2008 RISK MANAGEMENT CONSULTING REVENUE: $12.2 million

EMPLOYEES: 43

While RMI Consulting Inc. performs all the traditional duties of a risk management consulting firm, the Port Washington, N.Y., company goes beyond policy coverages and terms and conditions, says the president of the privately run business.

“We are more recognized as an in-house risk manager on a part-time basis for our clients,” said MaryAnn Sackman. “We're more hands-on with our clients on their day-to-day operations.” This could involve safety and loss control, disaster planning, crisis management, and claims review and handling, she said.

RMI's effectiveness is why it has been named best risk management consulting firm in BI's Readers Choice Awards four straight years.

The 40-person firm founded in 1980 includes Ms. Sackman's husband, Warren, director of program business, and her brother-in-law, James Barber, a senior consultant.

RMI's base of 180 to 200 clients are small to medium-size businesses, with annual premiums ranging from about $200,000 to several million dollars. Many are involved in the retail food business, including supermarkets, grocery stores and restaurants, or are food distributors, although RMI also works with construction and pharmaceutical firms, metal recyclers, and professions such as lawyers and accountants, among others, Ms. Sackman said.

As with many other firms, coping with the economy has been a major challenge during the past year.

“We have found that, just like we did with our own business, you have to look at all the expenses and see where you can help (clients) save money,” Ms. Sackman said.

RMI has been working with clients “to help them handle their costs more effectively as it pertains to insurance,” she said. This could range from analyzing whether clients could make do with fewer vehicles, to encouraging clients to buy employment practices liability and directors and officers liability insurance to protect against possible lawsuits from workers that have been let go, said Ms. Sackman.

—By Judy Greenwald