Readers of this column may recall my affinity for locally owned book stores. I love shopping at and spending time in them; of course I love the products and the service and it makes me very happy to know that I am supporting a local merchant. Even as I’ve become a reader of digital books […]
We’ve all heard the adage: “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.” But many of us have broken this golden rule. We get comfortable with one company because it is easy to do business with or because it has been great with claims for our clients in the past, and we build our book […]
Lately, I’ve noticed a trend in advertising by direct writers. They’re focusing on the advantages of buying insurance from a local agent. Even that dreadful lizard has opened up local offices (albeit few and far between) so it can attract customers who seek local experts and compete with independent insurance agents. I’ve always said a […]
I have a client who happens to be an attorney. I’ll call him Joe for purposes of the story I’m about to share. Joe recently called me for advice about a client of his who was having a problem with the New York State Insurance Fund. I understand the client was audited and the NYSIF […]
[dropcap]A[/dropcap]gents face struggles every day. In fact, I believe the ability to meet challenges and face adversity is one of the measures by which you can judge whether a professional independent agent will be successful or not. In my five decades as a professional, independent agent, I can honestly say I have never gone to […]
I have always loved 60 Minutes commentator Andy Rooney’s essays. So, I was saddened to hear of his passing on November 4. Rooney was 92 when he died, and he worked hard right up to the last month of his life, which ended just three weeks after his last television appearance. Many independent agents, including myself, […]
Recently, I played in a golf tournament hosted by Andover Insurance at the Wheatley Hills Golf Course in East Williston, N.Y. Scott Brekne, Regional Marketing Representative at Andover always runs one of the most prestigious outings of the year. In his next life, he should come back as an event planner! It was a nice […]
I’ve noticed an autumn chill in the air at my home in the Berkshires … and while I’m sure there’s an “Indian summer” weekend or two left this season, this time of year is always a reminder that we live in a dynamic world! One recent example is the Professional Insurance Agents of New York’s […]
One of the first things I learned when I was in the army was never volunteer for anything—and that philosophy worked well for me in the service. But, I found this is not the case with regard to my career as an independent agent. Volunteering in my community opened up opportunities for me—it built my […]
Last week, I had the opportunity to participate on a panel named Coastal insurance: It’s a shore thing, during the New York Insurance Association convention, at the Turning Stone Resort in Verona, N.Y. I was able to visit with many well-known industry representatives, as the event was attended by insurance company executives, and key members […]
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