In 1972, Jim Roe joined his father, Francis Roe, who founded Arlington/Roe in 1964. After Francis Roe’s untimely death in 1987, Jim became president and the sole owner of the company, steering it through decades of growth and development.

In 2024, as part of a carefully planned transition aimed at perpetuating the family business, Jim was named Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, while his son Andy Roe was promoted to President and Chief Operating Officer. While Jim has prepared for this shift over time, he remains actively involved, now focusing more on overall strategy, governance, and industry positioning. He focuses on guiding Arlington/Roe’s long-term direction and success.

Jim has grown the company from $1.3 million in premium in 1980 to over $375 million today. The family business has its headquarters in Indianapolis and employs over 240 associates. Arlington/Roe is licensed in all states in property and casualty and excess and surplus lines.

Jim graduated from Indiana University and has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science. Throughout his insurance career, Jim has been involved in and supportive of numerous insurance organizations and their initiatives at both state and national levels. He is past president of the American Association of Managing General Agents (AAMGA) and past director of the National Association of Professional Surplus Lines Offices (NAPSLO).

Throughout his career, he served as chairman or member of numerous legislative committees. Jim and other members of his leadership team have active roles in the Council of Insurance Agents & Brokers (CIAB), Wholesale and Specialty Insurance Association (WSIA), Professional Liability Underwriting Society and CPCU. They are also active in supporting the local activities of the state agent organizations where Arlington/Roe has staff: the Independent Insurance Agents (IIABA) and Professional Insurance Agents (PIA).

Additionally, Jim has been sought out for years and served on several insurance company advisory boards. In 2015 and 2019, he was identified by Insurance Business America as one of the Hot 100 Insurance Professionals. In 2017, Jim was recognized as one of 33 inductees in Insurance Business America’s inaugural class of the insurance world’s most recognizable individuals. Jim also received the Earle Dillard Award from AAMGA in 2005.

Jim’s involvement in insurance organizations is too many to mention, however, his support of many college insurance programs across the country exemplifies his dedication to his life’s work. In addition to his support of the industry, Jim served as a past board member of Scecina Memorial High School is currently on the immaculate heart of Mary Catholic Church Parish council and is a supporter of several community causes.

Jim and his wife Vickie live on the north side of Indianapolis. They are closely involved in their church, service and education communities. They have four children: Andy and Patrick work in the firm; Christopher is an actor and business coach in New York City, and Katie was a Human Resources Manager for Arlington/Roe and is now a stay-at-home mother. Jim and Vickie also have six beautiful granddaughters and one handsome grandson.