Latest news with #RollingThunder
Business Wire
17-07-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
COVU Continues Rapid Growth with Sixth Acquisition: Mitchell Insurance Agency Joins the Platform
SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--COVU, Inc., the leader in AI-native customer servicing for the insurance industry, today announced the acquisition of Mitchell Insurance Agency, a respected family-owned business with deep roots in the California market and long-standing relationships with both commercial and personal lines clients. As COVU's sixth acquisition in its Rolling Thunder campaign, Mitchell represents a meaningful step forward in the company's strategy to enhance its AI-native platform through strategic partnerships with high-quality agencies —delivering more scale, reach, and flexibility for agency owners across the state. 'Mitchell is exactly the kind of partner that strengthens our platform,' said Ali Safavi, CEO of COVU. 'They've built a strong, loyal customer base and trusted carrier relationships over many years. We're not here to change that—we're here to support and elevate it, using the tools and infrastructure we've designed to help agencies thrive in the future.' Commercial and Personal Lines Strength at Scale Founded in Roseville, CA, Mitchell Insurance Agency is known for its highly personalized service, experienced staff, and long-standing partnerships with key carriers like Mercury and Safeco. With a healthy mix of personal and commercial lines clients and strong revenue retention (113%), Mitchell brings both scale and stability to COVU's expanding California presence. Mitchell's history of consistent revenue and customer loyalty makes it an ideal fit for integration into COVU's remote-first, AI-supported model—where operations become more efficient without compromising the high-touch experience customers expect. A Platform That Grows with You—or After You As with all of COVU's recent acquisitions, this move reinforces the company's core mission: to enable agency partners to modernize and grow—or exit on their terms. COVU's platform supports both outcomes while preserving customer experience, staff opportunity, and carrier continuity. 'We've built a platform that respects what makes agencies great—relationships, reputation, and care,' Safavi added. 'With Mitchell, we're deepening our commitment to California and proving that AI-native doesn't mean agency-less—it means future-ready.' About COVU COVU is a transformative platform designed to revolutionize the insurance servicing industry through AI-native solutions combined with human support. The company is dedicated to enhancing customer experiences and operational efficiency for insurance agencies while providing flexible servicing models to meet the demands of modern consumers.
7NEWS
03-07-2025
- Business
- 7NEWS
Two fashion names and a design guru have just made millions on a cult Byron hinterland hotel
A group of Australian fashion and lifestyle creatives has sold Byron Bay's globally acclaimed Sun Ranch hotel for more than $15 million, just two years after purchasing the hinterland site for $3.9 million. The 22-hectare retreat in Coopers Shoot, a rural pocket 20 minutes from Byron, was bought in 2021 by an investment collective of like-minded women under the name Rolling Thunder. Heading the consortium were Jamie Blakey, founder of cult denim brand One Teaspoon, travel entrepreneur Julia Ashwood, and Claire Tregoning, co-founder of streetwear powerhouse P.E Nation. Together, the trio transformed the property - originally a 1980s brick home with grazing cattle - into a celebrated, design-led destination that blends sustainable architecture with high-end hospitality. The luxury California-ranch-meets-modern-bohemian haven was originally listed in 2024 with a $20 million guide, and then was dropped to $15 million. Selling agent Will Phillips of Sotheby's International Realty handled the campaign, and while the final price has not been disclosed, the deal was reportedly secured for just above $15 million. Despite fielding interest from both residential and commercial buyers, the sellers say they're thrilled that the new owners are committed to continuing the Sun Ranch vision. "We received national and international interest, from hoteliers or people wanting to get into the game, but we couldn't have wished for buyers who were more closely aligned with our business," Ms Ashwood told Australian Financial Review. The new buyers are understood to have bought the Sun Ranch brand and will keep on staff and management. The centrepiece of the estate is the Rambler Longhouse (the former '80s brick pad); a five-room lodge rebuilt from the slab up with eco builder, Balanced Earth. Surrounded by native bushland, the Longhouse includes access to a private mineral pool and outdoor showers, with rooms renting for around $2,500 for two nights. A full property buyout for up to 34 guests comes in at approximately $35,000 per night. Six additional two-bedroom, off-grid barns offer more accommodation on the sprawling property, which also features two infinity-edge mineral pools, a wood-fired sauna and ice bath, and access to the creek that meanders through the estate. With approval for events of up to 150 people, Sun Ranch has quickly become a sought-after venue for brand activations, milestone birthdays, weddings and retreats. Since launching in 2023, the property has received widespread acclaim and was named one of 'the most 'stylish hotels on the planet' by British GQ. The women behind the project have described the experience as a blend of creativity and community, bringing together their expertise in fashion, branding and hospitality. Ms Blakey's One Teaspoon label brought a distinct rock'n'roll edge to Australian fashion through the 2000s; Ms Ashwood was known for her blog The Vista and boutique hotel ventures and curation; and Ms Tregoning's career spans executive and strategic roles in fashion and business. For the women of Rolling Thunder, who built one of the world's most talked-about boutique accommodations from the ground up, the sale marks the end of a transformative chapter with a major financial win. Nearby Byron hinterland estates for sale On the market for the first time in 40 years, this iconic property to the area is a gorgeous 120- year-old heritage home that sits on a total of 11 acres with approximately 3 acres of level land - meaning lots of extra lifestyle potential. Spanning 42 acres in scenic Newrybar, this dreamy property is home to a beautifully updated main residence, charming converted dairy bales and a contemporary art studio. The acreage has a focus on sustainable, eco-friendly living with scope to create the ultimate hinterland sanctuary. This multi-residence estate is the epitome of a sophisticated yet laid-back Byron escape. The almost 30-acre former mango farm now houses four independent dwellings of differing design, from beautiful Tuscany-inspired style to impressive architectural design.
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Hundreds of motorcyclists undertake the Ride for Freedom
DIMONDALE, Mich. (WLNS) — Hundreds of motorcyclists rode from Dimondale to the State Capitol over the weekend for an event called 'Ride for Freedom,' a nationwide initiative bringing awareness to veterans, prisoners of war, and those who are missing in action. Rolling Thunder hosted the event, and just after noon, the bikers arrived at the Capitol to show the spirit of remembrance and unity. The Veterans Memorial Freedom Ride is a time to honor those who are lost. 'But there's one man here in town, Arthur Wright, disappeared Feb. 21, 1967,' said Doug Pickle, organizer of the event. 'He's still unknown, since then and right up till now, we're still keeping his name out there because he's unaccounted for.' But it goes deeper than that. The event is also an opportunity to hear the stories of those we have lost in the line of duty and a message to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice—that they deserve to heal from the pain of their past. Pickle, the organizer, says the event is designed to educate people about these veterans. 'And this is an area that everybody forgets. Nobody even knows what a POW is, to be honest with you. So, Rolling Thunder is here today,' said Pickle. 'To teach people what our POWs and MIAs, prisoners of war and missing in action, go through—what the families are going through. This is the importance of this rally today and this ride today. We're honoring everybody who's killed in the line of duty.' He also says he wants to give people a way to remember. 'Michigan POW/MIA memorial, and it's going to be in Mount Pleasant, Michigan,' said Pickle. 'It's gonna be every Michigan resident who was ever taken as a prisoner of war or missing in action from the Civil War all the way to present.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
City leaders defend crime-fighting efforts after FBI Director comments
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Memphis Police and some community leaders are responding this week after the FBI director called Memphis the 'homicide capital of America.' Just days after the FBI director Kash Patel dubbed the City of Memphis the homicide capital of America, questions arise as to how the city will respond to crack down on crime. 'I'm not going to misrepresent the issues; I want to be clear. We know that we have a crime problem in our community, but I also want everybody to know that we're turning the ship,' Memphis Mayor Paul Young said. City leaders and MPD top brass are rolling out the results of a sweeping law enforcement operation called Operation Rolling Thunder. They call it precision policing, resulting in the arrests of 160 people, including 50 known gang members. To the residents of Memphis, we hear you and we're taking action,' Memphis Police Chief CJ Davis said. 'Not with words, but with results.' 29 of 49 Rolling Thunder suspects already out of jail From MPD to a grassroots effort to stop crime. Community leaders from several different organizations are calling for a Memorial Day cease-fire and a campaign known as 'Put the Gun Down. And Stop the Killing.' 'It's affecting everyone from southeast Memphis, Cordova, Downtown, Midtown, everywhere. Everyone is getting affected by this senseless crime,' said Cam Mtenzi, founder of the House of Mtenzi. 'But I can say this. I'm a strong believer of hope. Faith!' 'Well, we are losing the battle. We have lost three, four generations to senseless gun violence, lack of education, drugs. And I feel like. It's time we must stand now. Our backs are against the wall,' said Keith Leachman, founder of Stop the Killing/Cut the Beef Community Development. Memphis mayor: 'The era of unchecked violence in our city is over' But some other leaders question some of the recent crime-fighting displays and efforts by MPD. Dr. Earl Fisher, senior pastor with Abyssinian Baptist Church, says he and others will be watching closely the actions of MPD as it tries to fight crime. 'We have to be careful and cautious not to confuse public safety with public relations,' Fisher said. 'I know many of us are cautious when we think about task forces, when you think about the specialized units and the history of what happened with Tyre Nichols, knowing that the DOJ is no longer investigating or providing oversight of the police department.' Fisher says the answer to crime and violence is not just hiring more police, but also addressing problems such as poverty and inequality. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Yahoo
Search for missing woman continues in Arkansas county
GREENE COUNTY, Ark. — The search for a former Tipton County woman reported missing continues. Jessica Paige Kemp, 32, who now lives in Paragould, Arkansas, was last seen alive on May 5, camping alone near Lake Ashbaugh in northeast Arkansas. 'We've searched everything. We've searched all those woods, we've searched all those woods,' said her mother, Sandy Kemp. Sandy Kemp was exhausted and frightened for the safety of her daughter, who is originally from Munford, Tennessee. Firefighter accused of domestic assault in Tipton County 'The last known read message was on May 5th. I texted her again, May 6, 6:30 in the morning, she has not opened a message since then,' said Sandy. Police found Kemp's abandoned car, and inside the car were her purse with items scattered. Her phone was recovered, but there was no sign of Kemp. 'We didn't hear anything from her. She stopped using her debit card, no responses from her to anybody, and we've always been a very, very close family, so we knew something was wrong,' Sandy said. 29 of 49 Rolling Thunder suspects already out of jail Jessica, also known as Paige, has been the focus of an intensive search effort over this 25,000-acre Wildlife Management Area. 'I'm very worried, very concerned, I'm sad and I'm missing my sister very much,' said Darnell Kemp, younger brother of Jessica. 'We're physically exhausted with the situation. We're just trying to get any help we possibly can to help bring her home,' said Paden Raburn, Jessica's fiancé. 'Somebody may have taken her at this time, we just don't know. I just want her found alive and I want her to come home,' said Sandy. According to Sandy Kemp, her daughter may be going through some emotional issues. Authorities are examining Jessica's cell phone for more information. If you know the whereabouts of Jessica Paige Kemp, you are urged to contact the Green County Sheriff's Office at 870-239-6343. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
