Thoits Insurance

Paul Saich is CEO of Thoits Insurance, one of Silicon Valley’s largest insurance brokerages. With the goal of innovation, Mr. Saich is focusing on the next generation; indeed he is redefining the traditional insurance brokerage, as we know it. As CEO, he is responsible for guiding Thoits strategic growth while maintaining its unique employee-owned culture. In addition, Mr. Saich leads a Sales Team of over 20 producers. He has served on the Thoits Board of Directors for the past 12 years. Mr. Saich joined Thoits Insurance in 1996 and most recently served as Executive Vice President of Sales.

Mr. Saich earned a BS degree in Finance from California Polytechnic in San Luis Obispo. He started his career in the insurance industry as a Sales Agent for John Hancock in San Jose, where he worked for several months while obtaining his license. He then moved to Jardine Insurance Brokers as an Account Executive. In 1994, Paul worked for AON Risk Services as a Producer and Assistant Vice President.

With almost 20 years of insurance experience and being the recipient of multiple “Top New Business Producer” awards, Paul specializes in the construction and real estate industries.

As an active member of his community, Mr. Saich currently holds a seat on the San Jose Silicon Valley Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.

Paul and his wife, Dana, reside in Los Gatos with their three children. When not coaching his children’s athletic teams or attending their performances, he enjoys hunting and fishing, as well as all outdoor activities.

Dean Middour is the President and Chief Operating Officer of Thoits Insurance.  Mr. Middour joined Thoits in 2001.

With over 40 years of experience in diversified management, sales, and technical insurance, Mr. Middour began his insurance career as an Underwriter at Safeco Insurance Company. Later, he joined Industrial Indemnity as its Commercial Manager, and finally Vice President before leaving in 1990 to join Jardines Insurance Brokers, as an Executive Vice President. In 1996, Jardines became part of AON. There, he was involved in management, sales, and programs.

He currently holds senior instructor positions with the Insurance Educational Association and for SCORE, an association of Business Executives sponsored by the US Small Business Administration, helping small businesses getting started. He is also a member of the Professional Liability Underwriting Society and of The Society of CPCU since 1975. He served as the Director and President of the Santa Clara chapter of CPCU, and on the Board of Directors and a Governor for six years on the National Society of CPCU.

Mr. Middour has been awarded the Outstanding Insurance Person of the Year and has been recognized twice as the Professional Insurance Person of the Year. Mr. Middour also holds CPCU, CLU, and ARM designations, which are internationally acclaimed accreditations in the insurance industry. Mr. Middour earned his degree in Business from San Jose State University.

Mr. Middour and his wife, Tamasin, reside in Ben Lomond, California where they raised their large family. His hobbies include golf, ranching, and teaching.

Don Way is the man behind Thoits unique ESOP culture, success and longevity throughout the years. While a student at Stanford University, he began his career at Thoits, a career that has lasted over 40 years and counting. Mr. Way has held numerous positions at Thoits, from trainee to CEO, and now he is primarily the Chairman of the Board. As Chairman of the Board, Mr. Way is responsible for our culture and professional standards.

Along with graduating from Stanford University, Mr. Way served in the Marine Corps and later continued in insurance by rejoining Thoits in 1970. With years of insurance industry experience, he holds the CPCU, CLU, and ARM professional designations and was honored with the Ramsden/Sullivan Memorial Award, the most prestigious award IBA West can bestow.

Mr. Way has served as a director of Mid-Peninsula Bank and as a director and president of Insurance Brokers and Agents of the West (IBA West), Ironsides Re, Ltd., a Bermuda-based reinsurer, the Palo Alto Jaycees, the Palo Alto School Board, and other professional and civic organizations.

Mr. Way also is an accomplished litigation consultant, having been recognized as an insurance expert by state and federal courts. Don and his wife, Sylvie, reside in Atherton. They have three sons.