insurance insider - Independent Insurance Agents of Dallas
Transcription
insurance insider - Independent Insurance Agents of Dallas
Dallas INSURANCE INSIDER All Industry Day Special 10 Page Edition Past Presidents Luncheon Page 7 Volunteer of the Year Page 17 Underwriters of the Year Page 21 WINTER 2013 OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE INDEPENDENT INSURANCE AGENTS OF DALLAS Great American Insurance Claims Group ECA Division Restaurants Retail Business Hospitality Hotels Motels The Road to a Better Alternative PEI Protection for Texas employers who choose to be non-subscribers to Workers’ Comp Health Care Home Health Nursing Learn More: 972-931-2026 14350 Proton Road Dallas, TX 75244 Transportation Manufacturing [email protected] Celebrating 130 Years DALLAS INSURANCE INSIDER 1883 EST. contents Independent Insurance Agents of Dallas ARTICLES Where We Began12 130 years of IIAD DII Honors John Taylor 13 of Roy L. Taylor & Sons Carrier Spotlight 14 America First Insurance Employers - WC Fraud 19 YOUNG AGENTS - SERVICE PROJECT SEE PAGE 23-24 FEATURES IIAD Legacies 5 2013 New Members 6 All Industry Day 31 - 41 InVEST 46 Published by Independent Insurance Agents of Dallas 12001N. Central Expressway, STE. 100 Dallas, TX 75243 www.iiadallas.org Linda Farris - Editing & Design 5 7 9 11 In Every Issue Index of Advertisers Executive Summary Presidential Address Young Agents Corner WINTER 2013 ISSUE 3 IIAD Executive Staff Tammy Land Executive Director [email protected] Linda Farris Communications & Marketing Director [email protected] Angie Miller IIAD Staffing Services, Division Director [email protected] Schedule of Advertisers Noemi Obenhaus Administrative Assistant [email protected] Independent Insurance Agents of Dallas 12001 North Central Expwy | Dallas, TX 75243 (p) 214-217-2900 (f) 214-360-9989 www.iiadallas.org Page 2 10 12 15 16 18 19 20 21 23 25 27 28 29 30 42 44 45 48 Advertiser Great American Insurance Agency Texas Mutual Insurance Company Philadelphia Insurance IIAD Staffing Services Western Security Surplus AmWINS Brokerage of Texas U.S. Risk Underwriters Towerstone The Republic Group Midlands Management of Texas Blackmon Mooring Burns & Wilcox CRC/Crump Insurance Services WebCE Hull & Company Swett & Crawford The Insurance Record Tejas American General Agency Myron Steves IIAD LEGACIES RAGLAND BOWLES ELLIS SLEEPER MEDLIN Don Medlin 1995 Rod Medlin 2013 WINTER 2013 ISSUE 5 W e l c o m e N e w M e m b e r s 6 DALLAS INSURANCE INSIDER Bunker Hill Underwriters 800 Gessner Suite 600 Houston, TX 77024 Mooring Recovery Services 2110 113th Street Grand Prairie, TX 75050 Premium Funding Associates, Inc. 5512 W Plano Pkwy Ste 100 Plano, TX 75093 Box Insurance Agency 1200 S Main Street Suite 1600 Grapevine, TX 76051 American Technologies 1366 W. North Carrier Pkwy Grand Prairie, TX 75050 S.H. Smith & Company 20 Church Street Suite 1500 Hartford, CT 06103 Long Insurance Agency 400 Chisholm Place Suite 107 Plano, TX 75075 B. Crawford Insurance Services 16660 N. Dallas Parkway #1000 Dallas, TX 75248 PentaRisk Associates 12770 Coit Rd., Suite 750 Dallas, TX 75251 Texas Independent Insurance 1420 W. Exchange Pkway #130 Allen, TX 75013 PayChoice 1155 E. Kas Drive, Suite 150 Richardson, TX 75081 B. Crawford Insurance Staying Power by Tammy Land IIAD Executive Director W e enter the New Year with a feeling of expectancy, renewal and excitement for what a new beginning can hold for us. We set goals and resolutions and promise ourselves that we will keep them…at least for a few weeks. What keeps us on track, so we can achieve long-term success? How do we persevere when temptations and other influences would attempt to derail us? You’ve heard the saying that we need to think of it as a marathon, not a sprint. Fall off the horse and get back on. Our industry is full of stories of folks that have made insurance their life’s work, and passed that torch on to their children and grandchildren. We have second and third generations in our own membership: Frederiksen, Patterson and Spurgin to name a few. In acknowledgement to our history, we spent time with our resident historians; Don Houseman, John Taylor and Stan Bullock. See their stories on page 13. Our membership can boast of its many carriers with staying power, too. One such company, Liberty Mutual, started as a Workers Compensation carrier in 1912. DII interviewed Rich Meuret regarding the changes in store for America First as it transitions to the Liberty Mutual brand. Their story is w featured on page 15. Even the association itself can brag about its longevity. Did you know that IIAD was founded in 1883? Two of our presidents followed in the footsteps of their fathers who also served as IIAD presidents: Bill Sleeper & Dwight Sleeper, Don Bowles Jr. & Don Bowles Sr. And our current president, Rod Medlin, is now the second Medlin to provide leadership, as did his brother, Don. We also want to recognize two special families that provided three generations each of leadership: The Ellis family and the Ragland family. From the Ellis family, we were served by Tom P. Ellis, Porter Ellis and Tom P Ellis III. From the Ragland family, we were served by Alfonso Ragland, Cruger Ragland & Scott Ragland. Thank you to these families for your dedication to this association. Our history is rich. Yes there have been trials, but the association is as strong now as it ever was. The recent IIAD All Industry Day at Cowboys Stadium on October 30th was hugely successful. It achieved a record-breaking attendance and profitability! Enjoy the pictures throughout this edition of DII. Thanks again to our sponsors and exhibitors for making it possible. A complete list can be found on page 31 -33. We have much to be excited about in 2013, and should pause to ponder on what the next 130 years will hold. Happy 130th Birthday, IIAD!! Don Houseman Frank Swingle, Stan Bullock, Jim Millerman Don Medlin •IIAD 2013 •PAST PRESIDENTS' •LUNCHEON Robert Ferguson, Pat Bonds Back row left to right – Robert Ferguson, Pat Bonds, Frank Swingle, Stan Bullock, Jim Millerman, Karen Farris, Gaylon Brown , Don Medlin & Chris Hughes, Front row, seated left to right – John Taylor, Don Houseman, Karen Bitzer, Pat Arthur, Bill Sleeper InVested by Rod Medlin 2012-2013 IIAD President T he Election came and went. The sun came up. The Mayan Apocalypse not so much. The Fiscal Cliff, we stepped over it. Seems like everything we see and hear and fear is all hat and no cattle. The Lord smiles on Texas. Things are tough in business in Texas, but not as tough as in other states. Unemployment is high in Texas, but not as high as in other states. We are the only state in the Union that was formerly a separate country. We only have a Legislature in session every other year thereby reducing the adverse potential of politicians by one half compared to the other 49 States. These words still ring true 176 years after they were presented. “Texas has yet to learn submission to any oppression, come from what source it may.” Sam Houston. As a seventh generation Texan I am proud to have a small part in guiding our Association into its 130th Year of Success. We are the land of entrepreneurial business. Texas business has a habit of being a little more fleet afoot in reacting to perceived threats. In planning ahead. In taking care of our own. In preparing for a rainy day and in taking advantage of opportunities. These basics have been true for the past 130 years and will remain so for the next 130 years yet to come. Toward that end IIAD is proud to announce that we will be launching Project InVest. We are starting it this month with students and faculty at Woodrow Wilson High School (which, by the way, is the only school in the nation with two Heisman Trophy winners: Davey O’Brien & Tim Brown.) Project InVest will lend the Association considerable inertia and support in educating a new generation of Texans to staff and grow our Independent Agency Brand and Industry. InVest has been in operation since 1970, but this new initiative, ramrodded by Ben Patterson, will breathe new life and momentum into the educational efforts to prepare high school students for entry level positions in our industry. We will need help in the classroom, help with summer internships and help with financial support for scholarships. This is a great, proactive way to perpetuate our industry for the benefit of both personal and commercial insurance consumers in the Metroplex and throughout Texas. If you, your agency or your company can contribute volunteers for specialized training modules to be presented in class or hands on technical practical application workshops your input is vital and requested. 2012 - 2013 Board of Directors It is also absolutely appropriate that we should want to push Invest into other schools…High Schools and Community Colleges. If there is anyone who has connections to help us grow InVest, we want to hear from you. Please contact the IIAD office to get involved in this important initiative. With a little concentrated effort we can make Project InVest a success for us all and make Invest succeed in Texas for Texans. • Rod WINTER 2013 ISSUE 9 “Stability is a reflection on the agent. Texas Mutual is consistent in all aspects of its business.” like consistency in the marketplace. That’s why it’s important to work with “Customers a company that has a track record of reliable service. Texas Mutual has created a very © 2013 Texas Mutual Insurance Company stable market and is consistently responsive in every aspect of workers’ comp — and now that they have an ‘A’ rating from A.M. Best, we have further proof of their strength and stability.” Patrick Watkins, CIC, CRM President, Watkins Insurance Group To learn more about workers’ comp insurance from Texas Mutual Insurance Company, call (800) 859-5995 or visit www.texasmutual.com. Texas Mutual Insurance Company is rated ‘A’ by A.M. Best Company. 10 DALLAS INSURANCE INSIDER John Wesley once said: “Catch on fire with enthusiasm, and people will come for miles to watch you burn.” B efore I began my career in insurance, I spent a few years on staff with a local nonprofit mentoring youth in Dallas. For two years I spent most of my time around junior high and high school kids. I coached soccer, track, spoke at schools and walked the lunchrooms and hallways trying to build trust and respect. I wanted to connect with the kids on their level. I wanted to get inside their world and understand their hearts. I wanted to show them, through my actions, that the only difference between me and them was simply a few extra years of life. A fter a year of hanging out with kids nonstop, I started to remember what it was like to be in high school again. I remembered the feeling of Friday night lights with the band playing in the background, the feeling of getting behind the wheel of my Jeep for the first time, the roar of the crowd when I would score, the emotions that came with victory and loss, and of course the feeling of my parents’ wrath after missing curfew. I started to feel “young” again, and the kids started to see me as one of them. That’s when my impact on their lives started to become real. A s I look back and reflect on that time in my life, I recognize that those kids also spoke into my life without even knowing it. They helped me remember what it was like to be ambitious, full of passion, energy and creativity. They helped me revisit those moments in my life where my dreams didn’t sound crazy – where the sky was the limit and the possibilities were endless. Y oung producers have the ability to create a similar effect on their organizations. They can come into an office and breathe new life into older producers, reminding them of what it was like when they first started. Young producers are full of passion, enthusiasm, and creative ideas, and most importantly, they play pure offense. T he lesson I learned during those first few years out of college serves as a reminder to me to always surround myself with people who guard their hearts and minds against complacency. Unfortunately those kinds of people are rare, especially in our industry. F ew things concern me more than when I look around a room full of seasoned insurance professionals who are just going through the motions. They aren’t growing in their knowledge or exercising their creative minds because the passion they once had for the game is gone. They are tired, beat down by the nature of the business, and it’s just not fun anymore. They are playing defense. A ll of this is to say that young producers have an opportunity to impact their organizations in ways that go far beyond the revenue size of their personal books of business. They remind everyone around them of what it was like to have passion and enthusiasm, creating a ripple effect of increased productivity throughout an entire office. And it’s a beautiful thing to watch. Adam Sammons Young Agents Chairman 2012-2013 Where we began A++ (Superior) on our 50th Year! Thank You. Thank you to our producers and employees for helping Philadelphia Insurance Companies earn an “A++” rating from the A.M. Best Company. Only about 3% of all U.S. insurance companies, have this rating. PHLY’s commitment to underwriting discipline and our partnership with the Tokio Marine Group, one of the strongest and most reputable global insurance groups, allows us to celebrate this achievement during our 50th anniversary. Thank you to more than 13,000 agents and brokers who work with PHLY to insure responsible and profitable risks. Your partnership allows us to be there for our customers when they need us the most. All of the 1,548 PHLY employees and everyone who’s worked at PHLY over the last four decades deserve a special thank you and congratulations. Your commitment and service is an invaluable part of our success and I’m proud to share this accomplishment with you. James J. Maguire, Jr. Chairman & CEO, Philadelphia Insurance Companies T he insurance agent rode slowly across the Texas plains. His horse kicked up whirls of dust that parched his throat. His prospect would show him the cotton gin, barn, or farmhouse to be insured. w This was the insurance business in 1883 in a small town called Dallas, population 4,000. Richard Coke was governor and General Ulysses S. Grant was in the White House. The town and the insurance agent faced many obstacles in order to realize their potential. T he first challenge of the insurance agent was establishing rates. Six independent agents came together to form the Dallas Board of Underwriters and published the first rate book for the city of Dallas. W ith the agents paying dues of one dollar each, they formed the foundation of what would become know as the Independent Insurance Agents of Dallas. I n 1930 the organization adopted the name, “The Dallas Association of Insurance Agents”. At the request of the City Manager, a committee of agents made a survey of the city’s insurance program. From that request, the Insurance Placement Board was created. This board oversaw all of the city’s insurance coverages, as well as being responsible for underwriting. The commissionable funds generated were used to run the association. At year end, each member would then receive an equal share of the commission balance, if any. It produced revenues for the association until 1982 when it was ordered to be disbanded. Being forced to look at other ways to generate revenue, Insurance Employment Services began and the dues schedule was increased. D uring the years since the first insurance agency was established, Dallas has become an important center of insurance management in the Southwest. Today, IIAD is committed to continuing education for our members, establishing a large network of peers and maintaining a voice in Congress. T 800.873.4552 | PHLY.com he IIA of Dallas has greatly expanded since its humble beginnings. Our association has grown to over 225 members. In addition to our agent members we are fortunate to have associate members that support the Independent Agency Channel in the Dallas area. Included are insurance companies, managing general agencies, claims repair and restoration, publishing, employment, financing, computer services and consulting, attorneys, auto body repair shops and risk management consulting. T hese valuable members support IIAD by their participation as well as their financial assistance. They serve as committee members and chairs lending valuable expertise to the endeavors of the association. A s the IIAD moves through the 21st century, we are committed to keeping the members connected and informed with the development of a cutting edge website. Our IES Division continues to be a great member benefit. Philadelphia Insurance Companies is the marketing name for the insurance company subsidiaries of the Philadelphia Consolidated Holding Corp., a Member of the Tokio Marine Group. | © 2012 Philadelphia Insurance Companies, All Rights Reserved. I IAD will also increase visibility of the independent agent and continue to support the citizens of Dallas through programs like InVEST, that was recently launched at Woodrow Wilson High School in east Dallas. T he longevity and stability of the IIAD is enticing to potential members who soon learn why the association has withstood more than a century. 12 DALLAS INSURANCE INSIDER IIAD Legendary Notables DII Honors John Taylor Don Houseman & Linda Farris D Stan Bullock and John Taylor D II recently visited with three of our Legendary Past Presidents, Don Houseman, Stan Bullock and John Taylor at the Past Presidents’ Luncheon in January. Mr. Houseman’s term was 1955-56. He was the earliest past president in attendance. Mr. Bullock’s term was 1986-87 and he actually served as IIAD Executive Intern in 1999. II honors Mr. John G. Taylor of Roy L. Taylor & Sons as the longest producing agent still working in the business. Mr. Taylor’s IIAD presidential term was 1978-79. He is a wealth of historical information to the association. Forever smiling and jovial, he tells us of his graduation in 1948, serving our country in the armed forces then coming home to work in his father’s business. For over 89 years Roy L. Taylor & Sons remains in its original location in downtown Dallas at Main & Akard. Thank you Mr. Taylor for being a great example of the Independent Insurance Agent and keeping the flame burning for the independent agency channel. America First Insurance Brand to Migrate to Liberty Mutual Insurance DI sat down with Rich Meuret, recently named President of the carrier’s Southwest region. “Liberty Mutual Insurance is a growing, evolving organization,” said Meuret, as he described the transition that is taking place at the carrier. “America First had a strong brand regionally, but the Liberty Mutual brand resonates more strongly with our independent agents.” The transition from America First branding to Liberty Mutual will occur over the course of 2013. Why the change? Meuret stated that first and foremost, the change was driven by an open dialogue with their agency force. The realignment brings all commercial lines operations under the Liberty Mutual Insurance brand and provides agents and brokers serving all-sized mwarkets with a single point of access to a wider-array of products and services. “The ability to provide everything from a main street business owner policy to complex products where a policyholder can share in risk or be rewarded for better performance enables us to better service our agents and policyholders,” added Meuret. The carrier will have a more centralized function of several departments, including actuarial and finance. They are also investing in local underwriting and field resources. The ultimate goal is to provide a clear value proposition for their agents, marked by superior relationships, broad products and ease of doing business that includes a local presence and local decision making. What will be new? The realignment allows for optimization of technology, and the ability to leverage the scale of the fourth largest commercial lines insurer. It also allows for new product development and innovation. The company launched a new underwriting platform Built for the Industry, by the Industry is committed to the success of your business by finding the right employee for you. We go the extra mile to screen, interview and place full-time or temporary candidates. Our heart goes into recruiting for you! IIAD Staffing Services 1883 EST. Independent Insurance Agents of Dallas A Member Benefit of the Independent Insurance Agents of Dallas Angela Miller Division Director 214-360-0794 [email protected] www.iiadallas.org in 2012 called eCLIQ™, which is their underwriting platform for small and medium commercial business. It allows for policy quoting, rating and issuance. This will be expanded to all middle market business going forward. Additionally, they are expanding their underwriting appetite, adopting a new claims system and introducing a new Mutual Partners program to recognize their top performing agencies. Also, look for a more comprehensive strategy as it pertains to commercial lines marketing. Meuret spoke frankly about the carrier’s relationship with the independent agency channel, “We invested in independent agents with the formation of Agency Markets 15 years ago, as well as more recently divesting our direct sales force in our middle market commercial business.” The carrier is looking to enhance its franchise value and considers Texas a very important part of its strategy. The short-term focus for Meuret and his team is to: 1) Grow profitably, 2) Enhance agency relationships, 3) Execute the realignment seamlessly, and 4) Focus on putting the right people in the right positions. WINTER 2013 ISSUE 15 Volunteer of the Year In Action--- 16 DALLAS INSURANCE INSIDER of Volunteer of the Year Lori Snelson T his year, there was no question as to whom we would be nominating for this award. Lori Snelson was involved in so many aspects of the association that we probably should have put her on the payroll! Here is a list of some of the things she did for us this year: L ori was an active member on every single one of our committees, with the exception of the Young Agent Committee, Not only did she volunteer to be on those committees, she actually showed up to most of the meetings and took an active role in contributing to the committees. L ori perpetuated the membership of IIAD. Every chance she had, she sold the benefits of being a member of IIAD, encouraging participation in and sponsorship of our events. We actually wished we could clone her!! The best source of business, as all of you know, is referral business, and we received numerous sponsorships and new members as a result of her referrals. L ori drove in a $5000 annual sponsorship from her organization. We had been told by her predecessor that their corporate office was restricting their dollars for 2012-2013, and would not be doing an annual IIAD sponsorship this year. However, our “Special Volunteer of the Year” wouldn’t take “no” for an answer. She worked diligently to sell the corporate office on why they needed to renew their sponsorship of IIAD and got the job done. F inally, every day that Lori comes into the IIAD office she puts a smile on the faces of those around her. Her fellow committee members, the IIAD staff and board have all been on the receiving end of her kindness. She is a joy to work with. We greatly appreciate what Lori brings to the table in her hard work, diligence and cheerful disposition. Lori’s middle name is “Help You”. W hen you see Lori Snelson congratulate her on being this year’s IIAD Volunteer of the Year!! Thank you, Lori, for all you do. WheN IT comeS To Tough INSurANce rISkS, you Need A TeAm ThAT cAN do All The heAvy lIfTINg. When you work with AmWINS Brokerage of Texas, you’re working with the largest full-service wholesale broker in Texas and the largest property and casualty wholesaler in the country. We provide our clients with the resources of a global organization and the customer service of a small niche firm – a combination that enables us to not only find the most competitive market for your challenging accounts, but to service it locally and effectively. And with the AmWINS team working hard for you behind the scenes, your clients will think you’re simply brilliant. ProducTS Property | Casualty | Financial Services Worker Injury | Marine/Energy | MGA Facilities vAlue Added ServIceS Market Research | Dependable Service New Programs | Claims Department | Legal Team 5910 N. Central Expressway, Suite 500 Dallas, TX 75206 | 214.528.3999 | 800.528.5544 amwins.com 18 DALLAS INSURANCE INSIDER Farewell to One of Our Own GASTON JOSEPH “JOE” WOOD of Dallas, TX passed away peacefully in his sleep at home on January 21, 2013. Born on December 18, 1938 in Jacksonville, TX. He was the son of the 1938-2013 late Col. Gaston Milling Wood (U.S. Army ret.) and Alice Bryson Wood. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Judy; son, Ben Wood and daughter Lyle (Lewis McLeroy); 3 grandsons, Dalton, Bryson and Walker McLeroy. He is also survived by numerous extended family and friends. He spent his early years in Athens, TX and moved to Dallas, TX at the age of 12. Joe graduated from Adamson High School in 1956 where he played baseball. He was a member of the 1956 State Championship Varsity team. He was a lifetime member of the Episcopal Church and, as a young boy served as an acolyte at Christ Episcopal Church in Oak Cliff. He attended Texas A&M University where he also played baseball. He graduated from The University of North Texas in 1960 with a degree in Marketing. While at North Texas, he was a member of Theta Chi Fraternity in which he was named Best Pledge and was a founding member of The Savage Club. Joe was involved in the Boy Scouts of America for many years. He started as a Cub Scout and then joined Boy Scout Troop 128. He was awarded the Wynne Award as Outstanding Scout in 1953 and also achieved the rank of Eagle Scout in the same year. As an adult, he was Scoutmaster for Troop 577 and Assistant Scoutmaster for both Troop 897 and 456. He also was Chairman of the National Eagle Scout Association during the 1980’s. His scouting experience also extended to the International level. Joe loved participating in other activities (Indian Guides, Indian Princesses and sports teams) involving his children and many of their friends. Some of his greatest joys in life came from sharing with both family and friends his love of hunting and other outdoor activities. cont. on page 29 U.S. Risk Underwriters ACCESS THE EXPERTS We Like Hairy Risks! More classes available on a brokerage basis For more information please call: Dallas 800.232.5830 www.usrisk.com WINTER 2013 ISSUE 19 Contact us for a fast, competitive quote! Towerstone, Inc. is a dynamic wholesale insurance broker and Managing General Agency providing diverse market access and industry expertise to insurance agents and brokers representing a wide variety of industries. We are employee-owned; which means you can rest assured that we have a stake in your success. Our professionals enjoy long-standing relationships with numerous brokerage markets, allowing us to best meet your needs, with nationwide service. Let us help you find effective solutions for your risk management needs. Towerstone provides: • Expertise in energy and construction • Custom designed insurance programs • Industry-specific risk management • In-house binding authorities • Hands-on approach to claims settlement A proud member of: • Association of Energy Service Companies (AESC) • Independent Insurance Agents of Texas (IIAT) • National Association of Professional Surplus Lines Offices, Ltd. (NAPSLO) • Texas Surplus Lines Assn., Inc. (TSLA) • American Association of Managing General Agents (AAMGA) Dallas Centura Tower 14185 Dallas Parkway, Suite 1000 Dallas, TX 75254 972.725.2100 San Antonio One Village Park 14607 San Pedro, Suite 290 San Antonio, Tx. 78232 210.587.1380 www.towerstonecorp.com [email protected] 20 DALLAS INSURANCE INSIDER CA: dba Towerstone Insurance Services (Lic#0F60676) IIAD UNDERWRITERS of the YEAR - 2013 These candidates were picked for their commitment to continuing education, support of industry and charitable causes to benefit the larger community, leadership skills, drive for excellence and superior development of professional agency/ company relationships. Benefits Specialist Real Deal GINA ESCOBAR employed by: This was the first year we recognized a Benefits Specialist in our effort to truly be an “All Industry Day” event. Gina was described as “willing to help with enrollment spreadsheets, paperwork and meetings, going above and beyond the call of duty to make sure that our clients are satisfied. Her extraordinary service allows agents to provide a higher level of service to their customers. She answers the phone and offers a turnaround time that is untouchable. Congratulations to the inaugural winner, Gina Escobar of Benefit Mall. Property & Casualty Underwriter SHAWN WARD Not ln Texas, there's only one real choice. Other companies might claim to be the regional company of choice in Texas, but there’s only one authentic choice... The Republic Group. We’re the local folks. employed by: Shawn is sited as “having the flexibility and freedom to underwrite with a sense of ownership in the book of business they are building with an agency.” He goes out of his way to deepen relationships with producers and account managers. Shawn answers the phone, and does not hide behind voicemail. Working so hard, he doesn’t have time to work on his golf game, which reportedly is horrible! www.RepublicGroup.com 5525 LBJ Freeway Dallas, Texas 75240-6241 800 344 2275 The companies of The Republic Group are: Republic Underwriters lnsurance Company, Southern lnsurance Company, Republic Fire and Casualty lnsurance Company, Republic-Vanguard lnsurance Company, Southern Vanguard lnsurance Company, Southern Underwriters lnsurance Company, Southern County Mutual lnsurance Company, Republic Lloyds. 2013 Your Property & Casualty Insurance Source Coverages available through A.M. Best “A” Rated Carriers • Contractors General Liability • Data Breach • Pollution • Professional Liability • Environmental Contractors Liability • Property • Contractors Pollution • Umbrella • Garage • Foreign Exposure • Special Events / Event Cancellation • Hospitality • Animal Mortality • Inland Marine • Hard to Place Products Ask us about our Online Quoting! For additional information, please contact: Phone: 800.800.4007 [email protected] midlandsmgt.com 22 DALLAS INSURANCE INSIDER # F or 2012 and 2013, the Young Agents of Dallas have decided to take on a service project that is closely related to our industry. We depend on first responders to preserve life and property when the unexpected happens as well as before. In the process of doing this, they minimize losses for insurance carriers and agents. Unfortunately, manpower and monetary resources are spread thin and have to be prioritized. A of Dallas are helping by partnering with the Dallas Fire Department in the Adopt A Station Program (http://dallasfirerescue.com/adopt/adopt. htm). Adopt-A-Station is a program designed to assist the City in its efforts to maintain, refurbish, and renovate fire stations. Citizens and businesses are encouraged to involve themselves within the community and contribute time, funds, goods or services to benefit our firefighters and paramedics. A Dallas selected fire station 14 as their Adopt A Station. Station 14 is located in Oak Cliff on the corner of Polk and 12th Street in Dallas, TX. It is led by Chief Louie Bright III. The station was built in 1966, and houses 3 shifts of 8 men and women for each shift. Some of the immediate needs for the fire house were individual seating, linens, ceiling tiles, and landscape. For 2012, the YA decided to tackle seating by purchasing two leather recliners. The firefighters were able to discard a well used Y 14 sofa and replace it with the YA gift. They stated that chairs can be wiped down after use and is more appropriate to relax in and get ready for the next call. he donations from IIAD members at the YA October Social and the Punt Challenge at All Industry Day made the purchase of these recliners possible. The YA delivered the recliners and had a pizza party for the members of Station 14 on Dec 15th with a suprise visit from Santa. Needless to say the Firehouse was elated and started to use the chairs immediately. here is still much work to do and YA will continue to support Station 14. Together with your attendance and support at all YA events we will be able to complete our goals. YA T T Y WINTER 2013 ISSUE 23 24 DALLAS INSURANCE INSIDER IIAD Past Presidents Name YrsServed Company R.W. Thompson 1930-1931 Kirkpatrick-Thompson Tom Ellis 1931-1933 Ellis - Smith & Company Ed Rose Cruger S. Ragland 1972-1973 1973-1974 Rose & Rose Ragland, Strother & Lafitte Eric Gambrell 1933-1935 Seay & Hall Insurance Joe B. Roberts 1974-1975 Wiley Roberts & Son Arthur Simpson 1935-1936 Simpson & Cathey Donald W. Greaves 1975-1976 Noel-Greaves Insurance Richard McLarry 1936-1937 Richard H McLarry & Co. Max D. Ligon 1976-1977 Ligon, Gump & Ligon Paul Kirkpatrick 1937-1939 Kirkpatrick-Thompson J Robert Carter, JR. 1977-1978 Chas. L Dexter & Co. Fred Mallinson 1939-1940 Fred Mallinson & Company John G. Taylor 1978-1979 Roy L. Taylor & Sons Charles Tucker 1940-1941 I. Reinhardt & Son Agency William L. Hill 1979-1980 Hayden R. Pittman Insurance W.R. Moore 1941-1942 Munger & Moore Company WR Bob Rucker 1980-1981 Rucker & Associates Felix Harris 1942-1943 Felix Harris & Company R.C. (Ted) Bibby 1981-1983 Bibby, Brilling & Assoicates John Barr 1943-1944 John A. Barr & Company William E. Strother 1983-1984 Ragland, Strother & Lafitte Kenneth Mahoney 1944-1945 Maxon - Mahoney & Tucker Hayden R. Pittman 1984-1985 Hayden R. Pittman Insurance Alphonso Ragland, Jr. 1945-1946 Ragland Insurance Agency Donald E. Bowles, Jr. 1985-1986 McQueary Henry Bowles Troy George Cox 1946-1947 George Cox & Company J. Stanley Bullock 1986-1987 Roach-Howard-Smith-Hunter Hal Gulledge 1947-1948 Gulledge, Highfill & Terry Jim Millerman 1987-1988 Tex-Cap Concord Insurance Willard Crotty 1948-1949 Ellis Smith & Company Tom P. Ellis III 1988-1989 McQueary Henry Bowles Troy C.M. (Pat) Patrick 1949-1950 C.M. Patrick Agency W. Scott Ragland 1990-1991 Ragland, Strother & Lafitte Frank Holt 1950-1951 J. Frank Holt Gary T. West 1991-1992 Texas BancPartners Insurance Porter Ellis 1951-1952 Ellis - Smith & Company Karen F. Farris 1992-1993 Roach, Howard, Smith & Barton Arthur Barrett 1952-1953 Arthur E. W. Barrett Gaylon Brown 1993-1994 Tex-Cap Concord Insurance Carl Hunt 1953-1954 Carl H. Hunt Steven W. Pond 1994-1995 USI Southwest Charles Eversol 1954-1955 Chas. L Dexter & Co. Don Medlin 1995-1996 Scarbrough, Medlin & Associates Don M. Houseman 1955-1956 Cochran & Houseman David Scott Miles 1996-1997 Tex-Cap Concord Insurance Nicholas Williams 1956-1957 W. Nicholas, Williams & Co. Perry Max 1997-1998 Perry Max Insurance Agency William Carter, Jr. 1957-1958 Felix Harris & Company Frank Swingle 1998-1999 Swingle, Collins & Associates James Wallace 1958-1959 Jim Wallace Agency Dennis Dowd 1999-2000 McQueary Henry Bowles Troy Donald E. Bowles, Sr. 1959-1960 Shelton & Bowles Charles Sammons 2000-2001 The Sammons Group, Inc. Carie Welch 1960-1961 Wilson Welch & Company Patrick J. Bonds 2001-2002 HRH - Dallas George E. McCormick 1961-1962 George W. McCormick Ins. Bill Sleeper 2002-2003 Sleeper Sewell Insurance Frank Caldwell 1962-1963 Caldwell, Seay & Hall John Webb 2003-2004 USI Southwest Rex Harris 1963-1964 Felix Harris & Company Tim Shackelford 2004-2005 Boyd, Shackelford & Barnett Ben Spurgin 1964-1965 Ben Spurgin Ins. Agency Karen Bitzer 2005-2006 Roach-Howard-Smith & Barton Dwight Sleeper, Jr. 1965-1966 Sleeper, Stewart, Dean & Co. Chris Hughes 2006-2007 Swingle Collins and Associates George Wilhite 1966-1967 The Wilhite Agency Pat Arthur 2007-2008 McQueary Henry Bowles Troy David Noel 1967-1968 Noel, Greaves & Stothers Darleen Madden 2008-2009 Glenn-Madden & Associates Walter Hartley, Jr. 1968-1069 Hartley Insurance Agency Bruce Klingman 2009-2010 Wood Wilson Company William Weatherford 1969-1970 Weatherford-Smith-Thomas John Marek 2010-2011 K&S Insurance Services Kenneth Tapley 1970-1971 Murchison Tapley Ins. Robert Ferguson 2011-2012 Family Financial Insurance Group Frank Holt 1971-1972 J. Frank Holt David WINTER 2013 ISSUE 25 No one writes Excess/Umbrella with the capacity and speed of Burns & Wilcox. Put the power and speed of the Burns & Wilcox pen to work for you: Solidify your clients’ coverage with our breadth of proprietary Excess/Umbrella solutions. Derived from our exclusive binding contract authority, our assets allow us to quote and bind policies at rocket speed. When it comes to securing your clients’ financial interests, think fast. Think the largest independent wholesale broker – Burns & Wilcox. Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas | 817.652.1277 toll free 800.442.1496 | fax 817.385.4911 dallas.burnsandwilcox.com Commercial • Personal 26 DALLAS INSURANCE INSIDER • Professional • Brokerage • Binding • Risk Management Services Michele McGill, Davis-Dyer-Max, Inc. Sherri Locke, Patterson Insurance & Associates Shawn Heiser, Legacy Texas Insurance Services, Inc. Sponsored by: some things are just Better Together. Peanut butter and jelly. Cookies and milk. CRC and Crump. Sometimes when two great things come together, it just makes sense. Two of the best names in the wholesale insurance industry are now united, creating one team to better serve you. With $3.5 billion in annual premium and1700 employees in 55 office locations, our new family of companies will be there for you, wherever you are. We will find solutions faster, smarter, and better than the rest. For retailers, we now offer an even broader range of property, casualty, and professional products available through open market placements, MGA and MGU facilities, and exclusive programs. For markets, we now offer the enhanced ability to distribute your products through one of the largest wholesale insurance networks available. Just like PB&J, this dynamic duo just made life a whole lot sweeter. Better Together. www.crcins.com/merger PERFORMANCE IS THE DIFFERENCE TM 14001 North Dallas Parkway Suite M100 Dallas, TX 75240 972.371.7000 Phone 866.723.6510 Toll Free 972.371.7010 Fax CRC | 7557 Rambler Road, Suite 300, Dallas, TX 75231 214.363.7636 Phone 800.522.7867 Toll Free 214.691.5460 Fax CRC|CRUMP | SOUTHERN CROSS | 5STAR | HANLEIGH | NEGLEY | TAPCO | TARGET Online Insurance Continuing Education and Training ORDER INSURANCE CE AND STATE-SPECIFIC TRAINING WebCE is a nationwide supplier of state-of-the-art continuing education courses to insurance and financial planning professionals. WebCE offers the largest state-specific course catalog and delivers over 750,000 courses each year. Our integrated suite of continuing education and training courses are available in Classroom Equivalent, online or paper-based self-study formats. WebCE offers the following state-specific training courses: 8-hour & 4-hour Long Term Care Training 4-hour Initial and Ongoing Annuity Training 8-hour Medicare Training National Flood Insurance Program Training Various Ethics Courses Classroom Equivalent Courses GET STARTED NOW CE Courses Start at $4.95. Select 30-Hours of Texas CE for $44.95*. Use coupon number G792519 and get $5.00 off your next insurance CE order. Hurry, this offer expires 06/30/2013. Order Online: www.IIAD.WebCE.com Order by Phone: 877-488-9308 *Special pricing for IIAD members. The order total must be $5.00 or ore for coupon to apply. ALL ORDERS INCLUDE Online Course(s) and Exam(s): Choose any course from our comprehensive course catalog. Instant Grading: You will receive the results to your online exam immediately after completion. Unlimited Retakes: Take the exam as many times as you need at no additional charge. Electronic Certificates of Completion: You will receive your certificate of completion electronically. Next-Day State Reporting: WebCE reports course completions every business day. WebCE www.WebCE.com 877-488-9308 save the date May 13th IIAd Golf Tourney Stonebriar Frisco Joe Wood Continued from page 19 Joe spent his career in the Insurance industry. His career began at Liberty Mutual Insurance Company in the Claims Department as a Multi-Line Supervisor. He joined Pearlstone-Casey Agency, Inc., in January, 1970, where he was co-owner and Executive Vice President. He later formed his own agency in April, 1981, which he ran as a Sole Proprietor until joining with Lamar Wilson in 1982. Joe was President and Treasurer of Wood-Wilson, Co., Inc. until his retirement in July, 2009. During his career, he was a board member of The Independent Insurance Agents of Dallas and was a strong advocate for insurance legislation in Texas. Joe was a proud Texan and American. He was a lifelong member of both the Sons of the American Revolution and Sons of the Republic of Texas. The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses who cared for Joe, most especially, those who provided care in the family home. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 731231718 or The Boys Scouts of America John D. Murchison Scout Office, 8605 Harry Hines, Dallas, TX 75235. Memorial service was held on January 29th at 1:00pm at the Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration, 14115 Hillcrest Road, Dallas, TX 75254. Celebrating Over 50 Years Get the comprehensive coverage and “A” Rated carriers you need. Ensure your clients always get the right coverage at the right price in Texas and beyond. Ask Us About: Oil & Gas Business Construction Apartments and Condominiums (values $5,000,000 and under) We want to be your Insurance Partner for: • Casualty • Excess Liability/ Umbrella • Inland Marine • Professional Liability • Marine • Property & Package • Personal Lines • Transportation Hull & Company www.hullandco-texas.com Jack Huff, Vice President & Branch Manager Dallas Houston (800) 765-HULL (877) 256-HULL Since 1962, Proud Members of IIA, PIA AAMGA, NAPSLO, TSLA & IIAD 29 DALLAS INSURANCE INSIDER o p S ur o l l oa T l a V , s r o s n s r e e unt ! ! ! ! s e nde e t t &A •All Industry day committee Alice Macik Amanda Kennedy Angela DeGroot Angela Miller Ben Patterson Beth Fulton Chris Hughes Christi White Cyndi Boehle Erin Van Gieson Lance Goff Linda Farris Lori Snelson Mark Frederiksen Nick MacDonald Niclas Radberg Rick Pooler Rod Medlin Stephen Pine Tammy Land Toni Campbell Hall of Fame Sponsors AmTrust North America An AmTrust Financial Company Pro Bowl Legends of Honor Thank you to our 2012-2013 Ring of honor 28 DALLAS INSURANE INSIDER 32 DALLAS INSURANCE INSIDER Legends of Honor All INdustry Day Sponsors Ring of honor Hull & Company Bag & Lanyard Sponsor UNT Student Sponsor WINTER 2013 ISSUE 33 34 DALLAS INSURANCE INSIDER WINTER 2013 ISSUE 35 36 DALLAS INSURANCE INSIDER MVP Player •Lance Goff MVT Team •Patterson •& •Associates •Vip reception TEXAS RETAIL BROKERS: We have insurance expertise in three areas: here, there and everywhere. From big cities to small towns, local venues to exotic locales, Swett & Crawford is there for you. We have the reach and the resources you need to make sure your clients are protected wherever their businesses take them. With the combined strength of Cooper Gay, our network of experts includes more than 1400 professionals in 60 offices in North and South America, Europe and Australasia. In fact, we’re one of the world’s largest independent wholesale brokerage and reinsurance organizations, offering unbeatable market access. We have the capabilities—and the creativity—to design customized and comprehensive coverage that you and your clients can count on. Our risk transfer and risk mitigation programs mean your clients are fully protected no matter what. And no matter where. So whether your business takes you around the corner or around the world, go with a global leader. Go to swett.com. Swett & Crawford of Texas, Inc. 14643 Dallas Parkway • Suite 400 • Dallas • TX 75254 214.747.1200 ™ Go to swett.com 38 DALLAS INSURANCE INSIDER W orkers’ compensation insurance premium fraud has long been a serious problem in Texas and across the country. When business policyholders falsify company data to reduce their premium, it has negative financial and legal ramifications for everyone, including independent agents. But equipped with the right information, agents can play a key role in identifying and preventing premium fraud. C ontinuously faced with financial pressures no matter what the economic climate, some policyholders are unfortunately tempted to manipulate data in order to lower their workers’ compensation insurance premiums. Not only is this fraud illegal, it adversely affects producers and carriers’ bottom lines, leads to higher costs for honest businesses and often places additional legal burdens on agents. A gents are the key conduit between policyholders and insurance carriers, providing a key service and expert advice to policyholders with diverse needs. In order to protect the interests of policyholders and their own businesses, agents should constantly remain vigilant of the different types of premium fraud, the warning signs and know what to do if they suspect premium fraud. T here are three basic types of premium fraud: underreporting payroll, misclassification of employees, and experience modification evasion. Underreporting of payroll occurs when a policyholder fails to accurately report their entire work staff to the insurance company, often by paying employees off the books or presenting employees as sub-contractors or independent contractors versus actual employees of the company. The second type is the misclassification of employees. For example, when a high-risk employee, such as a construction worker, is classified as a person with clerical duties, this may result in a lower workers’ compensation premium for a company. Finally, a third variety of premium fraud is experience modification evasion, which occurs when a company attempts to re-emerge as a new company on paper in order to obtain a lower experience modification factor, but the business is actually unchanged. I ndependent agents should be aware of several “red flag” indicators they can use to identify potential workers’ compensation premium fraud. Following is a list of “red flag” indicators predominately seen in premium fraud cases. Experience shows that the occurrences of two or more of these factors are typically present in cases that have been prosecuted for premium fraud: • • • • • • • Business address is a mail drop or P.O. Box Business is physically located in another area of the state Prior carrier drops the business or business frequently changes carriers Excessive number of certificates of insurance issued on a small policy Unusual ratio of clerical to non-clerical staff for type of business Business avoids audit or has never been audited Reported injuries not consistent with purported job titles or duties I by Ranney Pageler VP Fraud Investigations Department n addition to remaining vigilant for the “red flag” indicators commonly associated with incidents of premium fraud, agents should remain diligent in maintaining detailed records of all of their policyholder interactions, including all e-mail correspondence. This will be very important in the event a policyholder is ever suspected of premium fraud and will protect the agent should a policyholder accuse the agent of advising them to commit fraudulent acts, which is typical of policyholders who are accused of committing fraud. Some of the precautions agents should take include obtaining an original signature on applications, identifying the policyholder or person of contact with a driver’s license and determining who the responsible parties are within the company and identifying them. By keeping this information on file, agents will help protect themselves against false accusations and will help prosecutors in a criminal case, if necessary. I f agents ever suspect a policyholder is engaging in workers’ compensation premium fraud, they should articulate their suspicion to the carrier’s special investigation or fraud investigation unit. In certain cases, the agent may feel the need to elevate the referral of suspected premium fraud directly to the appropriate law enforcement agency. Eventually if charges are filed against a policyholder, the evidence agents possess will be important to the prosecution’s case. Typically, when a prosecutor serves a subpoena or search warrant for an agent’s records, the types of evidence most often sought are applications, copies of checks used for payments, correspondence (including e-mail) with the accused policyholder and any documents signed by a person responsible for the business. I ndependent agents realize additional value by partnering with a carrier offering dedicated fraud investigation resources. By working with a carrier offering proactive anti-fraud programs, agents benefit from an additional level of protection for their business and help keep premium costs down for their lawabiding policyholders. Certainly, agents serve as a critical frontline defense against premium fraud and can play an important role in preventing workers’ compensation premium fraud by being aware of the different types of premium fraud, the warning signs and reporting any suspicious activities to the carrier for further investigation. R anney Pageler is Vice President of the Fraud Investigations Department at EMPLOYERS®, America’s small business insurance specialist®, which offers workers’ compensation insurance and services through Employers Insurance Company of Nevada, Employers Compensation Insurance Company, Employers Preferred Insurance Company and Employers Assurance Company. Insurance is not offered in all jurisdictions. For more information, please contact Ranney at [email protected] or visit www.employers.com. WINTER 2013 ISSUE 43 R U O Y D N A P X E ! S T E ARK Md your mind) (an T I with HE NSURANCE RECORD! Publicity — We publish news about Texas Insurance. New hires, promotions, awards, new products, retirements, legal victories (or defeats), mergers, acquisitions, elections — tell us what’s happening at YOUR company or association. Insurance news in Texas, it’s what we’re about. “Casual Comments” — The popular column by Editor Emeritus Glen E. Hargis draws frequent responses from readers. They may or may not agree with his plainspoken remarks, but they enjoy reading them. Subscribe — Keep up with our ever-changing industry. Knowledge is power, and The Insurance Record delivers knowledge. Digital Edition — Want your insurance news in record time? All subscribers to the print edition can receive the digital edition, via email, every other Thursday, at no additional charge! We also offer a digitalonly subscription at a reduced rate. Advertise — Run your advertisement in The Insurance Record. Thousands of licensed insurance professionals across Texas can see your marketing message as often as every two weeks. Save money by introducing your business to agents before spending the big bucks to send a marketing rep across this huge state. Unlike emails and faxes that aggravate recipients, your ad is read by subscribers who want to see more ads, according to our Spring 2011 Reader Survey. Texas’ oldest and most respected insurance news magazine, published in and for Texas insurance since 1934. Visit our Web site at www.InsRecord.com for more information about advertising, subscribing, or submitting news. Act Now and Read All About It! Cedar Park, TX www.taga1.com WINTER 2013 ISSUE 41 888-999-8242 Launch Our industry is headed toward a “Silver Tsunami” where many will soon be retiring and we will be left with no one to step in and fill the void. At our January membership luncheon on 1/16, we announced the start of a new IIAD InVest initiative. Starting this semester, the students in Woodrow Wilson High School’s Academy of Finance will be taking a NAF(National Academy of Finance) Insurance course, in conjunction with InVest. This course introduces students to the insurance industry and to the critical role it plays in the financial services sector, and in society as a whole. The course will be taught by several teachers at Woodrow, with supplemented insight from our members volunteers. We will be going into the classroom to help provide a realistic view of what insurance is and how it works. The volunteers will have a chance to tell their stories. They will have the ability to change the lives of the students, a majority of whom are living at or below the poverty level and could be inspired to find themselves in a career beyond their wildest dreams. We can build a bridge to the community that promotes and strengthens the independent insurance channel. To help, see the sign-up sheet on page on opposite page. Launching this program at Woodrow Wilson High School is the first step in finding and developing the youth that our industry needs. Our hope is to start a committee that will formulate a plan to take this into more high schools and colleges (2-year or 4-year) around the Metroplex. Please help us in this endeavor. Contact the IIAD office for more information. 46 DALLAS INSURANCE INSIDER Pictured above-- InVest Graduate, Janie Ussery, InVest Ambassador, Errica Rivera & InVest Educator, Denise Tucker. Where will the insurance professionals of the future come from? Without promoting interest in insurance as a career, our profession is due to lose 40% of its workforce in the next 5 -10 years. How do we generate interest in insurance? InVEST is one way to do that. See the Volunteer form to the right........ Go to www.IIADallas.org and download this form today to show your support!!! Fax or email to the IIAD office: Fax- 214.360.9989 Email- [email protected] I nVEST develops a diverse pool of insurance professionals and informed consumers by educating high school and community college students on careers in insurance, financial services and risk management and encouraging them to pursue careers in the industry. • How does InVEST benefit the insurance industry? • Trains work force and brings new talent for carriers, agents and brokers. • Reaches a diverse group of employees, such as urban and minority students. • Involves insurance professionals on a local level as classroom liaisons. • Promotes positive public relations, positioning the industry as a respected liaison between the academic and business worlds. • Produces knowledgeable insurance consumers. WINTER 2013 ISSUE 47