Dana Coates is the CEO and Director of Strategic Partnerships at UWIB Risk & Insurance Solutions, formerly United Western Insurance Brokers. With over 50 years of experience in risk mitigation, insurance advising, and business consulting, Dana has guided clients ranging from billionaires and their companies to family-owned businesses through some of the toughest challenges imaginable, from wildfires to climate change, from war to workplace violence, and from massive market shifts to everyday operational risks.
Dana’s family roots in insurance trace back to 1918 in Pasadena, California, and he has been a licensed broker since the mid-1970s. Since 1996, Dana has led UWIB as an independent agency headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee, with additional offices in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, and Los Angeles, California. He is widely known for his innovative, tech-forward approach, blending old-school underwriting wisdom with modern tools like AMS360, BRINQ, OCR, and AI-driven platforms to improve client service and efficiency.
His career has included diverse roles, including police officer, auto mechanic, rancher, horseman, marksman, race car owner, and yachtsman, all of which shaped his unique perspective on risk and resilience. Dana thrives in complex and messy situations where his creativity and problem-solving shine, whether untangling high-value personal lines, navigating distressed commercial placements, or guiding organizations through automation and succession planning.At his core, Dana is client-first. He places his clients’ needs above financial gain and sees his life’s purpose as helping people find solutions and avoid calamity wherever possible. He believes deeply in mentorship, collaboration, and building “white-glove” client experiences rooted in both wisdom and innovation.
- Published on: November 5, 2025Education
Crime & Fidelity Bonds: Protecting Against Employee Theft
In today's business landscape, trust is a fundamental currency. Unfortunately, employee theft can shatter that trust, resulting in substantial financial losses and damage to a company's reputation...Read More - Published on: November 1, 2025Education
Cyber Insurance for SMBs: Requirements and Underwriting
In an increasingly digital world, small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) face unprecedented risks associated with cyber threats. Cyber attacks can happen to companies of any size, leading to significant financial losses and long-term reputational damage...Read More - Published on: October 28, 2025Education
Understanding Participant Waivers and Liability in Fitness Studios and Gyms
In the bustling world of fitness, where studios and gyms continuously strive to provide safe and engaging environments for their clients, understanding the legal landscape surrounding participant waivers and liability is paramount. Whether you are a fitness enthusiast or an aspiring gym owner, grasping the essentials of liability waivers can protect your interests and ensure a smooth operation.Read More - Published on: October 27, 2025Education
Personal Cyber Insurance: A Necessity for Families and Executives
In today's digital landscape, the importance of protecting personal information cannot be overstated. Families and high-profile executives face unprecedented risks, including identity theft, cyberbullying, data breaches, and cyber extortion...Read More - Published on: October 26, 2025Education
Understanding Small Business Cyber Coverage Basics
In today’s digital landscape, small businesses are increasingly vulnerable to cyber attacks. As online threats grow in sophistication and frequency, understanding the basics of cyber insurance becomes essential for safeguarding your business. Cyber coverage is not just a luxury; it has become a necessity for organizations of every size....Read More - Published on: October 27, 2025Education
Certificates of Insurance (COIs): What Clients Actually Need
In today's dynamic business landscape, ensuring that you are adequately protected while engaging with contractors or service providers is paramount. One essential tool that clients, particularly those who may be newcomers to the insurance landscape, should familiarize themselves with is the Certificate of Insurance (COI)...Read More - Published on: October 18, 2025Education
Understanding Per-Project Aggregate vs. Per-Location Aggregate in Insurance
When navigating the insurance landscape, particularly for businesses in the construction and contracting industries, understanding the differences between per-project aggregate and per-location aggregate coverage is crucial. Both options are designed to limit the liability exposure for different projects or physical locations, but they operate in fundamentally different ways....Read More - Published on: October 16, 2025Education
Navigating Premises Liability and Seasonal Staffing Risks in Retail
As the retail landscape evolves, the seasonal surge in customer traffic, especially during holidays and promotional events, poses unique challenges and responsibilities for retailers. Alongside the benefits of increased sales, this busy period brings heightened premises liability and staffing risks. Understanding these factors is crucial for business owners, especially those who may be new to the insurance landscape or operating their first store. Let’s explore how premises liability impacts retail operations and the specific risks associated with seasonal staffing....Read More