Bill St. Charles Honored with the 2025 Waldo C. Hildebrand Award for Lifetime Achievement
Wixom, MI – February 20, 2025 – Bill St. Charles, a visionary leader and advocate for the independent insurance industry, has been awarded the 2025 Waldo C. Hildebrand Award by Big I Michigan. This prestigious award recognizes his lifetime of dedication, leadership, and impact in the insurance community.
The award was presented at the 2025 Big I Michigan Convention, celebrating Bill’s remarkable contributions to the industry and his unwavering commitment to mentoring future generations of insurance professionals.
With over 40 years in the insurance industry, Bill has built upon the legacy of his father, growing their agency into a thriving mid-sized firm. His leadership is defined not by seeking the spotlight, but by empowering those around him, mentoring his team, and fostering an environment of integrity, collaboration, and client-focused service.
“Bill’s leadership is unique—he doesn’t seek recognition, but instead lifts others up, challenges them to grow, and invests in their success. He sees potential in people before they even see it in themselves. His impact on our agency and the industry is immeasurable.” – Leslie Payment
A true visionary in the independent agent network, Bill has served on national carrier councils, led innovative agency initiatives, and founded Committed2Community, a program that connects volunteers and donations to local causes. His commitment extends beyond the industry, actively supporting his church, local food pantries, and community programs.
Despite this milestone achievement, Bill sees this award as a reflection of the collective success of his team, his clients, and his community.
“This lifetime recognition is an honor, but I look forward to the work yet to be done. There’s so much more to build, so many more ways we can serve our clients and communities. The future of our industry shows me there is more opportunity then ever in our business” – Bill St. Charles
Looking ahead, Bill remains dedicated to mentoring the next generation of insurance professionals, integrating new technologies, and expanding the Michigan Community brand into more local markets—continuing his lifelong mission of helping businesses and individuals protect what matters most.
About Michigan Community Insurance
With roots dating back to 1858, Michigan Community Insurance is a trusted independent agency with six locations across the state, offering comprehensive insurance solutions for personal, commercial, and group and individual benefits. Our commitment goes beyond policies—we strive to protect what matters most to our clients while actively giving back to the communities we serve. Through our Committed2Community initiative, we connect people with resources, support local causes, and uphold our long-standing tradition of integrity, trust, and service.
About Big I Michigan
Big I Michigan is a non-profit association representing independent insurance agents across the state. With over 600 member agencies and more than 6,000 insurance professionals, Big I Michigan advocates for the essential role of independent agents, recognizing industry leaders and providing key resources for their success.
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