our surety bond practice, we’re building a strong foundation for a dynamic and expanding part of our business.”
In his new role, Hairston is responsible for strengthening CIA’s specialized offerings in bonding and construction-specific solutions, while also collaborating with fellow CIA principals across all functional areas to deliver the full spectrum of the agency’s services. He supports middle market and large construction clients across the Southeast, including general contractors, trade contractors, suppliers, and owners and developers—helping them access comprehensive risk management and insurance solutions. Beyond client service, Hairston will focus on building lasting partnerships with trade associations, CPAs, attorneys, and other trusted advisors who play key roles in the construction industry.
Prior to joining CIA, Hairston was a Commercial Lines Account Director at USI Insurance Services, as well as serving in similar roles at Gallagher and Harden. Before moving into insurance, Hairston worked in swimming pool construction and sales for Jacksonville-based pool companies. He began his career as a strength and conditioning coach for a men’s professional basketball team competing at the top level of the Polish League, Euro League and Euro Cup.
Hairston serves on the board of directors for Associated Builders and Contractors, where he is the Vice Chair for the NE Florida Chapter. Hairston is also actively involved in several other trade associations such as National Utility Contractors Association, Construction Financial Management Association, NAIP, ULI, and Florida Transportation Builders Association. He has also served for two years as President of the NE Florida chapter FSPA (Florida Swimming Pool Association). While at ABC he has served as chair of the Safety Committee, Membership Committee, and has been heavily involved in the Governmental Affairs Committee.
“Commercial Insurance Associates is building an organization that’s truly one of a kind,” says Hairston. “Where some insurance organizations get bogged down in process, CIA never loses sight of the fact that—like construction—this is a relationship-driven business. The focus here is always on doing what’s best for the client and finding ways to manage and reduce their total cost of risk. I’m excited to hit the ground running and help drive our construction practice forward.”
About Commercial Insurance Associates
Founded in 2002, Commercial Insurance Associates, LLC is an Insurance Journal – Property Casualty Insurance News Top 100 property and casualty insurance broker in the US, and was recently named a Top Workplace by The Tennessean. With over $400 million in premium volume written, CIA’s 150 employees are committed to providing superior solutions to clients’ risk management needs. Licensed in all 50 states and currently representing select international clients, CIA’s client portfolio ranges from publicly held companies to local start-up ventures. The company has offices in Nashville, Greenville, SC, Jacksonville, FL, and Los Angeles. CIA – Commercial Insurance Associates