Change is the theme of the Darwin Professional Underwriters inaugural annual report. The book promises that with the company’s inception ‘nothing will ever be the same’. Darwin’s corporate philosophy – not unlike that of Darwin the naturalist – is to reject conventional thinking as a means to discover hidden marketplace opportunities. A specialty liability insurance company which serves executive, professional and health care liability constituencies, Darwin is constantly evolving its business model to identify and take advantage of coverage gaps. Initial project meetings established that Darwin’s first annual report should serve as a corporate capability marketing document.

According to Stephen Sills, CEO, “This annual is our stake in the ground, setting Darwin apart from its competition and signaling a new day in the insurance business.” The challenge for Bertz Design Group was to build the company’s reputation as an industry disruptor and meet the CEO’s high expectations for quality and content. From naming, to brand identity development and strategic implementation, Bertz has been integral in helping Darwin grow from an idea and a handful of employees in 2003 to their NYSE listing in 2006. Mohawk Options PC White Smooth was chosen to support the company’s positioning. In true character for a company named Darwin, sending the correct environmental message with the printing and production of its annual report was of utmost importance. Not only did the paper have to meet environmentally sound standards, it also had to provide excellent ink hold out and fiber formulation to compliment the company’s bold visual approach. Additionally, the uncoated stock tempered the pages with a softer quality and inviting hand feel making for a highly approachable document.