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.
I often discuss legislative and regulatory issues of importance to agents and our industry in this column. Usually, I write an update about a regulation or urge fellow agents to contact their representatives regarding an important bill that will affect us. I am interested in the legislative and policymaking process and my affiliation with PIA […]
It’s easy to feel that you’re alone when you struggle with business issues. One issue I have been struggling with lately is how independent agents and brokers can get consumers to appreciate the value they bring to buying insurance protection. To those of us who work in the system it’s a no-brainer. There is also […]
It’s the time for holiday greetings. I received a holiday email from PIA this week featuring the staff at Glenmont headquarters, and it gave me the idea for this article. I was president of PIANY and I am a director on the board of PIA Management Services, which manages the PIA state affiliates of Conn., […]
Marketing insurance protection has changed considerably since I started my independent agent career many years ago. As I sat behind my desk on that first day with my telephone, criss-cross directory and my x-date cards there was no internet. Prior to coming onboard as an agent I had spent many nights on the phone gathering […]
There is an unhealthy trend occurring in our business caused by inaccurate perceptions and apathy on the part of some independent agents and brokers. They believe they can no longer success- fully write and retain personal auto insurance! Some have started to give up on personal insurance all together. They have conceded that market to […]
Two weeks before Thanksgiving, I drove to Glenmont PIA headquarters for our committee and board days. On the way up, I crossed the Tappan Zee Bridge. For anyone who hasn’t driven over the bridge recently, it’s amazing to see the cranes, the pilings going in and the amount of progress being made on this construction […]
I have been a professional independent agent for nearly five decades. The job is challenging. But, I can say without hesitation that the compensation of running my own agency has extended far beyond the financial benefits, and I encourage anyone with an entrepreneurial spirit, the desire to truly help people, and the willingness to work […]
Independent agents have existed for a long time and will continue to exist, maybe in smaller total numbers but evolved into very large agencies and smaller “boutique” or specialized agencies. No matter the size or nature of the agency, in order to grow organically all independent agencies will have to expand on the value that […]
[ON THE LEVEL] By N. Stephen Ruchman, CPA They Don’t Make ‘em Like They Used To If you stick around long enough, you acquire expertise, skills, loyalties and valuable relationships. These are what make a career; they are the dividends of time well invested. I’ve been around a while. And I’ve developed such relationships with […]
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