About Us
PLUS, Inc. is an independently-owned wholesale insurance brokerage, specializing in the placement of professional lines insurance. Our offerings include Management Liability (Directors & Officers Liability, Employment Practices Liability, Fiduciary Liability, Fidelity, Kidnap & Ransom) and Professional Liability (including Errors & Omissions).
Our friendly, knowledgeable team awaits the opportunity to provide your organization with exceptional service that others have come to rely on. When you work with PLUS, you're placing your business with the premier D&O and E&O broker in the Southwest!
Our Staff
Steve Sprowls, President
Steve founded PLUS in 1990 after many years in the commercial excess & surplus lines business. He graduated from the University of Texas and attended SMU Law School. He began his insurance career as an adjuster, and entered the specialty field with AIG in the mid-70s. Steve is a frequent writer and lecturer on professional liability topics, and has testified in both the United States Congress and Texas Legislature about professional liability. Steve is a past president of the Texas Surplus Lines Association, a past committee chair for the AAMGA, and former Vice-Chairman and founder of the Surplus Lines Stamping Office of Texas. Steve became the first Registered Professional Liability Underwriter (RPLU) in Texas in 1995. He enjoys traveling, Italian red wines, and claims to be a thoroughly mediocre golfer and tennis player.
Certifications: CPCU, RPLU+
Email Address: steves@prolines.com
Phone: 512.474.0404, ext 16
Judy Sprowls, V.P., Management and Human Resources
Judy earned her undergraduate degree in Education, with a Psychology Minor, here at the University of Texas in Austin. She went on to finish her Masters in Education in Curriculum & Instruction, and is both a Certified Reading Specialist and a teacher of the Gifted and Talented. These credentials have served her well as she assumes an active role in Human Resources Management and Training at PLUS, having served in the background for many years. She loves spending time with her children and “granddogs.” An avid tennis player, her interests also include reading, genealogy and investing.
Email Address: judys@prolines.com
Phone: 512.474.0404 ext. 23
Amanda Hickey, Production Manager
Amanda is a graduate of Illinois with a degree in French and Business. She enjoys the “wheeling and dealing” of the brokerage side, and has used her marketing knowledge in numerous PLUS presentations. Amanda obtained her RPLU (Registered Professional Liability Underwriter) designation in 2008 after passing an intensive series of tests on numerous professional liability disciplines. Amanda is active within the professional liability community and is currently serving on the on the steering committee for the Texas Chapter of the Professional Liability Underwriting Society. Hailing from the Chicagoland area, she has quickly adapted to the Texas way of life, but will always remain a loyal Chicago Cubs and Bears fan.
Certifications: RPLU
Email Address: amandah@prolines.com
Phone: 512.474.0404 ext. 29
Amber Van Hecke, Financial and Operations Manager
Amber graduated with honors from the University of Texas at Austin in May 2009 with a B.A. in Finance and Minor in Corporate Communications. She also holds a concentration in Risk Management. She was born and raised in San Antonio and loves being a Texan. She enjoys running, going to plays, reading, decorating, playing with her puppy, Archie, and visiting the beaches along the Texas coastline.
Email Address: ambervh@prolines.com
Phone: 512.474.0404 ext. 10
Lindsey Clements, Broker
Lindsey is a native Austinite, and was pleased to return home to join PLUS upon graduation from Baylor University. As an Ironman Triathlon Finisher, Lindsey continues to enjoy an active lifestyle, running, cycling, kayaking, boating on Austin’s lakes, and spending time with family and friends.
Email Address: lindseyc@prolines.com
Phone: 512.474.0404 ext. 48
Garrett Sprowls, Broker
Garrett is from Austin and returned to join PLUS after graduating from Wake Forest University School of Law. He completed his undergraduate work from Hendrix College with degrees in both Philosophy and History. When he’s not binding business, Garrett enjoys playing as much tennis and golf as possible.
Certifications: JD, RPLU+
Email Address: garretts@prolines.com
Phone: 512.474.0404 ext. 14
Contact Us
Professional Lines Underwriting Specialists, Inc.
716 Congress Avenue, Suite 200
Austin, Texas 78701
800-880-1019