For Tim Woodruff, insurance isn’t just about policies and premiums — it’s about building a legacy of trust, growth and community in one of America’s fastest-growing cities. As the co-owner of Woodruff-Leavitt Insurance Agency, located in the heart of Buckeye, Woodruff has spent the past three years leading the agency through a remarkable transformation.
Woodruff’s journey to Buckeye began long before the name change from Powers-Leavitt Insurance Agency was finalized. With over three decades of experience in the insurance industry, Woodruff’s career started in 1987 as an Insurance/Risk Management major at Florida State University. After working for Federated Insurance and Arthur Gallagher and Company, he joined the Leavitt Group in 1996, where he specialized in property and casualty insurance, eventually becoming one of the group’s top producers.
Woodruff’s expertise in multifamily housing and risk management was instrumental in his transition to Buckeye following the passing of the agency’s founder, Charlene Powers, in 2021. Powers, a beloved figure in the community, had built the agency over 30 years on a foundation of client-first service. Taking the reins of a business with such a strong legacy was no small task, but Woodruff embraced the challenge.
“Charlene believed in putting clients first, and that philosophy remains our cornerstone,” Woodruff said. “We honour her legacy by maintaining the same level of care while innovating for the future.”
One of Woodruff’s first initiatives was to shift the agency’s focus from maintaining its existing book of business to a growth-oriented mindset.
“We restructured the office,” he explained. “We formed teams comprising producers, account managers and assistant account managers to better serve clients and streamline operations.”
In addition to team restructuring, Woodruff introduced specialized roles, such as claims managers and workers’ compensation advocates, to enhance the agency’s service offerings. These changes not only improved operational efficiency but also allowed the agency to provide a higher level of expertise to its clients.
“We outsourced all processing procedures to focus our in-house efforts on growth and client engagement,” Woodruff said. “This approach has helped us double the size of our agency in just three years.”
The agency’s growth has been bolstered by its embrace of technology. Woodruff and his team are currently developing proprietary software designed to revolutionize processes within the insurance industry. The software, which incorporates artificial intelligence, will further streamline operations and improve profitability.
“We see ourselves as problem solvers and decision-makers rather than processors,” Woodruff explained. “By leveraging technology, we can handle more business efficiently while maintaining our commitment to personalised service.”
The development of this proprietary software is more than just an operational improvement — it’s a game-changer for the industry. Woodruff emphasized that the software’s artificial intelligence component will automate many administrative tasks, allowing agents to focus more on strategic client services.
“AI will enable us to offer better insights and faster responses to client needs,” he said. “It’s about being proactive rather than reactive.”
Woodruff-Leavitt’s success is deeply tied to its community-focused approach. Despite size limitations on small accounts, the agency makes exceptions for Buckeye businesses, striving to be a true hometown agency.
“We want to help local businesses grow,” Woodruff said. “The Buckeye market is ideal for our services, with its rapid development and diverse industries.”
Buckeye’s growth has presented unique opportunities and challenges for the agency. As one of the fastest-growing cities in the country, the area’s booming multifamily housing and construction sectors have become key drivers of the agency’s business. Woodruff-Leavitt insures tens of thousands of apartment units in Arizona and more than 150,000 apartment units across the country.
operations manager, poses for her headshot and captures the western feel of the office
atmosphere. | Isaac Parks, assistant account manager, works on quotes for new business
customers. [Submitted]
“The multifamily sector is our largest book of business,” Woodruff said. “Locally, as Buckeye continues to grow, we see this segment as a huge growth area for us.”
In addition to multifamily housing, the agency has a strong presence in the construction and agriculture industries. Woodruff’s personal connection to agriculture — he spent summers working on a farm in Georgia during his youth — has fueled his passion for expanding the agency’s agricultural business.
“Agriculture is such a huge part of Arizona’s economy,” he said. “We really want to grow our book of agricultural business here in Buckeye and around the state.”
Under Woodruff’s leadership, the agency has not only expanded its business but also cultivated a supportive and collaborative workplace culture.
“I tell my employees, ‘All I’m asking for is 1% better every day,’” Woodruff said. “We’re all going to make mistakes, but the key is to learn from them and improve.”
This commitment to continuous improvement extends to the agency’s clients. Woodruff emphasises the importance of transparency and education, ensuring that clients fully understand their insurance options and risks.
“I treat every client’s account as if it were my own,” he said. “Success comes from doing right by the client.”
Woodruff’s dedication to ethical leadership has earned him a reputation for integrity and determination. As a nine-time recipient of the Leavitt Group’s prestigious “Bert J. Leavitt Producer of the Year” award, his track record speaks for itself. Yet, he remains focused on the future, with plans to double the agency’s size again within the next decade.
“It’s about building something lasting — for my family, my team and this community,” he said. 
Family plays a central role in Woodruff’s vision for the agency. Both of his sons, Tyler and Cameron, work alongside him, as does his nephew, Jordan. While working with family presents its own set of challenges, Woodruff finds it deeply rewarding.
“Teaching my sons what I know and ensuring they carry forward the values of integrity and client-first service is incredibly fulfilling,” he said. “It’s also a great way to ensure that the culture and vision we’ve built here are passed on to the next generation.”
Woodruff’s commitment to family and values extends beyond his immediate relatives. He views his employees as an extended family and works hard to foster a team-oriented environment.
“We have health contests, team-building events and regular training sessions to keep everyone motivated and engaged,” he said.
As Woodruff-Leavitt continues to grow, the agency remains committed to adapting to industry trends and client needs. From embracing artificial intelligence to navigating the complexities of Buckeye’s rapid development, the agency is well-positioned to thrive in the years ahead.
“Insurance isn’t just about policies and premiums,” Woodruff said. “It’s about solving problems, building relationships, and making a positive impact. That’s what we’re here to do.”
With a legacy rooted in trust and a vision focused on growth, Woodruff-Leavitt Insurance Agency stands as a testament to the power of leadership, innovation and community. And for Tim Woodruff, this is only the beginning of what’s possible.
623-386-4452
Leavitt.com
This article first appeared as a sponsored post in the winter edition of InBuckeye Magazine
Winter (January) 2025 InBuckeye Magazine
