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.
The insurance business is in a significant period of transition. The world is changing quickly driven by technology and the influence of the younger generations. The change is very evident in personal insurance and it is starting to effect commercial lines as well. There are many folks in our business who refuse to acknowledge this […]
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 […]
As I write this column a significant number of Americans are still reeling from the devastation of Hurricane Irene. For some it may take years before they put themselves back together. As Irene approached the eastern seaboard concerns ran high that this could be the storm that devastated metropolitan areas along its path especially New […]
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 […]
I’m just getting caught up from being away for a week on vacation. That in itself is an interesting statement. How many of us have so much work and responsibility at our jobs that a week away on vacation means working extra when you return? That doesn’t even take into consideration the e-mails that got […]
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 […]
My daily conversations with agents and brokers center on the marketplace and how to write more business. Every day another report or survey is released on consumer buying preferences. First consumers are buying more frequently from the internet and then the majority wants to do business with an independent agent or broker. You can go […]
Last month, I received a brochure from Forrester and Co., congratulating me because Ruchman Associates reached its 50th anniversary this year. Fifty years! It gave me pause to consider my career. As I reflected on my experience in the industry, there are two things I can say without doubt: One is that things sure have […]
Ijust finished my weekly IIABNY Live! webcast where we talked about this same subject – claims handling. Unfortunately I am very familiar with this subject as I just had both a homeowners and an auto claim in a month’s span. Before you jump to conclusions and assume I am a bad client I want to […]
Last month, my agency hosted the Professional Insurance Agents of New York’s spring Long Island Advisory Council. PIA holds its Advisory Council meetings around the state twice a year. The meetings are a great source for the association to hear input from its members about the benefits and services it provides and to learn what […]
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