On the Level features Jamie Deapo and Steve Ruchman bringing us the views of the two major P/C insurance agents’ associations, in alternate issues. Both Jamie and Steve are strong voices for the independent agent and dedicated advocates for the respective approaches of their associations.
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 […]
Several weeks ago my family and I lost a very important person. Joe was a big part of our family growing up with my sons and we lost him at 30 years old. After 2 years of fighting a rare form of leukemia his body just couldn’t go on. I remember 2 years ago when […]
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 […]
Many agents and brokers aren’t interested in being involved in industry affairs and organizations. They won’t commit time and effort on common issues, matter of fact they won’t even attend meetings. They leave those issues to a relatively small group of dedicat ed and committed agents that serve year after year. I realize that their […]
Anyone who has read my articles or heard me speak knows I have been advocating for a major shift in the way Independent agents and brokers operate in the marketplace. Competition is coming from everywhere and through an increasing number of sources. Most of the competition is using digital marketing and the internet to grab […]
[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 […]
The other day I spoke with Bob an IIABNY member with a medium size agency. He and his management staff had just completed several days of planning for the upcoming year. He was really concerned because as a result of the planning he realized there were a number of areas that needed to be dealt […]
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 […]
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