What Our Clients Say...

American Risk Services, Inc.
Andy Kick, CFO, Lake States Lumber, Inc.
"We are very pleased with the work performed by American Risk Services.  Mark's in-depth knowledge of the insurance industry and risk management has been a great resource for a small company such as ours.  He has helped us better understand our risks and refine our current insurance program to meet them, all while saving us money.  We highly recommend his services."  February 2011 

Fred Caslavka, CFO, Landscape Structures Inc.
“Mark Flaten’s work impresses me on multiple levels.  He has worked with us for many years and has designed a risk management/employee benefit programs that utilizes a sophisticated captive insurance company. Through the use of the captive, my company has simplified its balance sheet, reduced audit fees and made it easier for our bank to understand our financial condition.  He is an exceptional creative problem solver who is doggedly task oriented and most importantly consistently makes a substantial positive impact to our bottom line.  I count on Mark to challenge the status quo and recommend innovative solutions during our annual renewal meeting with our broker.  I also engage his creative talents and negotiation skills to help me work through particularly difficult situations.  In 1993 we were experiencing serious difficulty with our claims administrator.  They were just going through the motions and racking up chargeable time with poor results.  Our since deceased president challenged Mark to solve our problem so he quickly assembled a team with Fred Clark; who provided highly cost effective product liability/litigation management claim services. Product liability claims are common in the playground business and we are convinced, without Fred and his unique skills, our costs would be substantially higher.”  February 2011

Monty Edson, Senior Vice President, Guarantee Trust Life Insurance Company  “Mark displayed his creativity, attention to detail and deep knowledge of the insurance business as he worked with me to transition his client, a Professional Employment Organization, from a self-insured to a fully-insured health insurance plan. Mark worked methodically to assemble the required components and kept all parties up to date as each piece was put in place. The success of this program, now in operation for 5+ years, is entirely due to his professionalism. I would recommend Mark to any firm looking for a trusted adviser in the field of employee benefits.” February 2010 

Guy Sanschagrin, CPA, Senior Vice President - Business Analytics & Transfer Pricing, Houlihan Lokey 
"As a well-seasoned professional, Mark is perceptive, amicable and team-oriented. I believe he would be an asset to any company seeking a trusted business advisor relationship.” June 2008